Has anybody switched from a Dodge Dakota to a Taco?

I was just curious if anybody has owned a Dakota with a 4.7 v8 and has switched to a 2016 Tacoma. I have a 2002 and am thinking about getting a new truck, and wanted some insight from others that were in a similar situation. Do you have any issues with power or is there anything about your old truck that you prefer over the Tacoma? Thanks for any help/advice

 

Never owned one, but 4x8 plywood can fit between wheel wells of Dakota

 

Had a 95 Dakota sport, now my current 07 off-road... I like my Tacoma.... My brothers truck (I drove it while he was in Afghanistan) is just like you speak, an 02 with the V8.... Still like my Tacoma more, but his Dakota vets better mpgs.

 

My Tacoma feels more powerful than my brothers? I drove them both like I stole it...

 

I went from a 99 dakota to my 2010. It was a good truck, and my dad has had it now for 2 years. He has done lots of hauling and work with it. Its got 113,000k miles now and the truck is getting very tired. The transmission slips and it is clunky up front. He won't take it far from home anymore, doesn't trust it. It Still starts everyday and goes from a to b. A new truck is in his near future and i got my fingers crossed that he chooses a tacoma so we can add a second one to our family!

 

I had a 2002 Dakota with the 4.7 liter.

It had balls a'plenty, but it was always at the dealer for warranty work, and man did it suck down the gas.

 

I had a '00 blue R/T like that one... Minus the super bee stripe. Completely different animal to either a 2nd or 3rd gen Tacoma. Torque for days but ran out of breath quick. Exact opposite the new 3.5. Mine was very "tight" driving. I really enjoyed it. Mileage was 12 - 16 depending on how you drove it (5.9L). Can't speak to longevity as I traded it with <5000 miles on it (swapped cars a lot back then). Still one of my favorite vehicles I've had... Very unique.

 

I traded in a 03 Dakota, V6, 4.0, in April for a 15 Colorado. I traded the 15 Colorado in NOV 9th for my 16 Tacoma 4 cylinder. Like my Tacoma better than both the other trucks. My Tacoma gets better gas mileage than the Dakota. The Colorado got better MPG than the Tacoma and Dakota.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. I wouldn't mind keeping my dakota but its got over 150,000 miles and the winter weather has just eaten it up. I will most likely be getting a tacoma when the time comes, since in not a fan of the colorado. I love the looks, just concerned about the powertrain. I will be towing a 3500 lb camper a few times during the summer, but other than that it will be a daily driver.

 

My dad died and left me his 03 Dakota. 93,000 miles. Ive been fixing it up for my son to drive one day. He's 11 now. We practice driving a stick in the yard. Its been interesting.

 

I agree.

Same color as mine.

 

I learned stick on a 1990 dodge Dakota with no power steering. Interest times. Later moved up to a 98 taco. The good ol days.

 

05 and ups ugliest body dakota ever.

 

My 03 Dakota Extended Cab turned over to 43,000 miles pulling onto the chevy lot the day I traded it off. Dealer gave me $5,000 trade in for it. It was Super white and shined like a new one. Very few scratches in the bed.

 

I can stick my hand through the fender in multiple places so I don't think a trade is going to go to well

 

Mine was a cherry. Dealer asked me, Why I didn't take it out and get it dirty. I told him I changed my ways, (Gave up the Budweiser.) Been sober 15 years and also nicotine free the same.

 

I just got rid of my 2001 Dakota Sport. The 4.7 V8 was a great engine. It sucked down gas though but it was fun to drive. Never had one issue with that truck. It did have a clunky transmission though.

 

As did my 2003 when I went from park to reverse.

 

My father owns a 96 Dakota 2wd. The engine is strong, (3.9) but already, (with only 105k miles on it) the transmission is slipping, which from my understanding, is normal for many Dodge trucks. I do love the fact that it has an 8 foot bed, unlike my 96 Tacoma. Overall, I feel that my Tacoma is far more sound and durable than the Dodge is. I would have no problem taking my truck cross-country, but I would hesitate to go more than an hour away in the Dodge.

Edit: The Dodge also has typical rusted-out rocker panels. Fortunately, it is old enough to not be plagued with the heater core and cracking dash problems of the next generation Dodge truck.

 

had an 01 Dakota SLT and switched to a 2016 sport Tacoma. I am SOOO glad I switched. I love my Tacoma so much more. if you're thinking about switching, Do it