2003 Dodge Dakota Regular-cab-4x4 SLT Plus 0-60 Times, Top Speed, Specs, Quarter Mile, and Wallpapers

2003 Dodge Dakota Regular-cab-4x4 SLT Plus  0-60 Times, Top Speed, Specs, Quarter Mile, and Wallpapers

The 2003 Dodge Dakota Regular-cab-4x4 SLT Plus is a 4-wheel drive Pick-Up. It can accommodate up to 3 passengers. It has 2 Doors and is powered by a 3.9L V6 OHV 12 valves Magnum engine which outputs 175 hp @ 4800 rpm and is paired with 5 speed automatic gearbox. The 2003 Dodge Dakota Regular-cab-4x4 SLT Plus has cargo capacity of 1317 Liters and the vehicle weighs 1826 kg. In terms of ride assists, the 2003 Dodge Dakota Regular-cab-4x4 SLT Plus has stability control and traction control in addition to anti-lock brake system (ABS). The vehicle has an optional 4.7L V8 SOHC 16 valves Magnum engine as well It offers and. Safety features also include None and None. The front suspension is while the rear suspension is. The car also features a It has 16'' alloy wheels as standard. Electronic features include Cruise Control. For convenience, the car has Power windows and Power door locks. There is also a remote keyless entry feature. Moreover, the car has. The steering wheel has audio control buttons. In terms of performance, the car has 191 N.m of torque and a top speed of 205 km/h. The 2003 Dodge Dakota Regular-cab-4x4 SLT Plus accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds and hits quarter mile at 15.7 seconds. Fuel consumption is 17.8 L/100km in the city and 12.5 L/100km in the highway. The car price starts at $ 28,210

Name SLT Plus
Price $ 28,210
Body Pick-Up
Doors 2 Doors
Engine 3.9L V6 OHV 12 valves Magnum
Power 175 hp @ 4800 rpm
Number of Seats 3 Seats
Transmission 5 speed automatic
Cargo Space 1,317.0 L
Maximum Cargo Space 1,317.0 L
Wheel Type 16'' alloy wheels
Series Dakota II
Drivetrain 4-wheel drive
Horsepower 175 HP
Torque 191 N.m
Top Speed 205 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) 9.8 s
Fuel Type Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel Consumption (City) 17.8 L/100km
Fuel Consumption (Highway) 12.5 L/100km
Gear Type auto
Weight 1,826 KG
Brand Dodge
Model Dakota
0-400m (Quarter Mile) 15.7 s
0-400m (Quarter Mile) - Speed 130.1 km/h
0-800m (Half Mile) 29.3 s
0-800m (Half Mile) - Speed 146.4 km/h
Modifications (MODS)
Modifications Cost $ 0

2003 Dodge Dakota Used Price Estimates

Estimates based on a driving average of 12,000 miles per year
Used Condition Trade In Price Private Party Price Dealer Retail Price
Outstanding $ 2,144 $ 3,380 $ 4,057
Clean $ 1,937 $ 3,051 $ 3,659
Average $ 1,522 $ 2,393 $ 2,863
Rough $ 1,107 $ 1,735 $ 2,067

If one word could best describe the 2003 Dodge Dakota, comfortable would be it. Whether carrying five adults, cruising the interstate, transporting cargo or tackling off-road terrain, the Dakota is at ease no matter where it is or what it's asked to do.

Debuting back in 1987, the Dakota filled the sizable gap between compact and full-size pickups. Although referred to as a compact, the Dakota can be thought of more as a midsize truck. But it wasn't until 1997, when the Dakota was redesigned and adopted the handsome look of its bigger brother, the Dodge Ram, that people took notice. The following years saw the introduction of the potent R/T muscle truck (packing a 250-horsepower V8 along with a monochrome paint scheme and big wheels) and the Quad cab, a true crew-cab style truck with full-size doors and plenty of room for those in back.

This year, Dodge dropped the 2.5-liter four cylinder engine and added a number of upgrades, including the options of a five-speed automatic transmission and a six-disc CD changer. As before, three cab configurations and a multitude of trim levels are available including everything from a basic, standard cab workhorse to a leather-lined 4WD Quad Cab that can serve as a family vehicle. Our chief complaint with the 2003 Dodge Dakota is that the V8 models tend to be very thirsty; it's a struggle to average more than 13 or 14 mpg with those trucks.

The Dakota offers more room, more power and more capability than the other trucks it ostensibly competes against, such as the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger. Everything from its towing capacity and stance to its available V8 power and roomy interior are a cut above the smaller rigs. If you're in the market for a sensibly sized yet accommodating compact pickup, a test drive of the 2003 Dodge Dakota is certainly in order.

The 2003 Dodge Dakota is available in three body styles: regular cab, extended ("Club") cab and crew ("Quad") cab. Both two- and four-wheel-drive versions are available. No less than seven trim levels are offered; base, value-oriented SXT, flashy Sport and Sport Plus, luxury SLT and SLT Plus and the stormin' R/T. We think eliminating the base and Plus models (by incorporating the "Plus" upgrades -- power windows and locks, alloy wheels, keyless entry, wheel flares and handling package -- into the SLT and Sport) would simplify things for potential buyers as well as Dodge's assembly lines. Notable options include leather seating, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, four-wheel ABS (rear-wheel ABS is standard on all models), and full-time four-wheel drive.

Standard on all Dakotas is a 3.9-liter V6 (175 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque). Next up the power ladder is the optional (on Sport and SLT models) 4.7-liter V8 (235-horsepower and 295 lb-ft of twist). Then there's the 5.9-liter V8 that comes on the R/T (where it's rated 250 horsepower and 345 lb-ft) and is optional on Quad Cab models (245 horses and 335 lb-ft). A five-speed manual transmission comes with the 3.9 V6 and 4.7 V8 engines. A four-speed automatic is optional on the V6, standard on the 5.9 V8. New this year is the option of a five-speed automatic for the 4.7 V8. Even the heaviest Dakota, a 4WD Quad Cab, performs well with the smaller V8. We've recorded a 0-to-60-mph time of 8.8 seconds and a quarter-mile run of 16.8 ticks. Class-leading work ability is here as well; maximum payload is rated at 2,160 pounds while max towing capacity is 6,600 pounds.

The Dakota fares well in most crash tests. Frontal impact testing garnered four out of five stars. Side-impact tests rated a full five stars; especially impressive considering the lack a side airbag option. Frontal offset crash testing, however, was another story; the 2003 Dodge Dakota was rated as "Poor," the lowest of the four ratings in that test.

Willing power plants, automatic transmissions that are rarely caught off guard and well-sorted suspensions make these trucks easy to live with, no matter what they're asked to do. On-road, the supple suspension swallows up bumps, yet doesn't have the truck wallowing through the turns. And off-road, the 2003 Dodge Dakota easily handles everything, even severely rutted and rock-strewn trails. Only the Dakota's broad girth (compared to that of the truly "compact" pickups it competes with) makes for some anxious moments when negotiating narrower trails. In virtually any other environment, the Dakota performs with a "no sweat" attitude.

A 40/20/40-split front bench seat is standard on all but the SXT and R/T models, which come with high-back buckets. The buckets are optional on the other trims. In Quad Cabs, there is a 60/40-split folding rear bench seat. Large gauges and simple controls highlight the cabin, and build quality is surprisingly good, with high-quality materials and a lack of rough edges or uneven seams.

In comparing the 2010 Dodge Dakota to a typical sedan, a sophisticated driver may notice a small amount of rear-axle ride harshness over uneven pavement. Others may feel the Dakota rides as well as most cars. And, with a few hundred pounds loaded in the cargo box, there will be little difference between a current sedan and the Dakota. Steering and braking are predictable in response and feel, and the Dakota owner will likely have no complaints about how it rides smoothly down the road and handles responsively around corners. The optional V8 makes easy the sometimes challenging task of passing slow-moving traffic on rural two-lane highways.

Available V8 EngineWe really like the Dakota's 302-horsepower V8. But most will be more than satisfied with the standard and more practical 210-horsepower V6.Ride and HandlingThe Dakota's ride comfort, even when it's unloaded, is more than capable for a truck and, perhaps surprisingly, essentially as good as many cars.

If you're moving from, say, a fairly recent sedan to a pickup, you'll be hard pressed to find deficiencies in the Dakota. The black-on-white instrument panel is easy to read, although the plastics that make up much of the interior feel hard and somewhat low-budget. Clever storage devices, such as the Crate 'N Go under-seat storage system and the center console modular cup holder inserts designed to accommodate iPods or cell phones, abound throughout the Dakota's roomy cabin (30-cubic feet inside the Extended Cab and 37.1 cubic-feet in the Crew Cab).

No longer will the observant confuse a Dakota with a Ram. Forward of the front-door hinge, the 2010 Dakota is completely different than either its predecessors or its bigger sibling. While maintaining the aggressive styling that has become a Dodge trademark, the 2010 Dakota is angular where previous generations were rounded. Unique to this class, the Dakota Extended Cab features "Full Swing" rear doors that open nearly 170-degrees. A dual-position tail gate can be secured in mid-position to act as a support for extra long cargo extending beyond the Dakota's six-foot six-inch bed.

The 2010 Dodge Dakota is available in four trim levels and two body styles: The Extended Cab, which has rear-hinged aft doors, and the Crew Cab, which has four conventional doors. All but the TRX4 are available in rear- or four-wheel drive. The ST comes standard with a 210-horsepower V6 coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission. Big Horn and Lone Star standard equipment includes 17-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control and power windows. The TRX4 has four-wheel drive, additional skid plate protection, off-road wheel and tire setup, a sliding rear window and SIRIUS Satellite Radio standard, while the potent V8 is an option. The luxury-minded Laramie has a chromed grille, heated leather seats, premium audio, remote start and chrome rear bumper.

The top option on the 2010 Dakota is the V8 engine, followed by a traditional four-wheel-drive system with hi/low transfer case allowing for four settings: Neutral; 2WD; 4WD high, locked and 4WD low, locked. The available communication system features, among many other things, a voice-activated navigation system and a 30-gigabyte hard drive to which you can load music, photos and movies (the latter won't play while the truck is moving.). The available cargo box rail with movable tie-down cleats will come in handy when friends need help moving.

The 2010 Dodge Dakota's optional 302-horspower 4.7-liter V8 turns out almost a third more horsepower than the first generation 4.7-liter unit and, with 329 pound-feet, 13 percent more torque. On top of that, the new V8 gets better fuel mileage and will operate on E85 ethanol-based fuel. The V8 comes fitted only with a five-speed automatic. While it's easy to become infatuated with the Dakota's optional V8, the standard 3.7-liter V6 will provide a rewarding, long-term relationship for most. With 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque, it should easily deal with most light-to-moderate trailer-towing and load-hauling duty.3.7-liter V6210 horsepower @ 5200 rpm235 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpmEPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20 (2WD), 14/18 (4WD)4.7-liter V8302 horsepower @ 5650 rpm329 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3950 rpmEPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19 (2WD, gasoline), 9/13 (4WD, E85), 14/19 (4WD, gasoline), 9/12 (4WD, E85)

The lowest-priced Dodge Dakota, the ST Extended Cab with rear-wheel drive and a 210-horsepower V6, has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of around $ 23,500, and the ST Crew Cab starts at almost $ 26,000. Each of the other Dakota trim levels increases in steady increments. A fully-optioned Laramie Crew Cab, complete with the 302-horsepower V8, tops out close to $ 39,000. The Dakota compares very favorably to similarly-equipped versions of the Toyota Tacoma, although its resale values fall far short of the Toyota. A V6 Tacoma Access Cab starts at about $ 25,000. To get the best deal on your Dakota, be sure to check Kelley Blue Book prices to see what buyers are actually paying in your area.

2003 Dodge Dakota Regular-cab-4x4 SLT Plus Exterior Colors

Atlantic Blue
Black
Bright Silver Metallic
Bright White
Flame Red
Graphite Metallic
Patriot Blue
Dark Garnet Red
Light Almond Pearl Metallic
Timberline Green

2003 Dodge Dakota Regular-cab-4x4 SLT Plus Interior Colors

Dark Slate Grey Interior
Taupe Interior

2003 Dodge Dakota Engines

Engine Standard in Trim Power Torque Fuel Consumption - City Fuel Consumption - Highway 0-100 km/h Quarter Mile Half Mile
5.9L V8 OHV 16 valves Magnum R/T 245 hp @ 4800 rpm 191 N.m 18.8 L/100km 13.1 L/100km 8.1 s 16.1 s 26.7 s
5.9L V8 OHV 16 valves Sport 245 hp @ 4000 rpm 191 N.m 16.8 L/100km 12.8 L/100km 8.2 s 14.5 s 27.1 s
5.9L V8 OHV 16 valves SLT 245 hp @ 4000 rpm 191 N.m 16.8 L/100km 12.8 L/100km 8.3 s 14.5 s 27.2 s
5.9L V8 OHV 16 valves Magnum R/T 245 hp @ 4800 rpm 191 N.m 18.8 L/100km 13.1 L/100km 7.8 s 15.8 s 26.2 s
5.9L V8 OHV 16 valves Magnum SLT Plus 245 hp @ 4000 rpm 191 N.m 18.8 L/100km 11.4 L/100km 7.8 s 15.8 s 26.2 s
5.9L V8 OHV 16 valves Magnum Sport Plus 245 hp @ 4000 rpm 191 N.m 17.8 L/100km 13.6 L/100km 7.6 s 14.0 s 26.2 s
5.9L V8 OHV 16 valves Magnum SLT Plus 245 hp @ 4000 rpm 191 N.m 16.4 L/100km 13.6 L/100km 7.6 s 14.0 s 26.2 s
5.9L V8 MAGNUM SMPI R/T 250 hp @ 4400 rpm 191 N.m 18.9 L/100km 13.2 L/100km 7.7 s 15.7 s 26.1 s
5.9L V8 MAGNUM Sport 250 hp @ 4400 rpm 191 N.m 16.3 L/100km 12.1 L/100km 7.5 s 13.9 s 26.1 s
5.9L V8 MAGNUM SMPI R/T 250 hp @ 4400 rpm 191 N.m 18.9 L/100km 13.2 L/100km 6.7 s 14.8 s 24.5 s

2003 Dodge Dakota Trims

2003 Dodge Dakota Previous Generations

2003 Dodge Dakota Future Generations

Dodge Dakota Overview and History

With a cargo capacity approaching that of a fullsize truck but with the handling and fuel economy of a small pickup, the Dodge Dakota was for a more than a decade the only midsize pickup truck with an optional V8 engine.
Dodge practically patented the muscle car. Little did they know they would become one of America's top Automobile manufacturers and that the Charger model, for example, particularly the 66-67 one, would trigger jaw dropping amazement at its sight. John Francis and Horace Elgin Dodge were making bikes in 1901 when they decided to move their company, the Dodge Brothers Bicycle & Machine Factory to Detroit, Michigan.

Before Cadillac would outrun Dodge in engine development years later, the Brothers were supplying car parts for many producers. Their early involvement in the process of making cars lead them to starting their own business, entering the queue for a large order of recognition and notoriety. Setting the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company in 1914 brought them a step closer to the counter.

The first Dodge automobiles shared some of Ford Model T's features but outran the latter in terms of ignition and other improvements meant to ease driving. One of the major advantages Dodge offered was a smooth, electrical start rather than the sluggishly classic crank start. Built for the middle class, the cars quickly became a commercial success, mainly due the clever blend of reliable ruggedness, engine improvements and style elements.

By 1917, Dodge had produced enough cars to start thinking expanding in other car-manufacturing areas. Trucks seemed like something they could successfully take on and the Dodge truck division came to being. Dodge trucks were used by the US army during the First World War after which they kept being used as commercial vehicles.

The Dodge brothers sold their business to Dillon, Read & company for the astoundingly large sum of  $ 146 million, said to be the largest amount in history to have been paid at the time. Dillon helmed Dodge management only for 3 years, passing the new acquisition to the Chrysler Corporation  on July 31, 1928.

Due to Chrysler's financial conquests over some European automotive groups, such as the British Rootes group and the French Simca, Dodge is introduced to Europe in the 60's. Lightweight commercial vehicles are sold here under a different badge. The Dodge 50 series is fairly well received in the UK, becoming a favorite for military and utility operations.

1977 brought forth the collapse of Chrysler's European subsidiary and its adjacent Dodge branch altogether. The Dodge factory as well as some rights to use the Dodge name were purchased by Renault who resumed the production of Dodge's commercial vehicles. However, Renault only made use of the Dodge name till the 80's when it gave up control over the name rights. Only the factory was kept.

Dodge is currently part of the DaimlerChrysler group and has been lately been know for its trucks rather than retro-future stylized muscle cars as it used to be know for during the 60's and 70's. Much like any other American car builder, Dodge garnered huge amounts of success at the time with the launch of the Charger and Coronet models, to name only a few.

As far as the company's current status is concerned, trucks make the most sales, representing 78% of the division's venue. Still undergoing intensive promotion in Europe, Dodge have sought to reach  the same type of customer it did back in the 70's by launching a series of  mean-looking, rowdy  road-tamers such as the Nitro and Caliber.

2003 Dodge Dakota Consumer Reviews

yardgone, 07/16/2010
03 Dakota SLT 4x4
I have an 03 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab (full 4 doors) with the 4.7 and 5 speed auto. Man what an awesome truck, for the money there is nothing close to it. Car will giddy up and go whenever called upon. Tows my boat with no issues and will beat anything else on the road. The only vehicle out there with a REAL v8 in a midsized truck, if it's got a 4 cylinder its not a truck! Toyota can't touch it and the ranger is too small, and in my opinion the sport trac is ugly, if you're looking for a good reliable truck get the Dakota. I average 17 mpg in mine with me stomping on it quite a bit, not bad.
springsrock, 04/17/2013
2003 awd 4x4 slt, 4.7 V8 quad cab
This is my Second Dakota. It is a good all around truck. I have over 200,000 miles on mine. I noticed my gas mileage has gone down since i have had the ball joints replaced. I get 14 mpg in the city and about 19 mpg on the hwy. Outside of normal wear of parts this truck has served me well. For an AWD truck it handles good in snow, rain and mud. I have only had to put into 4 wheel drive when I get stuck in mud. The size of the truck works well for our family, we are all 5'8" or less and the truck seems roomy to us.
zebraaudio, 11/04/2013
2nd Dakota
This is my second Dakota and I love it just as much as my first one which was an 04. This on is the quad cab 4x4 slt with the 4.7 automatic. Runs great with 122k. It does everything I need it to do, whether it be hauling wood, going on a long trip, or pulling Jeeps out of the mud. Speaking of mud, it's difficult to get this truck stuck in the mud or snow. It was out in Nemo, the huge snow storm on LI in early 2013. I got through the terrible road/weather conditions with no problem whatsoever. It's a comfortable ride, and is very roomy on the inside which is great on those long trips. If you need a smaller truck that can do a full size truck's job, buy a Dakota.
romenike, 06/06/2010
I Love My Dodge
I love driving my Dodge Dakota! If I had to buy another truck it would be a Dodge 6 cylinder! My only complaints are thay could have a little more seat padding, bigger glove compartment, more under backseat storage and better gas mileage! Also being better able to see lighted up dash area and radio information when the headlights are turned on and more room underneath the light between the sun visors.
dextrousribbit, 07/17/2019
2008 Dodge Dakota Crew Cab
"I love this truck"
Love this truck one of the best most reliable I've ever owned. Only complaint is they don't offer many aftermarket parts for upgrades....
blinksinternal, 07/12/2019
2007 Dodge Dakota Club Cab
"The best truck, ever."
I purchased this truck new from a dealer. After 1000 miles, I put synthetic oil in the engine. This truck has never broken anything, not the smallest part. Everything still works after 13 years of ownership. I changed the battery once. I replaced the tires twice. I routinely change the synthetic oil every 5000 miles. At 100,000 miles, I changed the transmission oil and the differential oil. That is it! It is extremely reliable and starts the first try every time. I will keep this truck until it drops.
luggmagnitude, 06/26/2019
2010 Dodge Dakota Crew Cab
"Least Reliable truck/vehicle I have owned"
I purchased this truck with less than 80k miles and in 10 months of ownership I put $ 2,500+ into various engine issues. At yearly inspection I would have needed to put in an additional $ 3,000 to fix other issues to get it working properly. So in 1 year of ownership it would have cost me more than $ 5,000 to keep this truck running. The engine had oil consumption issues, and required adding oil to the engine on a weekly basis. The check engine light was constantly on and was something different each time. While some can boil down to having a truck around 100,000 miles, this far exceeded the amount of issues a vehicle should have. Do not buy this truck. Do not purchase any Dodge Dakota. They are extremely unreliable.

2003 Dodge Dakota Regular-cab-4x4 SLT Plus Specifications

SLT Plus Comfort and Convenience

AM/FM stereo radio (Option)AM/FM CD and cassette player
Air ConditionningAir conditioning
Cruise ControlYes
Garage Door Opener (Option)Garage door opener
Number of Speakers (Option)8 Infinity speakers
Rear View Mirror (Option)Auto dimming rear view mirror
Remote Audio Controls (Option)Audio controls on steering wheel
Smoking ConvenienceLighter and ashtray
Special FeaturesRemoveable tailgate
Steering Wheel AdjustmentTilt steering wheel

SLT Plus Dimensions

Cargo Capacity1317 L
Curb Weight1826 kg
Front Headroom1016 mm
Front Legroom1064 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity76 L
Gross Vehicle Weight2449 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (Option)GVWR 2767 kg kg
Height1742 mm
Length4978 mm
Max Trailer Weight1724 kg
Wheelbase2845 mm
Width1819 mm

SLT Plus Exterior Details

Bumper ColourChrome bumpers
Exterior Decoration (Option)Soft tonneau cover
Fender FlaresWheel flares
GrilleChrome grille
Heated Exterior Mirrors (Option)Heated mirrors
Side-Body Trim (Option)Bodyside mouldings

SLT Plus Interior Details

Floor MatsFront carpet
Front Seats Front Seat TypeFront split bench 40/20/40
Front Seats Front Seat Type (Option)Front bucket seats with center console
Overhead Console (Option)Yes
Steering Wheel Trim (Option)Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Trip Computer (Option)Mini-trip computer

SLT Plus Mechanical

Drive Train4-wheel drive
Engine Name3.9L V6 OHV 12 valves Magnum
Engine Name (Option)4.7L V8 SOHC 16 valves Magnum
Transmission5 speed manual
Transmission (Option)5 speed automatic

SLT Plus Overview

BodyPick-Up
Doors2
Engine3.9L V6 OHV 12 valves Magnum
Fuel Consumption17.8 (Automatic City)12.5 (Automatic Highway)16.4 (Manual City)11.4 (Manual Highway)
Power175 hp @ 4800 rpm
Seats3
Transmission5 speed automatic
WarrantiesBumper-to-Bumper60000/km, 36/Months Powertrain115000/km, 84/Months Roadside Assistance115000/km, 84/Months Rust-throughUnlimited/km, 36/Months

SLT Plus Safety

Anti-Lock BrakesRear ABS brakes
Anti-Theft AlarmAlarm system
Brake TypeFront disc/rear drum
Child Seat AnchorNone
Driver AirbagNone
Front Seat BeltsHeight adjustable
Ignition DisableNone
Passenger AirbagNone

SLT Plus Suspension and Steering

Front TiresP245/70R16
Front Tires (Option)P265/70R16
Rear Anti-Roll BarRear stabilizer bar
Wheel Type16'' alloy wheels

Critics Reviews


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