A Review of 2003 Dodge Dakota Quad-Cab

 

The benefit of having a compact truck lies in its practicality. Besides being transportation from one destination to another, a compact truck comes in handy when you need to move, haul, or pull something to that destination. Because of the uncertainty and budget constrictions of the current economy, a reliable used truck can be an economic way to meet your needs. In this review, we’ll look at the 2003 Dodge Dakota Quad-Cab. After 9 years and over 115,000 miles on the road, my 2003 Dodge Dakota is still running strong, helping me with my home repair projects, and getting me outdoors for some fun on the weekends. While the Dakota Quad-Cab has a strong engine, good towing capabilities, and enough room to comfortably fit four adults, its drawbacks include gas-guzzling fuel economy and a tendency to rust. The areas covered in this review are: 

• Powertrain: The Dakota can do the Work of a Full-Size Truck.
• Handling and Interior: The Quad-Cab Offers the Four Door Comfort of a Sedan.

  

  The 2003 Dodge Dakota Quad-Cab

• Fuel Efficiency: Big Engines Mean Poor Gas Mileage.
• Maintenance: The Dakota is Mechanically Sound but Tends to Rust.
• 2003 vs. 2011 Dakota: The Biggest Difference is Cost.
   

Powertrain: The Dakota can do the Work of a Full-Size Truck.

The 2003 Dodge Dakota offers lots of power and plenty of towing capacity. When compared to other compact trucks, the Dodge Dakota’s powertrain performs more like a full size truck than a compact. Although offered in a 4.7 L and 5.9 L V8, the 3.9 L V6 engine in my Dakota has plenty of power. The Dakota is rated to tow 6,050 lbs. and has maximum payload of 1,770 lbs. When pulling a heavy load, this means fewer nerve racking moments getting up to highway speed on an on-ramp and fewer embarrassing moments spinning the wheels while trying to back up a steep driveway. When asked to move my family across four states, my 2003 2WD Dakota performed admirably. Even when pulling a 12’ trailer loaded with furniture, the powertrain was never taxed. The 5’4” bed can be a little short, but hauling a motorcycle, a bedroom dresser, or a sheet of plywood is not a problem.

Handling and Interior: The Quad-Cab Offers the Four Door Comfort of a Sedan.

Overall, I had a very positive experience with the handling and interior of the Dodge Dakota. Comfort and a smooth, quiet ride are not the typical traits of a compact truck. The Dodge Dakota Quad-Cab offers a surprisingly comfortable ride and handles bumpy roads very well. When compared to my second car, a 2004 Saturn SUV, the Dakota Quad-Cab is by far the quieter and smoother ride.

 The Dakota Quad-Cab is also one of the roomiest trucks in its class. With my 6’7” height, one of the first things I look for in a truck is leg room. Besides the Dodge Dakota Quad-Cab, the Ford Ranger is the only other compact truck that comes close to meeting my needs.

A view of the interior

Here are some of the highlights:

• Seats 4-5 Adults: The Dakota Quad-Cab is one of the roomiest compact trucks around. 4 adults fit in the cab with plenty of room to spread out and 5 adults fit if you don’t mind getting a bit snuggly.
• Durable interior: The interior is pretty durable and wears well. Other than the driver-side floor mat, the interior on my Dakota looks fairly new even where I’ve spilt coffee on the upholstery.
• Comfortable front and back seats:Although the interior is utilitarian in nature, the comfort of the front bucket seats is surprising. The rear bench is surprisingly relaxing and definitely not the cheap jumper seats you might expect to find in a compact truck.
  

  With the door open

• Smooth ride: Because the truck leans toward the heavy side, the Quad-Cab offers an extremely smooth ride. And if you experience heavy snows where you live, that extra weight means added traction in the winter. The Quad-Cab helps distribute the weight toward the rear wheels for a sure-footed ride.
• Quiet interior: The Dakota provides a quiet environment where you won’t have to fight the noise from the wind and the road to be heard.

Fuel Efficiency: Big Engines Mean Poor Gas Mileage.

The tradeoff for all the power and comfort is lost fuel efficiency. Although the Dakota can handle the workload of a full-size truck, its fuel consumption is also closer to a full-size truck. When recently testing the fuel efficiency of the 3.9 L V6 in my Dakota, my truck was averaging around 20 mpg. When compared to other trucks in its class, the 2003 Dakota is at the bottom for fuel efficiency. With a 45 minute, 38 mile commute to work, this can turn into quiet the hefty fuel bill. On average, I spend around $75 to $90 a week on gas.

Rust on the inside door panel

Maintenance: The Dakota is Mechanically Sound but Tends to Rust.

As far as maintenance goes, my 2003 Dodge has held up pretty well. After 115,000 miles, I’ve experience only the expected maintenance such as tires, brakes, and mufflers. No engine or transmissions problems to speak of (knock on wood). I was however disappointed to find that the emergency brake is broken and the driver side power window is starting to stick.

When looking at a used Dakota, check for rust. I’ve notice plenty of rust on Dakotas in general. My truck still looks pretty good but the rust is starting to show on the inside door panels and between the bed and tail gate. Around 10 years, expect the rust holes to start.

Rust on the tailgate

 

2003 vs. 2011 Dakota: The Biggest Difference is Cost.

Very little has changed on the Dakota Quad-Cab since 2003. When compared to the newer 2011 Dakota Quad-Cab, the 2003 model stacks up quite similarly. Outside of the body styling, not much

has changed on the Dodge Dakota Quad-Cab since 2003. When comparing the powertrain, cab interiors, wheel base, and bed length, the 2003 model is almost identical to the 2011 model. Although, the 2011 Dakota offers slightly better gas mileage and a good boost in horsepower, the big difference is price.

Related Links:

• Compare the 2003 Dakota Quad-Cab specification against the 2011 Dakota Quad-Cab specifications.
• Compare the 2003 Dakota Quad-Cab against the 2003 Toyota Tacoma, 2003 Nissan Frontier, 2003 Ford Ranger, and 2003 Chevy S10.
• Kelly Blue Book value
• Kelly Blue Book Owner Reviews

ProActiv Acne Solutions: 3-Step System Product Review

ProActiv Acne Solutions: 3-Step System
The answer to clear skin
by Alexandria Hilgart, October 9, 2011

ProActiv 3-Step System

For years I struggled with troubled skin and thanks to my genetic inheritance of large pores, acne was a major issue in my life. My first breakout was in grade school, a small pimple on my face that would only be the beginning of a life-long battle.

In eighth grade is when my skin suffered the worst from breakouts. I saw numerous dermatologists who all recommended a variety of regimens and topical creams to apply to affected areas. By age fourteen my family doctor suggested I begin a birth-control pill to regulate hormone levels that can trigger acne. When this failed I thought I would have to resort to acne pills with harsh consequences: skin peeling, redness, burning and dryness.

Finally, when I thought I had tried it all my parents ordered me ProActiv. I had my doubts, since every other product only gave my acne harsh side affects. Benzacylin irritated my skin; Retin-A made my skin peel, and birth control pills just gave me mood swings. Simply washing my face with drugstore cleansers had no effect on my acne at all.

ProActiv: The Three-Step System

At fifteen I began ProActiv, the three-step system: cleanser, toner and repairing lotion. These three steps were to be used every morning and every night in that specific order.

Step 1

The 8 oz. cleanser, which contains benzyl peroxide, was a basic creamy cleanser with tiny scrubbing micro-beads. On my skin I felt that the cleanser was gentle enough not to irritate my sensitive skin, but strong enough to clean my pores. I would give this product an “A”.

Step 2

The 4 oz. toner was used on a cotton ball after the cleanser. I rubbed it all over my face to remove excess makeup and dirt. This was my favorite step, aside from a slightly potent smell. I liked that you could see the cleansing results on the cotton ball. I would give this product an “A”.

Step 3

The 2 oz. repairing lotion is the final step in the three-step system. This was my least favorite of the three I thought the repairing lotion was used to moisturize, but it works best as a spot treatment for individual breakouts. It is harsher and can cause the skin to sting at contact and peel over time. I rarely used this product because it dried my skin out too much. Instead I used a drugstore moisturizing lotion called Cetaphil and used this ProActiv lotion as a topical treatment. This product is not a moisturizer. According to ProActiv’s Official website (http://www.proactiv.com/index_portrait.php ), Step 3 is to be used only on affected areas of the skin to treat individual breakouts. Due to the harshness, I would give this product a “D”

The Next Best Thing

A comparable product that I have tried is the the Clean and Clear Advantage acne control kit. This is also a three-step system designed to control acne and keep skin looking clear and healthy. The Clean and Clear kit contains the following three steps: 1- cleanser, 2-moisturizer and 3-spot treatment.

Step 1

The Acne Control Cleanser, like ProActiv’s facial cleanser, contains benzyl peroxide to help fight blemishes. I found that this cleanser was thicker than ProActiv, but I felt that ProActiv had a better lather. Overall, both cleansers cleaned my skin effectively of dirt and makeup. I do, however, like that ProActiv’s three-step system contains a toner to remove any access dirt from the skin, which the Clean and Clear kit does not. On a grade scale I would give this cleanser a “B-”. Subsequently I would give Proactive a “B-” as well. Both cleansers do get the job done, but neither smell pleasant or remove the entirety of my makeup. I still used other makeup removers after washing my face with both the Clean and Clear cleanser and the ProActiv cleanser.

Step 2

I never used this moisturizer, because I did not prefer the smell. I found that it had a bad odor and left my skin smelling like that. I also felt that it left it a little shiny, because I have oily skin, so I swapped this moisturizer out for a drugstore lotion, Cetpahil. Clean and Clear’s moisturizer is not comparable to ProAtiv’s since Step 3 (the moisturizer) in ProActiv is not actually a lotion, but a spot treatment. This is one thing that I think ProActiv should have considered in their three-step system, because a good moisturizer with SPF is crucial for healthy skin.
ProActiv now has a five-step kit that contains the green tea moisturizer, which I have yet to try. I would give this product and “F” since I chose not to use it at all, I cannot say that it works well or not, I did not give it enough of a chance due to the smell.

Step 3

Step 3 in the Clean and Clear kit is the spot treatment, and my favorite product in the kit. I like that the spot treatment goes to work almost overnight. I still use this product and I will put it on anywhere from once to three times a day on a specific affected area. On average it takes the spot treatment three days to completely clear an individual blemish on my skin. One downside to this product is that when applied to an affected area is has slight stinging feeling., but I guess the saying, “beauty is pain” applies to this, because the outcome is well worth it. I would give this product an “A-”. The minus would only be because of the slight pain associated with the product.

Also, according to Clean and Clear’s webpage (http://www.cleanandclear.com/) , “100% of people who used Clean and Clear had clearer skin in one day,” which I would agree with, since I have literally seen results on myself overnight. I could not say this about ProActiv, but I can say that ProActiv prevents future breakouts better. In comparison to ProActiv, I would give Clean and Clear a “C”, and Proactive a “B-.”

I enjoy that ProActiv contains a toner, but I prefer the spot treatment in the Clean and Clear kit. However, you can purchase the spot treatment individually, which is what I did and replaced it in the place of Step 3 in the ProActiv kit. You can find Step 3 (Clean and Clear) at drugstores.

My Regimine

After trying some good, and some bad, products for acne I have created my own regimine combining ProActiv and a few individual products:

Morning Routine

1. Step 1 ProActiv
2. Step 2 ProActiv
3. Cetpahil Moisturizing Lotion (drugstores)

Nightly Routine

1. Step 1 ProActiv
2. Step 2 ProActiv
3. Cetpahil Moisturizing Lotion
4. Clean and Clear Advantange Acne Spot Treatment

 

Works Cited

Clean and Clear. http://www.cleanandclear.com/product/treatments/advantage-acne-control-kit. Retrieved from October 3, 2011.

ProActiv. http://www.proactiv.com/index_portrait.php Retrieved from, October 3, 2011.

 

Moxie Girls Art-titude 3D Doll: Lexa Review

Moxie Girls Art-titude 3D Doll: Lexa Review

Moxie Girlz Art-titude 3D: Lexa Doll

• Approximately $17.00
• Recommended for Ages 6-9 years
• Available at Target.com, Walmart.com, Kmart.com and Amazon.com

Pros	Cons
Cute doll with fashionable clothing that can be colored, washed, and colored again	Clothing cannot be colored while on the doll
High quality doll construction	Clothing is not easily washed after colored
Promotes positive messages to target age group	3D glasses are easily broken

 

 

Product Overview    Packaging    Design and
Styling    MyExperience with the Product     Value

Product Overview

Moxie Girlz dolls by ©MGA Entertainment are one of the
several competitors of Barbie® dolls
that have popped up within the last couple of decades. It seems that every
company has gotten in on the fashion doll trend, creating lines of dolls that
feature several “friends”, each with their own distinct style and personality.
One option available from the Moxie Girlz Art-titude 3D line is named Lexa and
she is a dark haired beauty who dreams of being a film director, has a great
sense of humor, and loves to dance. The theme of all Moxie Girlz dolls is to
encourage young girls to be true to themselves and to have the courage and
strength to do something amazing.

The Art-titude 3D dolls come with fashions which can be
colored by the child with the two included markers, washed off, and colored
again. Also included is a pair of 3D glasses so children can see their designs
come to life (these glasses only work with the two included markers). There are
four doll options available: Lexa, Bria, Avery, and Sophina and each come
dressed in their own specific style. Additional Art-titude 3D fashions are
available for purchase and include markers and 3D glasses so if you already own
a Moxie Girlz doll you wouldn’t have to buy a new doll to experience the 3D
fun.

Packaging

The packaging this doll comes in isn’t very pretty. The doll
and included markers are shown clearly through the front of the package and the
3D glasses are also prominently displayed at the top of the box, but the box
itself is only decorated by some plain, uncolored drawings which are supposed
to represent the designs on the clothing that the child can color. There are
three small pictures showing a child actually using the doll on the front  of the box and a picture of the other dolls
available in the line on the back, but it’s not really a box that screams
“display me!” to collectors.

Moxie Girlz Art-titude 3D: Lexa Doll

Design and Styling

Upon opening you will notice that Lexa is approximately 10
inches high and is similar in size to a Barbie®
doll or a Bratz® doll. Her
face is beautiful with big green eyes and a rosy complexion.  Her body is proportional to a normal human,
unlike unrealistic looking Barbie®
dolls and her head size and lips are also very proportional and aren’t
overemphasized like Bratz®
dolls.

Moxie Girlz Art-titude 3D: Lexa Doll

Bratz Doll

Lexa comes dressed in purple leggings with a heart shaped
pattern that girls can color with the 3D markers that are included. She is also
wearing a pink dress with a purple ruffle on the hem and a white heart and star
pattern that can be colored as well. To complete her outfit she has on a
purple, three-quarter length jacket and white athletic shoes. Her hair is very
dark and very long, and is worn loose and straight with a simple, single braid
on the front right side.

My Experience with the Product

The doll itself seems to be very well made and it’s great
that the manufacturer is trying to send a positive message to girls by making
the doll look more realistic than Barbie®
and Bratz® dolls. The
messages on the box like “be true, be you” and “Every girl has the strength to
do something amazing. Anything is possible as long as you stay true to yourself
and never give up on your dreams” are wonderful messages for girls in the
intended age group.

I also like that the doll has jointed arms and legs so she
is more pose-able than Barbie®
dolls are. My two girls had a blast posing her in different ways and actually
having her stay that way.  The down sides
for us were that the markers don’t wash off the clothing very easily, the
markers may actually stain the doll, and the 3D glasses are pretty flimsy. My
three year old son ripped them in half within an hour so my girls now have to
be content with looking at their designs normally instead of in 3D.

Value

Overall, this doll is slightly over- priced for the quality.
The doll itself is well made, the 3D design is a unique concept, and the
clothing Lexa is wearing is fashionable and looks great with or without color.
However, the clothes should not be colored while on the doll or the

color will bleed onto the doll causing it to stain and the
color doesn’t wash off the clothes easily, which is a major downside since that
is the whole idea of the doll. Plus the 3D glasses are very flimsy and easily
broken and don’t really make a difference in how the clothing looks compared to
how it looks without them.

For more information visit:

Moxiegirlz.com

 

Barbie.com

Bratz.com

*The views and opinions of this review are solely the
reviewers. The reviewer has no affiliation with any toy manufacturer and was
not reimbursed in any way for this review.*

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