The Dakota comes with a choice of four powerplants. At the entry level is a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder
that makes 120 horsepower and 145 foot-pounds (lb.-ft.) of torque. It's most appropriate for a delivery truck
for the local auto parts store.
Next up is an optional 3.9-liter V6 that generates a very useful 175 hp and 225 lb.-ft. of torque. This is the
logical engine of choice for most buyers, particularly those whose lifestyles don't include trailer hitches.
Then there's a powerful 5.2-liter V8, with 220 hp and 300 lb.-ft. of torque. It's stronger than any other engine
available in any truck that's anywhere near the Dakota's size. Depending upon specific configuration and
drivetrain, the 5.2-liter gives the Dakota a towing capability of 6700 pounds, a level the imports and compacts
just can't match.
Finally, Dodge is introducing the Dakota R/T this spring with a 5.9-liter V8 that makes 250 hp and a crushing 345
lb.-ft. of torque. It just won't take no for an answer.
From the outside, the Dakota looks and feels like a slightly smaller near-clone of the Ram. Based on reactions
from people on the street, its big-rig look has turned out to be very popular.
The Dakota offers buyers a lot of choices. In addition to the four engines, there are two transmissions
available, a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The body comes in a regular cab or extended Club Cab with cargo
box lengths of either 6.5 or 8.0 feet. Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive is available along with more than 40
options. Trim levels include the relatively plain base; Sport, which sports body-colored trim; SLT, which is
fancier with more chrome; SLT Plus, which is fancier still; and the hot-rod R/T.
Our Dakota was a nicely outfitted Club Cab 2WD SLT with the 5.2-liter V8 and automatic transmission. The base
price was $19,665; some carefully selected options raised that figure to $22,405, which we thought seemed reasonable.
As we expected, the performance and pulling power of the V8 was several steps above that of most of the
V6-powered compact pickups. The Dakota isn't particularly fast because, even empty, it weighs about two tons.
But it is capable of dealing with serious loads, whether those loads are in the cargo bed, hooked onto the trailer
hitch, or both.
We were pleased to see a high level of quality on our truck. Everything was screwed together tight, the doors
and tailgate closed with an authoritative slam and nothing creaked or rattled. Even wind noise was noticeably low.
Stepping inside our Dakota Club Cab was all it took to convince us why people like the New Dodge approach to
truck building. It's roomy, comfortable and full of features, big and small, that make getting down the road a
pleasure.
The standard interior comes with a comfortable bench seat, split into three parts on a 40/20/40 percent basis.
The center portion has a folding back that also serves as a center armrest and includes a large, multi-function
storage console. Optional bucket seats come with a huge center console that includes specific spots for tissue
paper, maps and cassettes or CDs. Both bench and bucket seats have their strengths, so choosing between them is
a personal decision.
Other neat touches: Three cupholders in the forward portion of the center console in three sizes, for a two-liter
bottle, 20-oz. bottle and soft-drink can -- just right for Papa Bear, Mama Bear and Baby Bear. In the Club Cab, the
rear seat cushions are split 60/40, increasing versatility when carrying people and cargo. The rear cushions fold
up, revealing a flat floor so your suitcase or toolbox will stay upright; that's a good feature because not all
extended cab pickups have a flat floor surface. Under those rear seat cushions are two storage compartments; one
houses the jack and tools and provides some storage space, the other is a generous storage bin. In addition to the
front cupholders, there are cupholders in the quarter panels for the rear-seat passengers. Order the automatic
transmission and the place where the manual transmission lever would poke through the floor becomes yet another
little tray to toss odds and ends.
Those whose lifestyle revolves around a trailer hitch should seriously consider the well-designed fold-away power
mirrors. They measure a huge 6x9 inches and are the biggest we've ever seen outside a truck stop. They are terrific,
providing a big boost in rearward vision, yet cost only $160.
You can't reasonably expect an extended cab pickup to offer lots of stretch-out room for rear-seat passengers.
But the Dakota Club Cab is wide enough for three adults back there; and as long as those in front move their seats
up a bit, the three in back should find the trip to the football stadium parking lot livable.
Trucks keep getting better in terms of ride quality, but they're still trucks. Empty, the Dakota won't confuse
you into thinking you're in a luxury sedan, but the ride gets better as weight is added. It's best if you make your
own decision regarding ride comfort when you take one for a test drive.
The Dakota's handling feel is a pleasant surprise, especially to those familiar with bigger pickups. It has
that relentless straight-ahead stability that makes easy work of long highways, yet it works commendably well when
the pavement takes a few turns. And the Dakota is relatively nimble, able to deal with tight spaces and crowded
conditions where its tidier size (compared to the big pickups), allows it to fit easily through traffic and into
that last available spot in front of the grocery store.
In short, as with several other characteristics important to truck buyers, the Dakota's just-right size seems
to give it several advantages with few apparent shortcomings.