It's ironic. With all the noise that Chrysler has been making lately with the successful 300 and Magnum, the new Dakota is about being quiet. Quiet, as in a quieter cabin for the 2005 edition of its midsize Dodge Dakota pickup truck. Less noise, more motors and a bigger size - that's the short story on the newest Dodge.

The 2005 Dodge Dakota is offered in Club Cab (with two rear half doors) and Quad Cab (four full-size doors) models, with three trim levels: SL, SLT and Laramie. In addition to the standard rear-wheel-drive setup, two four-wheel-drive systems are available - a traditional, part-time transfer case with low range; and a full-time, all-wheel drive system usable on any surface, any time. Prices range from $19,210 for a base Dakota SL Club Cab to $29,324 for a 4WD Dakota Laramie Quad Cab.

We drove an opulently outfitted version of the biggest and best Dakota, the Laramie Quad Cab, on the highways and byways of upstate New York.

Photography: © Dan Lyons 2004