13 views
1996 Dodge Dakota Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
1996 was the last year for the first generation of Dodge Dakotas, a mid-size pickup that proved very popular because of its storage capacity, hauling power, engine options (the first mid-size to house a V8 Magnum), and safety record. It proved to be a great compromise for people wanting all the options of a full-size truck without the unwieldiness of trying to maneuver one through city streets and parking lots.
The only major change for the 1996 Dodge Dakota was a revamped base engine, which always seemed too weak for a pickup of this size. Still a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, it received a boost in horsepower from 99 to 120. It's not necessarily going to win any races, but for those on a budget, it got the job done (as long as it was a small job). The 3.9-liter V6 and 5.2-liter V8 remained the models of choice.
Not many complaints from drivers. The Dakotas seem to last forever, have great braking, handle well off-road and in the snow (the 4X4s), and have a comfortable cab up front. Downers were the poor gas mileage, a cheap-looking plastic interior, and the difficulty in accessing the rear seat since it is only a 2-door truck.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1996 Dodge Dakota
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Feb 16, 2015
Its very reliable and maintenance has been very cheap. Hit 212xxx miles and its still running strong. Looks very good and clean if you like the box style truck, however isn't big or comfortable with more than 2 adults and also does crap on gas i average 14...Feb 16, 2015
by Marc N
Jul 31, 2012
There weren't many maintenance issues over the life of the vehicle. It never left me stranded. I always had a problem getting it in and out of 4wd. Might have been a manufacturing defect in this particular truck. Turning radius is more like a diameter if you get what I mean. (Give me 40 acres and I'll turn this rig around). But, I could load it with tools, gravel etc for trail work and it never complained about the load even for a V6. I even hauled a printing press with it.Jul 31, 2012
by Anonymous
Jan 12, 2012
Bought the truck with 59,000 miles on it 2 years ago for $2500. Needed oil sending unit, front shocks, & tires. Other than oil changes, air filters, & gas that is all I have done except I did as a precaution replace the belt & hoses. Has never let me down, now has 75,000 miles and still looks & runs great. Interior is holding up well in the Arizona heat. AC is ice cold but the heater is weak, only ever gets luke warm. Runs smooth & quite, and ride quality is good as is the handling.Jan 12, 2012
User rating:
by Anonymous
Feb 16, 2015
Its very reliable and maintenance has been very cheap. Hit 212xxx miles and its still running strong. Looks very good and clean if you like the box style truck, however isn't big or comfortable with more than 2 adults and also does crap on gas i average 14...Feb 16, 2015
by Marc N
Jul 31, 2012
There weren't many maintenance issues over the life of the vehicle. It never left me stranded. I always had a problem getting it in and out of 4wd. Might have been a manufacturing defect in this particular truck. Turning radius is more like a diameter if you get what I mean. (Give me 40 acres and I'll turn this rig around). But, I could load it with tools, gravel etc for trail work and it never complained about the load even for a V6. I even hauled a printing press with it.Jul 31, 2012
by Anonymous
Jan 12, 2012
Bought the truck with 59,000 miles on it 2 years ago for $2500. Needed oil sending unit, front shocks, & tires. Other than oil changes, air filters, & gas that is all I have done except I did as a precaution replace the belt & hoses. Has never let me down, now has 75,000 miles and still looks & runs great. Interior is holding up well in the Arizona heat. AC is ice cold but the heater is weak, only ever gets luke warm. Runs smooth & quite, and ride quality is good as is the handling.Jan 12, 2012
by Steven F
Sep 29, 2011
like the look and feel of the dakota, its has plenty of power to pull almost anything, i've yet to find anything it can't pull. one thing u would have to choose between buying this is, do you want the power of the v8 and sucks on mpg, or do i want the v6 and better fuel economy, but not enough power to pull? either way, i love it!!Sep 29, 2011
by Harry T
Jun 12, 2010
The Magnum V6 is much stronger than I anticipated. It also turns surprising well considering it's a truck. It seems to be well built. Gas mileage is about 20 mpg, not bad for a truck. I've always loved the looks of these trucks. It stops on a dime. This truck has most of the capabilites of a full size in a package small enough to fit in your garage.Jun 12, 2010
by Andrew S
Apr 20, 2010
Good little truck, can do anything most half tons can. I get about 16-19 mpg with a 5.2 V-8. 5-spd. has a few minor problems but it's worth it. Its the biggest little truck of its time.Apr 20, 2010
by Anonymous
Dec 23, 2009
Just the right size truck, great V6. can do and has done everything I need in a truck. with Automatic it averages 18mpg city- highway. the club cab gives lots of extra room inside, still have the factory radio cassette and cd everything works great at 155k milesDec 23, 2009
by Jess W
Dec 14, 2009
i love my old pickup i m actually on my 2nd one of the same make model and year i borrowed my old one to a friend to move and the drove on the freeway in low gear and it through a rod right through the oil pan so i made him buy me another one its even almost the same shade of greenDec 14, 2009
by Ty B
Oct 26, 2009
this truck is a very reliable vehicle. it gets great milage, fast, and fun to rip around in. the only repairs it has to get is the reverse redone. it is kept up on all fluid changes. the only thing about this truck is that it has a few dents on it.Oct 26, 2009
by Dustin Q
Aug 25, 2009
i love this truck it may be small but it packs a punch even with its v6 magnum motor. its accelleration is great with the five speed manual transmission. braking is ok. ga mileage is decent if matenance is kept up and it is extremely fun to drive wink winkAug 25, 2009
by Melissa B
Aug 10, 2009
I just bought my truck. I love it. It is a pretty bare bones truck but it does what I need it to. It is a manual so I am having alot of fun with it. I don't have to many plans for it but to pay it off and drive it to death. It was pretty cheap at 4200 and only has 49 K miles on it right now. DRIVES AMAZING!! couldn't ask for a better truckAug 10, 2009
by Phillip G
Jul 10, 2009
The truck being so light with a V8 has alot of get up and go! Although I don't believe the transmissions were properly match to the vehicle. Gas mileage is ok.. but fun in the mud! :) ha ha ha. Which reminds me about time to go back out.
Jul 10, 2009
by Steven A
Jul 08, 2009
My first vehicle... good first car, pretty reliable. Getting used
to the manual transmission took a while, but once I did, the
truck became the least boring car to drive. I like it because I
can haul stuff in the bed and tow small trailers around.Jul 08, 2009
by Shane H
Jul 07, 2009
my truck has had a hard life. it is starting to rust, needs a new tranny. it still moves but the tranny slips between 2 and 3 sometimes. the gas mileage is ok, bout 20 mpg with me behind the wheel. as far as maintainance goes, i change the oil when it's supposed to be, and well whatever i can afford i get done. Jul 07, 2009
by Chris W
Jun 10, 2009
it goes fast enough to cost more money and looks pretty good too. really good for the money i have invested in it, not so much for the anount of time though. really fun to drive and has made some good stories.Jun 10, 2009
by Jeremy L
Apr 08, 2009
some good initial acceleration but after 60 mph it begins to slow. paint is chipping off and areas are beginning to rust. interior is falling apart. gas mileage isn't the best but it is a truck so im used to it. Apr 08, 2009
by Justin S
Dec 16, 2008
This Piece of a truck is fine for a daily driver type of vehicle. But if you actually want to pull something, buy a fullsize pickup with a V8. The acceleration is good for a V6 but still not great.Dec 16, 2008
by Anonymous
Aug 06, 2008
i love it all but the cool system in my own pickup does not work. i do not know about any other dodge work for cool system. i love my pickup.
i love my pick up. i love my pickup. i love my pickup. i love my pickup. i love my pickup.Aug 06, 2008
by William H
Jul 17, 2008
not very fast but has plenty of power for four wheelin. i love the body style but the stock paint job isnt really that appealing. looks great with the black rims and mud tires. gets pretty good gas for a 4x4 pickup with k&n air filter and flowmaster exhaust.Jul 17, 2008
by Tom F
Jun 26, 2008
my truck has a lot of power and it corners well it has the 318 v8 and auto trans. i added glass packs and cut out the cats. it has an alpine deck and 2 12's in the backJun 26, 2008
by Jim D
Jun 18, 2008
3.9L V6, strong engine, alot of power even at 290,000 miles. tranny leaks a little, but that's a minor problem. The "rear seat" is more like a torture device than a passenger compartment, lol. Solid truck, governs out at 105mph.Jun 18, 2008
by Weston K
Jun 16, 2008
i like it its pretty fast but it suck gas Jun 16, 2008
by Thomas N
Jun 14, 2008
My 96 has been put through it all. It is a very quick truck, having the 5.2L(318 c.i.) V-8 in it from the factory, but can be a handful in wet weather. I can tow and haul just as much as a full-size 1/2 ton truck can, while being as quick (if not quicker) than quite a few Mustang GT's out there!Jun 14, 2008
by Matthew R
Jun 13, 2008
Over all it was a pretty useful pickup truck for what I needed it for. Pulled out some stumps, threw crap in the back (hockey bags). Interior was pretty bland. Comfortable seating two. Extended cab allowed for additional cargo space. Fuel effiiciency was certainly lacking, but hell....gas was about $1.25 a gallon back then. Performance was mediocre, but that's expected. Handling didn't exist and breaking distance was quite long. During emergency breaking you'd be better off jumping out and abandoning ship.Jun 13, 2008
by Crystal R
Mar 10, 2008
I had this truck while spending time in Manitoba. Very good when the 4-wheel drive was needed but that was about it. The steering was quite touchy, and the interior cab was way too small. If you were a front passenger or a rear passenger, it didn't matter, because your knees would still be touching your chin...Mar 10, 2008
by Tony R
Jan 28, 2008
For its year and engine size its a good truckJan 28, 2008
by Brad K
Jan 23, 2008
Terrible reliability. Every time I turned around, I was replacing something on this truck. Only thing I missed about it when I sold it was the 5-speed tranny.Jan 23, 2008
by Steve R
Jan 13, 2008
this truck isn't a great truck at all!!!Jan 13, 2008
by Anonymous
Nov 09, 2007
Only thing I dont like about trucks is that poeple would throw their trash in the back of my bed.Nov 09, 2007
What users have asked
How do I check a PCM?
How do you check a PCM
37 views
Timer Control Module. TCM
Does this truck have a Timer Control Module?
209 views
What transmission interchange with a 96 dodge Dakota motor?
What transmission will interchange with a 96 dodge Dakota motor
54 views
8 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1996 Dodge Dakota?Compare this car
1996 Dodge Dakota Pricing
Original MSRP
$11,570 to $20,605Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: vinyl
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: vinyl
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Paint: two-tone · Rear bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint · Skid plate(s): front and rear
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint · Skid plate(s): front and rear
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome · Skid plate(s): front and rear
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone · Skid plate(s): front and rear
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone · Skid plate(s): front and rear
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Paint: two-tone · Rear bumper color: chrome · Skid plate(s): front and rear
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Paint: two-tone · Rear bumper color: chrome · Skid plate(s): front and rear
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Paint: two-tone · Rear bumper color: chrome
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent