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Dodge Dakota

The Dodge Dakota was a mid-size pickup truck produced by Chrysler and sold under the Dodge brand from the late 1980s until 2009, then as the Ram Dakota through 2011.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Dodge Dakota was a mid-size pickup truck produced by Chrysler and sold under the Dodge brand from the late 1980s until 2009, then as the Ram Dakota through 2011. It was developed to bridge the gap between compact and full-size pickups and was notable as the first mid-size pickup offered with an optional V8 engine.

Development and market position

The Dakota was created by Chrysler to fill a size gap in its pickup lineup, offering more capability than compact trucks while remaining smaller and easier to handle than full-size models.

Production history

The truck debuted for the 1987 model year and continued through three generations until 2011. Its final two model years were sold under the Ram name as the Ram Dakota.

Design and mechanical features

The Dakota used a conventional pickup layout with body-on-frame construction. It is widely noted for being the first mid-size pickup to offer an optional V8 engine.

Legacy

The Dakota remained a significant nameplate in the North American midsize pickup segment and is often remembered for combining compact-truck size with near full-size capability. Used examples and enthusiast interest have helped keep the model visible after discontinuation.

Key facts

  • The Dodge Dakota was a mid-size pickup produced from 1986 to 2011, with model years 1987–2011.
  • It was the first mid-size pickup to offer an optional V8 engine.
  • The truck used body-on-frame construction and was built at Warren Truck Assembly in Michigan.
  • The final two model years were sold as the Ram Dakota.
  • It occupied a segment between compact and full-size pickups.
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Canadian context

The Dakota was sold in Canada as part of Dodge's North American pickup lineup and is relevant to Canadian used-truck buyers and collectors, especially because it occupied a midsize segment that later became more competitive in the Canadian market.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of vehicle was the Dodge Dakota?
It was a mid-size pickup truck designed to sit between compact and full-size pickups.
When was the Dodge Dakota produced?
It was produced from 1986 to 2011, with 1987 as the first model year.
Was the Dakota ever sold as a Ram?
Yes. The final two model years were marketed as the Ram Dakota after Dodge truck branding changed.
What made the Dakota notable?
It was the first mid-size pickup offered with an optional V8 engine.
Where was the Dakota built?
It was manufactured at Chrysler's Warren Truck Assembly plant in Warren, Michigan.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_Dakota
    Supports: Production years, model years, body-on-frame construction, optional V8, assembly location, generation timing
  2. The Crittenden Automotive Library — https://www.carsandracingstuff.com/library/d/dakota.php
    Supports: Mid-size pickup description, body-on-frame construction, leaf spring/live axle rear end, first mid-size pickup with optional V8
  3. Carsforsale — https://www.carsforsale.com/car-reviews/dodge-dakota-overview/
    Supports: Market position between compact and full-size pickups, 25-year run
  4. J.D. Power — https://www.jdpower.com/cars/history/dodge/dakota
    Supports: General role as smaller alternative to full-size trucks