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 41 through 50 of 64.00

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  Comfortable Ride - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By Jesse - August 8 - 9:20 pm

  My 2000 Tundra was falling apart, and I wanted to buy a small new truck. The interior room is great for hauling the kids around. We have also taken a couple of 500 miles trips and the highway mileage and comfort are great. But, the get up and go is non-existent. I dont get in a hurry with this one. Also, it is hard to get aftermarket parts/mods for the truck. Overall, a good ride, but I wish I had looked a bit more.

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  Great truck - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By tallicahead - July 18 - 9:42 am

  My experience was great getting my truck. It was my first car that I have actually bought new. Truck handles like a dream around corners. I’d like to see a Chevy do that.

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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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  Dont buy a Dodge! - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By Kenneth - March 14 - 3:48 pm

  I originally bought this truck due to it being the best truck for the money compared to the others. Now, I have constant problems with it. The power steering pump constantly screams as if it is low on fluid even though it is full. I have had difficulty getting the truck to start on 4 occasions, but the dealer cant duplicate the problem to diagnose it. The door is now sagging due to it not being tightened down all the way at the factory, and the body lean even at low speeds is excessive. I have taken the truck in to 3 different dealers for repair, and have had similar negative results with all. This truck is affordable initially, but is more expensive in the long run.

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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

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  Nice Truck except for the Problems - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By 2ndLDDodge - January 20 - 7:44 pm

  I downsized from a Ram to a Dakota for better gas mileage. Stuck with Dodge due to the reliability of my old Ram. Unfortunately, my Dakota has been in the shop ten times over the last year. Three for wheel vibrations that appear to be fixed for now, and seven for belt problems that still are not resolved. Belt tensioner broke at 4000 miles. Since then it has been through three additional belts and in-and-out of the shop for belt squeel when making tight turns in parking lots. Should have contacted a Lemon-Law attorney before it went out of waranty as a friend has the same truck and has never experienced this problem. Other than that, its a pleasure to drive, and looks great too.

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  Dodge Dakota - Drive the best! - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By john p. - January 13 - 10:38 am

  I have owned Dodge Dakotas since 1991. I have seen the evolution of this truck. I now have the latest 2006 Quad Cab Sport SLT 4.7 high output. What stands out - Heavy duty truck! Very strong and stiff frame, solid sturdy cab and body. Braking is good. Great styling, very comfortable interior. Ram wheels bolt on for instant 20" look. What it lacks - fuel economy, H.O. 4.7 lacks power (compared to the old 5.2 & 5.9 & some V6s) yet has plenty of grunt with bolt on upgrades. Trans is slow to downshift. Body roll on higher speed cornering. Changing oil is messy. The oil drains onto the trans x-member and creates a 15 inch cascading mess. None-the-less, a very impressive truck. Solid.

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  Great quality and design! - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By AMY - January 6 - 1:54 pm

  The Dakota has been a wonderful vehicle for my family. From the comfortable seating for a family of four, to accountability. It was by far very affordable, with all of the extra equipment, compared to other makes!

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  Pretty good Ride - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By sammyjay - November 15 - 2:08 pm

  I drive this truck every day. My only complaint is that the gas mileage is significantly less than advertised.

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  Buy one, you will love it - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By paul - October 28 - 3:31 pm

  I drive mostly highway and I am getting about 20-21 MPG on the highway. I love this truck, Its the first truck I have ever owned. I only wish I would have gotten the V8. I like the V6. I would go out and buy another Dodge and not think twice about it. I have not had one problem with it and I have 12,300 mile on it.