Download Print Press Kit: 2006 Dodge Dakota, What's New for '06 2006 Dodge Dakota Product Chronology Auburn Hills, Mich. August 31, 2005 - 2005 Model Year Optional 4.7-liter High Output V-8 engine brings 260 horsepower Six-speed manual transmission Quieter air induction system Coil-over-shock-absorber independent front suspension Stronger, more durable hydro formed frame Outstanding brake system stopping distance, fade resistance and pedal feel with new disc/drum brake system that weighs 15 pounds (6.8 kg) less than four-wheel disc brakes of comparable performance Chrome-clad 17-inch wheels-optional on SLT and Laramie Restyled body Rear access doors on Club Cab Automatic headlamps standard equipment on Laramie Roll-formed ultra-high-strength steel windshield header Ditch weld seam (where the roof meets the aperture) provides a finished appearance without a molding Freshened interior Cloth and leather bucket seats available with carbon fiber heating elements Rear door map pockets in Club Cab and Quad Cab rear door trim panels Optional integral six-disc CD changer capable of playing MP3 discs (Sales Code RAQ) Powerful audio system-276 watts-optional Infinity® speaker system Optional Satellite Digital Audio radio system Optional UConnect™ hands free communication system CAN (Controller Area Network) protocol intra-vehicle communications network Multi-stage driver and front-passenger air bags with weight-based Occupant Classification System (OCS) for controlling front-passenger air bag deployment Available side-curtain air bags for front and rear seats Shoulder belts in all rear seating positions, Club Cab and Quad Cab (shoulder belt in center rear seating position of Quad Cab) Head restraints in rear outboard seating positions that comply with proposed regulation Taller front head restraints that comply with proposed regulation Optional integrated remote keyless entry transmitter and ignition key Optional long-range remote keyless entry transmitter 2004 Model Year 3.7-liter V-6 engine replaces 3.9-liter V-6 engine New 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission available Front bucket seats become standard on Quad Cab Stampede Package continues on Sport Regular and Club Cab 4x2 models 2003 Model Year Mid-model year intro Stampede New 5-45RFE five-speed automatic transmission with 4.7-liter engine provides a second overdrive ratio-optional on Sport, Sport Plus, SLT and SLT Plus models 2.5-liter engine is discontinued Four-wheel disc brakes with rear-wheel anti-lock (RWAL) are standard on four-wheel-drive models and two-wheel-drive models 16" x 7" cast-aluminum wheels are standard on all models except R/T Four-gauge cluster standard on base and SXT models Next-generation controller (4.7-liter engine only) New six-disc in-dash CD changer radio is optional Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) child seat anchor system added Interior upper head impact protection-Front driver and passenger; meets 2003 federal standard Onboard refueling vapor recovery System added to all Club Cab models Natural vacuum leak detection pump added (4.7-liter engine only) 2002 Model Year New SXT model with Regular and Club Cab bodies Sport Plus and SLT Plus models replace corresponding décor packages, mid-year Fixed GVWR ratings provide increased payloads on most models Larger-P235/75R15 tires-Standard on two-wheel-drive Quad Cab RWAL (Rear-Wheel Anti-Lock) brake system includes EBA (Electronic Brake Apportioning) for increased rear brake lining life Door structure revised for dynamic side impact protection Brake-shift interlock (automatic transmission only) 2001 Model Year NV233HD and NV244HD electrically shifted four-wheel drive transfer cases Sentry Key® engine immobilizer added to optional security alarm All new interior-Instrument panel, instrument cluster, floor consoles and trim panels 2000 Model Year Quad Cab (November 1999 introduction) Next-generation 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 engine Multi-speed 45RFE automatic transmission Rack and pinion steering on four-wheel drive models Early compliance with 2003 model-year head impact safety standard Child seat tether anchors in cab back panel 1999 Model Year NV1500 five-speed manual transmission used with 2.5-liter I-4 engine 1998 Model Year R/T Group with 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 engine (250 hp and 345 lb.-ft. torque) (April 1998 introduction) Next-generation driver and front-passenger air bags (running change)(a) Passenger air bag on/off switch (running change)(b) 1997 Model Year All-new body and chassis Passenger air bag (a) Certified to federal regulations that allow less forceful air bags. Always use seat belts. Remember, a back seat is the safest place for children. (b) Important, always remove key. Rearward-facing child seats can be used in the front seat only with the passenger air bag turned off. 1994 Model Year Driver air bag 1993 Model Year Four-wheel anti-lock brakes available 1991 Model Year Club Cab available with four-wheel drive 1990 Model Year V-8 engine introduced Club Cab body introduced (two-wheel drive and 6.5-ft. box only) 1987 Model Year Four-wheel-drive model initial introduction 1986 Model Year Rear-wheel-drive model initial introduction spring 1986 as a 1987 model