Son of Ram

1997 Dakota built in the image of

highly successful full-size Ram.

By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor

Simply put, the new Dakota is mechanically the best truck on the market. It drives more like a car than any other truck, including the highly acclaimed Ford F150. Unfortunately, my test truck had one major failing, the standard cab. This former mid-size trucks' interior actually felt claustrophobic.

Since the introduction of the Dakota some 12 years ago, it has been the only domestic mid-size pickup available. To the marketing people this was a nightmare! They couldn't compare it to the full-size trucks, including its' own and comparing it to the compact Ford Ranger and Chevy S-10 was difficult as well. Ford and Chevy always had a comeback; the Dakota isn't in the same market as our compact trucks.

Solution? For 1997, Dodge has decided to call the all-new, larger than before, Dakota a compact truck. The reasoning is obvious. To put the Dakota in the full-size market would be suicidal, while placing it in the compact segment makes it the biggest, roomiest and most powerful compact truck available. Advantage Dodge.

The redesign program was accomplished in 31 months. Drawing on the experience from the BR platform, (full-sized Ram) the team made short work of the redesign. The exterior design of the full-size Ram is so popular that to copy it for the Dakota was only natural. Once again pictures don't truly portray this truck's body style. The front of the new Dakota is more rounded off than the Ram for improved aerodynamics, but other than the minor upfront changes the exterior is identical to the Ram. The deep scoops along the side of the door leading into the bed, and above the wheel arches are side flares familiar to any Dodge aficionado.

The interior is well laid out with heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls within easy reach of the driver. The HVAC had three dials, temperature, fan speed and direction, which are conveniently aligned vertically just off the edge of the gauge package. The gauge package is relatively large and easy to read, including the optional tachometer, which is especially helpful with our 5-speed manual transmission. Stereo controls, buttons and knobs are large and easy to use even with gloves on, along with the cruise control buttons located right on the tilt steering wheel.

Storage space in the standard cab Dakota was very limited. A center console, while deep, offered the only other place besides the glovebox to store anything. Getting anything behind the seats thicker than a sheet of paper was next to impossible. My test truck was a Dakota Sport that had bucket seats. While there was no lumbar support, the seats were very comfortable and easy to get along with over the long haul.

New for 1997 are dual airbags. The passenger airbag does feature a cutoff switch in case you're using a rear-facing child safety seat. Other safety enhancements include rear wheel anti-lock brakes and side door guard beams. Outboard safety belts are now height adjustable for comfort and safety.

As I stated at the opening the Dakota drives like no truck ever has. The power rack and pinion steering is quick and light and provides a short turning radius. The truck I drove had an optional CD player that never skipped, highly unusual for a truck considering most trucks tend to porpoise over bumps. The Dakota didn't porpoise. Just after driving the Dakota, I received a Ford Ranger for evaluation. While direct comparisons would be unfair because of different option packages, I can tell you that the new Dakota steering, ride and handling is better than the class sales leader Ranger.

While the Dakota I tested was more stripped than equipped, the available option list is extremely long. For example, the Dakota is the only compact truck with an available V8. Yet, the 3.9L, Magnum V6 evaluated here has plenty of power. It is rated at 175 hp and 225 lb-ft. of torque available at a low 3200 rpm. The low torque band is great for hauling stuff or getting away from the stop light quickly. The V6 is lighter on your gas bill as well; EPA ratings are 17 city and 22 highway. During my one tank test, I obtained 17 mpg.

The base price of the new Dakota is only $12,725. The price as tested price came to $16,991, including destination. The new Dakota has been awarded truck of the year by seven automotive publications; certainly high praise. Count my vote as well; the new Dakota is a step above all other compact trucks. My only reservation is the standard cab: spend the bucks and buy the extended cab.