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 21 through 30 of 64.00-
Not a bad truck... - 2006 Dodge Dakota
By tim927 - June 8 - 8:16 amThis truck wasnt bad. The v6 was great until pulling. The ford 4.2 v6 seems a bit more powerfull. I put 26k on without a problem and went on a couple road trips and stayed comfortable. I only traded it because I needed more room for a growing family, back to Ford!
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Great Truck, Quad w/ V8 - 2006 Dodge Dakota
By Bill - June 4 - 8:48 pmBought used, came off a lease, w/ 19000 miles. Preformance Dodge in Omaha went over the vehicle completely before it went off warranty and replaced some things that were going bad - they really treated me well - they take care of our Jeep Patriot too - great service dept. I really like the Dakota and it gets 16-18 mpg around town depending how much I use the a/c. The only thing you must do is get rid of the OEM shocks and replace w/ Rancho 5000s - they really settle it down - OEM are just to soft and cause some bounce, that I have seen others complain about. Ive owned a lot of Jeeps (and if they made a truck I would have got that)my first Dodge - Its a keeper.
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BUY A V8 ! - 2006 Dodge Dakota
By FULLER - April 24 - 2:30 pmIf you bought a V6 dont complian about power . You bought a v6 duh. The V8 screams and the only problem i have is getting traction to break inertia,
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Good old all American work truck. - 2006 Dodge Dakota
By Steven - March 12 - 11:35 pmAt 50k I replaced: tires the brake pads Ive installed K&N air filter and Bosch Platinum 4 spark plugs. About a month ago the cam shaft and the crank shaft sensors vent bad 400$, #2ingnition coil replacement was 35$. Belt replacement coming too. Paint is very sensitive. Body dents very easy. Factory speakers sounds like you have a bucket on them later upgraded with Infinity speakers now the whole door panel rattles.I have broken the parking brake release 18$ and once I have slammed the glove compartment door and the opening mechanism broke inside 50$. Idles a little rough. And the tranny are slow.I may going to have some problems with my differential. Highway I do 20mpg city about 15-16mpg.
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Irmas Dakota - 2006 Dodge Dakota
By Bob Kay - March 8 - 11:04 pm3 years old, only the plastic parking brake pull inside clip broke. glued on a metal L, drilled hole to match and good to go. ZERO problems. Running syntheic oil, getting 18-24 mpg from around town to 70-75 on open road. 3.7 OK, not same power as my 318 Ram Van but does well vs milage improvement. Love the truck, especially around town. Would get another in a minute. Wife will not let it go, loves 17" wheels for traffic and trailer towing package and posi-tracking make a big difference. Corners flat without a lean. Spend the little more then just standard, worth it. Dynamite sound system. Three part folding back cover is recommended for mpg and the Dodge heavy duty bed mat keeps back quiet
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Overall great vehicle - 2006 Dodge Dakota
By John - January 10 - 2:55 pmHave had my Dakota since new. The V8 is good but could have more power. 3xs back to the dealer for turn signle problems. Could use better suspension. Tires are terrible. Dodge, put a truck tire on a truck please. Surprisingly not as a cheaply built as I would think from a domestic vehicle. I prefer buying Deomestic but quality is going to drive that decision for people, including myself in the future. I love my Dakota. Thinking about adding some aftermarket improvement as I have no plans on getting rid of it. First vehicle I have had in a long time, domestic made, that I am really really happy with.
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Bad transmissions - 2006 Dodge Dakota
By Justin Schafer - September 23 - 8:11 pmAt 42k miles my transmission fluid is black when i replaced it 3 months ago. Of course they tell me i need a new transmission and of course its 6k out of warranty. Eventually i get a hold of someone at dodge who agree to help, yet they only decided to pay 50% of 2,800 to get a new one. 02-05 come with 7 yr 70k powertrain warranty and late 06 to now come with a lifetime powertrain of course i got an early 06 so im screwed with a 3 yr 36k bumper to bumper. When i turn the wheel lock to lock it squeals, fluid seems fine, mystery illness. Terrible gas mileage, center console latch stuck and couldnt get it open after awhile. The whole center console is cheaply made.Overall bad choice on my part
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Great Truck! - 2006 Dodge Dakota
By alex - August 26 - 9:25 pmIve had my Dakota since it was new, and I love it. Ive also customized it so that makes it more fun to drive. Subs, 20" wheels, cold air, flowmaster, you know the whole package. I go big, LOL. I always get compliments on the looks and it drives well. Power can be added though. Even with cold air intake and flowmaster, still have issues. Nonetheless, great truck!
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The size is right - 2006 Dodge Dakota
By Gregg - August 20 - 8:22 pmI like the size of the Dakota. Full size trucks are too large for what I need and compact trucks are just too small. Good power from the 4.7 L V8. Knew better than to get the V6, little if any better fuel economy with no power. Back seats are OK for the little kids but should have gotten quad cab for more room. Had problems with vibrations at 50-65 mph. Dealer finally found & replaced 3 defective tires (Goodyears). Only real gripe is the extremely soft front suspension. Dips and bumps in the road make for a bouncy white knuckle ride. Very unnerving when the front end is bouncing up & down & up & down nearly bottoming out over a small dip on the highway.
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Go V-8 for the power - 2006 Dodge Dakota
By Brian - August 10 - 9:15 amPretty good truck overall. Average 19- 20 mpg with no load and city/hwy mix. With load drops to 17-18 mpg. Has a good ride but wind noise has picked up over time. Ignition module went out at 40000 just over warranty ($400). I really enjoy the truck overall. I was at the dealer and talked about trade for kicks. The V-8 is undesirable over the V-6 even though you only gain 1-2 mpg with the V-6. The V-8 has the power to haul and get you on the road as the V-6 was a dog to me.
