2004 Dodge Dakota Club Cab 4.7L V8 6MT RWD (231 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The third generation of the Dodge Dakota was unveiled in 2004 for the 2005 model year and morphed into the mid-size pickup segment available in two cab versions, the Club Cab and the Quad Cab.

Launched under the DaimlerChrysler Era, the third generation of the Dodge Dakota was bigger, brawnier, and more potent than its predecessor. It shared its underpinnings with the Dodge Durango and the Mitsubishi Raider, and it also had a new drivetrain and improved engines. Furthermore, it ditched the old inline-four powerplant inherited by Chrysler from American Motor Corporation. But all of these advantages would have meant nothing if the styling wasn’t right. However, the American brand hit the nail on the head and made customers fall in love with the look of this mid-size pickup truck.

At the front, the 2005 Dodge Dakota Club Cab had a taller crosshair grille specific to the brand. Depending on the grade, it was available in body color or with a chromed trim surrounding it. Its headlights had overlapping headlamps covered by the same clear glass, and the turn signal lamps were integrated on their outer edges. Depending on the grade, the mid-size pickup truck came with a black, a body-colored, or a body-colored adorned by chromed trims.

One of the most prominent parts of the 2005 Dodge Dakota Club Cab was at the front, where the flared wheel arches were continued on the door panels. Furthermore, the automaker made a lower sculptured area that gave more personality to the vehicle. Unfortunately, Dodge decided to save some pennies and left the flush door handles black across the range, spoiling the excellent look of the pickup. The rear “suicide” doors (rear-hinged) were narrow and mostly helpful in loading fishing poles into the back and small crates. Like on its predecessor, the cabin was completely separated from the standard 6.6-foot (2-meter) long bed. At the back, the dual-barrel taillights that flanked the tailgate echoed the headlights’ design, albeit in a vertical position.

Inside, customers found a car-like interior with 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 seats in the back were tiny and only suitable for short jaunts or small children.

Under the hood, gone was the 2.5-liter inline-four engine inherited from AMC. The base version was powered by a carried-over 3.7-liter V6 powerhouse paired with a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The other two options were powered by a 4.7-liter V8 available in two power options: 230 hp (233 PS) or 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.