Dodge Dakota Club Cab: Price, Mileage, Features, Specs, Variants, Engine, Interior, History & More

Brief Introduction of Dodge Dakota Club Cab

The Dodge Dakota Club Cab is a mid-size pickup truck that carved a unique niche in the American automotive landscape. For a quarter of a century, it offered a compelling blend of utility and maneuverability, slotting between compact and full-size truck offerings. Its popularity stemmed from its “just right” size, car-like comfort, and the distinction of being the first mid-size pickup to offer a V8 engine. Spanning three distinct generations, the Dakota Club Cab evolved significantly, boasting a variety of trims, engine options, and cab configurations that catered to a wide range of buyers, from those seeking a workhorse to those desiring a sporty and practical daily driver. The extended Club Cab model, in particular, offered the flexibility of extra seating or secure indoor cargo space.

Dodge Dakota Club Cab Overview

Generations and History of Dodge Dakota Club Cab

First Generation (1990-1996)

The extended Club Cab was introduced for the 1990 model year, offering six-passenger seating, though the rear was better suited for children or short trips. This addition provided a new level of versatility to the Dakota lineup. The first generation was known for being the first pickup truck to feature rack-and-pinion steering for two-wheel-drive models. Early engine options for the Dakota range included a 2.2L inline-four and a 3.9L V6. A significant update came in 1991 with the option of a 5.2L V8 engine, a move inspired by the earlier, limited-production Shelby Dakota. This generation established the Dakota’s reputation as a powerful and capable mid-size truck.

Second Generation (1997-2004)

The second generation, launched in 1997, saw a major redesign, adopting the “baby Ram” styling cues from its larger sibling, which proved to be very popular. The truck became larger and more capable. A notable addition during this period was the high-performance R/T model, introduced in 1998, which featured a powerful 5.9L Magnum V8 producing 250 horsepower. For the 2000 model year, the even more practical four-door Quad Cab was introduced, riding on the same wheelbase as the Club Cab but with a slightly shorter bed. The interior was also revised for 2001 with a new dash and door panels. This generation offered a wide range of engines, including a 2.5L inline-four, a 3.9L V6, a new 4.7L V8, and the potent 5.9L V8.

Third Generation (2005-2011)

The third and final generation of the Dakota was unveiled in 2004 for the 2005 model year. This iteration grew again in size, becoming 3.7 inches longer and 2.7 inches wider than its predecessor, further blurring the lines between mid-size and full-size trucks. The regular cab option was dropped, leaving only the Club Cab and Quad Cab. The new Dakota was built on a hydroformed, fully-boxed frame for improved handling and crash protection. Engine choices included a 3.7L V6 and two versions of the 4.7L V8. A significant facelift occurred for the 2008 model year, which included a new hood, grille, fenders, and an upgraded interior with features like the MyGIG infotainment system. For its final two years, the truck was marketed as the Ram Dakota before being discontinued in 2011 due to declining sales.

Latest Generation

The Dodge Dakota Club Cab is a discontinued model, with the last unit rolling off the assembly line on August 23, 2011. There is no currently available new version of the Dodge or Ram Dakota in North America. However, rumors have persisted for years about a potential revival to compete in the now-resurgent mid-size truck market. Stellantis has even hinted at a future mid-size truck in agreements with the UAW. Any new model would likely be branded as a Ram and would need to compete with established players like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma. A new version of the “Dakota” nameplate has been launched in South America, though it is based on a different platform.

Dodge Dakota Club Cab Facelifts and Yearly Updates

Dodge Dakota Club Cab Variants and Features

Throughout its production, the Dakota Club Cab was offered in a variety of trim levels to suit different needs and budgets. Base models like the ST typically came with vinyl or basic cloth seats, an AM/FM stereo, and steel wheels. The Sport trim added features like upgraded cloth seating, alloy wheels, and cosmetic enhancements like “Sport” decals. The more popular SLT trim was a mid-range option that often included features like power windows and locks, cruise control, and better interior appointments. The top-of-the-line Laramie (in later generations) offered luxury features such as leather seating, premium sound systems, and more chrome exterior trim. For performance enthusiasts, the second-generation R/T was a standout, featuring a powerful V8, a sport-tuned suspension, and unique styling cues. Later years saw the introduction of packages like the Big Horn and Lone Star, which bundled popular features together.

Dodge Dakota Club Cab Engine, Performance, and Driving Experience

The Dakota’s calling card was its available V8 power in a mid-size package. The first generation offered a 3.9L V6 and a 5.2L V8. The second generation expanded this with a more powerful 4.7L V8 and the formidable 250 hp 5.9L Magnum V8 in the R/T, which provided strong acceleration. The third generation featured a standard 3.7L V6 with 210 hp and an available 4.7L V8 that was later upgraded to produce a potent 310 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. Transmissions included 5-speed manuals and 3, 4, or 5-speed automatics depending on the generation and engine. The ride quality was generally considered comfortable for a truck, especially in later generations, though some owners noted a stiff ride. Handling was competent, and the truck’s smaller size compared to full-size pickups made it easier to maneuver and park.

Dodge Dakota Club Cab Pricing and Mileage

As the Dodge Dakota Club Cab is discontinued, pricing is based on the used car market. Prices can range from a few thousand dollars for older, high-mileage models to over $10,000 for well-maintained, later-year examples. Original MSRPs varied by trim; for example, a 2000 Dakota Club Cab started around $19,045, while the R/T version was priced from $22,340. Fuel economy was never the Dakota’s strongest point, especially with the V8 engines. Combined mileage typically hovered in the mid-to-high teens. For example, a 2006 Club Cab with a V8 had an EPA rating of around 16 MPG combined. Maintenance costs are generally considered average for a domestic truck, with many parts being readily available.

Dodge Dakota Club Cab Colors, Design, and Dimensions

The exterior design of the Dakota evolved significantly over its three generations. The first generation had a classic, boxy pickup design. The second generation’s “baby Ram” look, with its prominent grille and rounded fenders, was a huge success. The third generation adopted a more angular and modern design. A wide palette of colors was available over the years, including popular choices like Flame Red Clearcoat, Atlantic Blue Pearlcoat, Black Clearcoat, and Bright White Clearcoat. Dimensions grew with each generation; the third-generation Club Cab had a wheelbase of 131.3 inches and an overall length of 218.8 inches. The Club Cab typically came with a 6.5-foot cargo bed, offering a good balance between hauling capacity and overall vehicle length.

Dodge Dakota Club Cab Safety Features

• Airbags: Driver-side airbags were added in 1994, with later models featuring dual front airbags and eventually side-curtain airbags. The 2005 model featured an advanced dual-stage front airbag system.
• ABS / EBD: Rear-wheel ABS was standard on later first-generation models, with four-wheel ABS becoming available and eventually standard.
• Electronic Stability Control: This feature became available in the later years of the third generation.
• Crash Test Ratings: The third-generation Dakota performed well in crash tests. The 2005 Dodge Dakota Club Cab received a five-star rating for both front and side-impact protection from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• Other advanced safety systems: The 2005 model also introduced patented octagonal front frame rail tips designed to better absorb impacts in a frontal crash.

Dodge Dakota Club Cab Infotainment and Connectivity

Infotainment systems in the Dodge Dakota Club Cab evolved with the times. Early models offered basic AM/FM stereos with cassette players. The second generation saw the introduction of CD players. The third generation brought more advanced options. The 2008 facelift, for instance, introduced the available MyGIG infotainment system, which featured a hard-drive-based navigation system. Later models also offered Uconnect hands-free Bluetooth for phone calls. However, the Dakota was discontinued before modern features like large touchscreens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became commonplace in trucks.

Dodge Dakota Club Cab Owner Reviews & Ratings

Owner reviews for the Dodge Dakota Club Cab are generally positive, particularly for the second generation. Owners frequently praise the truck’s reliability, comfortable ride, and powerful V8 engine options. The styling of the second-generation model is also a common point of praise. Common complaints often revolve around fuel economy, which can be poor, especially with the V8 engines. Some owners have also reported issues with front suspension components like ball joints on second-generation models. Overall, many owners express a strong loyalty to their Dakotas, with many reporting high mileage with minimal major issues.

Dodge Dakota Club Cab Comparison with Similar Cars

The Dodge Dakota Club Cab’s primary competitors were other mid-size and compact pickup trucks. Compared to the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet S-10/Colorado, the Dakota consistently offered more interior room and, most notably, the option of a V8 engine, which its smaller rivals lacked. This gave the Dakota a significant advantage in towing and performance. However, competitors like the Toyota Tacoma often held an edge in perceived reliability and resale value. Against larger, full-size trucks like its sibling, the Ram 1500, the Dakota offered better maneuverability and a lower price point, although this price advantage narrowed significantly with the third generation.

Dodge Dakota Club Cab Awards and Recognition

• Nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2000.
• Strategic Vision’s 1999 Total Quality Award.
• Automotive Lease Guide’s 2000 Residual Value Award (for the Quad Cab).
• Consumers Digest Best Buy (2001 Model Year).
• Texas Auto Writers Association, Compact Pickup Truck of the year – 2002 Dodge Dakota.

Interesting Facts about Dodge Dakota Club Cab

• A rare convertible version of the Dakota was produced from 1989 to 1991, manufactured by ASC (American Sunroof Company).
• In 1989, Carroll Shelby created the Shelby Dakota, a limited-production, V8-powered performance truck that preceded Dodge’s own V8 Dakota option.
• The Dakota was the first American-made pickup to use a rack-and-pinion steering system.
• The third generation shared its platform with the Dodge Durango SUV.

Dodge Dakota Club Cab Legacy and Influence

The Dodge Dakota Club Cab left a significant mark on the pickup truck market by successfully creating and dominating the mid-size segment for many years. Its strategy of offering more size and power than compacts, without the full bulk of a half-ton truck, resonated with a large number of buyers. The introduction of the V8 engine into this class was a game-changer that forced competitors to play catch-up. Though it was eventually discontinued, the Dakota’s legacy lives on in the persistent demand for a mid-size Ram truck and the current boom in the mid-size pickup segment, a market that the Dakota helped to build and define.

Dodge Dakota Club Cab Global Availability

The Dodge Dakota Club Cab was primarily manufactured and sold for the North American market. While some units may have been exported, it was not widely available globally in a factory-produced right-hand-drive configuration. Recently, the “Dakota” name has been revived by Ram for a new mid-size truck sold in South American markets, such as Brazil and Argentina. However, this new truck is based on a different platform and is not a direct successor to the original North American Dakota.

Dodge Dakota Club Cab Maintenance and Ownership Costs

Ownership costs for a Dodge Dakota Club Cab are comparable to other domestic pickup trucks of its era. Routine maintenance includes regular oil changes, with Dodge recommending service intervals based on an oil change indicator system, not to exceed 10,000 miles or one year. Common maintenance items include inspections of brakes, suspension, and filters at these intervals. Major service milestones, such as changing spark plugs and transmission fluid, are typically recommended around 100,000 miles. The availability of spare parts is generally good, and maintenance can be performed by most independent repair shops. Resale value is fair, though not as strong as some of its Japanese competitors.

Final Words about Dodge Dakota Club Cab

The Dodge Dakota Club Cab holds a respected place in pickup truck history. For over two decades, it successfully bridged the gap between compact and full-size trucks, offering buyers a versatile and powerful option that was unique in the market. Its blend of manageable size, comfortable interior, and available V8 power created a loyal following. While the model was discontinued in 2011, the continued enthusiasm for the Dakota and the strong performance of the current mid-size truck market are testaments to its enduring appeal. The persistent rumors of its revival under the Ram brand suggest that the Dakota’s legacy of a powerful, practical, and perfectly sized pickup may yet have a future chapter.