"Dodge's compact pickup adds features and four new trim packages for 2006. Dakota comes in two body styles. Club Cab extended cabs have a 6.5-foot cargo bed, seat up to five, and have rear-hinged back doors that do not open independently of the fronts. For '06, on all but ST, the rear doors open wider for easier loading. Quad Cab crew cabs have a 5.3-foot bed, seat up to six, and have four conventional doors. Standard is a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 with either 6-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic. Optional are two 4.7-liter V8s of 230 and 260 hp. The 230-hp version comes with the 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic; the 260-hp version comes only with the automatic. In addition to rear-wheel drive, Dakota is available with 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Both have low-range gearing. The 4WD setup should not be left engaged on dry pavement. Traction control is not available. Dakotas come with standard rear-wheel ABS; 4-wheel ABS is optional. Also optional are head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover both seating rows. Other available features include heated cloth or leather front seats, satellite radio, and Chrysler's UConnect, which uses the audio system as a hands-free link to cell phones. Newly optional for '06 is a sunroof for Quad Cabs.
Four new trim packages are offered. TRX (2WD) and TRX4 (4WD) are off-road flavored and include alloy wheels with off-road tires and a limited-slip differential. The sporty R/T includes a hood scoop, chrome wheels, and special trim. Mitsubishi sells a retrimmed version of the Dakota as the Raider."

"Dakota starts its third generation with the 2005 redesign. And because that's just out, little change is expected for the next 2-3 years. But don't be surprised to see a new R/T muscle model with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 shoehorned in. Why? Because the Hemi is already available in Dodge's Durango SUV, a design cousin of the new Dakota.
Meanwhile, the Dakota Quad Cab has been assigned to provide hoped-for sales help at Mitsubishi, the troubled Japanese arm of parent DaimlerChrysler. For this mission it assumes the name Raider and will be a 2006 addition to the Mitsubishi lineup. Word is that Raider will offer the same powertrains as Dakota, but will differ somewhat in appearance and maybe features."

"Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Pickups offer a true-truck design in a relatively modest package. They are best suited for personal or light-duty use rather than commercial use, heavy hauling, or towing.
Our Best Buy is Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks include Dodge Dakota and Honda Ridgeline.
New or significantly redesigned models include Isuzu i-280/i-350 and Mitsubishi Raider."