Dodge Dakota Future Models

141 messages, Last post on Sep 03, 2006 at 8:58 AM

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#112 of 141 Re: style and market [saabgirl] by dustyk Dec 19, 2004 (3:00 pm)
Replying to: saabgirl (Dec 19, 2004 10:41 am) >>>You're not planning on sending your weather North East, I hope;-) <<< Saabgirl, well, we have to send it someplace! Bests, Dusty
#113 of 141 Saw my first 05 on the road by eharri3 Dec 25, 2004 (6:48 am)
After all this time of seeing them on the lots, I saw my first one on the road just a few days ago. IT's wierd... most newly redesigned vehicles, as soon as they're available to the public you'll usually start seeing them out on the road driven by those with the 'first on the block to have one' syndrome. Not this one. I have seen NONE on the road in Philadelphia or the surrounding area until this first one headed North on I-95 earlier this week, even though they've been available at least 2-3 months by now. Wish I could have gotten a better view as this was the first one I saw in motion. But I'm getting the impression there may start to be some hefty incentives on this one before too long. It's too bad, had I waited another year and had a tolerance for the goofy styling and the un-macho 4x4 stance I could probably have gotten a decent deal considering the seemingly slow initial sales. 04 Quad V8 Sport Plus 4x4, 4.7, 5speed auto.
#114 of 141 Saw my first 05 - reply by iowabigguy Dec 25, 2004 (1:43 pm)
I had considered going back to a Dakota. I had a 2000 Quad and replaced it with a 2003 Ram Quad. I'm considering replacing the Ram because I want side curtain air bags and a few additional options that were not available when I bought the 2003. I am also getting disenchanted with the Hemis poor gas mileage so that I would consider a smaller motor. I have priced out a 2005 Dakota Quad and a 2005 Ram Quad. I have found that a comparably equipped Dakota would cost me more to buy than the Ram. The Dakota rebates are nowhere as good as those offered on the Rams. I got a mailing from Dodge that offered an additional $2000 off any new Dakota or Durango if I was a current Dakota/Durango owner but that is no longer the case. Like others I haven't warmed to the new look either. I thought the 2000-4 Dakota to be a much more attractive package. I have yet to see anyone driving a new one here in Omaha, even the salesmen drive the Rams for demos. I suspect the $2000 offer for current owners may be extended to the general populace just to start moving them off the lots. The only real thing the new Dakota has going for it is the option of heated cloth or leather seats. It was -3 degrees here the other morning and that sure would have been a nice option to have. Merry Christmas to all the Mopar community (ever those lurkers who have strayed from the pack) Rick Replies to this message: saabgirl (Dec 26, 2004 10:15 am)
#115 of 141 Re: Saw my first 05 - reply [iowabigguy] by saabgirl Dec 26, 2004 (10:15 am)
Replying to: iowabigguy (Dec 25, 2004 1:43 pm) >>I suspect the $2000 offer for current owners may be extended to the general populace just to start moving them off the lots.<< Here in Connecticut, I've noticed that the advertised prices are getting attractive. This morning a local Dodge dealer has an ad in the paper offering to sell new '05s at invoice (I forget whether further rebates were included) and will make a $250 donation to a local charity. Problem is that the selection is limited. I'm betting that when Dodge, Toyota, Chev/GMC and Nissan get more new product on the lots that your suspicion will come true. Yes, heated seats are nice below zero. (That plus a bottle of peppermint schnaps under the seat.)
#116 of 141 Re: style and market [saabgirl] by surfla1 Jan 04, 2005 (7:52 am)
Replying to: saabgirl (Dec 19, 2004 10:41 am) I agree that the body styling of the 05 Dakota is fugly. Even worse is the Durango. It looks like a school bus or mini-van on steroids. However I also think the 05 Taco and the Chevy/GMC Colorado/Canyon are no better. Also not impressed with pictures of the upcoming Frontier. While on the subject what in the world is taking Ford so long with the Ranger? My own two cents is that Trucks and especially SUV's are so popular with consumers and so profitable for the manufacturers that not a lot of thought and R & D really needs to be devoted to styling. Just put a fender flare here and a bulge there and we're done! All Ford did with the new F-150 was shrink the body styling of the F-250, and not successfully in my opinion. And I hate to say this but the latest Ram looks like a cartoon character. But you know, how many ways can you style a square cab on top of a rectangular body and bed? I think Chevy took the right approach with the Silverado. Over time the conservative styling has aged well as has the earlier Ram and Dakota. All of the above is my opinion. I understand that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Patrick Replies to this message: dustyk (Jan 04, 2005 3:23 pm)
#117 of 141 Re: [goboilers] - '05 Dakotas [spike50] [tcsmpsi] [spike50] by tcsmpsi Jan 04, 2005 (12:32 pm)
Replying to: spike50 (Dec 18, 2004 2:45 pm) I know that the front end on the '05 Dak puts some folks off. The protruding front bumper, most notably. However, it is function oriented more than cosmetic. It's design is to, most especially as it is directly frame related with two rather massive octagon members. The front bumper set up would take a great deal of shock and trauma before allowing damage to more intricate equipment. The rear bumper is also much better equipped to withstand collision. The entire frame and supension has been re-evaluated and upgraded. Even the window glass is thicker to help with road noise (which doesn't mean much to me as I am not comfortable not hearing the sounds outside and always have the window open a bit). Since I am a bit long-bodied, I am pleased with the extra headroom inside. Though the body lines may be a bit 'bold' for some, the structural integrity it adds to the sheet metal is notable. Now, I suppose many of the more 'add-on' changes might not appeal to some. I like the plain truck, no power windows and the minimal package with 2WD. Generally, I leave my rock climbing, etc to my personal physical enjoyment, and have taken 2WD vehicles many places where 4WDs would 'disagree'. So far, relative mixed driving has produced +/-20 mpg, with the 4spd auto transmission and 6 cyl. Got about 1500 miles on it presently, and becoming more acquainted with it, has brought me only to appreciate it more. Replies to this message: dustyk (Jan 04, 2005 3:24 pm)
#118 of 141 Re: style and market [surfla1] by dustyk Jan 04, 2005 (3:23 pm)
Replying to: surfla1 (Jan 04, 2005 7:52 am) The new RAM didn't turn me on and the new Dakota even less so. That being said I would not shun owning either one based on that single lack of merit alone. What bothers me more about the Dakota is the lack of a complete set of gauges. I guess I'm just getting old but none of the new truck designs appeal much to my eye. Currently, the Tundra is probably the most pleasing to me, followed by the GMC version. The new F150, Titan, and the Chevy have made the RAM my third choice. When it comes to exterior looks alone the '97-'04 Dakotas were the best in my opinion, the '01-'04s inside as well. Bests, Dusty
#119 of 141 Re: [goboilers] - '05 Dakotas [spike50] [tcsmpsi] [spike50] [tcsmpsi] by dustyk Jan 04, 2005 (3:24 pm)
Replying to: tcsmpsi (Jan 04, 2005 12:32 pm) I work with a fellow who really loves his '05 Dakota, says its the best handling and riding truck and super quiet. His gas mileage matches yours as well. Good luck with yours. Best regards, Dusty
#120 of 141 05 dakota by roper2 Jan 04, 2005 (4:54 pm)
I was at the dealer 3 week's ago . While I was waiting I looked at the 05 Dakota Didn't look very good then but got off work the other day and there was a white one parked out front.Sitting along with other cars it had a better persepctive.I looked at it again and liked it a lot better. Replies to this message: surfla1 (Jan 07, 2005 8:57 am) saabgirl (Jan 07, 2005 2:37 pm)
#121 of 141 Re: 05 dakota [roper2] by surfla1 Jan 07, 2005 (8:57 am)
Replying to: roper2 (Jan 04, 2005 4:54 pm) I find it interesting how the color of a particular model can sometimes make the truck or car look better. I generally find the Titan styling too over the top. However I saw an all black one today that was a little more pleasing to my eye. I also agree that age probably is a factor in the new "bolder styling". The new "bolder" looks are generally more appealing to younger people who are a prime target demographic buyer. My opinion has always been that the styling of any automobile that I buy should appeal to my taste in its base form, without all the plastic and chrome add ons. In that sense the last generation Dakota and the current Silverado are tops. When you fully trick out the Ram and the 4 X 4 F-150, they are obviously much more pleasing to the eye. But it's also obviously much harder on the pocket book. I consider both form and function when buying a vehicle. The last generation Dakota was the best fit for my bill. I don't think the current model blended form and function nearly as well as the last. I agree that function is most important in a truck. But I do not agree that that to take a step forward in function requires a step backward in form. Does anyone know whether any of the manufactures seek consumer opinion on new design changes or is it all left up to the in-house design team? Replies to this message: saabgirl (Jan 07, 2005 2:37 pm)