The Laramie 4X4 Dakota sports upper and lower 'A' arms, coil springs over gas-pressure shock absorbers and link-type
 |
| The Dakota had a nice ride on smooth, straight roads, but as soon as the pavement became uneven, or there were potholes or bumps, I felt it. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
stabilizer bar up front, and a live axle hung on multi-leaf, two-stage longitudinal springs, staggered gas-pressure shock absorbers and stabilizer bar suspension in the back. In addition, the tough, rigid hydroformed frame has been redesigned to improve strength and stiffness for an overall quieter and smoother ride. Yes, the Dakota had a nice ride on smooth, straight roads, but as soon as the pavement became uneven, or there were potholes or bumps, I felt it. But in essence, that is how a truck is supposed to feel; you are going to feel the road and all its qualities, or lack thereof. The Dakota also handles well for its 'liberal' suspension, and is pleasant to drive in the city.
Speaking of qualities, the new Dakota has some luxuries that would not have been found on a first-generation version
 |
| The quality of truck interiors keeps getting better, closer and closer to those of the car segment. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
introduced in 1987, let alone any truck manufacturer in the segment's earlier stages. The optional front leather-trimmed heated bucket seats ($735) are always a perk in a pickup. In addition, the AM/FM six-disc in-dash CD/MP3 player and six-speaker audio system was perfect for pumping up Gretchen Wilson's "Red Neck Woman." It's not every day, in fact it's very rarely, that I listen to country music, but I felt it was befitting the whole truck theme; plus, the song is upbeat, catchy and fun, kind of similar to the Dakota's qualities. Furthermore, keyless entry, air conditioning, power locks and windows, power steering, fog lamps and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror were on the luxuries list.
