The Dodge Dakota looks big. And it is big. The Dakota is the biggest pickup in the mid-size class, and the only mid-size truck available with a V8. Dodge claims its 7150-pound maximum towing capacity is by far the best in the class. Dakota looks nearly as big and tough as the full-size Dodge Ram. You might say Dakota is the mid-size pickup with a full-size attitude.

Getting in is easy, and the interior is comfortable and convenient, with controls that are easy to reach and operate. The rear doors on Club Cabs and Quad Cabs open wide, and the Quad Cab can accommodate six. The Club Cab has earned five-star safety ratings in both front and side impact testing by the federal government (NHTSA).

Underway, the Dakota is smooth and quiet. The optional 4.7-liter V8 burbles subtly in the background when cruising, but really scoots when the throttle is mashed. A high-output version with over 310 pound-feet of torque is available if that's not enough. Dakota's steering is light for easy maneuverability in crowded parking lots and the Dakota responds quickly on mountain roads and tracks nice and straight on the highway.