What Is It?
2005 Dodge Dakota
What's Special About It?
Last redesigned in 1997, Dodge's midsize pickup was due for a new look, and 2005 brings not only new sheet metal, but a host of under-the-skin improvements as well. The 3.7-liter, 210-horsepower V6 engine, which debuted just last year, carries over as the base engine and the Dakota continues to be the only pickup in its class to offer V8 power. There are actually two V8s to choose from, the standard 4.7-liter V8 with 230 horses and a new high-output version that has over 250 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque to make small work out of big jobs. How big? How about a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 pounds, which gives the Dakota best-in-class status?
A new fully boxed frame provides a more rigid platform, which improves handling response as well as crash protection. Revamped suspensions front and rear enhance the Dakota's ride and handling dynamics, as does rack-and-pinion steering.
Realizing that nobody buys three-passenger, standard cab trucks anymore, Dodge decided that the 2005 Dakota would be offered in either extended cab (called "Club Cab") or crew cab (called "Quad Cab") body styles. The Quad Cab (which is almost three inches wider than before) offers the most cabin room of any midsize pickup, including the new Colorado from Chevrolet. Those in colder climes will also appreciate the option of heated seats, a unique-in-class feature.
What's Edmunds' Take?
With America's insatiable appetite for trucks as strong as ever, Dodge's revamped Dakota should still handily fill the gap between the too-small compact trucks and the nightmare-to-park full-sizers. — John DiPietro
2005 Dodge Dakota
What's Special About It?
Last redesigned in 1997, Dodge's midsize pickup was due for a new look, and 2005 brings not only new sheet metal, but a host of under-the-skin improvements as well. The 3.7-liter, 210-horsepower V6 engine, which debuted just last year, carries over as the base engine and the Dakota continues to be the only pickup in its class to offer V8 power. There are actually two V8s to choose from, the standard 4.7-liter V8 with 230 horses and a new high-output version that has over 250 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque to make small work out of big jobs. How big? How about a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 pounds, which gives the Dakota best-in-class status?
A new fully boxed frame provides a more rigid platform, which improves handling response as well as crash protection. Revamped suspensions front and rear enhance the Dakota's ride and handling dynamics, as does rack-and-pinion steering.
Realizing that nobody buys three-passenger, standard cab trucks anymore, Dodge decided that the 2005 Dakota would be offered in either extended cab (called "Club Cab") or crew cab (called "Quad Cab") body styles. The Quad Cab (which is almost three inches wider than before) offers the most cabin room of any midsize pickup, including the new Colorado from Chevrolet. Those in colder climes will also appreciate the option of heated seats, a unique-in-class feature.
What's Edmunds' Take?
With America's insatiable appetite for trucks as strong as ever, Dodge's revamped Dakota should still handily fill the gap between the too-small compact trucks and the nightmare-to-park full-sizers. — John DiPietro
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bob1270 says:
08:56 AM, 02/03/2010
brakes front bad