As Goldilocks would say, the Dodge Dakota is just right. Dodge introduced it as a compromise between their compact trucks, which had limited hauling capacity, but were easy to handle, and it's full-size Ram, which had the powerful towing and hauling capacity, but could feel bulky and unwieldy behind the wheel.

Enter the Dodge Dakota in 1987, which fell somewhere in between. The first pickup to feature a V8 engine, and the first to offer rack and pinion steering, the Dakota's horsepower, 4WD option, and aggressive styling suited those who used it as a workhorse, but its durability appealed to families looking for an alternative to a minivan.

Over the years, the Dakota evolved into more of a family truck without giving up any of its engine power, available in a V6 or a V8. The cab had always been roomy for front seat passengers, with controls that were easy to read and operate and storage room between and under seats. The introduction of a four-door Dakota and a lengthened cab (achieved by shortening the bed length) to seat three people comfortably in back placed it firmly in the family car realm. The heavy-duty suspension, precise handling, and unpenetrable sturdiness of the Dakota made it comfortable for transporting family, while the V8 engine and the 6.5-foot bed made it ideal for transporting cargo.

Owners love their Dakotas for the combination of look, feel, reliability, and strength. The biggest gripe is with the poor gas mileage, but really, it is a truck after all.