It's difficult for the makers at DaimlerChrysler not to
be a little cocky when it comes to the Dakota. It is simply
one of the finest pickup trucks on the road, a fact that
is echoed with the "Recommend" status appointed
by Consumer Guide for 2005.
Here's what all the fuss is about: the all-new 2005 Dodge
Dakota is the largest compact/midsize pickup and it has
the only available V8 engine in its class. Oh yeah, it also
has the best-in-class torque, horsepower and towing.
The 2005 Dodge Dakota is essentially redesigned, making
it bigger, stronger and more menacing than its predecessors.
And when it comes to pickup trucks, getting bigger and stronger
is always a good thing.
Available Models
The 2005 Dodge Dakota is offered in three model trims: ST,
SLT and Laramie. It is available in Club Cab and Quad Cab
body styles; regular-cab models are no longer available.
Interior Features
An increase in interior space is one of the big improvements
to the 2005 Dodge Dakota. The driver's seat tracks on both
Quad Cabs and Club Cabs have 8.7 inches of travel to improve
comfort.
With rear seats folded, there is 37.1 cubic feet of storage
space behind the Quad Cab's front seats, an increase of
7.2 cubic feet.
Top-line Laramie models are generously appointed, with
such features as leather upholstery, a 6-way power driver
seat with lumbar adjustment, a leather-wrapped steering
wheel with radio controls, an Infinity AM/FM radio with
an in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 player, a universal garage-door
opener and more.
Exterior Features
In addition to being almost 600 lbs heavier, the 2005 Dodge
Dakota is also 4 inches longer than before. Club Cabs have
a 6.5-foot cargo bed and rear-hinged back doors that do
not open independently of the fronts. Quad Cabs have a 5.3-foot
bed and four side conventional doors.
Performance
There are two engines offered for 2005; one optional, one
standard. A 3.7-liter V6 is the base configuration. It generates
up to 210 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 235 lb-ft of torque
at 4000 rpm. 6-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission
are both offered.
A 4.7-liter Magnum V8 is optional. With 230 horsepower
at 4600 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 3600 rpm, it is easily
the strongest in the segment. It can be mated to 5-speed
manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.
Dakota is available with 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
Both have low-range gearing, but the 4WD setup should not
be left engaged on dry pavement. Also available is a rear-wheel
drive configuration.
Safety and Security
Safety features include dual front airbags and rear antilock
brakes. Curtain side airbags and full antilock brakes are
optional.
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