2005 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab Laramie 4x4 (Video Clip)

2005 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab Laramie 4x4 (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123)

Like in most pickups, an empty bed will cause the suspension to hop over damaged pavement. However, we get used to it after a few minutes at the helm. The shock absorbers do a good job of keeping the vehicle stable on the highway. Curves can be tackled easily, at least when we stay within the physical limits of a pickup, and there is some body roll. The steering is well calibrated without an excessive dead zone on center. As a result, we're not zigzagging at high speeds, where we would have to constantly bring corrections to the steering wheel to keep a straight line.

Pretty 17-inch chrome wheels are complimented by P265/65R17 all-terrain tires. The front disc and rear drum brake setup are equipped with anti-lock brakes, and guarantee worry-free stopping. I never felt that the brakes were overwhelmed to immobilize the Dakota, but I have the impression that I had to step on the pedal with a little more effort than what I'm used to.

2005 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab Laramie 4x4 (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123)

As for the size of the pickup's bed, can we drop in the famous four-by-eight sheet of plywood? No problem for width, but we have to leave the liftgate open to accept the 8-foot length of the plywood.

The cockpit is spacious in front as well as in back. There is ample room for your legs and shoulders, as well as good headroom. The seats, headed in front, are covered in a leather that is not very soft, and vinyl texture to them. However, they are comfortable and are not slippery like certain other types of leather. It is easy to find a good driving position thanks to the power driver seat. The rear bench is less comfy, though, because the seatback does not have enough padding and the cupholder is in the way of the center passenger's seat. Long-distance trips could become tiring for those riding back there.

The instrument panel is simple, just as I like them. The black-on-white dials are easy to read, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel has buttons located behind its spokes, which allows our fingertips to adjust the radio volume of the excellent CD changer with MP3 playback. It is also possible to use these buttons for changing tunes or CDs.

What I find disappointing, however, is the plastic used for the dash and door panels. It is hard as a rock and slightly shiny, which gives it a cheap look. And when the shift level is in the 'D' position, it partially blocks access to the heating and ventilation controls, and my hand always got tangled up in it while reaching out to the centre stack. Three cheers, though, for the giant cupholder located in the console between the seats, which can hold the biggest soda size available at McDonald's.

2005 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab Laramie 4x4 (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123)

The base price for the Dakota Quad Cab Laramie 4x4 is $39,430. Standard equipment includes the 4.7-litre engine, air conditioning, an electronic transfer case, chrome wheels, leather seats and a 6-CD changer with MP3 compatibility. My copy included such options as lateral side curtains, a sport appearance package, a bed liner and heated front seats, which jacked up the price to $43,275. That's pretty expensive, especially when you consider that you can order an optioned-out 2005 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab V6 4x4 for $38,580, or a Nissan Frontier LE-V6 Crew Cab 4x4 with leather for $40,198. However, let's not forget that the Dakota is more spacious than the two others, and they are not available with V8 engines.