Out back Dodge offers two box sizes, depending on which cab is chosen. With the Quad Cab the box measures 1,615 mm (5 feet 3 inches), while Club Cab versions get a longer 2,012 mm (6 foot 6 inch) box. Bolt-on and under-floor tie-downs are included, handy for stabilizing large loads.
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| The Dakota features pyrotechnic pretensioners for the driver and front passenger seatbelts, plus shoulder belts at all seating positions, and dual front airbags. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
While the Dakota was created for heavy work and play, the engineers that developed it didn't forget to build in safety for all occupants. Along with the aforementioned frame rigidity for absorbing crashes, the Dakota features pyrotechnic pretensioners for the driver and front passenger seatbelts, plus shoulder belts at all seating positions, and dual front airbags with Chrysler Group's multi-stage airbag system. Their what? Essentially the system measures the size and weight of the front seat passenger before deciding whether to deploy the airbag or not, or alternatively whether to deploy a lighter charge airbag. It's a better system than the current on or off key actuated switch, if only because you don't have to remember to turn it back on when an adult gets into the front seat.
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| Instead of a few subtle upgrades so not to offend any current owners, the new Dakota's design is brash and bold, making no excuses for its existence. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
So what do you think? Personally, I have to admit that I was slow to warm up to its edgy styling when I first set eyes on it. It's just that I like the current truck so much, that I think it's hard for Dodge to top it. But they've done the right thing. Instead of a few subtle upgrades so not to offend any current owners, the new design is brash and bold, making no excuses for its existence. And from what it sounds like, the 2005 model will be so much better than its predecessor that those moving up won't need to take a second thought when it arrives in dealerships across the nation in September 2004.