Part of Dodge's aim in creating the mid-size Dakota was to give drivers the best of both worlds -- a pickup big enough for carrying lots of cargo, but not too big and unwieldy to drive comfortably. Owners did love the way the Dakota handled and its roomy options, but complained about the relatively weak 3.9-liter engine. They wanted full-size power in a mid-size package.

The Dakota actually was the first mid-size pickup with a V8 back in 1989, with the limited edition Shelby Dakota, but in 1991 Dodge made its own offical V8. The 5.2-liter engine reached 170-horsepower and gave the Dakota the extra pickup (oh yes, very bad pun intended) it needed and drivers craved. In addition to the 3.9-liter, 125-horsepower, the standard 2.5-liter engine got a 17-horsepower boost to 116.

Minor body changes appeared in the 1991 Dodge Dakota, including a retooled grille and bumper. The nose was extended to make room for the bigger engine block. In Sports models a painted grille and a roof bar with lights were added. Club Cabs now had a 4WD option in addition to the standard 2WD.

Besides the reliability and good value for the money, Dakota owners love the solidity of the pickup, particularly that it takes hits and bumps and never flinches. A lot of complaints center around the exterior paint peeling and flaking off.