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

• 

  Never a Dodge or Chrysler again! - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By David Bowen - April 19 - 9:45 pm

  I bought a 2006 Dakota several years ago . It only had 65,000km on it Cost me almost $17,000. To date Ive spent close to $8000 in repairs. I now have a problem that the dealership cant diagnose. Operating cost of this vehicle (not including gas or insurance) averages aprox. $2.69/km. Imagine a100km trip costing you $269.00 and you havent even factored in the gas or insurance to drive it. I will never buy another Dodge or Chrysler product.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  just bought my third dakota. - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By dokotaguy22 - January 2 - 11:26 pm

  great truck. i just traded in my 02 dakota sport quad cab 4x4 v8. for a 2006 dakota slt quad cab 4x4 v8. be for that a had a 95 sport 2wd. these trucks are tough. they can really take a beating. i live in wisconsin. we have rough winters. really wet rainy seasons. this truck can haddle any thing. i loved off roading in my 02. best 4x4 i have ever ownd. i pulled out some chevys. and a couple fords. this deer season. i highly recomend this truck if you do alot of out door activitys. or just want a good/safe winter vehical. very fun. very reliable. very powerfull. very best deal. none of the other compair. not even half of the full size trucks

• 

  does not honor warranty - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By tuffoldman - December 28 - 9:04 pm

  I own a 06 Dodge Dakota 4x4 with the 3.7 v6. I am overall satisfied with the truck, but not with Dodge itself. I bought my truck in Feb 07, important date: the transmission went out the other day so I looked up dodge warranty and found out that an extended warranty for the 06 dakota powertrain was provided if you bought your truck on or after July 07. 4 months from the day I bought mine Feb 07. So dodge eventhough its the same year and all will not honor my warranty due to the 4 month difference on day of purchase. DODGE/CHRYSLER, I HAVE BOUGHT MY LAST VEHICLE FROM YOU AND WILL RECOMMEND TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THE SAME. MAYBE THATS WHY THE JAPANESE ARE AHEAD OF US IN CUSTOMER SERVIC

• 

  2006 Dakota 4.7 V8 Q-Cab 4WD SLT w/upgrd - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By Mike - November 11 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased a 2006 Dakota with 21,000 miles on it in great condition. I needed something that can tow in the future, but not a big truck. It only had 4-5,000 miles per year prior to purchase. It rides much better than I thought and has plenty of room inside. I prefer the plastic look everyone seems to hate, but its easier to clean. I recently got 24 mpg highway and get about 18 city. This is great for a truck. I am very happy I got a Dakota with 21,000 and not a Frontier or Tacoma with 100,000. They are priced too high. Tailgate is not heavy like others say, better get back to the gym.

• 

  Bought Used at 38K Miles - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By UsedDakotaPickup - September 9 - 12:16 am

  All of you that complain about power on the 6cyl have Automatics? I have the 6 sp manual, and it has great power. Uphill, on the freeway, 65 mph in 5th gear, and still accelerating uphill. 6th gear is great for cruising on flat land, as an OD should be. Plenty of power in the V6 3.7 L here! Great Acceleration from a stop, and when you need it to really romp, taking it up to 3000RMP before shifting seems to do the trick for 1st through 3rd. I get on the freeway every morning and am holding it back by the end of the ramp, where I was still flooring my old rig! Just went through my first tank of gas. 50% town, 50% Freeway - 18 MPG. Great for a pickup, and better than most small trucks for average!

• 

  We call it Shake Rattle and Roll - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By Stacy GA - July 7 - 2:50 pm

  This truck shakes. It vibrates. Took it back to the dealership 5 times in 5 months. Finally had to call Chrysler when the dealership became very rude with me. They didnt know what to do with it. It was still under the manufacturers warranty but they kept telling me it was brake issues and tire issues. Had all that replaced. Truck was still vibrating. They repaired some kind of axle shaft. Still vibrating. Put 4 new tires on it and turned the front rotors. Didnt vibrate for about 3 months. Now its vibrating again. Its a piece of crap just because of this vibration that no one can make permanently go away.