Driving Impressions
reviewed by
This truck really starred here. It rode well-the 130.9-inch wheelbase eliminated all choppiness. The front independent suspension, front stabilizer bar and gas shocks all the way around made handling very stable. Braking-courtesy of front discs/rear drums with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) on the rear-was sure and straight. Four-wheel ABS is an option.
Our Dakota teamed the optional 220-hp V8 with an optional four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. This power train moves you and your Dakota from point A to point B with authority. You have the ability to out-accelerate most cars. But you must use this power carefully because there is a strong tendency to spin the rear tires.
The advantages of all this power are for highway cruising, trailer towing or driving with the pickup bed loaded. The power train gives you full-size pickup numbers-a payload capacity of 1,450 pounds and a trailer towing capacity of 6,900 pounds.
Once used to harnessing this power, we thoroughly enjoyed driving the Dakota. The power, room and high stance gave this midsize a big rig feel.
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