2005 Dodge Dakota Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$20,530 to $29,835

Original MSRP

--

expert review

3.9

avg user rating

(43 reviews)
2005 Dodge Dakota Preview summaryImage

It's a new generation for the Dodge Dakota in 2005, but this mid-size pickup that drives like a car, yet tows like a full-size truck isn't going through any growing pains. It's only getting better, faster, stronger.

Set on a redesigned platform, the 2005 Dakota is offered in three new trims -- ST, SLT, and the high-end Laramie with extra options and leather seats. The 2-door regular cabs are history, leaving only the extended Club Cab and 4-door Crew Cab, which seat five and six respectively. At four inches longer, nearly 3 inches wider, and 600 pounds heavier, the Dakota is the biggest pickup in its class. It's also the most powerful, still the only mid-size to offer a V8 and 4WD. In 2005, engine options are the holdover 3.7-liter, 210-hp V6 and the 4.7-liter, 230-hp V8, as well as the new 4.7-liter, 260-hp High Output (HO) V8. Six-speed manual comes standard on all models, with a 4-speed automatic option on the V6 and standard V8 and a 5-speed auto tran on the HO.

New front and rear suspension and a new rack and pinion steering system mean a more comfortable ride and better handling around turns. Dodge has lately sold the Dakota on its car-like characteristics, appealing to families as an alternative to an SUV. It's as functional as any full-size, with new tie-downs and hauling power, but rides quietly and comfortably like a sedan. To this end, Dodge also worked on reducing wind and road noise in the 2005 Dakota, even within the HO V8. New exterior styling, including a more angled hood, grille, and fenders, enhances the aerodynamics of the truck.

The 2005 Dakota is also the roomiest pickup in its class. The Club Car has new rear doors that open towards the rear, but do not open independently of the front doors. Instead of a 3-passenger bench seat, the rear has two individual seats to supposedly provide more comfort. The Crew Cab has 60/40 folding bench seats to accomodate any configuration of passengers and cargo, and easy access.

The 2005 Dodge Dakota is rated highly by adoring drivers, for its look, it's handling, it's towing capacity, and its engine power. The only down spots are fuel mileage and the smaller bed in the Quad cab. But it remains a top choice for people looking for a family truck.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2005 Dodge Dakota

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User rating:
by Jessie S
Oct 22, 2024
Its a bit shabby but the price is right and its a very good pickup truck and V-6 are excellent and standard transmission will last longer than automatic transmission if you have experience with stick shift and clutch and I am looking for a mini truck that will fit in the garage. Oct 22, 2024
by Tim D
Apr 27, 2024
The model and that type of truck is good for work and driving.. but the issues I had was I had no way to go get it and the pictures were not of the truck being sold according to what they wrote the truck was Red Apr 27, 2024
by Lynda D
Oct 19, 2023
I have owned a Dodge Dakota and I love it. This truck has done just about everything I asked it to do. I only wish I had another one.Oct 19, 2023

2005 Dodge Dakota Pricing

Original MSRP
$20,530 to $29,835
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 11.6

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Steering wheel: tilt-only

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.21

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 11.6

Convenience Features

Steering wheel: tilt-only

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.21

Seats

Front seat type: split-bench · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 11.6

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.21

Exterior Features

Front bumper color: chrome · Rear bumper color: chrome

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 11.6

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.21

Exterior Features

Front bumper color: chrome · Rear bumper color: chrome

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Seats

Front seat type: split-bench · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 11.6

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Steering wheel: tilt-only

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.55

Exterior Features

Skid plate(s): front and rear

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Seats

Front seat type: split-bench · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 11.6

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.55

Exterior Features

Front bumper color: chrome · Rear bumper color: chrome

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 11.6

Convenience Features

Steering wheel: tilt-only

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.55

Exterior Features

Skid plate(s): front and rear

Seats

Front seat type: split-bench · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 11.6

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.55 · Locking differential: center

Exterior Features

Front bumper color: chrome · Rear bumper color: chrome · Skid plate(s): front and rear

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Seats

Front seat type: split-bench · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 11.6

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.55

Exterior Features

Front bumper color: chrome · Rear bumper color: chrome

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Seats

Front seat type: split-bench · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 11.6

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.55 · Locking differential: center

Exterior Features

Front bumper color: chrome · Rear bumper color: chrome · Skid plate(s): front and rear

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 11.6

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.55 · Locking differential: center

Exterior Features

Front bumper color: chrome · Rear bumper color: chrome · Skid plate(s): front and rear

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 11.6

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.55 · Locking differential: center

Exterior Features

Front bumper color: chrome · Rear bumper color: chrome · Skid plate(s): front and rear

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Seats

Front seat type: split-bench · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (12)