Dodge Dakota History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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Model history available. Detailed year guides are not published for this model.
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Launched for 1987, the Dakota slotted between compact and full-size pickups, and stood out by offering V8 power that smaller rivals lacked.
Across three generations it offered the sporty V8 R/T and even a convertible early on, before North American production ended after 2011.
Generations
First generation · Original
The original mid-size Dakota; offered a rare pickup convertible.
1988 Photo: “File:1988 Dodge Dakota SE 4×4 in Dark Suede and Medium Suede, front left.jpg” by Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Second generation · Big-rig styling
Restyled with 'big-rig' looks; home of the V8 R/T.
Third generation · Final
Larger final generation; ended after 2011.
Body styles
- Regular cab
- Club Cab
- Quad Cab (crew cab)
Notable special editions & performance variants
Dakota R/T
Sport truck with a 250-hp 5.9-liter V8 and lowered suspension.
Related models
Collect the nameplate
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