2005 Dodge Dakota Quick Spin Minnesota

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Introduction

Dodge Dakota -- 2005 Review: 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.

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.

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.