In production for over two decades and three generations between the late 1980s and mid-2000s, the Dodge Dakota offered the convenience of a midsize pickup truck footprint with the brawn of an available V8 powertrain.
The Dakota was discontinued in 2011, but since then, the segment has experienced a resurgence and the compact to midsize pickup segment has become more popular than ever. This makes now an ideal time to look back over 10 years of FIXD data to determine the best and worst model years of the Dodge Dakota.
Dodge Dakota Engine Reliability Score, Safety Ratings, MPG, Value v.s. Value for the Money, and F.I.R.I.S. – Year by Year
The Dodge Dakota Reliability Score chart below is the main factor in ranking the best and worst model years. It illustrates an objective measure of reliability based on data collected from thousands of FIXD devices installed in customer Dakotas.
Typically, the first model year of a new generation tends to struggle with reliability as the manufacturer irons out production kinks. However, the Dodge Dakota bucks that trend by posting an improvement in its FIXD Reliability Score for 2005 when the third-generation model was rolled out.
However, you can see this theme of new-gen reliability issues play out with a host of Dakota competitors like the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and Chevy Colorado.
For a more comprehensive analysis, we look at published government safety scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fuel efficiency figures per fueleconomy.gov, current market values from Kelley Blue Book (KBB), and annual maintenance costs from RepairPal.
To add a subjective perspective on reliability, we also generate a FIXD Internet Review Index Score (F.I.R.I.S.). You can learn more about how this score is calculated below, but it is based on data gathered from Edmunds, KBB, Cargurus, and Cars.com.
Where applicable, we also note frequently encountered Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and important safety recalls issued by the NHTSA.
We’re aiming to help current Dodge Dakota owners, and potential buyers, learn about what to watch out for from one model year to the next. On that note, if you’re in the market for a car, take a look at our article on the USA’s most reliable and cheapest to repair cars in the U.S. Don’t get stuck with a lemon, use our data to help you shop.
Engine Reliability Score – Over The Years
The green line on the Dodge Dakota Reliability Score chart above is based on the total number of CELs that have been recorded by customer-installed FIXD devices for each model year between 2001 and 2010. After tallying them up, we weight this objective score by average mileage and convert it into a 1-10 scale where 10 is the best and 1 is the worst.
Usually, we see newer model years performing better than the older ones for this metric. But, as you can see on the chart, the Dakota does not follow any kind of reliability trend. The 20-plus-year-old 2001 model scores highest here while the newer 2010 truck comes in with the lowest possible score.
We’ll dive into the details of this topic in the relevant model year rankings below and at the bottom of this page, you can find more details on how we calculate the FIXD Reliability Score. Also, be sure to check out this list of the most common CELs to expect from Dodge as it plays a role in how reliable you can expect your Dakota to be.
NHTSA Safety Score – Over The Years
The green line on the Dodge Dakota NHTSA Safety Rating chart above is based on the average safety score, for all trim lines, of a given model year. It is overlaid with the average safety rating of the entire auto industry (gray line) to give a reference point for Dakota safety. Both sets of ratings come from published NHTSA safety data.
Unlike reliability, the Dodge Dakota steadily improved its safety rating over 10 years and exceeded the industry as a whole as of 2004. This score hit a high point in 2005 when the third-gen model debuted, which we commonly see as automakers apply the latest safety technology to new generations.
Understanding how a given model year of the Dodge Dakota ranks for safety is important as it plays a main role in keeping insurance premiums down. If you live in one of the states listed below, we can show you the cheapest vehicles to insure in yours.
| What Used Cars Are the Cheapest To Insure In: |
| Ohio |
| North Carolina |
| Michigan |
| Georgia |
| Texas |
| New York |
| Illinois |
| Pennsylvania |
| California |
MPG – Over The Years
Few people are expecting strong fuel economy from a pickup truck like the Dakota, which is a good thing based on the above Dodge Dakota Average MPG chart. It’s based on data from fueleconomy.gov and illustrates average combined fuel economy figures for all Dakota trim lines of each model year.
As you can see, this figure hovers between 15 and 16 mpg for gas-powered models, which isn’t helped by the big thirsty V8s these midsize trucks were favored for.
Between 2008 and 2010, Dodge made the Dakota E85-capable, which as you can see with the dark green line above, delivered exceptionally abysmal fuel economy. The bump in 2004 can be attributed to Dodge dropping the 5.9L V8 that year and replacing the 3.9L V6 with a more efficient 3.7L unit.
Current Market Value of All Dodge Dakota Years vs. Value for the Money
The above chart of Dodge Dakota Market Value vs. Cost of Repairs displays Dakota market values from Kelley Blue Book against average annual service costs per RepairPal. This additional set of data points helps us create a more well-rounded analysis of the best and worst model years of Dodge’s midsize pickup truck.
As is often the case, later-model Dakotas have higher market values thanks to lower mileage and better features than older models. In 2005, Dodge introduced an all-new generation that impacted these values in a dramatically positive way. However, none of these trucks crack the $7,500 market value line, which is not surprising given the 10-year-plus age across the board.
When shopping for a used Dodge Dakota, it’s important to keep in mind that not all vehicles are cared for equally. To protect yourself from lemons, take along a FIXD Sensor on your test drive. FIXD connects to a free app on your smartphone to tell you more about the vehicle you’re checking out, including check engine lights and other hidden issues that the owner or dealership may be attempting to hide. Click here to learn more and get FIXD for only $19.99 (regular price $59)!
F.I.R.I.S. – FIXD Internet Review Index Score– Over the Model Years
The chart above, Dodge Dakota F.I.R.I.S. Score gives us a way to evaluate subjective reliability. To create it, we gather scores from Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, Cargurus, and Cars.com for each year of Dakota production. After averaging these figures, we put the F.I.R.I.S. rating on a scale of 1 to 10 where 1 is the worst and 10 is the best.
As seen on the chart, there is no obvious trend in this rating over time. Instead, the Dakota hovers between 8 and 9 out of 10 indicating this midsize pickup truck was generally well-liked from one year to the next by reviewers and owners.
Important Features Timeline
1996 – Final year of 1st-gen Dakota production, new 2.5L I4 arrives
1997 – 2nd-gen Dakota debuts with carryover chassis & available 5.9L V8
1998 – R/T variant offered with V8 power, sport-tuned chassis, and special paint
1999 – Express-down driver-side windows added, new audio controls for steering wheel
2000 – 8-foot bed on regular cab dropped, crew cab added, 5.2L V8 replaced by 4.7L unit
2001 – Heavily revised interior brings updated dashboard, door panels, and seats
2002 – Final year the Dakota is sold with a 4-cylinder engine, new SXT trim introduced
2003 – 5-speed automatic replaces 4-speed transmission for 4.7L V8, four-corner disc brakes offered
2004 – 5.9L V8 discontinued, new 3.7L V6 replaces 3.9L version, cassette deck dropped
2005 – 3rd-gen Dakota debuts with revised 4.7L V8 and new high-output variant
2006 – Newly optional sunroof, 4-speed automatic transmission is revised
2007 – E85 fuel capability added to 4.7L V8, new standard dual-position tailgate
2008 – 4.7L V8 upgraded with more power, instrument panel is redesigned, Big Horn trim arrives
2009 – SLT, Sport, and TRX RWD models dropped, new colors added to paint palette
2010 – Manual transmission option discontinued, suspension is retuned
2011 – Final year of Dodge Dakota production with no major changes
The Best Years of the Dodge Dakota
Taking into account FIXD reliability, F.I.R.I.S ratings, fuel efficiency, safety ratings, market values, and annual repair costs, we’ve come up with this list of the best Dodge Dakotas. Pertinent recall information and notes about common DTCs are included as well.
2001 Dodge Dakota
FIXD Reliability Score: 6/10
FIXD Internet Review Index Score (F.I.R.I.S.): 8.7/10
Mileage Est. KBB Value: $1,928
Fuel Economy: 15 mpg
RepairPal Average Annual Repairs Total: $665
Safety Rating: 3.5/5
It’s not every day a 22-year-old vehicle earns “best of the best” honors when it comes to reliability, but such is the case with the 2001 Dodge Dakota. Part of the 2nd-generation lineup, the 2001 model posted the highest FIXD Reliability Score of 6 out of 10 across a decade of data. Reviewers and owners agree that the F.I.R.I.S. rating is relatively high.
Now, these old Dakotas are not without their faults like a weak safety rating, above-average maintenance costs, and market values sitting under $2,000. As well, the 2001 through 2010 Dakotas aren’t exactly reliability rock stars as evidenced by the FIXD reliability chart at the top of this article that illustrates how 80% have a FIXD Reliability Score under 4 out of 10.
So, we have to take this top rating for the 2001 Dakota with a grain of salt. I can say it’s quite reliable relative to its stable mates, but is not without its flaws. All of which can be expected with a truck this old.
It also has 14 recalls, which leans high, so be sure to use this NHTSA VIN checker tool to determine if your Dakota has any outstanding recalls. Of those, an issue with the park-shift interlock that could cause the truck to unexpectedly roll was the most significant as it impacted some 576,000 vehicles.
As for problem points, both DTC P0455 and P0442 are triggered with some frequency on the 2001 Dakota. Both indicate a leak in the EVAP system, which in both cases suggests it’s time for a new leak detection pump. Expect to pay between $200 and $560 for this work at a shop.
If you encounter DTC P0141, it means an oxygen (O2) sensor is on the fritz as we cover in this DTC P0141 explainer video. Replacing an oxygen sensor is a reasonably easy job for a shade tree mechanic, particularly on older trucks like these that have plenty of room to maneuver within.
2009 Dodge Dakota
FIXD Reliability Score: 5/10
FIXD Internet Review Index Score (F.I.R.I.S.): 8.9/10
Mileage Est. KBB Value: $5,516
Fuel Economy: 16 mpg (gas) 10 mpg (E85)
RepairPal Average Annual Repairs Total: $523
Safety Rating: 4.6/5
Towards the end of 3rd-gen production, and the overall Dakota lifecycle, the 2009 model posted a relatively impressive 4-point FIXD Reliability Score increase. As well, the F.I.R.I.S. rating improved, the safety rating is high relative to other Dakotas and the overall industry, annual maintenance costs are just below the $556 average, and market values crept up.
Given the age of this truck and mileage that is likely north of 150,000, I wouldn’t say buying a 2009 Dakota is without its potential pitfalls. However, the strong objective reliability score and KBB value of around $5,500 do make a compelling case that these Dakotas are a reasonably good purchase value for those in the market.
Two of the most common causes of a CEL on these Dakotas, DTC P0420 and P0430, both indicate it’s time to replace the catalytic converter. Check out our DTC P0420 guide for a DIY walk-through to save some money over having this job done by a pro as it can cost as much as $2,000.
If you see DTC C0077, it means low tire pressure has been detected, which could lead to the need for a new Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor. Expect to pay between $200 and $250 for this work at a shop.
Of the 5 recalls issued on the 2009 Dodge Dakota, a problem with the rear axle pinion nut loosening up and leading to axle lock was the most significant as it impacted 278,000 vehicles.
2003 Dodge Dakota
FIXD Reliability Score: 3/10
FIXD Internet Review Index Score (F.I.R.I.S.): 8.7/10
Mileage Est. KBB Value: $2,311
Fuel Economy: 15 mpg
RepairPal Average Annual Repairs Total: $561
Safety Rating: 3.75/5
It’s easy to see on the FIXD reliability chart at the top of this article that the 2003 Dodge Dakota isn’t exactly knocking reliability out of the park. However, objective reliability remained steady into 2003 after declining the year before, which is part of the reason I put it on this side of the model year rankings.
As well, the F.I.R.I.S. rating showed a minor improvement, market values are in an uptrend during this period, and the average annual repair costs sit right at the $556 average. Given these Dakotas are 20 years old, that’s not bad from a maintenance perspective.
The safety rating of 3.75 is on the low side, but it’s worth noting that Dodge did upgrade these 2003 models with interior upper head impact protection to be ready for new federal crash-testing standards.
As with the 2001 model, both of the top 2 trouble codes on these early Dakotas are triggered by leaks in the EVAP system. DTC P0442 is triggered by a medium leak – or between 0.02” and 0.04” in diameter – while DTC P0456 is considered a small leak of less than 0.02” in diameter. In both cases, a loose gas cap is the most common culprit.
DTC P0440 is also related to an EVAP system leak, but in this case, you’re looking at a replacement leak detection pump. This typically costs between $200 and $560 at a shop.
The 11 recalls issued on the 2003 Dakota included a relatively major one – that affected nearly 600,000 vehicles – for excessive ball joint wear.
2005 Dodge Dakota
FIXD Reliability Score: 2/10
FIXD Internet Review Index Score (F.I.R.I.S.): 8.2/10
Mileage Est. KBB Value: $4,823
Fuel Economy: 16 mpg
RepairPal Average Annual Repairs Total: $661
Safety Rating: 4.6/5
Dodge released the 3rd-gen Dakota in 2005, a model clearly favored by consumers as the KBB market values for these trucks jumped more than $2,200 over the prior year. Additionally, the safety rating stepped up versus the 2004 model.
Granted, the 2 out of 10 FIXD Reliability Score is not great, but it is an improvement. It’s also why I put this Dakota at the bottom of the “best of” rankings. It straddles the line separating best from worst but earns a spot on this side of that line due to marginally better reliability.
Another good and bad aspect of these trucks is the 16 mpg combined rating, which is in the high range of all Dakotas – a good thing – and the $661 annual repair costs, which are about $100 above average – a bad thing. So, it’s a good truck, but not a great one.
The most frequent cause of a CEL on the 2005 Dakota is DTC P0700, which is triggered by a faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM) or defective parts within the transmission. DTC P1684, which is related to P0700, is common to Chrysler products and likely means the TCM is malfunctioning.
If you see DTC P0300, it means random, multiple engine misfires have been detected. Replacing the spark plugs is the typical remedy for this issue, a job that shouldn’t cost more than $170 at a shop. We go into more detail on this with our DTC P0300 explainer video.
There were 7 recalls issued for the 2005 Dodge Dakota. Of those, an issue with the seat heaters overheating affected about 17,000 vehicles.
The Worst Years of the Dodge Dakota
Working with the same information to determine the best Dodge Dakotas, we’ve compiled a list of model years to avoid. Worse reliability and bigger service bills are the norm with these poor-performing trucks. We are starting from the absolute worst and progressing to the “best of the worst”.
2006-2008 Dodge Dakota
FIXD Reliability Score: 1/10
FIXD Internet Review Index Score (F.I.R.I.S.): 8.1-8.6/10
Mileage Est. KBB Value: $4,130-$5,423
Fuel Economy: 16 mpg (gas) 10 mpg (E85)
RepairPal Average Annual Repairs Total: $484-$624
Safety Rating: 4.5-4.7/5
Between 2006 and 2008, the 3rd-gen Dakota had its 4-speed automatic transmission revised, E85 capability added to the 4.7L V8, and saw that motor pickup more power and increased fuel economy. That level of powertrain work is often accompanied by reliability trouble, which is clearly the case here.
For 3 years in a row, these Dakotas flat-lined in the FIXD Reliability Score metric with a 1 out of 10 – the worst possible score. Not only that, the F.I.R.I.S. rating dropped before coming back up and the Kelley Blue Book market value fell off a cliff in 2007.
The safety ratings are solid during this stretch and annual repair costs for 2007 and 2008 are below average, but the 2006 Dakota runs higher than average for this metric.
Another red flag I encountered while looking into these Dakotas was the 5 investigations NHTSA initiated for the 2006 Dakota. That’s higher than any other year and includes one related to loose steering shaft coupling bolts. There were also 6 recalls for the 2006 model, 4 recalls for the 2007 Dakota, and 2 recalls for the 2008 model.
On the CEL front, these 2006 to 2008 Dakotas have a wide range of issues with DTC P0300 being the most common. Triggered by an engine misfire, it likely means you need to replace the spark plugs. If DTC P0700 pops up, be prepared for the possibility of a TCM malfunction that can cost as much as $3,000 to have repaired.
DTC P0430 is another potentially pricey repair – in the $1,500 to $2,000 range – related to a new catalytic converter. A leak in the EVAP system triggers DTC P0456, which in this case means you may be on the hook for a replacement EVAP System Integrity Monitor (ESIM) – to the tune of around $500.
When it’s time to replace an O2 sensor, a job that runs between $150 and $300, you may encounter DTC P1128. And if DTC C0077 shows up, look to a faulty TPMS sensor, replacement of which typically costs less than $250.
2010 Dodge Dakota
FIXD Reliability Score: 1/10
FIXD Internet Review Index Score (F.I.R.I.S.): 8.4/10
Mileage Est. KBB Value: $6,934
Fuel Economy: 16 mpg (gas) 10 mpg (E85)
RepairPal Average Annual Repairs Total: $614
Safety Rating: 4.7/5
Right around the end of Dodge Dakota production, the FIXD Reliability Score took a 4-point dive to the bottom of the barrel. This was accompanied by a relatively significant half-point F.I.R.I.S. rating decline and an uptrend in annual maintenance costs.
These Dakotas do enjoy relatively high market values and the NHTSA safety rating is one of the highest of any Dakota, but with reliability this bad, you can be sure we won’t be recommending you buy one.
If you see DTC P0420, it means the catalytic converter is malfunctioning. A new catalytic converter will run you as much as $2,000 at a shop, so consider checking out our DTC P0420 guide and taking the DIY approach to save some money on this repair.
DTC P0300, another common trouble code on the 2010 Dakota, arises when an engine misfire is detected. You can replace the spark plugs yourself or take your truck to a shop and pay between $60 and $170. And if DTC P0562 shows up, you’re probably looking at a new battery, which ranges in cost from $115 to about $500.
There were 7 recalls issued on these 13-year-old Dakotas, including one for a loose rear axle pinion nut. Any Dodge dealer should repair recall-related work on a Dakota up to 15 model years old free of charge.
2004 Dodge Dakota
FIXD Reliability Score: 1/10
FIXD Internet Review Index Score (F.I.R.I.S.): 8.5/10
Mileage Est. KBB Value: $2,686
Fuel Economy: 16 mpg
RepairPal Average Annual Repairs Total: $436
Safety Rating: 4.5/5
With a FIXD Reliability Score of just 1, you may be wondering why the 2004 Dodge Dakota ranks “better” than the 2010 model and its identical rating. It’s because these models “only” posted a 2-point drop to hit the bottom, which is a relatively lighter fall than its unreliable stablemate experienced.
Splitting hairs perhaps as both of these Dakotas stink, but I have to draw the line somewhere. Annual repair costs hit an all-time low in 2004 and the safety rating moved up strongly over the 2003 Dakota, but the decline in subjective reliability coupled with a terrible objective score relegates these old Dakotas to the thumbs-down heap.
Not helping matters is that DTC P0700, which is often related to a bad transmission, carries with it a repair price tag of between $2,500 and $3,000. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a truck with a market value of less than $2,700.
IF DTC P0456 shows up, it means you’ve got an EVAP system leak that likely requires a new ESIM, a component that runs between $200 and $560 to repair. DTC P0442 is also triggered by a leaking EVAP system, but fortunately can often be corrected by simply tightening the gas cap.
There were 5 recalls for the 2004 Dakota, including one for windshield wiper motors unexpectedly failing, which would be rather startling while driving in the rain.
2002 Dodge Dakota
FIXD Reliability Score: 3/10
FIXD Internet Review Index Score (F.I.R.I.S.): 8.6/10
Mileage Est. KBB Value: $2,202
Fuel Economy: 15 mpg
RepairPal Average Annual Repairs Total: $478
Safety Rating: 3.75/5
The 2002 Dodge Dakota received zero powertrain updates and yet, its FIXD Reliability Score dropped by 3 points. Usually, when a model year of any vehicle has a carryover powertrain, the automaker can focus on reliability, but that’s not the case here.
The score of 3 out of 10 is certainly nothing special on its own, but it is when you consider that the 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2010 Dakotas rated just a 1 out of 10 for objective reliability. That’s why I put the 2002 model in the “best of the worst” slot – it’s not a great truck in a vacuum, but it is a better bet than those other poor-performing pickups.
Bright points include a slight safety score increase this year, which coincides with Dodge revising the door structure for more dynamic side-impact protection. Also, market values move in the right direction and annual maintenance costs are nearly $100 below average.
The big but is that these Dakotas have 12 recalls, which is quite high, including one for replacement air intake systems becoming clogged with debris and getting jammed in the open position.
As ever, a leaky EVAP system plays a leading role in causing CELs on these 20-year-old Dakotas. Both DTC P0455 and P0442 are triggered by an EVAP system leak and both usually mean it’s time for a new leak detection pump. Expect to pay between $200 and $560 for this repair at a shop.
DTC P0300 is another common offender that pops up when a misfire is detected in the engine. This typically means you need to replace the spark plugs, a job that should cost no more than $170 at a shop. Our DTC P0300 explainer video goes into more detail on this issue.
FAQs
What years of the Dodge Dakota have engine and/or transmission problems?
According to RepairPal, the most frequently reported issue with engines on the Dodge Dakota has to do with a faulty camshaft position sensor that causes stalling or a no-start condition. It’s an issue that affects every model year Dodge Dakota from 2001 to 2010 with the 3.7L V6 or 4.7L V8 engines.
Per FIXD data gathered from customer-installed devices on thousands of Dodge Dakotas, I can see that DTC P0700 – which is triggered by a malfunctioning TCM – shows up on the 2006 model at a rate more than 4 times higher than the average across 10 years. It’s a good reminder for owners of these Dakotas – or really any model year – to stay on top of their automatic transmission service.
What is considered high mileage for a Dodge Dakota?
Looking over the listings on CarsForSale.com (as of October 24, 2023), there are 606 used Dodge Dakotas on the market. Of those, more than 15% have 200,000 miles or more on the clock, while about 32% show between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. There are also about 32% with between 100,000 and 150,000 miles.
Since over 60% of these Dodge Dakotas range between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, I would say that 200,000 miles could be considered high mileage as it’s a lofty, but achievable, high point for these trucks.
What other vehicles should I consider?
Though the Dodge Dakota is no longer in production, used models have a host of compact to midsize pickup alternatives worth considering like the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Chevy Colorado, and its twin the GMC Canyon.
For those looking to stay within the Dodge family, but in need of a bigger pickup, the Ram 1500 is a solid option. If you’re leaning more towards the SUV segment, a Dodge Durango is worth looking at.
A Note About Data and Information Sources
This article has many details about Dodge Dakota reliability; here’s what we used for our assumptions and recommendations.
- FIXD Reliability Score & Data: Engine reliability information is captured via the FIXD App.
The FIXD Reliability Score is calculated using the number of DTCs per year, weighted by mileage using 12,000 per year. This is then turned into a scale of 1-10 for easy graphing.
This is an objective score.
- F.I.R.I.S & Data: This data is the result of averaging the score of the Dodge Dakota from Edmunds, KBB, Cargurus, and Cars.com.
Those individual Scores come straight from reviewers and owners of the Dodge Dakota.
This is a subjective score.
From here we translate the answers into the F.I.R.I.S as all the answers are out of 5.
Keep in mind, that owners may think their car is more or less reliable than it actually is.
One potential problem is that people often buy the same make or model they are used to when they go car shopping, just a newer year.
Ford, for instance, has a number of consumer loyalty awards for the Ford F-Series, Ford Mustang, and Ford Expedition.
Car owners may be so loyal to the make or model they currently own that they would have trouble accurately comparing their cars’ reliability to others.
It’s for this reason that we ask car owners a question that is relative to mileage rather than relative to other cars.
Still, be mindful of the accuracy of these F.I.R.I.S, people’s perceptions and unconscious blindspots can skew data.
We suggest looking at both the FIXD Reliability Score and the F.I.R.I.S for this reason.
- KBB Value: Average private-seller valuations as supplied by Kelley Blue Book (KBB), based on a Dodge Dakota with typical mileage for that respective model year.
- Fuel Economy: Mileage-per-gallon estimates according to the EPA MPG on Fueleconomy.gov
- Annual Maintenance/Repair: Upkeep expenses as reported by RepairPal
- Safety Rating: Crash test data collected and reported by NHTSA. We average all ratings for each year to come up with a simplified, average safety score. This makes it easier to look at on a graph.
References
- Dodge Dakota model-specific information. Retrieved October 24, 2023, from https://www.edmunds.com/
- Dodge Dakota model-specific recall information. Retrieved October 24, 2023, from https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Dodge Dakota model-specific information. Retrieved October 24, 2023, from https://www.auto-brochures.com
- Dodge Dakota model-specific information. Retrieved October 24, 2023, from https://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com/homepage.do?mid=1
Niel Stender grew up doing replacement work on his old Cherokee and sweet Mitsubishi Starion, which led to a degree in mechanical engineering and a job at Ford as a vehicle dynamics engineer. His writing infuses that automotive background with sales and marketing experience. Writing about cars for close to a decade now, he enjoys digging into some of the more technical mechanical systems under the hood and throughout a vehicle.
