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Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 14/19
Models Available: Dodge Dakota ST Club Cab 2WD V6 ($19,785); 4WD ($22,635); ST Quad Cab 2WD ($21,185); 4WD ($24,035); SLT Club Cab 2WD ($21,540); 4WD ($24,390); Quad Cab 2WD ($22,940); 4WD ($25,790); Laramie Club Cab 2WD ($24,750); 4WD ($27,600); Laramie Quad Cab 2WD ($26,240); 4WD ($29,090)
Vehicle Type: Pickups
Quick Links:
- Introduction
- Packages
- Exterior
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Dodge's Web Site: www.dodge.com
Dodge's Phone Number: 1-800-4ADODGE
The biggest little truck you can buy.
By Jim McCraw
The Dakota looks big. Completely redesigned for 2005, it's larger than before and looks almost as big and tough as the full-size Dodge Ram. With sales of basic small trucks in steady decline, the market is headed toward bigger, more powerful, better-equipped pickups. (If you want a small, basic truck, you have a choice between the Ford Ranger and used pickups.)
The current Dakota is substantially longer than the previous-generation (pre-2005) version, with styling that mirrors the recently redesigned Durango SUV. Getting in is easy, and the redesigned interior is comfortable and convenient with controls that are easy to reach and operate. The Club Cab version of the Dakota achieved a five-star safety rating in frontal and side-impact crash tests conducted by the federal government.
For 2006, the rear doors on Club Cabs have been redesigned to open wider. Otherwise, changes between 2005 and 2006 are limited to packaging: A new sunroof and new sound systems are options for 2006 Club Cab models. An auxiliary audio jack has been added to allow playback from personal audio devices, such as an iPod. Sirius Satellite Radio now comes standard on 2006 Laramie models. Special-edition packages have been added to personalize your 2006 Dakota.
If you want a pickup that's big and brawny, but not as big as a full-size, you should visit your local Dodge dealer. Dakota is available with a choice of V6 and V8 engines. Underway, the Dakota is smooth and quiet. The optional 4.7-liter V8 burbles subtly in the background when cruising, but really scoots when the throttle is mashed. Yet its fuel economy is rated within 1 mpg of the standard V6's. The steering is light for easy maneuverability in crowded parking lots and the Dakota responds quickly on mountain roads and tracks nice and straight on the highway.
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