2005 Dodge Dakota Quick Spin

It's ironic. With all the noise that Chrysler has been making lately with the successful 300 and Magnum, the new Dakota is about being quiet. Quiet, as in a quieter cabin for the 2005 edition of its midsize Dodge Dakota pickup truck. Less noise, more motors and a bigger size - that's the short story on the newest Dodge. The 2005 Dodge Dakota is offered in Club Cab (with two rear half doors) and Quad Cab (four full-size doors) models, with three trim levels: SL, SLT and Laramie. In addition to the standard rear-wheel-drive setup, two four-wheel-drive systems are available - a traditional, part-time transfer case with low range; and a full-time, all-wheel drive system usable on any surface, any time. Prices range from $19,210 for a base Dakota SL Club Cab to $29,324 for a 4WD Dakota Laramie Quad Cab. We drove an opulently outfitted version of the biggest and best Dakota, the Laramie Quad Cab, on the highways and byways of upstate New York. Photography: © Dan Lyons 2004

Design

For 2005, the already-large Dodge Dakota stretches to become sort of a mid-plus pickup. It's about 3.7 inches longer by the tape measure, with most of that space falling ahead of the front axle. Styling cues tie the new Dakota with its full-size line mates the Durango SUV and RAM pickup. There's the familiar crosshair grille up front, while the side views show sharply drawn fender lines, more angular than the last edition. The tail treatment includes the "afterburner" lights first seen on the Jeep Liberty and Durango. That new skin is stretched over an also-new frame. The fully boxed, hydroformed frame is said to be eight times stiffer than the previous version. The chassis is fitted out with a revamped suspension (independent short/long arm in front, multi-leaf springs in back), and the power steering has been re-racked: a new rack-and-pinion steering gear was developed to impart a lighter feel to the wheel. Brakes are front-disc/rear-drum with standard rear-wheel ABS. A four-wheel ABS system is optional, and it includes electronic brake-force distribution. Photography: © Dan Lyons 2004

Interior

The 2005 Dodge Dakota's freshened interior takes a step up in refinement compared to the previous generation. The front seats are comfortably padded, with nearly nine inches of travel to fit both the short and the tall. The back seats are roomy for a midsize pickup, and legroom is only an issue if both rows are packing six-footers. Following truck tradition, the Dakota's controls are simple and straightforward. In 60 seconds, you can figure out where everything is, and what everything does, without consulting the owner's manual. Sitting front and center is a big speedometer, flanked by two smaller circular gauge housings, all white-faced and easily read. Care was taken to build a quieter truck this time around. Dodge installed front door glass that is thicker, and bolstered insulation in the floor and the dash panel. Even the exhaust system's mufflers get into the act - Dodge specified 30-percent larger cans, with twin resonators, to keep unwanted noise at bay. Photography: © Dan Lyons 2004

Powertrain

Dodge might be trying to make the Dakota's interior quieter, but it's making some noise about what they're bringing to the table in powertrains. Dakota's standard engine is now a 3.7-liter V6, and it's linked to a six-speed manual transmission or, optionally, a four-speed automatic. It's rated at 210 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque. Two V8s are also available - a first in this class. Buyers can choose from a 4.7-liter V8 making 230 horsepower and 290 lb.-ft. of torque, or a High Output version of that engine with 20 added horsepower and 10 more lb.-ft. of torque. Either eight can be had with a six-speed stick or optional five-speed automatic. Our test truck was fitted with the 4.7L HO V8 motor combined with a five-speed automatic, and delivered smooth, impressive power. All the daily demands upon an engine - passing, merging, cruising - are easily met by the 4.7L HO V8, and the automatic lines up well with the motor's power band. Gas mileage is on par with the general pickup class - a class of low achievers. EPA estimates range from 17/22, city/highway for a 2WD V6 automatic to 14/18 for an HO V8 4WD like our test Dakota. We managed to hit a real world mark of 15.5 mpg over 700 miles of mixed driving. Photography: © Dan Lyons 2004

Driving Dakota

One advantage of the V8 in the 2005 Dodge Dakota is that it ups your pulling potential. Properly equipped, the Dakota can tow a maximum of 7,150 lbs., which Dodge claims is class leading. As for on-board cargo, the Dakota is a tale of two boxes. Club Cabs have a 6'6" long bed, while Quad Cab beds measure 5'4". Both are 45.2 inches wide between the wheel wells. Indentations built into the wells and the box panels allow you to drop in a pair of 2x6 boards, thereby creating a dual deck that allows a full width load to be carried on the upper portion of the bed. On the road, the 2005 Dodge Dakota demonstrates a good compromise between a traditional truck workhorse and a daily driver. The suspension is stiff enough for stable handling when under load, yet an easy rider when carrying only people. Indeed, the Dakota is a smooth riding truck, though a light load on a bumpy road will coax some wiggles and jiggles out of the suspension. The revamped power steering has a solid, progressive feel and the Dakota showed no signs of being inclined to either lock the rear wheels up under heavy braking, or to get tail happy - two common, empty-box complaints with pick'em-ups. Photography: © Dan Lyons 2004

Wrap-up and Specs

The midsize pickup segment is fast becoming the most popular personal-use segment of the open-box hauler market, one that Dodge says the previous-generation Dakota enjoyed significant popularity if its 15-percent sales share is any indication. With revised V8 engine options and added refinement, the redesigned 2005 Dodge Dakota's a cinch to bump up that share. SPECIFICATIONS: Test Vehicle: 2005 Dodge Dakota Laramie 4WD Quad Cab Engine Size and Type: 4.7-liter H.O. V8 Engine Horsepower: 250 at 5,200 rpm Engine Torque: 300 at 3,500 rpm EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 14/18 mpg Observed Fuel Economy: 15.5 mpg Curb Weight: 4,772 lbs. Towing Capacity: 7,150 lbs. Payload Capacity: 1,240 lbs. Competitors: Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Mazda B-Series, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma Photography: © Dan Lyons 2004

FAQs

Why buy a 2005 Dodge Dakota? The redesigned Dakota's mid-plus size will be a good fit for many buyers. New V8 engine options offer more power, and better towing/hauling capacity. Also, the Dakota can be spec'd as anything from a work truck to a daily driver, and it does both well. What's the downside of the 2005 Dodge Dakota? Typical truck stuff can make the Dakota hard to live with as a personal-use daily driver. Ride quality, gas mileage, and back seat room are all good for a truck, but not as good as a car. What are the key options on the 2005 Dodge Dakota? A stripper V6 goes for $19,210, and a full-boat 4x4 Quad Cab stickers for $29,324. In between, buyers can pick and choose as they see fit. Select from regular, Club, or Quad cab styles, mated with short or longer cargo boxes. Dakota can be outfitted with your choice between three engines, 2WD or 4WD, manual or automatic transmission, and long list of options including high end sound systems, side curtain airbags, etc. Photography: © Dan Lyons 2004