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 11 through 20 of 64.00

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  Loved my 2006 Dakota - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By Dakota Lover - June 7 - 9:06 pm

  I recently lost my 2006 Dodge Dakota 8- cylinder quad cab 2WD due to a weather related accident. But in the 3 1/2 years I owned my Dakota, I absolutely loved driving it every time I got behind the wheel and had zero problems with it in the time I owned it. As I was so completely satisfied with my 2006 Dakota in the time I owned it, I wanted to post a post-ownership review for the benefit of those who are considering purchasing one. The only bit of advice I would have is to opt for the 4-wheel drive version, though, since the 2-wheel drive version is real-wheel drive.

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  impressive mpg - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By aaron86004 - May 15 - 4:49 am

  i dont know why other people are complaining this truck has a v8 4x4 add acts like it... it has a lot better mpg than my 2000 ranger 4x4 3.o v6 (never got above 18 mpg) dakota never gets below 19.3 mpg v8 highway.... its a truck you will never get 30 mpg so stop complaining it has excellent gas mileage for a truck...

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  Strong truck - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By Flyboy426 - May 6 - 3:51 pm

  Solid truck all around, small ebough to drive everywhere, but as strong as full sized trucks. High output V8 has loads ow towing power. Gas mileage is average for a V8

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  Gas Hog - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By gonz2479 - January 28 - 4:34 pm

  All I can say is this vehicle gets 12 MPG on mostly highway while keeping it below 2,000 rpms. The window sticker is far from accurate. Buyer beware.

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  nice truck - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By pmorales - January 1 - 10:37 am

  bought truck new with 18 miles on it has 4.7L with towing setup I pull a 28 foot travel trailer 6300 lbs (loaded) w/no problem. Fuel mileage 15/19 city/hw,9/11 pulling trailer rear differential gasket replaced under warrenty @ 23000m, front bumper loose when purchased missing bolts , dependable truck for the money,unfortunatlly wife has taken it over she loves it

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  Built Farm Tough - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By Farm Tough - December 16 - 2:04 pm

  Bought this truck new in 2006, a great truck with around 180,000 miles on it. Had to have right tie rod replaced at 10,000 miles. This truck is a heavy off-road vehicle and a moderate highway driver. It is used to pull daily, with trailer loads up to 8500 lbs. This truck has taken a beating and yet still runs strong. It flooded over the 2008 summer and it sat halfway under water for 2 weeks. This is a true farm truck

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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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  OK - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By CC - July 12 - 1:04 am

  I bought my truck new. I must say at first I loved it, but 3 months after having it, it was in the dealership 3 times on warrenty. Then about a year later in the shop again. First 2 things were with the gaskets for exhaust manafold, 3rd thing was air conditioning, 4th thing Camshaft Position Sensor wnet out at 36,000 miles, 5th thing sensor went out again at 49,000. No warrenty, thank god my husband is a wrench otherwise it would cost me $500. Truck is a piece. Think about giving it back and take my loses.

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  Best small truck for the money - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By doublee2005 - June 24 - 7:03 pm

  For the money you cannot buy a better small truck. When you compare that you get a v6 with good towing and full truck size for the same money as a single cab tacoma, ranger, colorado, or frontier that only come stock with 4 cylinders, there is no comparison. I bought a full size truck in my eyes for the price of a compact truck. Also the manual transmission is INCREDIBLE. In 6th gear I can run 85 at 2600 rpm which is unheard of with modern cars. So if you want a full size truck for half size money get one, if you want a small truck with fuel economy go buy a tacoma or ranger.

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  The jurys still out... - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By Jay - June 14 - 1:05 pm

  I bought a used 06 in 08. I wanted a V-6 for milage (traded in a Jeep Wrangler) but the V-6 is a dog. It wont get out of its own way. The rear end is super light and on rain slicked roads you really need to watch the break away factor. That could also be because of the crappy Good Year tires the truck came with. Ill be upgrading the tires to Michelins very soon. Suspension is extremely soft and bouncy, almost like driving a 70s era Cadillac. The bed could be a few inches longer but it works for what I need. I can put my Suzuki RM in the back straight on with the gate down. The mpg is decent, not great, not bad. So far, I havent had any mechanical issues.