The R/T was the best looking truck from the big 3 at the time. It was also one of the best performing (not including the Lighting). The Shelby was also a good looking truck and good performing with the V-8.

Dodge Dakota R/T is one of my favorite trucks as a child and I still remember as of today.

As Jeremy Clarkson once said “The Dodge Dakota R/T was so good that dodge nor Chrysler know how to make it again”

In 1998 I considered the R/T, but ended up getting a 5.2L (318) extended-cab Sport in Dark Amethyst because I wanted a 5 speed. Got it with a Tow package to get a higher numerical rear end. It was quite quick for its time.

I’m fortunate enough to currently own 2 Dakota R/Ts. One a 1998 I bought brand new and the other a 2001. Both extended cab both are silver. I like the 2001 better because the dash layout is a little different. Amazing trucks. Not the fastest things on the road anymore but still fun to drive and very dependable.

My favorite is the r/t and shelby.

I've only seen a Dodge Dakota convertible once in my life. It was back in 2009 at a campground in North Carolina and I saw a it drive by with the top down catching me off guard. I thought it was modified but later research after going back to cell service revealed you could buy one like that. You learn something new every day lol

Finally someone recognized the Dakota R/T. That was the best truck to own. Well before 2001 because 2001 and up had less horse power. Wasn't the fastest but it would roast the tires. Best time I got in 1/4 mile was 14.8 stock. Great video

Love the R/t I own 2 of them both regular cab intense blue and flame red

I owned a 2003 regular cab Dakota R/T in Graphite Metallic. Of all the trucks, sports cars etc that I've owned the Dakota R/T was the most exciting car of them all. It never left me with anything but a grin from ear to ear while driving.

I have a 1999 Dakota R/T Standard Cab in Deep Amethyst. Still running strong at 210k miles! Did a full Flowmaster exhaust on it with full headers into true dual 3' pipes out the back. Also threw a full size air cleaner on it for the intake and tuned it. It now churns out somewhere between 300-350ish hp and it made quite a noticable difference in power. It's a bit of a gas guzzler, but it runs and sounds so good and it's incredibly fun to drive. I plan to make it a track truck in the future!

I’m lucky enough to live in a town with a lot of rare cars. I see a lil red Dakota and a convertible red Dakota all the time in the summer it’s awesome.

I currently have a 98 Dakota 5.2 short bed with a NV 3500 manual 5 speed, 9.25 rear end with 3:92 gears. ALL FACTORY. Its rips. These things are a treasure to find. Cheap and will catch soo many people off guard. Love it..

Dakota R/T was and still is one of my favorite trucks 👍

Tough to beat a Dakota R/T. Best looking newer model truck ever in my opinion.

When I was a kid I remember seeing the 70s lil red pickups. I thought it was the coolest looking thing on the road. Btw I like your videos. Just subscribed!

Thank you for your videos! I really enjoy watching them because your videos are always very informative and cover a lot of trim levels and areas and I think that's great! Keep up the good work! 😀👍🏻

Don't forget that the 2003 Dakota R/T was the only year available with rear disc brakes and chrome 17" R/T style rims My profile pic is of my '03 R/T, 1 of only 8 black regular cab Dakota R/T's shipped to Canada.

I own a 2001 Dakota r/t. It has 192k miles and still runs like a champ.

thank you so much own a R/T myself love seeing this.

I remember having to rent a Dakota R/T Club Cab for a week--I was surprised I didn't either kill myself or get a ticket during that time. I REALLY liked that truck, and vowed I'd get one after college. Never did. And yes, it was red--though I was a bit partial to the Solar Yellow one.

You absolutely have to replace the revving sound in your intro with one of the two at the end of this video

You should do a video about all the eras of Dodge like Dimler vs FCA. You could go over what was common with each car and how it hurt or helped dodge.

I had an 89 Dakota Convertable that I added all the Shelby Dakota trim. It looked great and I got the strangest looks at car meets. When people would ask who did the top, I would say Lee Iacocca!!!!

I loved the R/T Dakota from 98-03

The R/T and Shelby are sweet machines The Chevy SSR was the only other convertible truck

Forgot one....The 8th special edition Dodge Dakota truck was a front wheel drive with no axle in the rear. The bed lowered flat to the ground for loading motorcycles. golf carts, ATV's, etc...

Informative! I’ve owned my 98 RT for a year now and it’s definitely a fun vehicle. Thanks to this video I now know I have one of 387 and one of 87 black 1998 RTs. 🤗🙏

I have a 2002 Dakota quad cab 4wd with the 5.9, and 3.92 from the factory They are super rare , but they were available if you ordered it that way from the dealership

The Dodge Dakota R/T it's my most favorite truck it will always remain as a legend in our hearts! ❤

There's actually one ultra rare 2001 Dodge Dakota 4x4 with a 4.7 HO. It was made at the Detroit plant and the only way they would let it go down the assembly line is if it had a VIN number of a two wheel drive but it's really a 4x4. It's currently registered in Vancouver Washington

Great vid awesome background on the trucks

Great video, don’t see much on Dakota R/T’s. I’m a proud owner of a gray 03 club cab 5.9l Dakota. And my older brother had a custom 2 tone paint, club cab, 98 R/T 5.9l back in the day which inspired my to get my own

Own one of the white shelby dakotas, it is a fun little truck

Good compilation of the Daks - would have liked to see more info on the 3rd gen 4.7L High Output Dakota R/T's from 2006 and 2007, haven't seen production numbers on those anywhere. As for one special edition missing, there was a "Night Runner" edition of the 3rd Gen Dakota's as well in 06 & 07 (08 as well?).

While I’m working towards affording an original Shelby Daytona, I’ll prolly buy the Shelby Dakota. I already like the Dakota truck; Dodge and Shelby working together is like my two favorite musicians collaborating!

Have a 99’ R/T club cab as my first vehicle and it is a pretty sweet ride, I do wish the Dakota R/T came with a sporty 5 or 6 speed manual transmission but all in all I still don’t want to ever get rid of it because it is still an awesome truck after all these years!

In the 98-03 Dakotas the 5.9 was also a available as a standard engine. My dad owned a 5.9 4 Door.

I love the Lil red express 😎😏

There needs to be a new lil red express for tge 1500, with the hellcat engine

i remember seeing a dakota convertible and flipping out knowing how rare they are to see dont think ill see another for a long time

Really liked the video! I have a ‘96 Dakota Sport 4x4, 5.2 V-8, Mopar roll bar package. I love this truck! 217,000+ miles on her and still runs like a Mopar should!!

Woah I saw marspeed and was like omg I totally forgot about him! I totaled my charger a year ago and got into a couple rams and then a prerunner f150. I would love to make a charger prerunner build but we’ll see! Good to see another great video from you bub

Had a hand me 1996 dodge Dakota my grandfather last pickup. Before he died he told my grandmother to hand it down when I was gonna be 17 . I'm 24 now and that truck still runs.

Thank you. I just got a 1990 and I've been trying to figure out a direction to customize my little truck it's pretty fun.

The rt was not the only model powered by the 5.9 v8, it was an option in the 97-04 4x4 crew cab models

i have a 2002 ,AWD with 4 low and 4 high.Dakota with 4.7,quad cab in red,and i have a black 98 with 318.Love both those trucks,my 02 will go through almost anything ......great video dude

I currently drive a 04 dak quad cab, 289k only 1 new trans since new. Smooth to the groove!

I got a 2000 R/T Dakota with a 5.9 love it

GREAT video! The only thing I would add, is that the R/T was NOT the only dakota model to get the 360(5.9) as you stated... the 2003 and 2004 SLT "Plus" also had the 360 as an option albeit in quad-cab only, and towing more than SOME 1500 pickups of the era. Excellent work otherwise 👏

The Dakota 5.9 RT of 1998-2003 is my favorite!😀

I got a 3.9 with the 5 speed and 1/2 a million miles still going strong

In 2003 Dakota RT was 4- wheel disk. I have owned one since 2003. Only year for 4-wheel disk.

A guy around my area has or had a white Dakota Sport Convertible. They are something else in person. It was also a 2x4 👍 Awesome video!

Dakota RT was the first vehicle I ever owned and seeing this video gives me a few good memories

Just scored on a 01 pitch black single cab short bed RT with 130k miles doesn’t miss a beat everything is stock clean title rides smooth as butter love every bit of it drive it every day and it does not get old love that truck

R/T is my favorite by far

I have a black 99 Durango 5.9 kept it mint all these years

Could you do an episode of the dodge ramcharger?

I loved the Dakota R/T. Good looking truck, would make a killer drifter today

i thought those old gas trucks with stacks were aftermarket

I had an r/t 😭 still miss it

I had a 94 Dakota sport magnum v8 with a five speed. Loved that truck. Fast and able. So much fun

I have a 2001 Dakota Quad Cab Sport 3.9- 4x4, almost 200k on her, still going strong.

I had a 01 quad cab dakota and a 2006 quad cab dakota. I miss both, especially my 01, as it was my first vehicle. I'll get another one day

I love the sound of the rt at the end. He has convinced me to buy one.

I had a 79 lil red express. It would outrun everything but a gas station. No matter how you drove or how empty or loaded the bed was it got 10 to 12 mpg.

The beds were manufactured in Sturgis, MI by Delta III Corp and sold to LER as well as other conversion companies around the US and Canada. LER was the only conversion company that did the Lil Red Express version though.

Nevet knew they made a lil red express version of it

My thoughts on the R/T, I have had 3 and still own an 02 silver regular cab. Dont perform well against today's technology but still fun

I have a 1999 Dodge Dakota RT Yellow Regular cab 81000 miles Thanks for sharing

I have an 01 base package. White SB manual trans. When it was new and nice, some folks mistake it for a sleeper

I had a 2000 R/T Club Cab Intense Blue. I loved that truck.

Back in 2000 I purchased a new regular cab black Dakota R/T. I loved that truck owned it for 7 years a growing family forced me to sell for a larger vehicle. That was the only one I wish I had back

I owned a 99 Solar yellow club cab. I loved it.

my brother had a lil red express. it was a '78, but had the '79 grill with square lights. i guess similar to my bronco, it's a late '78 model, but has the '79 front end already. but that lil red of his was my favourite truck ever.

My sister's ex husband had a blue ext cab 2000 R/T lowered show truck when they met. It was only a year old and was fast. Loved his 1994 Anniversary Trans Am more. But he was the first person to do the shaker hood conversion that I personally knew.

The R/T was not the only Dakota with the 5.9 magnum. I have a 2000 Quad Cab with a 5.9L

I miss my '99 R/T.

The 2nd generation body's styles are still the best looking Dodge came out with.

I had two R/Ts while living in Brazil . The Brazilian model R/T 5.2L V8 Reg. Cab. was a 2000 model and the North American model 5.9L R/T club cab that was made in Canada and exported to Brazil in 1998. I was the second owner of both trucks and both were black. Update your export list. for 1998 . :)

I had two 2000 model year Dakotas 1 white 4wd and 1 blue and silver 2wd trucks! Miss them both! I have a 2003 Ram Cummins crewcab dually now! Lol!

I miss my R/T. That was a super fun truck to drive!

Loved both my 2000 Dakotas one was white 4wd and the other dark blue 2wd.

I ordered a 97 rwd 5.2 5 spd with 3.90 club cab with only a/c. Dealer tried to sell me a truck that was coming in . This was September of 96 and was trading in a 94 s 10 extended cab 4.3 4x4. When I picked it up I lite up the parking lot on way out getting thumbs up from other customers. After seeing the Hot Wheels hemi Dakota in Sport Truck I went full bore crazy. Edelbrock aluminum heads, Comp Roller cam , Kenne Bell twin screw supercharger, Borla stainless headers and true duals. C notched rear with 4 link and panhard bar, Bell Tech a arms and spindles for 3/5 drop. Good for 415 hp at tires , which usually only lasted about 8000 miles if that. And all came to a crashing end in 2001 when racing a beating a 2000 Mustang and lost control from kids opening a hydrant on cross street and took out utility pool and corner of brick building. Yep oops trash city

Love the video! I just came across this video and I'm glad I did. My Dakota is a super rare version. I've been doing research for years trying to find accurate production numbers and it's been a pain it the ass. Mine is a 1997 v8 2wd sport regular cab 6ft bed. In the vin the motor is the original 5.2 rt motor with the downfall of the true 1 wheel wonder 3.55 gears. What makes it so rare is the color which is listed as magenta In the paint code but more like the actual color of Barney the dinosaur. So after every option with that color only 48 were produced. Love my truck! It's been an absolute beast and basically my best friend for over 11 years at this point with the only major issue is blowing the rear which was welded. I had 1846 pounds of scrap in the bed passing 18 wheelers on my way to the yard. After dumping the load and having the guy who was weighing me in ask me why I would do that to such a small truck having no idea what he was taking about til I saw the slip..... I fell in love forever lmao some videos are on my channel

Ya ever miss your truck so much, youtube recommends you a video of its rarest versions?

Love the video you forgot about the dodge Dakota express which was before the lil red Dakota and the stepside express I think it was called

My friend I went to school with, I graduated in 1998, he had a 1993 dodge Dakota extended can with a 360 ( 5.9l ). Yes he ordered it that way, but was damn fun to drive, guess he had the first R/T lol

I owned 2 1999 R/Ts years ago, a Black club can and a Solar Yellow reg cab. They were great looking and fun to drive trucks that I absolutley miss to this day! Chrysler really missed out with the following generation by not creating a Hemi powered R/T. ,

I'm just wondering if you have any info on the Dakota super sport as I owned one not long ago

Love the Dakota line

I'm really surprised they didn't bring the Dakota when the Colorado and Ranger returned.

Love your shows I own a 2002 R/T Dakota Club Cab in Black on Maui in Hawaii there are a total of 6 on this island

My first pickup truck was a 1994 dodge Dakota with the V6…. Pulled out of the dealership and the check engine light goes off within the first mile. Took it back to the dealer and it was just an oxygen sensor.. after that, no issues… had it for 36,000 miles till I traded it in on a dodge Ram

There’s a convertible Dakota always roaming around my town very neat trucks

This is cool

Just picked up a '99 Solar Yellow club cab RT. (if you're over 6' tall, the club cab is more comfortable) Love the look of the fender flares, but they are bad for hiding/promoting rust. Unfortunately they are screwed and double-sided taped on so you can't easily remove them to check. Minor design mods could have eliminated the areas where rust occurs, but hey, they don't build them to last.

my father has a 1999 Dodge Dakota R/T with a 360/5.9 V8 under the hood and the truck is solar yellow and we use it as a farm truck and boy that is a strong truck, but those trucks are known for cracking heads and timing covers,my dad bought the truck wrecked the right front fender was smashed so its got a silver fender, the front bumper was smashed so its also got a white bumper, the tailgate was missing so its also got a green tailgate, the rear bumper was ripped off half way so its got a chrome bumper from an older truck.But still its a grate truck.

One day I hope to own a second gen Dakota. It's one of my all time favorite trucks and would be a dream to own