2005 Dodge Dakota | Review | Buying Guide
Dodge is beginning to reshape the compact pickup truck class with models like the Dakota. In fact, it goes so far as to label it a midsize pickup, and though the actual class is not an official one, with the Dakota’s size, power and dimensions, it might as well be.
For starters, the 2005 Dakota gets a redesign that essentially brings a new truck to the fold. The redesigned Dakota shares the 1997-2004 model's wheelbase, but it is now four inches longer overall and up to 600 lbs heavier, depending on the model.
The 2005 Dakota is available in Club Cab and Quad Cab body styles; regular-cab models are no longer available. 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. Either way, the incredibly roomy Dakota seats up to 6 passengers.
Under the Hood
Dodge offers a standard 3.7-liter V6 engine to those who want power, but don’t need excessive strength. Still, the dependable motor 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.
If you really need power with your compact pickup, you’d better step up to the 4.7-liter Magnum V8. 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.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The all-new 2005 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab is roomier than any other midsize pickup. The driver’s seat track on both Quad Cabs and Club Cabs has 8.7 inches of travel to improve comfort. With the rear seats folded, there is 37.1 cubic ft of storage space behind the Quad Cab’s front seats, an increase of 7.2 cubic ft from last year.
For real driving decadence, you need only purchase the Laramie model. For 2005, this generously-appointed pickup truck features such standards 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.
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