The last truck I owned was a 1997 Dodge Dakota. I was in the market to buy one again, the size always seemed perfect, but I don't like the styling of the new Dakota. So I took a look at the Raider, which is its structural twin, even assembled at the same plant. The handling has been improved vastly, and the new version is even lighter then my previous. 1997 Dakota weighed in at 5,480 lbs w/ V-8 & std. cab and Raider is 4,287 lbs w/ V-6 and extended cab. Being 1,200 lbs lighter and only 20 HP short of my last, it accelerated very nice, and the economy is better, although like all of us I'd like to see it a little better. Maybe they can bring the 5-speed auto to the V-6 next year.
