2006 Dodge Dakota Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Some buy it for its sinister big-rig look. Some for its V8 Magnum power. Some buy it to haul kids. Some to haul wood. Whatever reasons...
Some buy it for its sinister big-rig look. Some for its V8 Magnum power. Some buy it to haul kids. Some to haul wood. Whatever reasons they buy it, people love the Dodge Dakota, a mid-size truck with grander aspirations. After going through a big redesign in 2005 that made it the biggest, roomiest, and most powerful truck in its class, the 2006 Dodge Dakota adds a few new trim packages.
The Dakota is available only in 4-door Club or Quad cab. The Quad cab trades cargo space for rear passenger room, with a 5.3-foot bed compared to the 6.5-foot Club Cab bed. Trim options include the ST, SLT, and Laramie. SLT adds a body-colored front bumper, power windows and locks, keyless entry, and fog lights to the base ST model. The Laramie adds leather seats and Satellite radio. Looking to get off the beaten path or scare some cows? For off-roading fans, the 2006 Dakota offers the TRX and TRX4 packages. The 2WD TRX features off-road tires and monotube shocks, and the 4WD TRX4 adds skid plates and anti-slip differential.
The Night Runner package comes with the SLT and is basically for cruising the city streets at night with its all-black exterior, blacked out grille, and 17-inch chrome wheels that scream for attention. The newly-returned R/T features the 4.7-liter, 260-hp High Output V8 engine, hood scoops, and chrome exhaust tips.
New options for 2006 are curtain side airbags and a sunroof in Quad Cabs. Midyear on the Club Cabs, the rear doors open wider than 90 degrees for easier loading access. Engine options remain at 3.7-liter, 210-V6, the 4.7-liter, 230-hp V8, and the High Output V8.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers of the 2006 Dodge Dakota appreciate its size, V8 power, and utility for various tasks like towing and off-roading. Many find it comfortable, handling well for a truck, while some note that the back seat is cramped and gas mileage could be better. However, negative feedback also highlights issues with build quality, power, and reliability, with some owners expressing dissatisfaction with its performance and parts availability."
I bought the truck to go to and from work, out to the job site and carry upto 4 adults. It is a nice driving truck that has comfortable seats, and is decently equipped. I didn't buy it expecting Corvette performance, I bought it for taking the family camping and for doing yard work. I also needed to have a reliable vehicle that didn't break the bank. I am quite satisfied with the overall performance and driving experience of the truck. Would I like more power....silly question, but do I need it? No.
May 13, 2008great truck all around. comfortable, not much storage space but excellent on comfort. holds five fullsize adults easy. Great gas mileage for a truck. Built well. not many parts for it out there. Geared to high for a truck. the truck handles very well with tight steering and responsive suspension
August 24, 2008Ive enjoyed the size and utility of this truck, BUT the power is weak, the tranny is lacking 1+ gears, it sucks more gas than a GM 6.0L (which generates way more power), the bearings in the rear end failed (constant whining sound) before 100K miles, and its been throwing trans temp light (in error) and engine codes randomly forever. Do not buy it. First and last Dodge Ill ever own.
September 4, 2024What owners say
I bought the truck to go to and from work, out to the job site and carry upto 4 adults. It is a nice driving truck that has comfortable seats, and is decently equipped. I didn't buy it expecting Corvette performance, I bought it for taking the family camping and for doing yard work. I also needed to have a reliable vehicle that didn't break the bank. I am quite satisfied with the overall performance and driving experience of the truck. Would I like more power....silly question, but do I need it? No.
May 13, 2008great truck all around. comfortable, not much storage space but excellent on comfort. holds five fullsize adults easy. Great gas mileage for a truck. Built well. not many parts for it out there. Geared to high for a truck. the truck handles very well with tight steering and responsive suspension
August 24, 2008Ive enjoyed the size and utility of this truck, BUT the power is weak, the tranny is lacking 1+ gears, it sucks more gas than a GM 6.0L (which generates way more power), the bearings in the rear end failed (constant whining sound) before 100K miles, and its been throwing trans temp light (in error) and engine codes randomly forever. Do not buy it. First and last Dodge Ill ever own.
September 4, 2024Its a fantastic truck . Runs and handles very good. Not bad gas milage for a v8.
October 18, 2020--2006 Dodge Dakota Club Cab ST-- Performance - It runs great, but needs better low-end power and torque. When punched, it flys like a bat out of hell! Quality - Great, bought it used, so it had some things needing repaired! costly things to be specific! all fixed now! Appearance - Awsome, couldnt have asked for a more beautiful Truck! Love the styling of the truck. Many plans already thought of for this truck, just waiting on the funds to be there!
November 1, 2009Car too high priced for having one or more accidents already
February 8, 2021Not as comfortable as the earlier generation but the motor is about the same and the suspension is easier to work with then the previous. I also wish it sounded a little deeper like the 04 we have but I guess I'll have to get a magna flow.
May 27, 2010reliable, durable, comfortable, and lots of power. Have done nothing to it but put tires on it. Goes through anything. Wouldn't trade it for anything, but a dodge ram.... fun to drive. this is my third one, I guess you could say I like the truck.
August 11, 2009Back seat is way to small in the club cab , might have been better if turned sideways
February 22, 2021comfy,fuel efficent. has lots of power for a v8. like the driverside adjustable seat. freat stock stero. lots of room in the vehicle providing the size of it. carries big loads and holds back on crusie control and tow/haul switch very well. 4wheel drive works exceptionly good, and climes up steep hills very well in 2wheel drive. handles very nicely
July 30, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $26,940 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.7L 210 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $29,070 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.7L 210 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $26,220 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.7L 210 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $25,665 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.7L 210 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $22,815 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.7L 210 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $27,585 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.7L 210 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $23,835 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.7L 210 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $20,985 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.7L 210 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $24,090 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.7L 210 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $30,435 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.7L 210 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $25,235 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.7L 210 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $22,385 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.7L 210 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$20,985 - $30,435
Current avg. market price
$7,715
Trending up by 1.3% this month
May 2026 - October 2026
