2005 Dodge Dakota Preview

A Bold New Look for Midsize Pickup Best-Seller

Way back on November 17th I took part in a small gathering of automotive media types at Detroit's Cobo Hall, to witness the unveiling of a whole range of new Chrysler Group products. Among the sedans, wagons and convertibles was a new pickup truck, nothing less than the 2005 Dakota.

Joe Eberhardt, DaimlerChrysler executive vice president, Global Sales & Marketing, unveils the all-new 2005 Dodge Dakota at the Chicago auto show on February 4th. It's the largest and most powerful truck in its segment. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

I took my time walking around scribbling down notes, as cameras were not allowed, and then attempting to describe its completely revised sheetmetal in a news story that followed (Automotive News Archives: November 20, 2003 - Chrysler Group Previews New Models in Detroit). In the story I described the truck as "a chiseled version of the new Durango SUV that was also on hand. The Dakota looks smart with angular fender flares, wraparound headlamp clusters and taillights similar in appearance to the Durango, inspired by the double-bubble lenses featured on the current Jeep Liberty."

"We have refined the pickup styling elements without losing any of the boldness and power that defines the Dodge Ram and new Dodge Durango," stated Trevor Creed. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

No such description is necessary now, as Chrysler has released photos of its 4WD Quad Cab version to coincide with an official unveiling at the Chicago auto show on February 4th. Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President, Chrysler Group Design sums up the new look as follows:

"With the new Dodge Dakota, we have created a new design language that instantly identifies the Dakota as a new Dodge pickup." Creed continued, "We have refined the pickup styling elements without losing any of the boldness and power that defines the Dodge Ram and new Dodge Durango. Viewed from the side, the Dakota has a more aggressive attitude and a taller bodyside in keeping with current design trends."