2006 Dodge Dakota ST

The Dakota is Dodge's mid-size pickup, a step up from the compact trucks of its day and a common alternative to the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado. It drives like a proper truck, with a solid feel and enough grunt to move confidently, though the ride is on the firm side. The Quad Cab's rear seat is snug for adults, and the short bed limits what you can haul, but the front seats are comfortable and the gauges are easy to read. Owners note a few recurring issues, like oxygen sensors, four-wheel-drive components, and some rust over the rear wheels, so it pays to check those. A vinyl floor and manual windows set the ST apart as the work-truck Dakota, the one you buy when you need a pickup, not a luxury car. Its 3.7L V6 makes 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque, enough to hustle around town, and the six-speed automatic shifts cleanly, though you'll feel the 0-60 time is leisurely. The ST comes standard with rear-wheel drive, so it's lighter on its feet than a 4x4, but expect to spin the tires if you get on it in the wet.