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Pickups Pickups - Archived Discussions Midsize Pickup Comparo 
751 messages, Last post on Nov 28, 2007 at 11:44 AM
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Replying to: greayregs (Apr 01, 2007 7:45 am) At 78,000 miles my own 2003 has been very good. I've had two recalls, one for a wiper motor and another for upper ball joints. I've had a heater fan blower resistor fail (a common Dakota problem), but they have a revised component that appears to have resolved the problem. I complained about a slight binding sensation in the steering wheel and they replaced the intermeiate steering shaft at no charge even though I was out of warranty. Most of the Dakota owners I talk to are pleased with them and report few problems. I disregard Consumers Reports because I believe their reporting reliability is much worse than average. I have no faith in them. I wouldn't try to convince you that the average Dakota will have as low a incidence of repair as a Tacoma or a Frontier (although I've hearing some bad things about new Frontiers lately). However, that being said I wouldn't have bought a Dakota if I thought they were terrible or as bad as an S-10. In my experience they are very solid and durable. When there is a problem it is generally a low cost item. The 2003 Dakota works for me and is my everyday ride. It's been faithful and runs great. If you can get past the current German designed interior I think you'll find the Dakota does more for less money, and the newer ones have higher component quality than previous versions. The Dakota will get a complete interior refresh, a stiffer frame, a new 4.7 upgrade to 295 horsepower, and numerous refinements for 2008. Good luck with your decision. Best regards, Dusty |
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Replying to: jfritsch (Aug 29, 2006 2:08 pm) CR is good for: appliances, tractors, televisions, etc.
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Replying to: jfritsch (Dec 11, 2006 6:38 am) Says who? I am aware that they have had some reliability issues with some 2004/2005 models regarding valve springs and premature tire failure, but I am not familiar with quality and finish. I have seen and driven several of these trucks and they are a very good truck. The Colorado will be redone for 2009 from what I hear, and for those finding the front end still too weird, me included, the new one will change peoples minds real fast. It will have 4,6, and 8 cylinder engines. They current Colorado/Canyon may not be best in class, but they are a good light duty truck. The Honda Ridgeline is nothing more than an SUV. The pre-production design of the Ridgeline is rumored to have come from the successful Chevy Avalanche, and the similarities can be seen by putting the pictures side-by-side. Basically the same vehicle but in a smaller size. Will Honda every get a true pickup truck your guess is as good as mine.
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Replying to: poncho167 (May 10, 2007 6:27 am) Regarding CR, I focus more on their long term tests than I do on their reliability surveys, of which as a subscriber, I have played a part. There is room for human error. One has to jog the memory when asked questions, or have the past year work invoices in front of them to be correct. Our memories are selective, and I have yet to drag up my invoices. In other words, it is a fairly casual process. We, as human beings, like to believe just what we want. We like to think we make good decisions, good choices, and want to project that. We like to talk about the wins, not so much the losses. But we're capable of good and bad mouthing. Also, I have not yet been able to match my experiences of my vehicles with that of the survey stats. That is my personal experience. I've owned 7 vehicles in my life, they have all been decent. American Motors, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Volvo, Toyota, Nissan ( New). I maintained them equally, they all offered me good service. Of the past six, none stood out. You do make a good point. |
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Replying to: poncho167 (May 10, 2007 6:48 am) |
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Replying to: poncho167 (May 10, 2007 6:48 am) One is down to the Tacoma, Frontier and Ridgeline for something in the mid size segment. Possibly the Dakota if you need to tow but then you can get better deals and quality in the Full size Chevs/Fords than the Dakota. If you want quality in GM you have to go with the Silverado/Sierra full size as they really screwed the pooch in the mid size segment. --jjf "The Colorado is abysmal in quality and finish." Says who? I am aware that they have had some reliability issues with some 2004/2005 models regarding valve springs and premature tire failure, but I am not familiar with quality and finish. I have seen and driven several of these trucks and they are a very good truck. The Colorado will be redone for 2009 from what I hear, and for those finding the front end still too weird, me included, the new one will change peoples minds real fast. It will have 4,6, and 8 cylinder engines. They current Colorado/Canyon may not be best in class, but they are a good light duty truck. The Honda Ridgeline is nothing more than an SUV. The pre-production design of the Ridgeline is rumored to have come from the successful Chevy Avalanche, and the similarities can be seen by putting the pictures side-by-side. Basically the same vehicle but in a smaller size. Will Honda every get a true pickup truck your guess is as good as mine.
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I cant wait for the 2008 Dakota with 290hp and 350ft-lb  the only thing bad about the Dakota is its low quality interior  .
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Replying to: gdog6 (May 10, 2007 6:53 pm)
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Replying to: driver56 (May 10, 2007 7:55 pm) Dr Z saved money with the cheap interior so he could get him a leather jacket  Just one more reason he Stinks as a CEO 
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Replying to: jfritsch (May 10, 2007 10:38 am) Not uncommon for a line of trucks and SUVs to share chassis, drive trains and such. Sometimes the basic difference is whether or not the bed is open, or if it is covered and has some seats and carpet in place. While there are some differences in spring rates, interior tweaks and such, the chassis and drive trains share a lot more than we know. Same with the Ridgeline and Pilot. Honda is no different than the other mfg in this respect. However, the components under a Ridgeline such as the separate frame, rear 4WD drive components, suspension and such are different from the Pilot. The actual floor pan is probably very similar. Just like the other mfg. As the Ridgeline is front wheel drive, I certainly do not believe the Ridgeline drive train is as strong as a Tacoma or Frontier. I do believe it is stronger than a Pilot. The Ridgeline is after a different market, and does it very well. Personally, if I am going to do serious hauling, I'm going to go full size and V8! Kip
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