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"Bigger, bolder and
tougher." That's how Dodge describes its Dakota pickup truck, which has
been redesigned for 2005.
  
Introduced at the Chicago Auto Show in February
2004, the 2005 Dakota promises best-in-class horsepower, torque and towing
capabilities. Dodge says it offers the only V-8 engine choices in its
class. A V-6 is standard, but the Dakota can be fitted with either of two
V-8s, which yield as much as 260 hp and 310 pounds-feet of torque.
      
      
      
Both Club Cab and Quad Cab models went on sale in
the fall of 2004. No regular-cab model is offered. Dodge claims the Dakota
is the first small pickup to offer heated cloth seats.
Dakotas come with two- or four-wheel drive in three trim levels: ST, SLT
and Laramie.
Measuring 3.7 inches
longer than its predecessor, the Dakota has greater crush space. That's
because most of the increase in length is ahead of the front axle. The
bumpers have been extended slightly fore and aft for greater protection in
low-speed impacts. The Dakota's overall width is nearly 7 inches greater
than the Chevrolet Colorado.
Club Cab models have a 6.5-foot bed, while the Quad
Cab gets a bed that measures 5 feet 4 inches long. New front and rear
suspensions are intended to improve the Dakota’s ride. An all-new
rack-and-pinion steering system is installed, and 16-inch wheels are
standard.
A squared-off hood, grille and fender edges give a
distinctive look.
Laramie models display
several chrome pieces that are absent from other models.
Both the Club Cab and Quad
Cab body styles in the Dakota lineup provide greater interior space than
any other small pickup. Quad Cab models can be fitted for six-passenger
seating rather than the usual five-passenger capacity. With the reversible
60/40-split rear seats folded, Club Cab storage space totals 30.0 cubic
feet, versus 37.1 cubic feet in the Quad Cab.
Club Cab models have forward-facing rear seats and
new standard rear-hinged access doors. As opposed to the three-passenger
rear bench seat used in previous models, the redesigned Dakota has space
for only two adults, but Dodge claims these occupants now ride more
comfortably.
A 3.7-liter V-6 rated at
210 hp and 235 pounds-feet of torque is the standard engine. Stepping up a
notch, the available 4.7-liter V-8 produces 230 hp and 290 pounds-feet of
torque. Topping the performance list is a new high-output 4.7-liter V-8
that delivers 260 hp and 310 pounds-feet of torque. Transmission choices
include a four-speed automatic, five-speed automatic and six-speed manual.
Both V-8 engines are considered 3 to 4 percent more
fuel-efficient than prior Dakota V-8s, while the company says the V-6
yields 6 percent greater fuel efficiency. When properly equipped, towing
capacity can reach 7,150 pounds. Either a part-time or full-time
four-wheel-drive transfer case is available.
Dual-stage front airbags
and an occupant-sensing system for the passenger side are installed. Side
curtain-type airbags that protect passengers in both rows of seats are
optional.
A V-6-powered Dakota is
overtaxed — short on power and sluggish for passing and merging. The V-8s
are more suitable for people who drive on upgrades. After only a slight
delay at start-up, the V-8-equipped Dakota delivers a steady, satisfying
stream of power. Automatic transmission shifts in trucks with the V-8 are
a bit more noticeable than on the V-6, but they're not annoying. However,
a double downshift before passing may be somewhat disconcerting.
Performance with the high-output engine isn't
appreciably quicker than with a regular V-8, despite the substantial
horsepower and torque boost. When pushed, its automatic transmission slams
hard into the next gear, too.
Dodge's manual gearbox is typical of pickup trucks
with its slightly mushy feel and well-behaved, easy-engaging clutch.
Though the transmission shifts simply enough, it's not totally apparent
which gear you're in.
Four-wheel-drive versions ride with pleasant
smoothness on good pavement. The suspension reacts quickly to bumps and
recovers promptly. On narrow two-lane roads, the Dakota maneuvers quite
handily and with a satisfying steering feel.
The seats lack side bolstering and don't have much
back support. Rear occupants in the Quad Cab sit with their knees up and
have minimal toe space but are otherwise reasonably comfortable, though
the center spot is a high, hard perch.
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