This is one of three Dakota quadcabs in my family (one son owns 2) --all have been good and we like them a lot. I suggest anyone considering one skip the v-6; mileage is almost the same as the v-8 and the v-8 has a lot more power. Dependability has been good on all with the exception of the aforementioned steering rack.
Update to Nov 2021: One of the best I've owned. Practically no expenses to own except for gas & oil. Unfortunately, have had to get a full size 2007 Ram for towing a 5000 lb RV trailer. I didn't try to pull it with the Dakota, though it can technically handle it- just figured better safe than sorry. For general driving I far prefer the Dakota to the Ram. Better ride, quieter, just generally feels more like a luxury pickup. Of course the Ram has a lot more power, but I only care about that for towing purposes.
