I thought, that there probably quite a few people who can't make up their minds between the the Dakota Quad Cab and another manufacturer's pickup. I don't see myself as a person recommending or telling people to purchase any particular model of vehicle.

However, I thought that if I told my story of why I chose the Dakota Quad Cab over all the pickups that are available, it might make things more clear for other people on what they really need or want in a vehicle they're trying to make a decision on purchasing.

My quest to look for a new automobile originally started in January of 2000. Naturally, I took to the Internet to look for what was available and didn't narrow my search down to any one particular manufacturer or vehicle. In other words, I really didn't know what I was looking for, only that I needed a new vehicle to replace my main mode of transportation which happens to be a 87 Ford Econoline van.

I didn't narrow my search by cost. Being 46 years of age I thought that it was time treat myself to new vehicle, since I've been purchasing and using used vehicles. Of course, I was of the belief that purchasing a new vehicle was the worst investment a sane person could make. But what the hell, you don't live forever.

A standard type car, was out of the question. I needed something that would fit my particular lifestyle. I enjoyed the outdoors, mainly fishing, biking, camping and travel. I wanted a vehicle that I could put my two children in the back of and feel secure about their safety and comfort. I also wanted enough space in the cab of the car to carry a party of adults in comfort. I also needed a vehicle that would pinch hit as a work vehicle, something that could haul heavy bulky loads as well as carry my tools in. Naturally, I also wanted a vehicle that looked good.

I realized I wanted a lot out of the vehicle I would choose to purchase. It was at this point that I narrowed my search down to a extended cab pickup. I was aware that there are quite a few pickups that offer rear passenger seating,but I would have mixed feelings of even putting my dog in some of them.

You have to remember that while I was deciding on what type of vehicle I was going to purchase, I was also doing my research on the Web.

Briefly considering full-size pickups, I focused my research to intermediate size pickups. I was thinking the full-size pickups are nice, but they seemed big and bulky. Since my driving was a mix of country, rural and city, I wanted something that wouldn't get all scratched up going through a narrow driveways with tree branches, quite common in my neck of the woods. Since my work places me in the city quite often, I wanted something that was easy to park and could turn a tight radius. Full-size pickups also seemed just a bit too pricey and I didn't particularly like the gas mileage. The intermediate size pickups would appear to give better gas mileage and better maneuverability. It would be nice to have something that handles more like a car than a boat.

It was about the beginning of April 2000, when I came across the Dodge Dakota quad cab pickup on the Dodge web site. Shortly after that I made a visit to the nearest Dodge dealership. It was Sunday and the dealership was closed. They had stock Dakota quad's, stripped down, and a few SLTs'. One of the SLTs' happened to be unlocked and I got a chance to spend quite some time in one. I took the opportunity of not having a salesmen breathing down my neck to go over the interior quite thoroughly. Of the few reviews I found on the Dakota pickup practically all had referenced the interior as lack and spartan. I found the interior to be perfect, maybe the seating material is a bit on the budget side. However, I liked the pattern and the charcoal color which blended nicely with the ABS and Vinyl facade of the interior. I felt that the interior molded components were sculpted the perfect amount, not to simple and not to gaudy. The adjustable driver seating was comfortable and cradled my 6 foot, 190 pound frame naturally, something like a glove but not constrictive. What amazed me the most was the spacious rear seating for an intermediate size pickup. I'll have more on the interior in future updates.

About a week later I stopped down during the week and took a test ride of a Dakota quad. Since the salesman decided to drive in the back seat, I felt limited to the extent of which I could really check out the pickup. However, I managed to get on it a little bit, judging from the expression and color of the salesman's face in the rear view mirror. Since I really didn't get a chance to stomp it, the power coming out of the 4.7 liter engine seemed just okay. What impressed me was the feeling of driving a tight car. I left the dealership feeling left down a little bit, maybe my expectations on the power train performance was a bit too high. Maybe the pickup was the wrong color. However, I believed the Dakota Quad pickup still came closest in meeting a majority of what I wanted in a new vehicle.

A few weeks passed, I decided to stop down at the same dealership and get a second look at the Dodge Quad Dakotas. After I parked, I started walking toward the dealership's building, when I noticed a bronze pearl coat Dakota quad cab parallel parked against the curb of the building. It was then that I knew what my new car was going to be.

Well that's about it. The above picture says it all. On the next update of this Dodge Dakota quad cab owners Web site, I'll be covering the deal.

Check the front page for the last update date. I usually update once a week

By the way, my name is Nick, you can email me by clicking this => Mail