I love it. 'Stella' (the dakota) is still doing just fine, and is probably the best truck I've ever driven. Seriously.

 Why's that? My friend has a ~2001 Dakota and says he loves it too.

 I have done terrible, evil, monstrous things to that truck. and apart from having to replace the tires and brakes a bit more often than if I had driven it nicely, it has given me no grief at all.
Add to that crazy quick acceleration, stupid amounts of power from such a small engine, and the ability to haul 9 guys and bikes up super-steep offroad ascents, and she's a gem.
I've beat new F150's off the line, she drives better and has been way more reliable than any of my friends' new tacomas, (not Ducks... I've never driven his)... yeah. the truck just looks like a piece of shit. mostly from me driving it way too fast offroad during the winter and smashing i into and through ditches/etc.

 I love me some good sleeper action.

 what's been happening with your friends tacos? I had a 2002 dakota 4.7l 4by4 and I think I like it more than my 2010 tacoma trd! haha

 Actually, wait! I lied. My friend has a ~2001 Tacoma.

 mak- accelerator issues, fuel pump issues and some axle issues. Like wheels almost falling off and shit. LOL. I didn't ask too many questions. I find unless I'm offering my help, it's best to just let guys gripe about their trucks and nod politely.

 woah! thats terrible! (thank fff for the 7 year bumper to bumper they gave me!) I agree, its sometimes best to let them vent, then move on with life.

 Dakotas are amazing trucks. True story, it's why I have 2. And would gladly buy another one.

 yep.

 this was sitting around the basement.

 3 bikes in the back, 2 on the rack. 5 passengers. boom.

 yes it does!

 nope.

 oh, sick build anyways!

 thanks!

 Thanks dude(s)! Can't wait to get a few more of these built up!