2005 Dodge Dakota

[HM12460]

Gentlemen, what is the consensus on the long term reliability of this model year 3.7 V-6 and the automatic o/d transmission? With proper as per the manufacturer maintenance, will they run 200,000 miles or so? Any idea on the real world gas mileage? It is a super cab 2 wheel drive.

 

[tomcat27]

MPG is abysmal with that engine. ( I have 2 liberty's with that engine) it should be durable. not sure which transmission that is - the 54RFE is great. the 42RFE - not so much

 

[OVERKILL]

Keep in mind that thing will probably get worse gas mileage than my Expedition.... and weighs half as much. I have a friend with one. Sharp looking 4x4 in blue. Really nice looking. But the engine lacks for power, and sucks gas like no tomorrow.

 

[hattaresguy]

For some reason Dodge and Toyota's seem to get poor mileage. Other than that probably a good truck.

My uncle has one, my half ton Silverado does better than it around town and on the highway.

 

[morris]

i have a 2001 dakota v-6. mileage is not good, power is even worse. planning on going to 4.10 gears and posi. but it does not break much. pray for me

 

[daves87rs]

Good trucks...drink gas like a bus....

 

[SEMI_287]

Honestly I wouldn't get a truck with a V6, unless it was a Ranger.

 

[Spazdog]

That's the drawback of the Dakota.

It will do most everything anyone would need out of a half ton truck, it's easier to park than most fullsize trucks, and the 3.7 has proven itself to be solid, BUT it drinks gasoline like a fullsize.

If you must have a V6, I would go with a Ranger/B3000 with a Vulcan. It's still a fuel pig but at least you can eke out a mpg or 3 more than a fullsize. Maybe more. And the Vulcan is durable. Real durable.

Otherwise I would stick with a Ranger/B2300 with the Duratec/MZR.