2005 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 Laramie

Overview:
The Dakota has been redesigned for 05. It’s bigger with improved handling. Three trim lines are offered, the SL, SLT and the top of line Laramie. Buyers can choose between the Club Cab with a 6’5’’ box or the Quad Cab with a shorter 5’ 4’’ bed. Prices range from $19,210 for the base SL 4x2 to $28,815 for the leather equipped 4x4 Laramie. Sirius satellite radio is available. Bold styling and a comfortable ride are strong points.

Under the Hood:
My first impression of this truck was that it needed more power. After popping the hood I discovered why. This well equipped Dakota was loaded with $3200 worth of options but for some reason it had the 210 horsepower 3.7-liter V6 base engine. Let me give some advice right off the bat: Get the V8. The V6 is simply overwhelmed in a 4600-pound vehicle. Around town power is acceptable but as I discovered on a trip to Colorado Springs, the V6 is not happy at 80 MPH especially on the hilly portions of I-25. When the 4-speed automatic downshifts to 3rd the engine roars and fuel economy drops. The 3.7 is rated at 15 city and 19 on the highway. I averaged around 16.5 in mixed driving.

Two versions of the 4.7-liter are available. The standard V8 is a $785.00 option and it produces 230 hp and 290 pound feet a torque. Not enough? Check the box for the High Output Magnum and you’ll have 260 horsepower and 310 pound feet of torque under the hood. The high output option will set you back $1,615. I have not driven either one but based on my week with the V6 it would be money well spent. I look forward to driving a V8 Dakota. The V8 option also upgrades the Dakota to a 5-speed automatic. A 6-speed manual is offered in all Dakota’s except the Laramie model. A shift on the fly transfer case is standard.

Ride/ Handling/Hauling:
The Dakota has a live rear axle and a coil over shock independent front suspension. Rack and pinion steering improves road feel although I wouldn’t call it precise. Not bad for a pick-up however. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard. The ride is smooth and well controlled over rough surfaces. A fully boxed frame and hydro-formed frame rails improve stiffness reducing body flex. I didn’t hear any squeaks or rattles even over a washboard surface on west Main Street in rural Parker. Bumps are well absorbed. Payload is listed at 2000 pounds. Towing is rated at 6800 pounds. Our test truck had the optional trailer tow group with heavy-duty engine and transmission cooling. I would highly recommend this package with any Chrysler product. Our truck came with a 3:92 rear axle ratio with the optional anti-spin differential.

16-inch wheels are standard on all Dakotas. A full sized spare is included. Our truck had the optional 265/65/17 on/off road tires mounted on attractive Aluminum Chrome Clad wheels. Front disc brakes and rear anti-lock drum brakes are standard. 4-wheel ABS is a $495 option. This was the set-up on the test truck. Brakes felt smooth and worked well.

On the Inside:
The Dakotas cabin is well laid out and quiet with minimal wind noise at 80 MPH. Engine noise is well muted except when the V6 was struggling as noted earlier. Outward visibility is good and the standard 6-way power drivers seat and tilt wheel assure a comfortable driving position. Front seats are comfortable. The Laramie has leather seats our truck had the optional heated seats. The Quad Cab accommodates up to 5 adults with good room in the rear for a truck in this class. Legroom is somewhat limited but fine for most adults depending on how the front seats are adjusted.

The glove box is small but there is a large center console storage bin with cup holders ahead of the console. The well-appointed Laramie interior includes an handy overhead message center displaying outside temp, a compass and fuel economy with distance to empty. I really enjoy this feature and wonder why more vehicles don’t provide it. Steering wheel mounted controls work the cruise control and audio system consisting of a standard 6-disc in dash CD/MP3 player. The 276-watt infinity sound system includes 6 speakers. Sirius Satellite Radio is optional and we had it on our Dakota. There are a couple 12-volt power outlets for laptops or other electronic equipment. Remote keyless entry is standard with the Laramie package. The only knock I have on the interior is that it seems a little plain for a vehicle costing $32K. It’s mostly gray plastic and it has an inexpensive look especially on the inside door panels. Note to Chrysler: Take notes form VW.

Safety/Warranty:
Dual multi-stage airbags are standard with supplemental side air bags and side curtain airbags standard. Automatic headlamps and fog lights are included along with a sentry theft deterrent system and a security alarm. The 3-year 36,000 basic warranty is backed up with the 7/70 power train warranty.

Bottom Line:
The Dakota is a nicely styled in and out. It’s comfortable to drive and versatile. The Quad Cab version is big and can be a little challenging to park in tight spots. I wonder if Dodge is now rethinking the size of this truck in light of today’s higher fuel costs. My advice still stands. Buy the V8.

Tom Collins
4-25-05