- • New Cars
2005 Dodge Dakota Full Review
Date Published: 4/08/08
Also in the 2005 Dodge Dakota Review:
2005 Dodge Dakota Review
Dodge for 2005 launches a new generation of compact pickups that approach near-full-size proportions. The redesigned Dakota shares the 1997-2004 model's wheelbase, but is four inches longer overall and up to 600 lb heavier. It is available in Club Cab and Quad Cab body styles; regular-cab models are no longer available. Club Cabs have a 6.5-foot cargo bed and rear-hinged back doors that do not open independently of the fronts. Quad Cabs have a 5.3-foot bed and four side conventional doors. Dakota Quad Cab seats up to six passengers, Club Cab seats up to five. A 210-hp V6 is standard. A 230-hp V8 or High Output 260-hp V8 are optional. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard with the V6 and 230-hp V8. A 4-speed automatic is available with the V6; a 5-speed automatic is available for the 230-hp V8, standard with the 260-hp High Output V8. Dakota is available with 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Both have low-range gearing. The 4WD setup should not be left engaged on dry pavement. Traction control is not available. Dakotas come with standard rear-wheel ABS; 4-wheel ABS is optional. Head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover both rows of occupants are optional. Also available are satellite radio and Chrysler's UConnect, which uses the audio system as a hands-free link to cell phones.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Pickups offer a true-truck design in a relatively modest package. They are best suited for personal or light-duty use rather than commercial use, heavy hauling, or towing.
Our Best Buy is the Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks include the Dodge Dakota and Ford Ranger.
Our Best Buy is the Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks include the Dodge Dakota and Ford Ranger.
News
Dakota has just begun its third design generation, so no major changes should happen in the next 2-3 years. But don't be surprised to see a new R/T muscle model at some point, stuffed with a Hemi V8. Why? Because the Hemi is already available in the Dakota's SUV cousin, the Durango. One change coming for '06 is a 3-year/36,000-mi powertrain warranty. Chrysler has offered 7/70,000 coverage, but says it wasn't a deal-maker for most buyers. The change affects all other Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep models.
The Dakota Quad Cab has been assigned to provide hoped-for sales help at Mitsubishi, the troubled Japanese affiliate of parent DaimlerChrysler. For this mission it assumes the name Raider and somewhat different styling, but will use the same powertrains as the Dakotas.
The Dakota Quad Cab has been assigned to provide hoped-for sales help at Mitsubishi, the troubled Japanese affiliate of parent DaimlerChrysler. For this mission it assumes the name Raider and somewhat different styling, but will use the same powertrains as the Dakotas.
2005 Dodge Dakota Road Test
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Dodge boasts that Dakota offers the only V8 in its class, but Dakota is nearly as heavy as some large pickups. Models with the 230-hp V8 have good power with either transmission, but lack the passing reserves expected of a V8. High Output V8 feels stronger from a stop, makes little difference at highway speed or in passing maneuvers. V6 is underpowered for anything but daily commuting and light loads. Towing capacity ranges from 3150 to 7150 lb.
| 2WD Club Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD Club Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD Quad Cab, V8 man. | 4WD Quad Cab, V8 auto. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
Dodge boasts that Dakota offers the only V8 in its class, but Dakota is nearly as heavy as some large pickups. Models with the 230-hp V8 have good power with either transmission, but lack the passing reserves expected of a V8. High Output V8 feels stronger from a stop, makes little difference at highway speed or in passing maneuvers. V6 is underpowered for anything but daily commuting and light loads. Towing capacity ranges from 3150 to 7150 lb.
Fuel Economy
Test V8 Quad Cabs with automatic transmission average 11.6 mpg in mixed driving, 15.6-15.8 in mostly highway driving. Dodge recommends regular-grade fuel for all models.
| 2WD Club Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD Club Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD Quad Cab, V8 man. | 4WD Quad Cab, V8 auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Test V8 Quad Cabs with automatic transmission average 11.6 mpg in mixed driving, 15.6-15.8 in mostly highway driving. Dodge recommends regular-grade fuel for all models.
Ride Quality
Smooth and composed in any configuration. Little of the bounding and jiggle typical of the class. Some choppiness over broken surfaces in 4WD models.
| 2WD Club Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD Club Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD Quad Cab, V8 man. | 4WD Quad Cab, V8 auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
Smooth and composed in any configuration. Little of the bounding and jiggle typical of the class. Some choppiness over broken surfaces in 4WD models.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Steering has direct feel, lacks typical truck sloppiness. Body lean evident in turns, but well-controlled for a pickup. All test trucks wore 17-inch tires. Four-wheel ABS a worthwhile investment over standard rear-only arrangement.
| 2WD Club Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD Club Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD Quad Cab, V8 man. | 4WD Quad Cab, V8 auto. | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Steering has direct feel, lacks typical truck sloppiness. Body lean evident in turns, but well-controlled for a pickup. All test trucks wore 17-inch tires. Four-wheel ABS a worthwhile investment over standard rear-only arrangement.
Quietness
Road noise impressively hushed. Some wind rush at highway speeds. Well-muted engines sound refined in rapid acceleration, though V8s are quieter overall.
| 2WD Club Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD Club Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD Quad Cab, V8 man. | 4WD Quad Cab, V8 auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 4 |
Road noise impressively hushed. Some wind rush at highway speeds. Well-muted engines sound refined in rapid acceleration, though V8s are quieter overall.
Controls
Controls logically placed, readily accessed. Large white-faced gauges easy to read. Interior materials look and feel low grade. Hard shiny plastic covers most surfaces, and some controls lack quality feel.
| 2WD Club Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD Club Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD Quad Cab, V8 man. | 4WD Quad Cab, V8 auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.8 |
Controls logically placed, readily accessed. Large white-faced gauges easy to read. Interior materials look and feel low grade. Hard shiny plastic covers most surfaces, and some controls lack quality feel.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Spacious cabin has plenty of head and leg room. Available Quad Cab front bench seat will accommodate three passengers in a pinch.
| 2WD Club Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD Club Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD Quad Cab, V8 man. | 4WD Quad Cab, V8 auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4.9 |
Spacious cabin has plenty of head and leg room. Available Quad Cab front bench seat will accommodate three passengers in a pinch.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Quad Cabs offer three abreast rear seating, but only two adults will fit comfortably. Head and leg room adequate for adults under 6-ft, but taller riders will want more leg room. Available forward-facing Club Cab jump seats best suit those under 5-ft-3.
| 2WD Club Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD Club Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD Quad Cab, V8 man. | 4WD Quad Cab, V8 auto. | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 2 |
Quad Cabs offer three abreast rear seating, but only two adults will fit comfortably. Head and leg room adequate for adults under 6-ft, but taller riders will want more leg room. Available forward-facing Club Cab jump seats best suit those under 5-ft-3.
Cargo Room
Ample center-console and door-pocket storage. Folding rear seats add to Club Cab utility.
| 2WD Club Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD Club Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD Quad Cab, V8 man. | 4WD Quad Cab, V8 auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3.1 |
Ample center-console and door-pocket storage. Folding rear seats add to Club Cab utility.
Value within Class
The 2005 Dakota impresses for its combination of quietness, refinement, available AWD, and curtain side airbag security. We recommend a V8 model if you need power for towing or heavy hauling but don't want the bulk of a true large pickup. Six-cylinder versions are best suited to light-duty chores, but Dakota's large new dimensions render it too big for easy daily commuting.
| 2WD Club Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD Club Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD Quad Cab, V8 man. | 4WD Quad Cab, V8 auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
The 2005 Dakota impresses for its combination of quietness, refinement, available AWD, and curtain side airbag security. We recommend a V8 model if you need power for towing or heavy hauling but don't want the bulk of a true large pickup. Six-cylinder versions are best suited to light-duty chores, but Dakota's large new dimensions render it too big for easy daily commuting.
Total Score
| 2WD Club Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD Club Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD Quad Cab, V8 man. | 4WD Quad Cab, V8 auto. | Class Average |
| 44 | 45 | 52 | 52 | 42.8 |
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
| Low Score | 32 | |
| Average Score | 42 | |
| High Score | 52 |
2005 Dodge Dakota Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/07/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD ST Club Cab extended cab | $19,785 | $18,144 | $645 |
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| 4WD ST Club Cab extended cab | $22,635 | $20,710 | $645 |
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| 2WD ST Quad Cab crew cab | $21,185 | $19,420 | $645 |
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| 4WD ST Quad Cab crew cab | $24,035 | $21,976 | $645 |
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| 2WD SLT Club Cab extended cab | $21,540 | $19,706 | $645 |
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| 4WD SLT Club Cab extended cab | $24,390 | $22,272 | $645 |
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| 2WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab | $22,940 | $20,982 | $645 |
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| 4WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab | $25,790 | $23,538 | $645 |
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| 2WD Laramie Club Cab extended cab | $24,750 | $22,563 | $645 |
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| 4WD Laramie Club Cab extended cab | $27,600 | $25,129 | $645 |
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| 2WD Laramie Quad Cab crew cab | $26,240 | $23,919 | $645 |
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| 4WD Laramie Quad Cab crew cab | $29,090 | $26,475 | $645 |
Price note: ST requires a Quick Order Pkg.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
ST
Powertrain
3.7-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, rear antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, cloth upholstery, front split bench seat (Club Cab), front bucket seats (Quad Cab), cupholders, 3-passenger split folding rear seat (Quad Cab), AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, rear-hinged rear doors (Club Cab), front-hinged rear doors (Quad Cab), map lights, passenger-side visor mirror, variable-intermittent wipers, cargo-box light, carpeting.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, painted bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 245/70R16 on/off-road tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
SLT adds to ST:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt steering wheel, cruise control, dual rear jump seats (Club Cab), 3-passenger split folding rear seat (Quad Cab), power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, bright bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Laramie adds to SLT:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 player, universal garage-door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, automatic headlights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
255/65R16 white-letter tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 265/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Quick Order Pkg. 23-26A
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ST Club Cab (credit)
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$-1,220
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$-1,085
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ST Quad Cab
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$0
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$0
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Standard equipment.
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Quick Order Pkg. 23-26C
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ST Quad Cab
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$615
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$541
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ST Club Cab
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$595
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$524
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Tilt steering wheel, cruise control, floormats, full-face steel wheels.
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Quick Order Pkg. 23-26E
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2WD SLT
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$865
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$761
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4WD SLT
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$1,015
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$893
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6-way power driver seat, overhead console, theft-deterrent system w/alarm, 255/65R16 white-letter tires (2WD), 265/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires (4WD).
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Sport Appearance Pkg.
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SLT
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$365
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$321
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Laramie
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$240
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$211
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Color-keyed bumpers and bodyside moldings.
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Trailer Tow Group
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ST
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$455
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$400
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SLT, Laramie
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$525
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$462
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Heated power mirrors (SLT, Laramie), heavy-duty engine and transmission cooling, Class IV trailer hitch, 7-wire harness.
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Powertrain |
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4.7-liter V8 engine
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Laramie, SLT, ST
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$785
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$691
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4.7-liter High Output V8 engine
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SLT, Laramie
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$1,615
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$1,421
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Includes limited-slip differential, special axle ratio. Requires 5-speed automatic transmission. 2WD Laramie requires chrome alloy wheels. SLT Club Cab and 2WD SLT Quad Cab require chrome alloy wheels when ordered w/Quick Order Pkg. 23-26E.
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4-speed automatic transmission
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ST, SLT
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$1,095
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$964
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NA w/4.7-liter V8 engine.
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5-speed automatic transmission
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ST, SLT
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$1,170
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$1,030
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Laramie
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$75
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$66
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Requires 4.7-liter V8 engine.
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AWD transfer case
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4WD SLT/Laramie
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$395
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$348
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Laramie requires 4.7-liter V8, 5-speed automatic transmission.
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Limited-slip differential
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Laramie, SLT, ST
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$295
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$260
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2WD SLT requires special axle ratio.
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Special axle ratio
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Laramie, SLT, ST
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$40
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$35
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Safety |
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Curtain side airbags
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Laramie, SLT, ST
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$495
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$436
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ST Club Cab requires dual rear jump seats.
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Front and rear antilock brakes
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Laramie, SLT, ST
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$495
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$436
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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SLT
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$300
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$264
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Infinity sound system
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SLT
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$530
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$466
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Requires AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
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Satellite radio
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SLT, Laramie
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$195
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$172
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Includes one-year service.
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Steering-wheel radio controls
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SLT
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$125
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$110
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SLT w/leather seats
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$75
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$66
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Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel.
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UConnect
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ST, SLT
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$360
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$317
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Laramie
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$275
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$242
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Hands-free cellular telephone link.
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Rear defogger
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Laramie, SLT, ST
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$160
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$141
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NA w/sliding rear window.
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Cloth front split bench seat
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ST/SLT Quad Cab
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$595
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$524
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SLT Quad Cab w/Pkg. 23-26E
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$275
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$242
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Includes 6-way power driver seat. ST requires Quick Order Pkg. 23-26C.
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Leather front split bench seat
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SLT Club Cab
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$480
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$422
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SLT Quad Cab
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$855
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$752
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Laramie Quad Cab
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$275
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$242
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Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel. SLT requires Quick Order Pkg. 23-26E.
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Leather front bucket seats
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SLT Club Cab
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$1,005
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$884
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SLT Quad Cab
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$830
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$730
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Laramie Club Cab
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$525
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$462
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Laramie Quad Cab
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$0
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$0
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Includes heated front seats, center console, leather-wrapped steering wheel. SLT requires Quick Order Pkg. 23-26E.
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Cloth front bucket seats
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ST/SLT Club Cab
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$845
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$744
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SLT Club Cab w/Pkg. 23-26E
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$525
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$462
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Includes heated front seats, 6-way power driver seat, center console. ST requires Quick Order Pkg. 23-26C, split folding rear seat.
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Dual rear jump seats
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ST Club Cab
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$300
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$264
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Heated front seats
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SLT/Laramie Quad Cab
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$250
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$220
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ST Quad Cab
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$570
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$502
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ST requires Quick Order Pkg. 23-26C, floor console. ST includes 6-way power driver seat. SLT requires 6-way power driver seat. NA w/cloth front split bench.
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6-way power driver seat
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SLT
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$320
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$282
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Floor console
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ST Quad Cab
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$75
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$66
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NA w/cloth front split bench.
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Interior Convenience Group
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SLT
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$320
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$282
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Overhead console.
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Front floormats
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ST Club Cab
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$55
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$48
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Front and rear floormats
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ST Quad Cab
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$75
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$66
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Sliding rear window
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Laramie, SLT, ST
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$140
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$123
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Bedliner
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Laramie, SLT, ST
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$245
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$165
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Engine-block heater
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Laramie, SLT, ST
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$35
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$31
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Black bodyside moldings
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SLT
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$75
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$66
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Special paint
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Laramie, SLT, ST
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$150
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$132
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Skid plates
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4WD
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$170
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$150
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Chrome alloy wheels
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2WD SLT/Laramie
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$820
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$722
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4WD SLT/Laramie
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$595
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$524
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2WD includes 275/60R17 tires. 4WD includes 265/65R17 on/off-road tires. SLT requires Quick Order Pkg. 23-26E.
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255/65R16 white-letter tires
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2WD SLT Quad Cab
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$170
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$150
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265/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires
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SLT
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$350
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$308
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265/65R17 on/off-road white-letter tires
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SLT, Laramie
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$125
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$110
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Requires chrome alloy wheels. SLT requires 23-26E.
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2005 Dodge Dakota Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Dodge Dakota extended cab | Dodge Dakota crew cab |
| Wheelbase, in. | 131.3 | 131.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 218.8 | 218.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.7 | 71.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 68.6 | 68.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4275 | 4293 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1740 | 1720 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.0 | 22.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 6 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.6 | 39.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.9 | 41.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.5 | 38.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.1 | 36.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V6 | sohc V8 | sohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.7 /226 | 4.7 /287 | 4.7 /287 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 210 @ 5200 | 230 @ 4600 | 260 @ 5200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 235 @ 6000 | 295 @ 3600 | 310 @ 3500 |
| Availability | Standard | Optional | Optional |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed manual | 16/22 | 15/20 | --/-- |
| 4-speed automatic | 16/22 | --/-- | --/-- |
| 5-speed automatic | --/-- | 15/20 | 14/18 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Dodge Dakota extended cab | Dodge Dakota crew cab |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 | NA |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 7/70,000 | $100 deductible per visit. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Trailer Tow Group (Heavy Duty Service Group, Heavy Duty Engine Cooling, Ampere Maintenance-Free Battery, Exterior Mirrors, Class IV Hitch), 4-Wheel Antilock Brakes, Supplimental Side Airbags, 6-Speed Auto. Transmission, 3.92 Axle Ratio, Spin Differential Axle, 4.7-liter Magnum V8, Sliding Rear Window, Heated Front Seats, Sirius Satellite Radio (Plus One-Year Service), 17" By 9" Chrome Clad Wheels, Bedliner Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 13.38 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Rick Cotta Its bed is too narrow to lay a 4'x8' sheet flat between the wheel wells, so in my book, Dakota doesn't offer any real advantages in trade for its large dimensions. But neather do any of the other "compact" pickups that have now grown to midsize. Dakota impresses for driving dynamics, sound insulation, and available AWD, making it a competitive domestic alternative to the Frontier and Tacoma, both of which are also redesigned for '05. |
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Also in the 2005 Dodge Dakota Review: