If it was truly being used as a truck, to haul anything heavier than grocery bags, the 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, 120-hp base engine of the Dodge Dakota was useless, and really you'd only buy one because of cost concerns. In 2003, Dodge conceded defeat and got rid of the 4-cylinder, making its 3.9-liter V6 standard on all models, except for the R/T (the 5.9-liter, 250-hp V8 was standard on this performance model).

Also for 2003 was a new transmission, a 5-speed automatic which was paired with the 4.7-liter, 235-hp V8 to enhance the engine's capabilities and make the driving experience that much more fun. All models got 16-inch wheels, except for the R/T which came standard with 17-inch. A new midyear Stampede package for regular and Club Cab Sport trims added extra sportiness by including body-colored bumpers, a rear stabilizer bar, and the Tire and Handling Package.

Available as either the two-door regular and extended cabs or the 4-door Crew Cab, the Dakota trims remained the same in 2003 -- base, SXT, Sport, Sport Plus, SLT, SLT Plus, R/T. The 2003 Dakota, like its predecessors, was characterized by heavy-duty towing capacity with the comfort of a family sedan. The interior offered all the creature comfort options (Plus models come with power windows, locks, keyless entry), plus standard bench seats or optional buckets. Ceiling and floor consoles provided extra storage, and the dashboard was easy to read and convenient to use. The rear bench seats in the Quad provided plenty of headroom and ample leg room for the average sized person, and folded down 60/40 to make room for extra storage.

Plus, the aggressive Ram-like Dodge styling for the Dakota looked great, and a lot of drivers mention that they receive envious comments from people. Poor fuel economy is the biggest gripe, but who out there is buying a truck for its gas mileage?