Base MSRP Range: $20,340 - $29,790

Base Invoice Range:

MSRP As Tested: Not Available.

Versions: ST, SLT, Laramie

Vehicle Category: Compact Pickup Truck

Engine Location: Front Engine

Drive Wheels: 4-Wheel drive, All-Wheel drive and Rear-Wheel drive.

Standard Engine as Tested: 3.7-liter, Single Overhead Cam, 12-valves, V-6, 210 - horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 235 lb-ft torque at 4,000 rpm.

Transmission: Four-speed automatic, Six-speed manual.

Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 16/22.

Optional Engine: 4.7-liter, Single Overhead Cam, 16-valves, V-8, 230 - horsepower at 4,600rpm and 290 lb-ft torque at 3,600 rpm.

Transmission: Five-speed automatic, Six-speed manual.

Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 14/19. 15/20.

Optional High Output Engine: 4.7-liter, Single Overhead Cam, 16-valves, V-8, 260 - horsepower at 5,200, rpm and 310 lb-ft torque at 3,600 rpm.

Transmission: Five-speed automatic.

Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 14/18.

Standard Safety Features: Dual Front Airbags, Rear"> Anti-lock Brakes.

Competition: Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, Isuzu i-280 and i-350, Mazda B-Series, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma.

Dodge comes in third after Chevy and Ford in the American truck market. The 2006 Dakota shows us why with sub-par fuel efficiency, poor interior materials and poor acceleration capabilities. However, for towing is ok with the Dakota, which can pull over 7,000 lbs (with available tow package), and the V8 models do have some decent power behind them.

The Dakota comes in two models - The Club Cab and Quad Cab. The Club Cab is an extended cab with hinged rear doors that don't open unless the front doors are open. It features a 6.5-foot bed, and seats up to five (albeit snugly.) The Quad Cab shortens the bed by a little over a foot, but offers four regular doors and seats six.

The ST, SLT, and Laramie badges are available for both models. All engines are 3.7-liter V6s, although larger engines are available - with enticing manufacturer's discounts. Choose from two-wheel-drive, four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive.

Prices range from about $20,000 to $30,000. Packages can add up, as Dodge often requires the purchase of one package to buy another, so thousands can add up quickly.

Performance

For a fast truck experience, be prepared to spend a lot more money on modifications for this vehicle, because it's not a speed racer, even with the High-Output 4.7-liter V8. A step down to the available 230-horsepower V8 will find decent power, but passing is a problem nonetheless. The V6 engine is very underpowered for the weight of the truck, meaning the V8 Dakota is a better pick for people who like to cruise and who tow lots of toys.

All versions begin with the standard-across-the-board single overhead cam (SOHC) 3.7-liter V6 engine that boasts 210 horsepower (at 5,200 RPM) and 235 lb.-ft. of torque (at 4,000 RPM). Optional engines start with that SOHC 4.7-liter V8 which offers 230 horses (at 4,600 PRM) and 290 lb.-ft. of torque (at 3,600). The High-Output engine boasts 260 ponies (at 5,200 RPM) and a hefty 310 lb-ft of torque (at 3,600 RPM).

It runs right around $1,600 more and is not available in the ST editions. You'll also need the optional five-speed automatic transmission for the High-Output engine (which runs at $75 more for the Laramie but - ouch - another $1,170 for the SLT).

The transmission for the ST and SLT models is a six-speed manual, although automatic is available. The Laramie offers as standard a four-speed automatic transmission, with a five-speed automatic transmission available.

Gas mileage is atrocious - 16 MPG in the city and 22 on the highway in the V6, and 15/20 in the V8. The High-Output V8 doesn't have a mileage rating, so if fuel efficiency is one of your car requirements, stay as far away from the Dakota as possible.

Ride/Handling

Few buy a Dakota just for looks - especially with gas prices well over $3 per gallon -- or the 15/20 mpg rating.

But for towing, the Dakota has some serious power. Depending on the package, towing capacity is between 3,150 to 7,150 pounds. That's perfect for a summer vacation requiring a couple of personal watercraft or a dirt-bike trailer.

Other features on the Dakota's side are include a smooth ride - smoother than many others in its class - firm steering, relatively quiet cabin, and available antilock braking system (ABS) for rear-wheel-drive models.

For overall driving experience, however, the Dakota falls short, with cheap interior materials and hard plastic surfaces that scream 'generic brand.'

Safety

The sheer size of this vehicle affords a lot of safety in itself. But there's little else as far as standard safety features go. Dual front airbags are to be expected, while rear antilock brakes are a much-needed feature in the two-wheel-drive models. We'd like to see the optional safety package - which includes front antilock brakes in addition to the standard pair in the rear - become standard. $500 is really a lot to ask for something that's included in many other similarly priced cars and trucks.

Add side curtain airbags on all three versions for another $500 more.

Interior

For long trips or bigger occupants, the Dakota is ideal, offering a spacious interior with plenty of leg and head room in the front. However, the so-so room in the rear can realistically seat just two (small) adults. So be sure to take that into account before taking five adults across the country in a Dakota.

Interior storage, on the other hand, is ample, with a big center console and door storage pockets. Cup holders are smartly arranged, as are the controls (despite their slightly cheap feel - which seems to reverberate throughout the cabin.) And the rear seats fold down for extra cargo space in the Quad Cab - a big plus for people with stuff to move.

Seating is cloth for the ST and SLT, improving to leather seats - complete with 6-way adjustable driver's seat - in the Laramie edition. The ST Club Cabs have a front split bench seat, while ST Quad Cabs feature front bucket seats in front and three-passenger split folding seats in the rear. The SLT moves up to dual rear jump seats in the Club Cab; the Quad Cab remains unchanged in the rear seat from ST to SLT.

Don't expect a bumpin' sound system in the ST and SLT; that comes only in the Laramie edition, which features an Alpine AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-CD player and MP3 playing capabilities. The Laramie also brings satellite radio with one year of service prepaid, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel featuring radio controls.

The ST offers as standard map lights, visor mirrors and power windows, mirrors and door locks, while the SLT bumps it up with a tilt steering wheel, cruise control and remote keyless entry. The Laramie adds a universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror and automatic headlights.

Exterior

The comfy, if unspectacular, interior doesn't match the exterior of the '06 Dakota which actually has a nice overall shape with few things to get offended about. The grille is typical Dodge, beefy and oblong; the optional sport package adds a lot to the looks with chrome trim on the front bumper. Club Cabs have rear-hinged doors that don't open unless the front doors are open; the Quad Cab gives four regular doors.

All STs (two-wheel-drive) come standard with a tinted back window and painted bumpers, however. Also included are a full-size spare tire, P245/70R on/off-road tires and 16 inch rims.

The SLT adds fog lights, bright bumpers and alloy wheels, while the Laramie offers P255/65R white-letter tires (two-wheel-drive). The four-wheel-drive Laramie brings in P265/70R all-terrain tires with white lettering.

Optional goodies include a sunroof ($850), Inferno Red paint ($225), Bedliner ($245) and chrome alloy wheels (between $600 and $800).

In Conclusion

Cheap interior materials, bad acceleration, and horrible gas mileage mar the Dakota irreparably. If you're really into Dodge, these things might not matter so much; but in a world where experts say $4 per gallon for gas is not an 'if', but a 'when,' one has to wonder how far brand loyalty can stretch.

On Dodge's side are its towing capabilities, spacious front seating and the fact that it's a good in-between if you're contemplating a bigger truck for towing purposes. Consumer Guide gives the 2006 Dakota a 'Recommended' nod, although it rates Toyota Tacoma as a better choice.

Pros: Enough power for normal towing

Cons: Cheap interior materials, bad acceleration, and horrible gas mileage. Lousy standard features and overly high charges for the upgrades.

Ratings (1-10)

• Style: 7
• Performance: 6
• Price: 5
• Handling: 9
• Ride: 7
• Comfort: 7
• Quality: 6
• Overall: 6

More Data

Where Built: USA

Major Options: Quick Order Package 23-26A, 23-26C, 23-26E, R/T Group, TRX Group, TRX4 Off-Road Group, Leather Value Group, Sport Value Group, Night Runner Group, Sport Appearance Package, Chrome Edition Group, SLT Value Group, Sound Box Group, Trailer Tow Group, Interior Convenience Group.

Curtain side airbags, Power sunroof, Alpine sound system, Satellite radio, Steering wheel radio controls, UConnect, Rear defogger, Cloth front split bench seat, Leather front split bench seat, Leather front bucket seats, Cloth front bucket seats, Dual rear jump seats, Heated front seats, 6-way power driver seat, Floor console, Front and rear floormats, Sliding rear window, Side steps, Bedliner, Engine-block heater, Black bodyside moldings, Special paint, Alloy wheels, Chrome alloy wheels.

Seating: 5 - 6.

Number of Rows: 2.

Length in Inches: 218.8

Warranties: 3 year/36,000 miles Extended Powertrain, 3 years/36,000 miles Bumper to Bumper, 5 years/100,00 miles Corrosion protection, 3 years/36,000 miles Roadside assistance, .

Weight in Pounds: 4,261 - 4,784 lbs

Cargo Capacity in Pounds: 1,210 - 1,700 lbs.

Gross Maximum Vehicle Weight in Pounds: 6,010 lbs.

Towing Capacity in Pounds: Up to 7,000 lbs with proper equipment.

Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 22.0

Destination Charge: $645