2005 Dodge Dakota Review

Specifications

Apparently Size Does Matter

The 2005 Dodge Dakota pickup is a little big in the britches to still be considered a compact truck. Sure, its the smallest pickup Dodge presently builds, but at 218.8 inches in length and equipped with four doors, four-wheel drive and a powerful V8, it hardly fits into the compact segment. The only thing longer in its class is the new Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab long box, which pulls the tape to an astounding 221.3 inches.

Along with greater size, 2005 brings the Dakota stylish new sheet metal, improved front and rear suspension, a stronger boxed frame, the availability of full-time all-wheel drive and a significant boost in power thanks to a high-output Magnum V8. My top-of-the-line Laramie tester featured the Club Cab body, which is considerably smaller than Dodges four-door Quad Cab. Interestingly though, the two are identical in length, with a smaller box size the trade-off for the Quads larger living space. The Club Cabs cargo box is 6.5 feet in length, versus the Quads compact 5.3 foot-long cargo box.

This years design firms-up the Dakotas soft exterior lines with lines more angular and in line with Dodges current Ram styling characteristics. The remake also pays homage to the Durango SUVs recent restyling, which makes sense given that the Dakota is based on its well-refined platform. I am quite pleased with the Dakotas makeover; like a reality TV-show contestant, it has gone from dowdy to howdy!

The improved looks carry over into the cab as well, where Dodge has drawn from the Durangos gene pool to create an orderly, well-proportioned, appealing dash layout. Large white-backed gauges sit prominently ahead of the driver, next to a satin metal- trimmed center stack housing the audio unit and a straightforward, three-dial HVAC system. Unfortunately, though, the over-use of hard plastic, while functional and easy to maintain, robs the interior of premium status.

Despite this criticism, I found the cab of the Dakota very comfortable and full of conveniences such as forward-facing flip-down rear seats, accessible through a pair of rear-quarter doors. Although these seats are not intended for long distance travel - at least I hope not - they are useful to cart children short distances when necessary. In their stowed position, plenty of cargo space opens up behind the Dakotas front seats. Adding to Dakotas ability to accommodate things big and small is a tremendously deep console storage bin and large bins in the base of each door.

Because my tester was the fully loaded Laramie edition, it spoiled me with heated power- adjustable leather seats, a six-disc in-dash CD audio unit and many other amenities. Regardless of bell-and-whistle content, the Dakota will also spoil occupants with a remarkably smooth, well-controlled ride, attributable to the rigidity of its all-new, fully boxed hydro-formed frame onto which a revised, independent, front coil-over-shock suspension setup is hung.

The highly absorbent calibration of the Dakotas conventional leaf-spring rear suspension nicely complements the pliancy up front, giving it a balanced feeling over bumps and rough roads. Also on the positive side is its tight, rattle-free operation over these surfaces. As well, road and wind noises are also pleasingly muted, although wind rush is evident at highway speeds, which come quickly in the V8-powered Dakota.

Although I have yet to sample the Dakotas base engine, a 3.7-liter (226 cu in) V6, it is capable of spinning out 210 horsepower and a decent 235 pound-feet of torque. Dodge claims this engine to be the most powerful base engine in the compact truck segment; it also claims that no other vehicle in this class offers a V8 - and that is correct.

With a maximum towing rating of 5,750 pounds when properly equipped, the 4WD Dakota wins the compact class pulling-power contest hands down thanks to its available V8 powerplants. That pair includes a new high-output 4.7-liter (287 cu in) mill that ups the power delivered by the standard 4.7 Magnum V8 by 30 horsepower and 15 pound-feet of torque, giving the high-output motor 260 ponies and 310 pound-feet of twist.

My tester was fitted with the standard Magnum V8, which limited me to 230 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, but dont interpret that as disappointing. I was quite delighted with its responsiveness, acceleration ability and passing power - not to mention its distinctive V8 exhaust note. If not for the all-wheel drive system connecting the engine to all four-corners, overwhelming the rear rubber would be a certain consequence when the demand for power runs deep. Dodge has wisely seen fit to make their shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive (4WD) with low-range gearing available across the Dakota lineup.

In addition to 4WD and low-range gearing, my tester maximized traction with the Dakotas optional all-wheel-drive system that seamlessly shifts torque to wheel(s) with superior grip. Wet or dry, the system kept the lively Dakota welded to the tarmac. Simply twisting a dial on the center stack locks-in all four wheels when the going gets downright ugly; a further twist engages the systems low-range gearing. Unfortunately, traction control is not available on the Dakota regardless of drive configuration. A limited-slip rear differential is available on 2WD models; however, a special axle ratio must also be ordered.

Dropping the anchor in the Dakota engages front disc brakes and a rear drum setup. Antilock rear brakes are standard and four-wheel antilock is optional. I shake my head at such arrangements; why not just equip the vehicle with antilock brakes front and rear as standard equipment, as many competitors have. Making antilock standard only on the rear brakes is like handing out half a life jacket as water spills over the gunwales.

On the Dakotas occupant protection list is the availability of supplemental side-curtain airbags in addition to the standard-equipment multi-stage front airbags, of which the passenger-side one can be manually deactivated. An Occupant Classification System is incorporated into the front passenger airbag, ensuring deployment only occurs when an appropriately-sized passenger is in the seat, and positioned properly.

Although side-curtain airbags and four-wheel antilock brakes are not on the Dakotas schedule of standard ST equipment, a move up the ladder to the SLT trim level resolves that issue.

The mid-level SLT model sits one floor beneath the “penthouse” of the Dakota line-up, the Laramie edition. Marking the Laramie box on the order form will seat those up front in six-way power adjustable leather seats. Ahead of the driver will sit a leather-wrapped steering wheel fitted with both audio and cruise controls. A premium Infinity six-disc in-dash audio unit tops the list of Laramie goodies, which includes a universal garage door opener, an automatic day/night rearview mirror and automatic headlights. My Laramie tester spoiled me even further by adding a roof-mounted driver information center and front seat heating along with DaimlerChryslers hands-free cell phone communications link, called Uconnect.

With a starting price of $27,600 for the 4WD Laramie, its fair to say that Dakota luxury doesnt come cheap. However, Dodge has managed to keep the 4WD Dakotas entry-level price very reasonable for those willing to forgo Laramie togs. Look for a starting price of $22,635 for the 4WD Club Cab. To toughen the Dakota up and make it a heck of a workhorse, Dodge offers a Skid Plate Package and a heavy-duty Trailer Tow group as optional equipment.

I particularly liked the 2005 Dodge Dakota. While large for its compact rating, the Dakota is a highly capable rig that works and plays like the big boys, but without being over-the-top in terms of size and bulk - something like the Steve Nash of trucks.