Dodge Dakota
Overview
Manufacturer	Chrysler Corporation (1986–1998) DaimlerChrysler (1998–2007) Chrysler LLC (2007–2009) Chrysler Group LLC (2009–2011)
Production	1986–2011
Model years	1987–2011
Assembly	United States: Warren, Michigan (Warren Stamping Plant) Brazil: Campo Largo, Paraná (1998–2001)
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size pickup truck
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Chronology
Predecessor	Jeep Comanche Dodge Ram 50

The Dodge Dakota, known as the Ram Dakota for the final two years of production, is a mid-size pickup truck from Chrysler's Ram (formerly Dodge Truck) division. The first Dakota was introduced in late 1986 as a 1987 model. From its introduction through 2009, it was marketed under the Dodge brand, and for the final two years under the Ram brand.

The Dakota was sized above the compact Ford Ranger and Chevrolet S-10, but below the full-sized pickups such as Dodge's own Ram. It is a conventional design with body-on-frame construction and a leaf spring/live axle rear end. The Dakota was the first mid-size pickup with an optional V8 engine. For its entire production, the Dakota was built in Warren, Michigan.

The Dakota was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2000.

First generation (1987–1996)

First generation
1992–1996 Dodge Dakota V8
Overview
Production	1986–1996
Model years	1987–1996
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door pickup truck 2-door convertible 2-door extended cab
Platform	Chrysler AN platform
Related	Shelby Dakota
Powertrain
Engine	2.2 L (134 cu in) K I4 2.5 L (150 cu in) K I4 2.5 L (150 cu in) AMC I4 3.9 L (239 cu in) LA/Magnum V6 5.2 L (318 cu in) LA/Magnum V8
Transmission	3-speed A998 automatic 4-speed A500 automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	111.9 in (2,842 mm) 123.9 in (3,147 mm) 130.9 in (3,325 mm) (Club Cab)
Length	1987–1990: 185.9 in (4,722 mm)/204.4 in (5,192 mm) 1989–1990 Club Cab: 211.1 in (5,362 mm) 1991–93: 184.2 in (4,679 mm)/202.7 in (5,149 mm) 1991–93 Club Cab: 203.2 in (5,161 mm) 1994–96: 195.3 in (4,961 mm)/213.8 in (5,431 mm) 1994–96 Club Cab: 214.3 in (5,443 mm)
Width	1987–88: 68.4 in (1,737 mm)/68.1 in (1,730 mm) 1989–1996: 69.4 in (1,763 mm)
Height	1987–1990: 64.2 in (1,631 mm)/67.1 in (1,704 mm) 1989–1993 Club Cab: 64.7 in (1,643 mm) 1991–93 Club Cab 4WD: 67.7 in (1,720 mm) 1994–96 4WD: 67.3 in (1,709 mm) 1994–96 Club Cab 4WD: 68.5 in (1,740 mm) 1994–96 2WD: 65.0 in (1,651 mm) 1994–96 2WD Club Cab: 65.6 in (1,666 mm)

The Dodge Dakota was developed by Chrysler as a mid-sized pickup. To keep investment low, many components were shared with existing Chrysler products and the manufacturing plant was shared with the full-size Dodge D/W series.

The N-body platform was the result of operational efforts by Harold K. Sperlich, who was in charge of Chrysler's product planning in the early 1980s. During that time the available Japanese-inspired compact pickups of the time lacked the size and features necessary to meet the demands of American buyers. In the late-1970s, Chrysler was still recovering from its near-bankruptcy and resources were in short supply. Sperlich challenged the N-Body team to search for all opportunities to reuse existing components to create the Dakota. The resulting highly investment-efficient program enabled Chrysler to create an all-new market segment at a low cost. Key individuals involved in making this product a reality included Glenn Gardner, Glen House, Robert Burnham, Don Sebert, Jim Hackstedde, and Clark Ewing. The Dakota platform spawned several variants such as the Club and Quad Cabs, as well as the Dodge Durango/Chrysler Aspen SUV.

The first generation of the Dakota was produced from 1986 through 1996 (for the 1987–1996 model years). The Dakota was the first pickup truck with rack-and-pinion steering (2WD only, and early years were available without power steering). Inline-four and V6 engines were offered along with either a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive was available only with the V6. Both 6.5- and 8-foot beds were offered.

Additional options in first-generation trucks included:

• Lowered suspension
• 15-inch chromed road wheels
• Chrome bars along the beds
• AM/FM stereo that optionally included a cassette player, CD player, or both
• Sliding rear windows
• Chromed bumpers
• 5.2L V8 engine
• Infinity sound systems

The sport package was added as a mid-year release. Exterior colors came in black, bright white, and graphic red. Available in both 2WD and 4WD, the sport option included:

• AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player
• Carpeted logo floor mats
• Center armrest bench seat
• Charcoal-silver deluxe cloth interior with fold-down armrest
• Color-keyed leather-wrapped sport steering wheel
• Deluxe wipers
• Dual remote control outside mirrors
• Floor carpet
• Gauge package
• Mopar air dam with Bosch fog lamps
• Mopar light-bar with Bosch off-road lamps (4WD only)
• Bodyside tape stripes
• Black grille and bumpers
• Sliding rear window
• 3.9L V6 engine
• 15-inch aluminum wheels

1989 Dodge Dakota Sport convertible

Fuel injection was added to the 3.9L V6 for 1988, but the rated output remained the same. Power windows and locks were now optional.

For 1989, the Dakota convertible was introduced. It featured a fixed roll bar and a simple manual top. The idea came from Jerry York and they were manufactured by ASC (American Sunroof Company).^[1] About 2,482 were sold during the first year.

Another addition that year was Carroll Shelby's V8-powered Shelby Dakota, his first rear-wheel drive vehicle in two decades.

An extended Club Cab model was added for 1990, still with two doors. This model offered six-passenger seating, though the rear seat was best suited for cargo, children, and shorter adults.

1990 Dodge Dakota

1991–1996 Dodge Dakota Club Cab

1991-only facelifted Dodge Dakota with sealed-beam headlights

The 1991 model year featured a new grille and hood for better access with optional 170 hp (127 kW) 5.2 L V8, which was included with the previous Shelby Dakota V8 option. By the end of 1991, the standard square sealed-beam glass headlamps were phased out for the aerodynamic-style molded plastic headlamps attached to the grille components. It was equipped with halogen lights, making 1991 the only model year for a unique front-end for the Dakota. Also debuting on 1991 models were six-bolt road wheels (replacing the earlier five-bolt versions).

This was the last year for the Dakota convertible. To fulfill the Dodge division's commitment to the American Sunroof Company, production of the convertible version was extended into the 1991 model year. A total of eight were built. Unlike the previous years, colors and options varied more than before. This version was not advertised and did not appear in sales literature.

The 3.9L V6 and 5.2L V8 engines were updated to Magnum specifications for 1992, increasing their rated power to about 230 hp (172 kW). The engines now had multiport electronic fuel injection (EFI) with Chrysler's powertrain control module which was partially responsible for the improved performance.

The 1994 model year had a few minor changes, with the most notable being the addition of a standard driver's-side airbag, located in a new, two-spoke steering wheel (also found in the Ram). Other changes included the discontinuation of the "SE" and "LE" trims. In following with the all-new Ram full-sized pickups, the top-end trim was renamed to "SLT," with these models (along with select others) including new chrome-finished, styled six-bolt steel wheels styled similar to the five-bolt type found on the larger Ram. Other changes included revisions to color and overall trim options. SRS airbags were also added for 1994. A CD player became optional, as did a combination cassette player and CD player unit. Leather seats were also available on LE models. New alloy wheels were available.

The 1996 model was the final year of the first-generation. The base K-based 2.5L SOHC I4 engine was discontinued and had been considered vastly underpowered compared to the competition. It was replaced by the 2.5L I-4 engine developed by American Motors Corporation (AMC) with an OHV valvetrain and rated at 120 hp (89 kW). This was the only major change for 1996, and the AMC 2.5L engine continued as the standard engine in the new, larger 1997 model.

Li'l Red Express Dakota and Dakota Warrior

Dodge Dakota Li'l Red Express next to four of the original Dodge Lil Red Express trucks

Two special editions of the first were constructed with step-side beds. Both were constructed by L.E.R. Industries of Edwardsburg, Michigan. The step-side beds were constructed out of fiberglass and galvanneal.^[2] Wooden bed rails were also available.^[3]

The Li'l Red Express Dakota was made to resemble the original 1978–1979 Express models that were based on the Dodge D series. It featured the step-side bed and dual vertical exhaust stacks behind the cab that were non-functional. The Dakota Warrior was made to resemble the Warlock trim from the late 1970s. Warriors included the bed as the Express, but lacked the vertical exhaust stacks.^[2] Both the Express and Warrior Dakotas had a graphics package made to resemble those of the original models.^[4]

Production numbers for the Expresses and Warriors were in the hundreds.^[5] A few were made with the 5.2L Magnum V8 engine, which was only an option during 1992, the final model year of Express and Warrior.^[2]

Models

The 1987–1996 Dodge Dakota came in three basic models:

1989 Dodge Shelby Dakota

The Dakota S was the base trim level. It included the following standard features: base vinyl seating surfaces, radio delete package, and audio system delete package (later, an AM/FM stereo with a two-speaker audio system became standard equipment on the Dakota model with a two-speaker audio system), a heater with fan control, vinyl flooring, a black front grille and front bumper, full-faced steel wheels, all-season tires, and manual "roll-up" windows and door locks. A black painted back step bumper, air conditioning, AM/FM or AM/FM/cassette radio, and power steering were extra-cost options. This model was not typically seen as a Club Cab model, and also was not available with a V8 engine option like the other Dakota models were.

The Sport was the mid-range trim level. It added features such as vinyl-and-cloth-trimmed seating surfaces, an AM/FM stereo with a two-speaker audio system, sport-styled steel wheels, bodyside cladding delete, a tilt-adjustable steering column and wheel, and interior accents to the base Dakota model. Later, it also added chrome-clad steel wheels, as well as a color-keyed front fascia and front grille, and "Sport" decals that adorned the doors and pickup bed sides of the Dakota. V6 and V8 engines were available on the Sport model.

The Sport convertible was the only convertible Dakota available, and only from 1989 until 1991, when it was discontinued. It added the following features to the mid-range Sport trim level: sport-styled alloy wheels, cloth seating surfaces with vinyl inserts and accents, an AM/FM stereo with cassette player and a four-speaker audio system, air conditioning, a manual-folding vinyl convertible roof, and "Sport" decals on the doors of the Dakota. The V6 engine and two-door regular cab was the only available configuration of the Sport convertible.

The LE, later renamed SLT, was the top-of-the-line trim level. It added features such as cloth seating surfaces, air conditioning, an AM/FM stereo with cassette player and a four-speaker audio system, alloy wheels, bodyside cladding, carpeted flooring, and power windows and door locks to the mid-range Sport model. V6 and V8 engines were available on LE or SLT models.

Second generation (1997–2004)

Second generation
Overview
Production	July 1996 – July 2004 (North America) 1998–2001 (Brazil)
Model years	1997–2004
Designer	Dennis Myles (1993)
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door pickup truck 4-door pickup truck
Platform	Chrysler DN platform
Related	Dodge Durango (DN)
Powertrain
Engine	2.5 L AMC I4 2.5 L 425 OHV I4 Diesel (Brazil) 3.9 L Magnum V6 5.2 L Magnum V8 5.9 L Magnum V8 4.7 L PowerTech V8 3.7 L PowerTech V6
Transmission	4-speed 42RE automatic 4-speed 44RE automatic 4-speed 46RE automatic 4-speed 45RFE automatic 5-speed 545RFE automatic 5-speed NV1500 manual 5-speed NV3500 manual 5-speed AX-15 manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	111.9 in (2,842 mm) (regular cab/6.5' bed) 123.9 in (3,147 mm) (regular cab/8' bed) 131.0 in (3,327 mm) (Club Cab, Quad Cab)
Length	1997–2001 Regular Cab: 195.8 in (4,973 mm) 1997–2001 Club Cab & 2002-04 Quad Cab: 215.1 in (5,464 mm) 1997–2001 Club Cab: 214.8 in (5,456 mm) 2002–04: 196.0 in (4,978 mm)/215.0 in (5,461 mm)
Width	71.5 in (1,816 mm)
Height	1997–99 4WD: 68.0 in (1,727 mm) 1997–99 & 2002–04 Club Cab 4WD: 68.5 in (1,740 mm) 1997–2001 2WD: 65.6 in (1,666 mm)/65.3 in (1,659 mm) 2000–01 4WD: 67.9 in (1,725 mm) 2000–01 Club Cab 4WD: 68.6 in (1,742 mm) 2000–01 Quad Cab Sport 4WD: 68.8 in (1,748 mm) 2000–01 Quad Cab Sport 2WD: 66.3 in (1,684 mm) 2002–04 4WD: 67.3 in (1,709 mm) 2002–04 Club Cab 4WD: 67.4 in (1,712 mm) 2002-04 Quad Cab 4WD: 68.5 in (1,740 mm) 2002–04 2WD: 64.7 in (1,643 mm) 2002–04 Club Cab 2WD: 64.9 in (1,648 mm) 2002–04 Quad Cab 4WD: 65.6 in (1,666 mm)

The second-generation Dakota began development in 1991, with an exterior design proposal by Dennis Myles under design director John R. Starr being approved in mid-1993 and frozen for production in January 1994, 30 months ahead of Job 1. Design patents were filed on May 20, 1994, under D373,979 at the USPTO. The 1997 model year Dakota was unveiled via press release in the summer of 1996 and built from July 1996 through July 2004. It inherited the semi truck look of the larger Ram, but remained largely the same underneath, although steering was updated on two-wheel drive models to a rack-and-pinion system as a part of the redesign. That year had the introduction of the "R/T" model with the 5.9L 250 hp (186 kW) Magnum V8. At the time of its introduction, it was seen as one of the most radical in its class, not only for its styling, but also because it remained the only truck in its class with an available V8 engine that rivaled many V8s found in full-sized trucks with payloads up to 1,500 lb (680 kg).

In the spring of 1998, a new limited-edition R/T package was available as an option on the Dakota Sport model from 1998 to 2003. This version is considered a true street/sport truck, acting as a spiritual successor to the Shelby Dakota. Only available in 2WD, it included a 360 cid/5.9-liter V8 which produced 250 hp (186 kW) at 4,400 rpm and 345 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm, mated to a 46RE four-speed automatic. Notable features included special 17×9" cast aluminum wheels mounted on P255/55R17 tires, monotone paint, bucket seats (with optional center console), thicker front and rear stabilizer bars, a rear axle with limited-slip differential, and suspension, braking, exhaust, and steering systems that were tuned for performance (the steering system from the R/T is the same as that from the standard Dakota), giving the R/T a ride height that was one inch lower than the standard Dakota. Chrome wheels were available on 2002 and 2003 models. Some of the last models made in 2003 came with the new stampede lower body cladding package and a chromed version of the original cast 17×9" aluminum wheels at no extra charge. This version of the R/T Dakota was produced through 2003, with the newer 2003 R/T trucks designated as their own trim line, and no longer as part of an option package on the Dakota Sport trim. The Dakota R/T could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.9 seconds and complete a quarter-mile sprint in just over 15 seconds. It had a maximum towing capacity of 1,800 lb (816 kg) and a maximum payload capacity of 970 lb (440 kg).

Also in 1998, the Dakota R1 was released for production in Brazil through the efforts of a small team known as Truck Special Programs and featured a base four-cylinder engine and offered a 2.5L VMI turbodiesel along with a V8, all designed around a reinforced four-wheel-drive chassis used on both two- and four-wheel-drive models. Altogether, 28 roll-in-chassis R1 configurations were designed for the Brazilian market to be built at the Curitiba assembly facility as CKDs. This program was cancelled when Chrysler was purchased by Daimler.

Dodge Dakota Sport Quad Cab

Dodge Dakota 5.9 R/T Regular Cab, with the colour-keyed front bumper

Gone for 2000 was the 8-foot bed on the regular cab, but new for that year was the Quad Cab. Four-door Quad Cab models had a slightly shorter bed, 63 in (1,600 mm), but riding on the Club Cab's 131.0 in (3,327 mm) wheelbase. The Quad Cab featured a full-sized flip-up rear seat to provide room for three passengers in the back or room for cargo. The aging 5.2L Magnum V8 was replaced by the 4.7L SOHC PowerTech V8 that year, and the new 45RFE automatic transmission was introduced.

A revision of the interior was made for the 2001 models, including a completely redesigned dash, door panels, and revised seats. Other minor trim revisions were made, including redesigned aluminum wheels on various models. There were also new radio options, with only the standard AM/FM radio (with no cassette deck) being discontinued, making an AM/FM radio with a cassette deck standard on all models. The AM/FM radio with CD player or with both the cassette and CD players was also available.

The 2002 model was the final year for the four-cylinder engine in the Dakota, as Chrysler ended production of the American Motors Corporation design. Most were built with the V6 or V8 engines that were more powerful. An automatic transmission was not available with the four-cylinder engine. SIRIUS Satellite Radio was also now available as an option, and revised radios with new wiring harnesses could accommodate this new feature. A CD changer radio was also available, eliminating the need for a separately mounted unit located elsewhere inside the truck. The drivers could load up to six discs into the unit at a time and could switch out the discs at any time. Radio Data System became standard equipment on some radios.

The 2003 model marked the end of the OHV V6 and the big R/T V8; the 2004 model year vehicles were available with a new 3.7 L PowerTech V6 engine and the 4.7 L V8 variant.

In 2004, the cassette deck option was discontinued, and a CD player became standard equipment on all models.

This generation was also assembled and sold in Brazil from 1998 to 2001.

The IIHS gave this generation a "Poor" rating in the frontal offset crash test.^[6]

Third generation (2005–2011)

Third generation
Overview
Also called	Ram Dakota (2011)
Production	August 2004 – August 23, 2011
Model years	2005–2011
Designer	Cliff Wilkins (2001)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door pickup truck
Platform	ND
Related	Mitsubishi Raider Dodge Durango (HB)
Powertrain
Engine	3.7 L (226 cu in) PowerTech V6 4.7 L (287 cu in) PowerTech V8
Transmission	4-speed 42RLE automatic 5-speed 545RFE automatic 6-speed Getrag 238 manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	131.3 in (3,335 mm)
Length	218.8 in (5,558 mm)
Width	76.4 in (1,941 mm)
Height	Club Cab: 68.6 in (1,742 mm) Quad Cab: 68.7 in (1,745 mm)

The redesigned 2005 Dakota still shared its platform with the new Dodge Durango SUV (which was now even more similar to the Ram platform). This model was 3.7 in (94 mm) longer and 2.7 in (69 mm) wider, and features a new front and rear suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering. This new generation model also reverted to five-lug wheels from the prior generation's six-lug wheels to reduce costs and assembly times.

A V6 and two V8 engines were available: The standard engine is a 3.7L PowerTech V6; the two 4.7L V8 engines are the standard PowerTech V8 and the V8 High Output or HO. The 3.7L V6 produces 210 hp (157 kW) and 235 lb⋅ft (319 N⋅m) of torque. The standard-output 4.7L V8 produces 230 hp (172 kW) and 295 lb⋅ft (400 N⋅m) of torque. The high-output 4.7L V8 produces 260 hp (194 kW) and 310 lb⋅ft (420 N⋅m) of torque. Both the 3.7L and standard output 4.7L V8s were available with the six-speed manual transmission in 2005 and 2006. For 2007, that option was deleted on the V8 models.

In addition to a refresh of the styling, this generation was not offered in a regular cab model. Only the Club and Quad Cab configurations were available. The Dakota R/T returned in late 2005 for the 2006 model year, but only with cosmetic modifications. Despite the "R/T" moniker which signifies "Road and Track," the newest Dakota R/T was simply an option package, characterized by a non-functional hood scoop, exclusive gauge cluster, and hockey stick–style side stripes. The package was available on both two- and four-wheel-drive models.

2008 Dakota Quad Cab

The facelifted third-generation Dakota was unveiled at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show as a 2008 model. The Dakota received another facelift and interior upgrade along with a few other upgrades, including built-in cargo-box utility rails, heated bench seats, best-in-class towing (up to 7,050 lb (3,198 kg)), the largest and longest standard bed in the class, and the largest mid-size truck cab. Its new 4.7L V8 produced 310 hp (231 kW) and 330 lb⋅ft (447 N⋅m) of torque. The standard engine remained the 3.7L V6 with 210 hp (157 kW) and 235 lb⋅ft (319 N⋅m) of torque. Production began in August 2007.

As of 2010, the Dakota was considered a part of the Ram lineup. However, the "Dodge" emblem still existed on the tailgate, and the truck was interchangeably referred to as a Ram Dakota or Dodge Dakota. Its Mitsubishi Raider sibling was discontinued in 2009.

Rear view of a 2007 Dakota Quad Cab

The IIHS gave this generation a "Good" rating in the frontal offset crash test.^[8]

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.^[9] As of 2011, according to Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of Chrysler Group, the Dakota will probably not be replaced by a similar vehicle, mostly because of the declining popularity of compact trucks on the North American market (see Ford Ranger for similar outcome).^[9] Another problem was that buyers complained that the smaller pickup was not priced lower than the full-sized Ram 1500; nevertheless, the Dakota's return continues to be reported since 2012.^[10][11] Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced in September 2014 an agreement with Mitsubishi Motors to codevelop the next-generation Mitsubishi Triton/L200 to be sold globally by both companies. It is sold as RAM 1200 in some Middle Eastern countries.^[12]

Sales

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Dodge Dakota.

• Dodge Dakota at Allpar
• Dakota USA Truck forums all about the Dodge Dakota