2004 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 3.7L V6 6MT RWD (213 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Developed during the DaimlerChrysler Era with Mitsubishi, the third generation of the Dodge Dakota targeted customers who craved a pickup truck for personal use, not heavy work

Based on the same platform as the Dodge Durango and the Mitsubishi Raider, the third generation of the Dakota lost the single-cab version available on its predecessor but gained a four-door one named the Quad Cab. It was the evolution many customers expected since it preserved most of the advantages of a full-size pickup truck with the handling and ease of use of a mid-size one. Furthermore, styling was essential, and on this matter, Dodge’s design team hit the nail on the head and enchanted customers with the vehicle’s styling.

At the front, the car looked more chiseled and brawnier than its predecessor. The massive grille sporting the crosshair design element on the grille, specific for Dodge, was available in body color or with a chrome finish, depending on the grade. Dodge flanked it with wide headlights that covered the overlapped headlamps and the corner-mounted turn signals. Behind them, the bumper was black, body-colored, or with chromed trims.

From its profile, one of the vehicle’s most significant design elements was the enlarged front fenders that were visually continued by enlarged areas on the front doors. Furthermore, the automaker put sculptured lines on the lower sides of the door, trying to provide customers the confidence that they were driving a serious off-road machine. However, Dodge didn’t consider installing body-keyed door handles and mirrors, not even for the highest trim level, the Laramie. The automaker also insisted on creating a user-friendly vehicle, and that included the added steps into the metallic rear bumper for easier loading and unloading. Dodge placed a separate, 5.4-inch (1.65 m) bed behind the cabin, utterly separated by that. In the back, the dual-barrel taillights flanked the wide-open tailgate and resembled the headlights’ shape, albeit stacked, not horizontal.

Inside, Dodge continued the idea from the previous generation of the Dakota and installed a car-like cabin that was also the roomiest in its class. Customers found a well-designed dashboard featuring a curved instrument cluster fronting the driver. The white dials and gauges gave the car a sportier look, albeit these were available only for specific trims. On the center stack, the automaker installed the HVAC control panel and the stereo, with available wood grain decorations. Like its predecessor, the 2005 Dodge Dakota Club Cab provided the best-in-class cabin in terms of roominess. Front seats provided ample legroom and headroom to their passengers, with cloth or leather upholstery and heating. At the same time, the rear seats could accommodate up to three passengers, but the bench could be lifted for additional storage area.

The base version was motivated by a carried-over 3.7-liter V6 powerhouse, while a choice of two V8 engines was available. The six-cylinder version was paired with a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, the 4.7-liter V8 engine was available with a 230 hp (233 PS) or a 260 hp (264 PS), both paired with a five-speed automatic gearbox. The 2005 Dodge Dakota was available in 2WD or 4WD, with high and low-range gearing for the transfer box for the latter.