The 2005 Dodge Dakota's freshened interior takes a step up in refinement compared to the previous generation. The front seats are comfortably padded, with nearly nine inches of travel to fit both the short and the tall. The back seats are roomy for a midsize pickup, and legroom is only an issue if both rows are packing six-footers.

Following truck tradition, the Dakota's controls are simple and straightforward. In 60 seconds, you can figure out where everything is, and what everything does, without consulting the owner's manual. Sitting front and center is a big speedometer, flanked by two smaller circular gauge housings, all white-faced and easily read.

Care was taken to build a quieter truck this time around. Dodge installed front door glass that is thicker, and bolstered insulation in the floor and the dash panel. Even the exhaust system's mufflers get into the act - Dodge specified 30-percent larger cans, with twin resonators, to keep unwanted noise at bay.

Photography: © Dan Lyons 2004