Dodge Dakota History

Mid-size pickup truck · 1987–2011

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History

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.

First generation · Original (1987–1996)

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 (1997–2004)

Restyled with 'big-rig' looks; home of the V8 R/T.
Third generation · Final (2005–2011)

Larger final generation; ended after 2011.

Dakota R/T (1998–2003)

Sport truck with a 250-hp 5.9-liter V8 and lowered suspension.