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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  2006 dodge doakta st - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By Jeff - September 28 - 6:32 am

  I have 189,000 on my truck, its an ok truck over all, the tranny went at 170,000 and the pcm went at 180,000 other than that its an ok truck. It has the v6 3.7l And lacks power, exspcally when going up hills, its good for long drives due to the comfort, rides like a car, overall its a good truck.

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  06 V8 Has 92k No Rattles or Squeaks - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By scott_in_pa - August 12 - 5:12 pm

  I bought this truck used with 88k about 6 months ago. I did replace a front wheel bearing, but otherwise this truck performs like a champ! It has the smaller V8 and 6sp manual, a great combo for having fun and hauling a utility trailer. MPG is right a t 20 on the highway and 16-17 in the city. For an engine nearing 100k, thats right on the EPA mark. Interior is a bit bland, but everything is easy to read and easy to use. Power windows! Heated mirrors! I think those are my only options. The 4x4 system is older but highly effective. Braking is very adequate, very little fade even with rear drums and front discs. For 10gs, this was a really good buy.

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  A good reliable truck. - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By 06dodgedakota - April 10 - 9:38 am

  I have 130K miles on my 4x4, V6, 6 speed, 2006 Dakota. So far, (knock on wood), no problems. On road it drives like a car. Off-road, it does its job well. It handles central Oregon snow great. It also crawls up central Oregon buttes with ease despite its lower ground clearance. Not sure where the 20 MPG comes into play, but mine gets more like 15-17MPG, city/hwy respectively. My V6 feels under powered while accelerating to hwy speeds. I could rev it up to or past 3K rpms, but that cost money in fuel.

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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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  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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  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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  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.

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  Not a bad truck... - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By tim927 - June 8 - 8:16 am

  This 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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  BUY A V8 ! - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By FULLER - April 24 - 2:30 pm

  If 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 pm

  At 50k I replaced: tires the brake pads I’ve 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.