While I don't think Dodge trucks were/are the best, and in all honesty I really don't see many of the Rams from model years '94-01 anymore (maybe there's a reason;). However, I would say the article's tone was pretty harsh and newer Dakotas and Rams are far better vehicles and perhaps this could have been mentioned (maybe it was, I didn't see it).
Do you travel through rural areas often, SAM? In my area there seems to be a fairly even distribution of GM, Ford and Dodge full size pickups. I also found the tone a bit harsh...