It's ironic. With all the noise that Chrysler has been making lately with the successful 300 and Magnum, the new Dakota is about being quiet. Quiet, as in a quieter cabin for the 2005 edition of its midsize Dodge Dakota pickup truck. Less noise, more motors and a bigger size - that's the short story on the newest Dodge.
The 2005 Dodge Dakota is offered in Club Cab (with two rear half doors) and Quad Cab (four full-size doors) models, with three trim levels: SL, SLT and Laramie. In addition to the standard rear-wheel-drive setup, two four-wheel-drive systems are available - a traditional, part-time transfer case with low range; and a full-time, all-wheel drive system usable on any surface, any time. Prices range from $19,210 for a base Dakota SL Club Cab to $29,324 for a 4WD Dakota Laramie Quad Cab.
We drove an opulently outfitted version of the biggest and best Dakota, the Laramie Quad Cab, on the highways and byways of upstate New York.
