1997–2004 Dodge Dakota Carpet & Floor Mat Replacement – Buyer's Guide
July 08, 2025
The second-generation Dodge Dakota, produced from 1997 to 2004, carved out a niche in the mid-size truck market with its bold styling, V8 power, and available configurations like regular, extended (Club), and crew cabs. Whether your Dakota is still doing duty as a weekend warrior, workhorse, or off-road toy, restoring the interior with new carpet or floor mats can significantly enhance comfort, cleanliness, and value.
Why Replace the Carpet or Floor Mats?
Owners often replace Dakota carpeting due to:
- Heavy staining from dirt, mud, and coffee spills
- Worn-down fibers in high-traffic areas like the driver footwell
- Mildew or moisture damage from leaky doors or windows
- Desire for a cleaner cabin or refreshed look for resale
Replacing the flooring transforms your Dakota’s interior, boosts resale value, and adds comfort—especially if you opt for padding or noise-reducing upgrades.
Original Material and Construction
From the factory, 1997–2004 Dodge Dakotas came with cutpile carpet molded to fit the floor pan contours. All Factory Interiors kits retain that molded shape for a precise fit and come with attached jute padding underfoot for insulation and cushioning. Floor mats are die-cut from the same cutpile material, and logo options are available for a custom touch.
Vinyl Flooring Option
All molded carpet kits listed below are also available in a rugged vinyl flooring upgrade, ideal for work trucks, construction crews, farm use, or off-road applications where cleaning with a hose is a bonus. Vinyl is not available for floor mats.
Upgrade Options
- Essex Carpet: A plush upgrade to cutpile for a more luxurious feel
- Mass Backing: Adds thermal and sound insulation (available on molded kits only)
- Free material samples: Request swatches to match your interior before ordering
Installation Tips & Best Practices
Most Dakota owners with basic tools can perform a DIY install in a weekend. However, if you're restoring a show truck or dealing with rust, you may want to hire a local upholstery shop, mechanic, or detailer.
Common Concerns & Fixes:
- Mounting holes: Use a drill bit in reverse to avoid damaging carpet fibers
- Fitting around consoles: Test-fit before trimming. Mass backing may require minor adjustments
- Wrinkles: Lay carpet in the sun or use a heat gun carefully to relax bends
- Old carpet as a template: Only use OEM carpet for comparison—stretched aftermarket carpet may mislead
Product Comparison Table
| Product | Material Type | Construction | Body Style | Transmission | Drivetrain | Logo Option | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floor Mats – 2pc Front | Cutpile | Die Cut | Reg Cab, Ext Cab | — | — | Logos Available |  |
| Floor Mats – 4pc | Cutpile | Die Cut | Crew Cab | — | — | Logos Available |  |
| Carpet – Complete | Cutpile | Molded | Crew Cab | Auto | 2 & 4WD | N/A |  |
| Carpet – Complete | Cutpile | Molded | Ext Cab | 5spd | 2 & 4WD | N/A |  |
| Carpet – Complete | Cutpile | Molded | Ext Cab | Auto | 2 & 4WD | N/A |  |
| Carpet – Complete | Cutpile | Molded | Reg Cab | 5spd | 2 & 4WD | N/A |  |
| Carpet – Complete | Cutpile | Molded | Reg Cab | Auto | 2 & 4WD | N/A |  |
Why Factory Interiors?
Auto Custom Carpets (ACC) has been the industry leader in automotive flooring for decades. As the #1 manufacturer of replacement carpet in the world, their products are made in the USA and trusted by enthusiasts and restoration shops alike. Factory Interiors is a top-tier distributor of ACC products and the go-to source for Dodge Dakota owners thanks to their expert support, accurate fitment guidance, and unbeatable service.
Still unsure? Contact our team for fitment help, color samples, or installation advice.