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Jeff
GenIII
 
10/08/2004
14:03:04
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 Subject: 2005 Dak review
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NEW TRUCKS FOR 2005: A MERCURY NEWS SPECIAL REPORT
Pickups
AUTOMAKERS SOLD MORE THAN 1 MILLION SMALL PICKUPS AS RECENTLY AS 2000, BUT THAT SEGMENT MIGHT DROP BELOW 700,000 THIS YEAR. STILL, NEW PRODUCTS SUCH AS THE FREMONT-BUILT TOYOTA TACOMA, THE NISSAN fRONTIER AND THE DODGE DAKOTA MIGHT DRAW SOME BUYERS BACK
DODGE DAKOTA
• What it is: The mid-size small truck gets redone for 2005.
• Tell me more: Both General Motors in 2004 (with the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon) and Toyota for 2005 (with the new Tacoma) are starting to encroach into Dodge's territory as the only mid-size small truck maker. Still, the Dakota remains the clear target here. It's longer (3.7 inches) and wider (2.7 inches) than the 2004 model, and it still offers the only V-8 in the class. Engines include: a 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6; a 230-horsepower, 4.7-liter V-8; and a 250-horsepower, high-output 4.7-liter V-8. Optional side-curtain air bags cover both rows of seats in Club Cab and Quad Cab versions. The Club Cab now has rear-hinged back doors and forward-facing back seats.
• Quote: ``Refinement appears to be the magic word at Dodge these days, and it shows in the all-new Dakota. Excellent powertrain options, nimble suspension and a well thought-out interior score major points, but the aggressive styling isn't for everyone,'' say the editors at edmunds.com.
• Matt says: A nice compromise for those who need V-8 power but drive their trucks in big cities where parking is a pain.
• When: Now
• How much: $19,210-$29,324, but not all models are priced yet
• If not, then: Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger.
Jeff
'99 3.9 clubcab
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94sport
Dodge Dakota
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10/08/2004
16:46:54
| RE: 2005 Dak review
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I don't think the truck is that ugly as some people make it out to be, but I still say the Gen III trucks are much better looking. I was over at the Dodge website recently to look at photos and some pics of the truck didn't look that bad. I guess it depends on what angle you look at it. Those tailights have got to go, and those fenders are flared a bit too much in my opinion. Who knows? When the Gen III trucks first came out, I didn't care too much for them, but they eventually won me over. Perhaps this truck will do the same.
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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10/08/2004
17:20:24
| RE: 2005 Dak review
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I think you really need to see them in person to decide if they're ugly or not. That nose is a lot more pronounced in person than in any photo I've seen. Nice truck, well designed, nice drive train, better suspension. Not a very function dash, and 4x4 is too low to the ground. I'll keep my 2001 QC for a few more years.
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GraphiteDak
GenIII
10/08/2004
20:07:07
| RE: 2005 Dak review
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The Dodge Magazine that I recently got stated the 4.7 HO as having 260 HP.
That sucks that I have to do mods just to get EQUAL with the stock HO!
It also stated the new 4X4 also has coil overs up front.
Some things are an improvement. But, I like the looks of my 2003 MUCH better than that thing!
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01Motorsport
Dodge Dakota
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10/08/2004
21:51:18
| RE: 2005 Dak review
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Bigger, but better? The new Club Cab weighs 300 pounds MORE than a Gen III, a 4x4 Quad Cab is 60 pounds heavier. So what if the 4.7 is "more fuel efficient"; the MPG numbers, AND 0-60# should still be worse. The lack of instruments bugs me to no end.
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Keith
Dodge Dakota
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10/08/2004
23:55:38
| RE: 2005 Dak review
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Oh that nice new HO motor...will NOT be coupled with that nice new 6spd manual trans!
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wrong
Dodge Dakota
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10/09/2004
01:46:57
| RE: 2005 Dak review
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sorry kieth, but you are wrong! The six speed manual trans is offered ONLY with the HO v-8 according to dodge.
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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10/09/2004
01:58:52
| RE: 2005 Dak review
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Keith is right. According to the sales brochure, the 6 speed manual is standard equipment on 4.7 and 3.7. The 5 speed auto is standard on the 4.7HO; a manual trans is not available. For the 4.7, the 5 speed auto is optional. For the 3.7, the 4 speed auto is optional.
According to the salesman I talked to a week or two ago, the 4.7HO and the 6 speed will not be available until later in the model year.
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JimC
Dodge Dakota
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10/10/2004
05:45:25
| RE: 2005 Dak review
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Everyone I know, some who have daks, some who used to have daks and some who just like them think the new 05 looks like crap. No rear disks, no regular cab, higher rear end gears, no manual on the HO (yet) and no Hemi. Sounds like a step backwards to me. The aftermarket just started selling a lot of parts for the Gen III after 7 years with a lift coming out just recently. Other models have a lift designed before they hit the showroom floor (including the newer Rams). I think you're going to see a drop in sales over the first year. Now I plan on driving my 01 and 03 till they fall apart after seeing one in person.
01 QC 4.7 5-speed 4wd on 33x13.5 Swampers
03 RC 4.7 5-speed 2wd 4/5 drop loaded
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undecided
Dodge Dakota
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10/11/2004
08:18:39
| RE: 2005 Dak review
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It has a nose heavy look to it. I agree the tail lights need to go. Maybe some sort of a sport model with a body color grill, not the in your face chrome.
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James
GenIII
10/11/2004
13:52:50
| RE: 2005 Dak review
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I saw my first 05 up close and personal today.
That front bumper alone turned me off to the whole truck, way to big and sticks out too far. Factor in the loss of 2 gauges, no rear discs, ugly boxy interior with that silly looking insert around the radio/HVAC controls, lousy gearing choices, and it's a no brainer here.
No thanks. I'll keep my 02 for quite a while.
02 QC 4x4, 5.9L/auto, 3.92/LSD, Leather, SLT Plus
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Joe.C
Dodge Dakota
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10/15/2004
17:09:21
| RE: 2005 Dak review
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When I look at the rear of the truck I can't help but think about a Chevy Silverado.
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aw nuts
Dodge Dakota
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10/15/2004
17:12:43
| RE: 2005 Dak review
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The only good thing I see about it, they finally got rid of the 6 lug wheels.
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Bob.B
Dodge Dakota
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10/15/2004
17:18:23
| RE: 2005 Dak review
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The new 6 speed is for the V6 and the regular V8 only.
Its a new tranny made from Getag. Does anyone know anything about these trannies?
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Dingo
Dodge Dakota
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10/15/2004
22:15:19
|  RE: 2005 Dak review
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They look pox!!!!!! Dodge has sure taken a step backward in the appearance, they look like a shoe box, the square styling doesn't hold a candle to the GenIII's. My 2002's look, has real balls!!!!!
2005's no thankz Dodge!!!!!!!
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JD Leddon
Dodge Dakota
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10/17/2004
19:28:54
|  RE: 2005 Dak review
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Hopefully the front ends on the new Dakota's are better than the front ends on the Gen 3 Dakota's. Think I'll just hang onto my 99 Dakota just awhile longer before I jump out & buy one.
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sickofit
Dodge Dakota
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10/18/2004
14:13:30
| RE: 2005 Dak review
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I'm so sick of the ugly vehicles that keep coming out these days. I swear it's like the companies are trying to see who can design the absolute ugliest fu*king vehicle. And I think the 05 dak is a front runner for that title.
Plus there's no regular cab, no sport, no R/T, no hemi, the list just goes on for fu*king ever.
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deerridge
GenIII
10/19/2004
11:18:52
| RE: 2005 Dak review
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Don't care. I'm keeping my 03 for another 400k anyway and then a full rebuild.
Real Horsepower
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ZZ
Dodge Dakota
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10/30/2004
21:45:06
| RE: 2005 Dak review
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What are the rear end gearing options for the 05 Dak?
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Jeff
GenIII
10/30/2004
22:40:47
| RE: 2005 Dak review
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deerridge - i'm keeping my 99 till they pry the steering wheel out of my cold dead fingers.
lol.
GEN-III BABY!!!
:)
Jeff
'99 3.9 clubcab
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Jag
Dodge Dakota
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10/31/2004
13:34:30
| RE: 2005 Dak review
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What a shame...I saw the new Dak up close the other day, I actually got sick to my stomach. Dodge has ruined that truck. I would take the new Magnum over the Dak. It really does look pitiful...why is Chrysler back tracking? What a bunch of morons. Someone needs to forward this thread to Chrysler!
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