2003 Dodge Dakota: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Dodge's "compact" pickup truck loses its 4-cyl engine for 2003, but gains a new transmission, available 4-wheel disc brakes, and larger standard tires. Dakota is bigger than other compact pickups but not quite a full-size. It offers a 3-passenger regular cab, a 6-passenger 2-dr extended Club Cab, and a 6-passenger 4-dr crew cab Quad Cab. Regular and Club Cab have a 6.5-ft cargo bed, the Quad Cab a 5.3-ft box. Available engines are a 3.9-liter V6, 4.7 V8, and 5.9 V8. The 3.9 comes with manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. The 4.7 is available with manual or--new for '03--a 5-speed automatic. The 5.9 comes only with a 4-speed automatic. Dakota is available with rear-wheel drive, 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement, or 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement; 4x4s include low-range gearing. Dakotas come with rear-wheel ABS; 4-wheel ABS is optional. Four-wheel disc brakes are newly standard on all models except the 2WD regular cab, on which they replace a disc/drum setup as part of selected options packages. Also for '03, 16-inch wheels are standard in place of 15s on all models except the R/T, which uses 17s. Rear seats gain LATCH system child-seat anchors, and added midyear was a Stampede package that includes the Tire and Handling Group plus body-color bumpers and lower-body trim.

COMPETITION

Dodge Dakota and Ford Ranger (and clone Mazda Truck) are our Best Buys. Dakota is the only one to offer a V8 engine, full-time 4WD, and near-full-size cargo and towing capacity. Ranger is the most refined and probably the best daily use vehicle.

Toyota Tacoma is our Recommended choice. It's every bit as good as the Ranger in daily use, just a tad more expensive.