Dodge Dakota reviews

2003 Dodge Dakota Interior Features

Dakota's interior was completely revised for 2001. The instrument panel was made easier to reach and easier to use, and almost all of the switchgear was changed. A notable example is the rotary dial for the electrically controlled transfer case, replacing the lever used previously. Door trim and carpeting were updated, as were the center and overhead consoles. Leather became an option on Quad Cabs, where it costs an extra $580 in 2002. The idea was to ease the transition for first-time truck buyers, who were used to the convenience and creature comforts of a car.

For 2002, Dodge has made an AM/FM/Cassette stereo standard on all Dakota models. A three-channel home security transceiver joins the option list.

Visibility from inside the Dakota Quad Cab is outstanding. The driver sits high and there are no obvious blind spots. Optional 6x9-inch mirrors improve visibility rearward. The Quad Cab is roomy and comfortable. The front seat is a 40/20/40 split, although for $210 you can replace the 40/20/40 split bench with high-back buckets with a center console. The wide console works well as a storage area for miscellaneous junk, but it gets in the way when fastening seat belts. A pullout cup holder at the foot of the center section is a nice touch. The driver and front seat passenger had tons of legroom.

The rear doors open wide - about 37 inches. Getting in and out of the rear seat is aided by the fact that there is no cutout for the rear wheels (like there is in many sport-utilities). But a lack of clearance for heads and feet make getting out a bit more difficult than it should be.

The rear seating area in the Dakota Quad Cab is roomier than that of any other compact truck. But that only makes it the best of a bad lot, and legroom, particularly, is limited. There's good knee room, and plenty of headroom, but not a lot of foot space, so don't plan on stretching out. As in most of the smaller ``crew cab'' pickups, the rear seat back is bolt upright and not very comfortable. Children and smaller adults should be happy enough back there, but taller folk will find the space confining. At least the rear windows roll all the way down, a feature sadly missing from some SUVs.

You can make better use of the rear half of the Quad Cab by folding its 60/40 split bench seat and creating a convenient and secure storage area. The seat folds entirely out of the way; not all compact trucks allow you to do that. Or, you can set up half of the rear seat for a passenger and still have room to tote stuff.

Controls are nicely placed and easy to operate. The $575 AM/FM/cassette/CD stereo offers superb sound through eight Infinity speakers spread around the cab. Our test truck came with the overhead electronic console with an eight-point compass and ambient temperature gauge that are useful when traveling. It also featured a trip computer and odometer that reports fuel economy and fuel tank range. The console is part of the Overhead Convenience Group ($275) and includes compartments for sunglasses and garage door openers, auto-dimming rearview mirror and map lights.