(FordLariat) Where have I ever said you were wrong on something? All you need to do is open your mind a little and look around. There are other trucks out there that don't have the blue oval that are good. Dodge has come a long way in the last 10 years.

 

I think the problem is when someone says that one truck can tow more than the other. The truth is, one truck is always rated by the manufacturer to tow more than the others. It seems that Ford and Dodge up their ratings every few years, especially when a new model or engine is introduced. Right now, yes, the Ford F150 is rated to tow more than any other 1/2 ton 2WD truck, well except for one of GMC's, I think. Does that mean the other trucks are subpar? Not at all, it just means that when Ford introduced the new F150, they upped the manuf rating as most companies do. They did, however make many changes so that it would be safer towing heavier loads instead of just upping the ratings for the heck of it just to be ahead. They stiffened up the frame so that it is at least as strong as the Dodge frame which was the strongest, and it is probably even a little stronger. There is a limit in stiffness, and they may have gone slightly over, because I have read alot of complaints about vibrations with the 04 F150, but that may be due to other reasons. They upgraded the brakes to almost the same size as the Ram, so it can stop better with a heavy load than before. They upgraded the engine to 3V, so that it can get up to speed easier with a heavy load. So, yes the F150 is rated to tow the most this year, but just because Dodge was rated to tow the most for the past few years doesn't mean the old F150 was junk, thats just the way the game works. Next year when Nissan or Dodge change the ratings on thier trucks, the F150 will still be a fine truck, even though it is not rated to tow the most.

 

Now: about the new Dakota, its gonna take time to grow on me. I love the old style Dakotas. They are a good truck that sold very well. The new one is better all around, but on the outside iss where they went wrong. The grille i don't like very much. The rest of the body is nice IMO. Finally, the power options are excellent. 4.7, or 4.7 HO for the V8. The standard is a 3.7L V6. I think the truck will sell quite well. Not taking away from the Ranger but the Dakota is the best midsize pickup on the market right now. Thats not because it says Dodge on it either.

 

Guys...the last 9 posts have absolutuley NOTHING to do with the pathetically ugly, Bubba-Gumped bumpered Dakota.

Let's attempt to stay on topic, eh?

 

I would have to agree with you, that it will sell very well despite the front end. It is also one of the best, if not the best midsize truck available right now. One major concern I had before was the fuel economy of the 4.7. Chrysler did alot of work on making the 4.7 more fuel efficient this year, which is evident in the 20+ hwy epa rating. That is much better than the 4.7 was rated in the past. The truck can tow over 7100 lbs. That is almost as much as a full size truck. I think the looks will improve if they offer a package with less chrome up front and wheel flares. All in all, it is a vast improvement over the old dakota, which was pretty stout itself.

 

Great post wnorman. Good of you to point out the 4.7 fuel economy too. And yes too much chrome up front. The sprt package will look beter though with body color grille. All and all the new Dakota is solid and will improve even more as the years pass. Don't be surprised if they offer an SRT-8 model with the 5.7 HEMI in it. The HEMI is making its way into everything now.

 

Good way of putting it! For anyone who does not know what the truck looks like, picture this truck in your head....
Scott

 

Your opinion and nothing more, my input try a different driver in both vehicles and the out come would be different…of course just like you it is an opinion…

 

AS far as the Dakota Selling well...i guess just in your area or atleast opinionated...in my area (Houston Area) I hardly ever see Dakota's really...And Honestly i don't think the Dakota is in the same league as the Ranger...heck come to think of it the Ranger is just about in a league of it's own...Well the Ranger and the Nissan Frontier i believe are the only two true "compacts" left. I'd like to see a Dakota get 29 mpg lol.

 

Just looked at the new Dakota today. I think it's a very good looking truck all around. Looks to be put together better than the old one. Little too much chrome on the front end for my taste.

That said, I would rather put my money towards a full size after looking at the price and the MPG. I still need a truck I can seat 3 people up front in comfort. The one I looked at had the 4.7 and got 20 MPG highway, most full size trucks can match that. On the plus side you can maneuver around better with the Dakota.

 

Fordtastic, you're right about that. That's one reason I won't buy a ranger. I'm sure it's a fine truck, I just don't like it. I've always figured if I am gonna buy a truck, I'd like to buy a TRUCK. The Dakota, old and new versions, fits into that category, and unfortunately Ranger doesn't. True, Ranger can get 29 MPG, but I sure wouldn't pull ANY trailer with the 2.3!

A bit ugly up front or not, the Dakota is definitely an improvement over the origional.

 

I think there pretty nasty looking I also think the new chevy colorado is ugly as hell. I sware the same people designed both trucks and they where drunk when they where doing it. I like the motor choices for the dakota. Ford needs to put a V8 in a ranger. I dont like the gas milage from the dakota but I guess thats what you get when you want the power.

 

Ford lariat states some good points here. As usual Dodge is so stupid at times when it comes to trucks. The hemi is a joke when it comes to HD trucks. Lack off low end torque hurts here. Lack of crewcab with any room. Style department definitly needs some improvment here. Everytime I see a new Dodge nowdays there style gets worse. The durango is ugly as well as the new Dakota. Yeh it looks like the hemi is all thats got Dodge going for it sad to say. And thats way overblown.

 

Yup....
Scott

 

IT's as butt-ugly as the new Durango and the Titan...and the Avalanche...and the Aztek.