What is the history of the Dodge Dakota?

History of the Dodge Dakota
The Dodge Dakota, also known as the Ram Dakota in its final years of production, is a mid-size pickup truck that was manufactured by Chrysler’s Ram division. The first Dakota was introduced in late 1986 as a 1987 model and was marketed under the Dodge brand until 2009, and then under the Ram brand for the final two years of production.
The Dakota was designed to be larger than compact trucks like the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet S-10 but smaller than full-sized pickups like Dodge’s own Ram. It featured a conventional design with body-on-frame construction and a leaf spring/live axle rear end. One notable feature of the Dakota was that it was the first mid-size pickup to offer an optional V8 engine.
Throughout its production, the Dakota was built in Warren, Michigan. It went through several generations and received updates and redesigns over the years. For example, in 1997, the Dakota underwent a redesign that included adopting a Ram-like front end and offering regular and Club Cab models. In 2005, the Dakota received another redesign and subsequent minor updates in the following years.
The Dakota was well-received in the market, with strong sales in its early years. In its first year of production, over 104,865 Dakotas were sold in the United States, surpassing other Dodge trucks and even the Ram 50. However, sales declined somewhat after the first year until 1992, which was the first-generation Dakota’s best year, with over 132,000 pickups sold.
The Dakota was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award in 2000. It was known for its versatility, durability, and capability, offering a smaller alternative to full-sized trucks while still being able to handle demanding tasks.
The production of the Dodge Dakota ended in 2011, but there have been recent reports that an all-new Ram Dakota will be reintroduced in 2021.
Overall, the Dodge Dakota has left a significant mark in the mid-size pickup truck segment, offering a balance between size, capability, and versatility.

Did the Dodge Dakota ever have a V8?

And here it is the 5.2 liter 318 magnum v8 making 230 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. And that is paired to a four-speed automatic transmission of course a manual option was also available at

What years did Dodge make the Dakota?

The Dodge Dakota was a solid mid-size pickup truck that came from the Chrysler Ram division of Dodge. It began production in 1987 and continued strong until its discontinuation in 2011.

When did Dodge quit making the Dakota?

Discontinuation. The third-generation Dakota was discontinued in 2011, with the last unit coming off the assembly line on August 23, 2011, ending the truck’s 25-year run.

Is the Dodge Dakota a reliable truck?

Are Dodge Dakotas Reliable? The Dodge Dakota enjoys above-average reliability ratings, with some model years scoring better than others. RepairPal gave it a rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, ranking it 19th out of 32 compact pickup trucks in its category. Cars.com rated the 2000 Dodge Dakota a 4.4 out of 5.0.

Is the Dodge Dakota a reliable car?

The Dodge Dakota enjoys above-average reliability ratings, with some model years scoring better than others. RepairPal gave it a rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, ranking it 19th out of 32 compact pickup trucks in its category.

What are Dodge Dakotas known for?

About Dakota
Built as a durable utility pickup for drivers seeking a smaller alternative to full-sized trucks, the Dodge Dakota featured smaller dimensions than the Dodge Ram but was also one of the most capable vehicles in its class.

Why did Dodge stop making the Dakota?

The Dodge Dakota actually existed for two years after the transition as the Ram Dakota before being finally axed without a replacement in 2011 due to dwindling sales, lack of development of anything resembling a replacement (the closest we maybe got was the 2006 Rampage concept truck), and a toughening business case.

Where does the name Dodge Dakota come from?

Dodge named their new truck after the states, a Siouan word meaning “friendly.” For 25 years, this was the truck that was friendly to your budget, and easy to drive. The Dodge Dakota is the simple, but cool, work truck that you still want.

Is Ram bringing back the Dakota?

The 2024 Ram Dakota is making a comeback! Just like the Dodge Dakota of yore, this all-new model will be a midsize truck. It will be perfectly suited for drivers who want to spend less than they would on a full-size model but still enjoy all the benefits of a pickup truck.

Can you still get Dodge Dakota parts?

SHOP Dodge Dakota Auto Parts WITH AUTOZONE
We have a huge selection of Dodge Dakota parts on sale. In fact, we likely have everything you need to restore, repair, maintain or customize your vehicle.