Trucks keep getting better in ride quality, but they're still trucks.Unloaded, there's little chance the Dakota will make you think you're in
a sedan. But like most pickups, the ride gets better with a load in back.
Other aspects of comfort, like the decent seats and loads of front seat
room, make the Dakota just fine for all-around driving.
We think the Dakota's handling will feel pleasantly surprising, especially
to those familiar with bigger pickups. It has relentless straight-ahead
stability, yet it works well when the pavement takes a few turns, as well.
One important day-in, day-out aspect of handling is nimbleness, the ability
to deal with tight spaces and crowded conditions. Here, too, the Dakota
will be appreciated, where its tidier size allows it to fit easily through
traffic and into that last available spot in front of the grocery store.
In short, as with several other characteristics important to truck buyers,
the Dakota's just-right size seems to give it several advantages with few
apparent shortcomings. Next Page