2005 Dodge Dakota Review

Specifications

A Bold New Look for Midsize Pickup Best-Seller

Way back on November 17th I took part in a small gathering of automotive media types at Detroits Cobo Hall, to witness the unveiling of a whole range of new Chrysler Group products. Among the sedans, wagons and convertibles was a new pickup truck, nothing less than the 2005 Dakota.

I took my time walking around scribbling down notes, as cameras were not allowed, and then attempting to describe its completely revised sheetmetal in a news story that followed (Automotive News Archives: November 20, 2003 - Chrysler Group Previews New Models in Detroit). In the story I described the truck as “a chiseled version of the new Durango SUV that was also on hand. The Dakota looks smart with angular fender flares, wraparound headlamp clusters and taillights similar in appearance to the Durango, inspired by the double-bubble lenses featured on the current Jeep Liberty.”

No such description is necessary now, as Chrysler has released photos of its 4WD Quad Cab version to coincide with an official unveiling at the Chicago auto show on February 4th. Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President, Chrysler Group Design sums up the new look as follows:

“With the new Dodge Dakota, we have created a new design language that instantly identifies the Dakota as a new Dodge pickup.” Creed continued, “We have refined the pickup styling elements without losing any of the boldness and power that defines the Dodge Ram and new Dodge Durango. Viewed from the side, the Dakota has a more aggressive attitude and a taller bodyside in keeping with current design trends.”

Dakota fans should be pleased that Dodge has continued with its tough-as-a-rig exterior styling, fitting being that the trucks undercarriage is even more rugged than its predecessors. The 2005 truck gets an all-new frame with improvements in “stiffness, strength and durability,” according to Dodge. It not only benefits hauling and towing capabilities, but should enhance handling on and off the road. Whats more, frontal, offset frontal and recently mandated high-speed rear impact specifications are sure to be improved.

“The frame is critical on any truck and the new Dodge Dakota benefits from the hydroforming experience we have gained from the development of two all-new Dodge Ram trucks and the all-new Dodge Durango,” commented Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President, Product Development, Chrysler Group. “The new Dodge Dakota is a real truck, with full-size truck capability and with more comfort and refinement than the previous generation Dakota.”

The new Dakota gets the recently redesigned Durangos patented octagonal front rail tips, which help it to achieve better impact specs due to their tapered shape, the result of a hydroformed construction process. Popular Science magazine highlighted this feature in its “Best of Whats New” section. The steel frame is welded, joined by fully-boxed hydroformed and roll-formed frame rails.

Attached to the frame is a new “coil-over” shock absorber configuration. The suspension components are new as well, a short and long-arm (SLA) independent setup in front and a carryover Hotchkiss system with multi-leaf rear springs in the rear, that together allow a best-in-class 11,500 pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The same suspension components get used for two and four wheel drive Dakotas, making the ride height of both common, as well as a reduction in development and manufacturing costs. This should keep the 2005 models retail price more competitive.

The outgoing Dakota is a decent handling pickup, but the new version should eclipse its capabilities by a fair margin. According to Dodge, “the steering system, stabilizer bars, spring rates and bushings are also fine-tuned to achieve optimum handling qualities.” Added to this is an all-new rack-and-pinion steering gear for improved feel and reaction to driver input. All things considered the new Dakotas driving dynamics should be good, but a complete report will have to wait until Ive had a chance to drive it.

During the future-model preview I did take the opportunity to look under the hood mind you, and was happy to see the automakers superb high-output 4.7-L V8 that I tested last year in the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland. It replaces the 2003 Dakotas 5.9-L V8, and boasts more than 250 horsepower and over 300 lb-ft of torque. As far as towing capabilities go, Dodge is reporting a 7,000 pound capacity. This top engine comes only with the SLT and Laramie packages and only with an automatic gearbox.

The brands 3.7-L V6 is once again the base powerplant, delivering 210-hp at 5,200 rpm and 235 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm through a standard 6-speed Getrag manual gearbox. Dodge says the new transmission “delivers improved fuel efficiency and drivability,” which is always welcome considering todays high fuel costs. For those who prefer an automatic, a 4-speed unit is also available with the 3.7-liter engine.

The next engine in line is the regular output 4.7-L V8, producing 230-hp at 4,600 rpm and 290 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. Thats plenty of power for most jobs, and being that it is equipped with a state-of-the-art 5-speed automatic transmission, the same unit used in the high-output 4.7-L, it should gear down and accelerate quickly. The regular 4.7 has been tuned to deliver a three to four percent fuel efficiency gain via an electronically modulated converter clutch (EMCC). It lets the torque converter partially lock-up at low speeds. The engine also features dual knock sensors that cause greater spark advance while reducing knock and ping. Additionally, Dodge includes an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system that replaces the incoming fuel-air mixture with inert exhaust gas, resulting in more fuel economy gains.

So wheres the HEMI? While it would be fun, it might be overkill to install a 345-hp 5.7-L V8 with 375 lb-ft of torque in a truck thats so light in overall weight. Of course, its Dodge were talking about so I wouldnt put it past them in an upcoming sport version of the Dakota. Quite possibly, with Chrysler Groups full run of Ram pickups, Durango SUVs and the upcoming rear-wheel drive LX cars, the Chrysler 300 Series and Dodge Magnum, the HEMI plant is a little taxed.

Both two and four-wheel drivetrains are available with all engines, but just what system you get depends on how much you want to spend. Dodge was quick to disclose that the Dakota will be the first midsize pickup to feature a two-speed full-time four-wheel drive transfer case, a sophisticated system that delivers an even amount of torque to each wheel at all times. Included is a center differential that lets front and rear drive shafts to spin at different speeds, necessary for steering on dry, paved surfaces without making a mess of the drivetrain - a common problem with full-time 4WD systems of the past. Dodges standard issue four-wheel drive is a part-time system, not quite as technically advanced but more than adequate for wilderness treks or trudging through snow drifts.

But while 4×4 prowess is important in this class, so is interior styling and comfort. The new Dakota looks as new on the inside as it does from the outside. I found out first hand as I relaxed firs in the drivers and then in a back seat of the Quad Cab version on display at the preview event. Its definitely larger inside, especially noticeable in the rear where theres now easily enough legroom for average size adults. Dodge has finally affixed headrests against the back window too, making sure the hard glass will no longer cause bruises on the back of the heads of rear passengers. The headrests are hollow as well, optimizing rearward visibility.

In the drivers seat, the interior plastics quality has improved as has the general layout of controls. I was especially impressed with the new integrated audio and HVAC controls on what appears like an upscale center dash-mounted interface. The drivers seat was comfortable, with good adjustability, and visibility looks to be excellent in all directions.

Out back Dodge offers two box sizes, depending on which cab is chosen. With the Quad Cab the box measures 5 feet 3 inches, while Club Cab versions get a longer 6 foot 6 inch box. Bolt-on and under-floor tie-downs are included, handy for stabilizing large loads.

While the Dakota was created for heavy work and play, the engineers that developed it didnt forget to build in safety for all occupants. Along with the aforementioned frame rigidity for absorbing crashes, the Dakota features pyrotechnic pretensioners for the driver and front passenger seatbelts, plus shoulder belts at all seating positions, and dual front airbags with Chrysler Groups multi-stage airbag system. Their what? Essentially the system measures the size and weight of the front seat passenger before deciding whether to deploy the airbag or not, or alternatively whether to deploy a lighter charge airbag. Its a better system than the current on or off key actuated switch, if only because you dont have to remember to turn it back on when an adult gets into the front seat.

So what do you think? Personally, I have to admit that I was slow to warm up to its edgy styling when I first set eyes on it. Its just that I like the current truck so much, that I think its hard for Dodge to top it. But theyve done the right thing. Instead of a few subtle upgrades so not to offend any current owners, the new design is brash and bold, making no excuses for its existence. And from what it sounds like, the 2005 model will be so much better than its predecessor that those moving up wont need to take a second thought when it arrives in dealerships across the nation in September 2004.