Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2004

Most Wanted Compact Truck

Winner: Dodge Dakota

The brawny Dodge Dakota is up to almost any challenge you can throw its way. If offers exceptional functionality, whether toting people, traveling off-road or towing a heavy load. Its muscular V6 and V8 engines deliver the kind of horsepower and torque truck buyers expect. What you might not expect is the Dakota's tightly controlled ride and everyday drivability. The spacious cabins are comfortable, especially in crew cab form, and the varying degrees of features and options allow you to tailor the price and capabilities to your needs. It all adds up to a compact truck that still has a leg up on the competition despite its advanced age.