Sporting an updated face for 2008, the Dodge Dakota has always been a pickup truck that found a niche between full size trucks and compact pick-ups. It's still the only truck in this class to offer V8 power.

It's an all-new 4.7 liter V8 with 302 horsepower for 2008. This is also a flexible-fuel engine that can run on E85 ethanol - another first for Dodge.

While it's nice to have this choice of an alternative fuel, keep in mind your mileage will do down with the ethanol. On regular gas we got about 19 miles per gallon on the highway. Fueled with E85, that went down to about 14 miles per gallon.

Back at the cargo end, the new Dakota has a tailgate protector that doubles as a spoiler. Our Laramie model test truck includes a nice cargo tie-down system with movable rail cleats and a drop-in bed liner. Other options include a class four receiver hitch and seven-pin wiring harness.

Inside, the Dakota interior has lots of hard plastic but it's comfortable even for long trips. The optional $1,400 MyGiG sound and navigation system can even store and view digital photos.

Our crew cab test truck has plenty of back seat room with seats that fold in a snap. Underneath is a neat pop-up storage bin that also deploys easily.

The Dakota's ride and handling are good enough to make this an everyday driver. With most every option available, our test truck sticker price is $35,455.

The Dodge Dakota is a strong player for the in-between sized pickup.

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