2007 Dodge Dakota

The Dakota launched the midsize pickup truck market when introduced in early 1986, Dodge still calls the new-generation Dakota a midsize pickup because it then can state that the truck has advantages over, say, the redesigned 2005 Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier compact pickups, which are larger and more powerful.

For instance, the Dakota has the only V8 in its class, whereas the new Tacoma and Frontier have 4- and 6-cylinder engines.

Upsized Proportions
The 2005 Dakota retains nearly the same wheelbase at 131.3 inches, but is about 4 inches longer, 2.7 inches wider and hundreds of pounds heavier than its predecessor. It thus has nearly full-size pickup truck proportions.

However, as with its predecessors, it's larger than compact pickups but not quite a full-size one. That generally made it a sales disappointment for years because most pickup buyers wanted either a small or large pickup.

More Alluring
However, the market always changes, and the Dakota has become more alluring in recent years, when many different sizes and types of vehicles have been introduced.

The Dakota is one of few Dodge trucks with a HEMI V8, which wouldn't fit without expensive under-hood alterations, but it has strong conventional V8s. That's a good thing because it's too large and heavy for its standard 3.7-liter 210-horsepower V6 to provide anything but so-so performance outside town.

Best Engine
The Dakota's available 4.7-liter V8 does much better, with 230 horsepower and more torque in standard form. The best engine for this truck is the new high-output 4.7-liter V8, which produces 260 horsepower and even more torque.

The V6 comes with either a six-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic, and the standard V8 works with either the manual or a 5-speed automatic. The high-output V8 comes only with the 5-speed automatic.

The V6 delivers an estimated 15-16 mpg in the city and 19-22 on highways, and the regular V8 provides 14-15 city and 19-20 highway. The high-output V8's figures are 14 and 18.

Towing capacity has been increased to 7,150 pounds from 6,500 pounds.

The Dakota is offered in ST, SLT and top-line Laramie trim levels. The six Club Cab extended-cab versions list for $19,510 to $27,325, while the six roomier Quad Cab crew cab models go from $20,910 to $28,815 for the Laramie 4-wheel-drive Quad Cab that I tested.

Extra Doors Added
There's plenty of room in the Quad Cab, which has four car-like doors. The Dakota Club Cab only had two front doors last year, but has added two rear-hinged back doors that open independently of the front ones. Regular cab models no longer are offered.

The Club Cab has a 6-foot, 6-inch cargo bed, while the Quad Cab has a 5-foot, 4-inch bed.

The Dakota comes with rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Both 4- and all-wheel-drive systems have low-range gearing for demanding off-road driving. The 4-wheel-drive system isn't for dry roads, but I tested the Dakota after a heavy snowfall and was happy to leave it engaged on slippery roads, where it provided good traction. Low-range gearing let it easily pull from snow banks.

Sleeker Styling
The new Dakota has sleeker styling with sharper and more geometric lines, giving it the general appearance of its larger brothers, the Ram and Durango.

There also is a stronger frame and stiffer construction for better ride and handling. Brakes have been upgraded, and there's a new suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, along with improved refinement and better sound deadening.

Also new are optional side-curtain airbags for all seats, standard Laramie automatic headlights, 6-speed manual gearbox instead of a 5-speed unit, stylish chrome-clad 17-inch wheels, optional Infinity speaker system and an extra-cost satellite digital audio radio system.

Good Roadability
The Dakota has fast steering and an almost car-like ride, although bad roads elicit some choppiness with 4-wheel-drive versions. Handling is good, although traction control isn't offered. Stopping distances are OK. Rear-wheel anti-lock brakes are standard, with a front-rear anti-lock system costing $495. The all-disc brake option has been dropped.

The redesigned, hushed interior has easily read gauges and climate controls. But it suffers from drab colors and too much hard shiny plastic.

The new Dakota's V8 availability gives it a competitive advantage, as do such things as its refinement and improved ride and handling.