Overview & Reviews

Only a year after a complete redesign, the 2006 Dodge Dakota has undergone a number of changes. Among the updates are a new optional sunroof, upgraded audio systems with a jack for portable music players, extended-cab rear doors that open nearly 180 degrees and a revised four-speed automatic transmission that improves fuel economy on V6 models. New packages this year include the TRX with unique wheels and off-road tires, the R/T with a high-output V8 and appearance package, and the Night Runner that features unique blacked-out paint treatment.

• Roomy interior, nimble handling, strong engine lineup, choice of part-time or full-time four-wheel drive, full-size pickup towing capacity.

• No long-bed models, plasticky interior, high price.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 64.00

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  Disappointed - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By proquestioner - August 3 - 1:03 am

  Owned the 4.7 V8 Magnum version of this vehicle for three years. During that time, we poured $8000 in repairs alone into it. We should have bailed ship at the first sign of trouble. Money pit. Rust issues and strange structural issues galore. Other than that, it was a great truck for hauling around nearly a ton of stuff and a daily commuter. Comfortable, simple clean design interior with nice Alpine stereo. 4x4 really came in handy during winter and extreme rains. V8 was responsive and sturdy. Took a massive loss with this vehicle though. Wouldnt recommend this particular year for the issues associated with it. Check owner forums to determine a good year to buy.

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  never again - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By ihatemydodge - August 20 - 3:44 pm

  I have owned this truck for nearly 4 years. Belt tensioner went out under warranty. After warranty expired, water pump replaced TWICE, trans rebuilt at 79k miles, trans control module replaced 2 months later, engine replaced at 86k (leakage on three cylinders...very rough idle), terrible gas mileage, "clunking" sound coming from driveshaft when taking off or stopping (Dealer says common problem and cannot be fixed). Changing the oil is easy, but messy (oil hits cross member and splatters everywhere). Engine is sluggish, and tranny shifts at entirely the wrong time. I hate this truck with a passion and will never buy another Chrysler product. I can see why they went bankrupt.

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  Bad Trans - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By pinski10 - May 27 - 12:07 pm

  I always like the Dodge Dakota so i bought this one Brand New. Since I have had this, it has been in the shop 5 times now. This time for the transmission that just went out @ 44,000 miles, and NO this year did not come with the extended Powertrain warranty. So I get to eat the cost of it this time. Other times it was in the shop for.. 1. Computer went out 2. Windshield Wiper motor 3. Bad Speakers 4. Ignition Switch

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  Dont Bother - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By Matt - April 16 - 7:44 pm

  This is by far the worst truck Ive ever driven. The 4.7 V-8 is a joke, it has no power and gets horrible mpg. The best mileage Ive seen is 15 mpg highway empty, if I tow even a small trailer it gets 9 mpg. Toyota and Nissans V-6 have better power and mpg. Not to mention that its been in the shop 6 times in less than 2 years, 4 times for tranny issues, radio problems and cracked exhaust manifold. Stay as far away as possible from Dodge products they are complete garbage across the board.I should know I rent them daily basis or should I say send them to the shop daily. Thankfully this is a company truck and I dont have to keep it for much longer.

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  Confused - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By fronteeer - April 10 - 8:40 am

  I took over the lease on a crew cab Dakota 4x4 to help out a friend, and I hate it so much that it sits in the driveway. My other truck is an 05 Frontier SE crew cab, and there is no comparison between the Nissan and the Dodge. If the Dakota was $10,000 less expensive (instead of just cheaper) Id give it some cred for offering a decent work truck to someone with a more modest income. If it sounded good and was fun to drive, Id give it credit for power and handling, even lacking refinement as it does. But for the price, and knowing what Nissan and Toyota are offering, theres no way Id buy this junk heap.Worst money Ive ever spent on anything. Editors Most Wanted?

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  Incentives to buy for a reason - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By Frank Klassen - March 11 - 5:24 pm

  Need something to pull the neighbor out of the ditch with look no futher. But dont try to pass a filling station because you may not make the next. Fuel economy is worst than my 1991 V8 Dakota with 220,000 miles on it. Try to turn up the volume with gloves on and you shut it off over 80% of the time and remember to watch out for the shifter lever which is in the way to get to the stereo. Window controls are not usable except without gloves and dont try to unbuckle with gloves it dont work. Plow through snow to get to the highway and the alternator belt slips. The armrest is so hard and it shows dirt instantly. Incentives to buy for a reason. Buy the Toyota