2005 Dodge Dakota

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Otherwise, seating is for five or six passengers depending on the front-row layout.

These interior dimensions necessarily affect cargo bed size, so that the Quad Cab can haul 38.2 cu ft in the back, the Club Cab up to 46.6 cu ft. The point of all this, of course, is to provide truck buyers with a varied palette of specifications, capacities, and dimensions for tailoring a Dakota as ideally as possible to different personal requirements.

It goes without saying that trim and equipment options further complicate matters. In general terms, however, the two Dakota cab styles are comfortable and conveniently laid out. Clever features available include something called "UConnect" which enables hands-free communications using Bluetooth-compatible telephones. Satellite radio debuts, as well, within a selection of Sirius-enabled audio systems.

Nevertheless, this bold new Dakota, with its sparking, faceted exterior and jewel-like head- and taillamps seems to cut corners in several curious ways. Inside, for all the spaciousness of the cockpit, it's swathed with layers of uninspiring vinyl that just don't live up to the rest of Dodge's accomplishment with the Dakota.

Then there's the matter of the front-disc/rear-drum braking layout. This is understandable for smaller power, payload, and towing limits; but for a mid-size truck hauling or towing nearly full-size loads, logic would seem to dictate a full-size, four-wheel-disc braking system for combating brake fade. Even so, anti-lock braking is standard only for those rear drums. Four-wheel ABS is an option, as are side-curtain head airbags.

It's unclear whether the new, larger, more powerful Dakota lineup has raised the bar higher for the mid-size truck category overall or has simply invented a new, proprietary category all its own. Ultimately, perhaps, the answer must lie within a Dakota owner's individual state of mind.

2005 Dodge Dakota

Base prices: $18,565-$28,679

Engines: 3.7-liter V-6, 210 hp/235 lb-ft; 4.7-liter V-8, 230 hp/295 lb-ft; 4.7-liter V-8, 250 hp/300 lb-ft

Transmissions: Six-speed manual, four- or five-speed automatic; rear- or four-wheel drive

Length x width x height: 218.8 x 71.7 x 68.6 (68.7) in

Wheelbase: 131.3 in

Curb weight: 4306-4772 lb

Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): 17/22-14/18 mpg

Safety equipment: Front airbags, rear-wheel anti-lock brakes

Major standard equipment: AM/FM radio with CD player

Warranty: Three years/36,000 miles; seven years/70,000 miles (powertrain)

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