|
2003 DODGE DAKOTA SLT + QUAD CAB 4x4
Lil'Rig with Big Rig Performance
By Dan Modestino
King Compact Truck
 Since 1986 Dodge has always had the answer for people that wanted a truck that could handle the jobs of a full size tuck, but didn't require you to have an air traffic controller to help you park the darn thing. The creation of the Dodge Dakota filled the gap between compact truck and full size truck, hence its deserved reputation as one of the most versatile trucks on the market. Most all of the compact truck market then and still today were inadequate as far as pick up truck functionality and purpose:
- Power
- Towing Capacity
- Payload
- Ability to carry more than two passengers… COMFORTABLY.
Whether you need a primary passenger vehicle, cargo hauler, or any combination in between, Dodge Dakota offers work and performance capability that rivals even some full-sized trucks
Choose from the Power of Three
Today Dodge Dakota continues to set the standard in offering two of the three engine options as V-8's. The only manufacture to offer V-8 engines in this class of truck. If towing or hauling large loads is not what you have in mind for your Dakota configuration, then the standard 3.9 litre (239 cu. in. for us old schoolers) V-6 Magnum rated at 175 horsepower and 225 ft.lbs of torque is a real practical choice. Regular unleaded, 87 octane is all this engine needs.
Our Quad Cab tester was equipped with the middle of the three engine options to choose from. The 4.7 litre (287 cu. in.) Magnum V-8 is a nice sounding responsive engine. The power rating jumps to 235 horses from it's V-6 little brother, and 295 asphalt ripping ft.lbs of torque. This engine coupled with the 5-Speed Automatic 5-45RFE Transmission has more than enough power to keep up with the "Big Rigs." This engine will also run on 87 octane and gets 15.4 litres/100kms city and 10.9 litres/km highway. The fuel capacity on this truck is 83 litres or 22 gallons. Poorer fuel economy is a trade off when power is higher on the priority list.
Rounding out the Dakota engine lineup is the proven 5.9 litre Magnum V-8 standing tall with 250 horsepower and 345 ft.lbs of torque! That's enough torque to move a small building off its foundation. I'm looking forward to testing a Dakota with the 5.9 litre (360 cu. in.) in it. At this point I think the consumers opting for the Daddy Magnum are really looking for the, as Tim the Tool Man Taylor would say…. uoh, uoh, uooh factor. Makes you feel good to have all that power when you need it… if you'll need it… ah, you probably wouldn't need it… you get this engine just because there is no replacement for displacement! The fuel economy rating for this engine… who cares when you have all that power under the hood. The good news is that there is no problem putting 87 octane in the tank for any of the three engine options. So the gas shouldn't hurt your pocket book… much.
Big Rig Look
 I was never a real big Dodge fan, but when they came out with the distinctive shape of that "Big Rig" front end, they again set the standard in the compact truck market. Just because it's smaller than a full size truck doesn't mean that it has to look small. It's bold styling grabs attention instantly.
Our tester was a nice Atlantic Blue Pearl and fitted with the following exterior trim:
- Under Rail – Box Bed Liner
- Trailer Tow Group – Class IV Hitch
- Soft Tonneau Cover
- Sliding Rear Window
- Bodyside Moulding
For 2003, Dodge Dakota is available with a new "Stampede" ground effects package on Regular Cab and Club Cab Sport Models. The Stampede model features unique monochromatic custom front and rear body colour facea mouldings, ground-effect side body mouldings, 16" x 8" aluminum wheels, wheel flares and rear stabilizer bar.
There is no question about the appearance of the SLT Quad Cab, it looks big, tough, and like it could go anywhere. Much of this look comes from that signature "Big Rig" Dodge front hood, grill, and bumper combination. This look would not be complete without the overall platform that Dodge used to wrap the body over. With an overall length of 5.5 meters (almost 18 ft), overall height of 1.8 meters (6 ft), and an overall width of 1.8 meters (6 ft) this truck has some substance. In addition, the ground clearance of 217 millimeters (8.6 in) makes the Dakota look confident.
Worth noting especially on a 4x4, that the Dakota line comes with the Governments highest side-impact crash-test rating. Five stars.
Payload and Cargo
Usually a four-door pickup truck means a big sacrifice in cargo capacity and towing. This is not the case with the Quad Cab Dakota. The 1.6-meter bed (5'3") is the largest among four-door compact pick-ups and can handle up to 664 kilograms (1780 lbs) of payload. The towing capacity is a respectable 2314 kilograms (6200 lbs), making it one of the strongest pickups in the class.
Another area that can be utilized for cargo is the interior. The rear seats are a convenient 60/40 split giving you the option of folding them up individually to accommodate a combination of people and cargo, or fold them both up to accommodate larger objects that you want to stow inside the vehicle. Of coarse getting the bigger objects through the back doors is made simple with the doors that will swing open a full 90 degrees to the body. Either way the Quad Cab has one of the largest interiors in the compact truck class with optional six passenger seating.
 Some other nice features of the interior include:
- A pull-out cup holder
- Pocket on the back of the passenger seat.
- Pockets in the drivers and passengers doors for extra storage
- Rear windows that roll all the way down
Impressions
The ride and handling in the Dakota Quad Cab has a sporty feel with fair cornering lean, modest grip in 2WD, but typical characteristics from a pick up. On the road it always felt stable and handles offroading like a fine tuned 4x4 should. Switching in and out of 4WD was easy with a flick of a wrist using the electronic shift control knob. I definitely experience a sense of comfort and confidents with the rolling stance of this vehicle.
There was some wind noise at highway speeds and tire hum on coarse surfaces, but overall very nice. The interior materials are good and instruments are easy to use, but cosmetically the interior trim, radio, and switches are so bla. This would be my only complaint. The designers should apply their exterior creativity to the interior and spice it up a little.
Although you could fit 6 adults seated in the Quad Cab, it is a little tight, but still larger than any of its competition.
Versatility is the Word
 The 2003 Dakota SLT + Quad Cab 4x4 is a good choice if your not in to the bigness of a full sized pickup but like to have power, good space, good payload, and towing capacity. In my opinion, Dodge as done a great job filling the gap between the compact and the full-size pickup trucks. Having said that, I think that the Dakota line is a stand-alone class of truck. Available V-8 power, all-surface 4WD, Quad Cab, and backed with 7/115k Powertrain Warranty cement it's "Most versatile of any compact pickup" credentials.
| Base Suggested Retail Price |
$30,360.00 |
| Price as Tested |
$38,645.00 |
|
