I think the '05's a great looking truck myself. I've liked the edgy look since the new Cougars came out years ago. But honestly the thing that's made me wait a little longer for an 05 instead of getting a perfectly good price-chopped 04 was the way the thing drives. About the only nicer-driving vehicle I've been in was a hemi Magnum. The interior of the 05 helped my choice too (and really, what are you going to be looking at most of the time you're using the vehicle?)

I only really have a few complaints with the whole thing:
1) from a full side-on view the front bumper looks a hair too long (other angles it's fine)
2) gauge cluster needs oil and ammeter gages (Colorado and Ranger have the same problem)
3) volvo-esque headrests in back seat (but i bet they protect rear passengers' heads from box crud in a front crash very well)
4) grey bumper on SLT or ST looks cheap if truck's a color other than grey or black

 

i agree completely about the bumper, i hear that they pushed it out for better crash reasons, but they could have come up with a better way, it doesnt look right at all from the side

 

hey i'm new here but I want to say that I like the new dakota but only in my photoshoped versions. I think the bumper is what completely sets the truck into ugly mode.


[IMG]local://upfiles/10459/4C33D245193A4194ABFC7604B60E6DE4.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/10459/DF034BAFA331433E86691991C435CE83.jpg[/IMG]

 

I think it could look nice, but the biggest killer for me is there's to much chrome on the front of the thing, it just looks so damn tacky, some chrome grill inserts like they did on the magnum are fine, but there's just to much on the 05 dakota's nose, granted the 2nd gens were almost as bad but you could get them with it painted body color instead of chrome and then it looked great, can't get them like that factory with the the 05's.

 

Welcome to DF. Nice Photoshop job too. Maybe DC could use your help.[sm=smiley20.gif]

 

LOL thanks, that was the first time i had ever used Photoshop, I'm much better now. I wished somehow my small insignificant photo could be used to make them change their design.
I guess it would be kewl too if a body kit company wanted to use that photo for some ideas because honestly all that I can see wrong will the 2005 dak is the front bumper just sticks out too far. the front end body work should be changed.

 

I am looking for a new project truck and was considering a new Dakota with a Hemi. I do not like the way the truck looks stock though. I do agree that with the right body changes , monocromatic paint scheme, and lowering it would make it look a whole lot better. I plan to check some more out tomorrow and see what I might come home with. I was even considering a Dodge Rumble Bee with a Hemi. Just want to get a nice looking Hemi truck to replace my older Dakota and make it real fast too.

 

I was a second gen Dak owner. Test drove the 05 model in three different versions: V8 Club, V8 Quad and V6 Quad. I have to say I was not impressed. The interior is not at all comfortable, and the look of the front end design is just too much to overcome. I almost bit on the V8 Quad cab, but I just couldn't. For the $$ I was able to switch into a full size RAM 1500 Std cab, and I still have plenty of room. I have to say I think the redesign is a flop, and that's coming first hand from a previous Dak owner. I love my RAM! It's nice to be back in a full size truck again!! Good luck to the new Dak's!

 

I am not completely down on the new truck. What I'm down on is the fact that I have to spend nearly $400 to have matching body style bumper. It's called the sport appearance package. There is NO option to get rid of that hideous chrome bumper. If you were to buy a Black Dakota as is....it doesn't look "too bad". But buy any other color and the front with the chrome and standard bumper still looks terrible. I think it is ridiculous to force the public to pay nearly $400 for a matching color truck. I would like to see the Big Wigs and CEO's buy a Red Suit Jacket with Grey Dress pants and brown shoes for $23,000.....but have to spend $23, 400 for a matching suit set.

 

Hate to break your heart Frank, but most trucks you have to pay for the matching color bumpers. Ram, F150, ranger, and GM's as well.

Joe