2003 Dodge Dakota Quad

Dec 14, 2002

It's $10,000 more. Save it or spend it; that's the choice.

It's a decision that hinges on one thing: Is the Dodge Dakota enough truck for you? Despite being classed as a compact, the Dakota exists in a not-too-big, not-too-little niche that is bookended by the majority of Japanese compact trucks and the domestic full-size pickups on the other end.

But is the Dakota a compact as Dodge claims? The 2003 Quad Cab rides on a 3327 mm wheelbase (just 76 mm shorter than the full-size pickup regular cab chassis) and has an overall length of 5464 mm - so, at just under 5.5 metres in length, it's not small, but it is still garageable and has a respectable 1.6 metre cargo bed.

This is where that $10,000 comes in. It is possible to have that much of a dollar-spread between the big and little trucks.

A buyer who needs four doors is likely to look at full-size and compact models, and, finding one too small and the other too expensive, the mid-size Dakota is a third size option.

It's here that Dodge is raking up sales.

The Dakota's aimed right at this frugal mid-level buyer who needs space.

My Quad Cab test vehicle was a two-tone 4x4 model with almost $8,000 in options built in, most of which I wouldn't want to do without.

Add these to a pair of new features for '03, standard cast-aluminum 16-inch by 7-inch wheels and four-wheel disc brakes.

Even with this upgraded package, there was no running board.

For my wife (and most women I suspect), that's a no-no.

My wife found that another of her concerns - reaching the pedals - had been addressed in the form of a six-way power driver's seat and an adjustable steering wheel.

The standard 3.9 L engine is a V6 configuration that puts out 175 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, while the test truck's optional 4.7 L Magnum V8 pumped out 235 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Transport Canada gives it a fuel economy rating of 15.4 L/100 km city and 10.9 L/100 km highway. The older 5.9 L Magnum is also available - but the additional displacement only gains 15 hp and hardly seems worth it, particularly with the new Hemi on the horizon.

A new five-speed transmission coupled to the 4.7 L is really slick. It has an overdrive lockout as well as a variable second gear that changes ratios depending on load.

I had a chance to tow an equipment trailer and it worked well.

Acceleration was quick and back-shifting on hills (particularly with the cruise control on) was reduced.

Four-wheel drive comes in two modes: part-time shift-on-the-fly and also a full-time system.

The latter option is only available with either of the V8s and an automatic transmission.

The system in my truck allowed shifting between an Automatic All-Wheel Drive mode and a locked four-wheel high or four-wheel low setting.

A bonus with the all-wheel drive is that it only engages when there is wheel slippage, meaning it can always be on, but it does not affect parking and low-speed manoeuvring by binding the gears or "crab-walking." In general, ride quality is good, and somewhat smoother than several larger pickups I've driven. I attribute this to the ladder-frame, cab mounts and softer two-stage leaf springs.

Versatility is what a pickup is all about - this is the beauty of four doors and the rear 60/40 split bench seat. Rear doors open to 90 degrees, seats flip up (no lever) for cargo access, seat backs are reclined with head-restraints and there is even a hideaway drink holder in the seat facing.

You can seat three adults back there, but two is more comfortable.

With the Quad Cab, you no longer have to choose between taking your family and your stuff.

But why are there no floor mats back there? Does Dodge really think kids kick the mud off their shoes before getting in? While I really like the two-tone paint treatment of the Dakota, the interior, black on black, is a little grim. It's clean, in a minimalist way, but some colour or pattern variation in any of the trim panels would be welcome.

The layout of the interior works. There is plenty of storage, the armrests are at the right height, gauges are clear and simple and the cab offers enough width to keep my kids apart.

Thank goodness.

My younger boy pointed out the Infinity speakers in the truck, eight of them. This optional speaker package is really nice, so how come the CD player holds only one disc? The Dakota debuted as a 1987 model and has been a steady producer for Dodge ever since. It sprouted a Club Cab a decade later and, in 2000, got the Quad Cab treatment.

The move from Club Cab to Quad does shorten the load bed, leaving 1600 mm inside the closed box - a box that needs to be covered.

With the family in the Quad Cab, anything else has to go in the back.

My truck had an optional soft tonneau cover on the rear bed.

This is a must-have. This tonneau is waterproof, uses all-aluminum rails and struts, goes on and off quickly and costs just $250.

As far as what you can get in there: If you drop the tailgate you get an additional 572 mm for a total bed length of 2.16 metres.

With this length, the payload is 807 kg and, according to Dodge, it will tow upward of 2700 kg.

Not really a compact, is it? A sign of Dakota's success is the fact that GM has noticed it.

Chevrolet recently announced what they call the newest chapter in Chevy Truck history, the "Colorado." This will be the name of its all-new, mid-size pickup. Colorado production will begin at the General Motors truck plant in Shreveport, La., in the fourth quarter of 2003.

The base price for the Dakota is $30,260. The price as tested is $38,645.

Howard Elmer (powersports @ sympatico.ca), a freelance journalist, prepared this report based on driving experiences with a vehicle provided by the carmaker.

Highs Excellent cargo space Tows well Garageable Lows Needs a running board No rear floor mats Grim interior

Toronto Star