2005 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4X4 Laramie Road Test

Taking nine seconds and then some to reach 100 km/h, it's clear that straight-line performance is nothing to write home

What makes the Dakota such a commendable performer on the road is DaimlerChrysler's extensive research and development into its structure and suspension. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

about, but this isn't the Dakota's strength. Its road manners, on the other hand are a completely different story. The move from a regular car to a pickup truck is literally jumping to opposite ends of the spectrum, a transition which is now relatively painless. Aside from the commanding view of the road, the extremely light (but very accurate) steering, and super-sensitive gas and brake pedals reminded me of a car, but after a few minutes of being at the helm, driving it becomes completely natural.

What helps to make the Dakota such a commendable performer on the road is DaimlerChrysler's extensive research and development into its structure and suspension. The super-rigid hydroformed frame provides the truck with strength to suppress squeaks and rattles, while the coil-over-shock independent front suspension provides a firm but comfortable ride with surprisingly little body roll or pitch. It's an unwritten rule that when traveling, a pickup

Empty or loaded, the rear end doesn't jump or jostle over bumps, even with its live axle configuration. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

with a loaded bed will ride better than with an empty bed. From my week with the Dakota, I've found this to be untrue; empty or loaded, the rear end doesn't jump or jostle over bumps, even with its live axle configuration.

While in motion, the Dakota hides its girth well, but at lower speeds and during parking, its long wheelbase and bed can make it particularly tricky to manoeuvre. With a turning circle of 13.4 metres (44 feet), it can make navigating tight corners a little awkward, and u-turns on all but the widest roads will require plenty of wheel turning. It's best to keep an eye over your progress through city streets - it's easy to get the Dakota's wheels hung up on curbs.