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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Money & Work • Automotive

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.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

The Dodge Dakota was a mid-size pickup truck produced by Chrysler from 1987 to 2011. It was notable for being the first mid-size pickup to offer an optional V8 engine.

What it is

The Dakota was developed to fill the gap between compact and full-size pickups. It offered a balance of maneuverability and capability, with body-on-frame construction and a choice of inline-four, V6, and V8 engines.

Production history

The Dakota went through three generations, starting with the 1987 model year. It was built at Chrysler's Warren Truck Assembly plant in Michigan. The final two years (2010–2011) were sold as the Ram Dakota after a brand shift.

Why it matters

The Dakota is remembered for creating the midsize pickup segment with a V8 option. It remains popular among Canadian used-truck buyers and collectors, especially as the segment has since become more competitive.

In short

  • First mid-size pickup with an optional V8 engine
  • Produced from 1987 to 2011 (25 model years)
  • Built at Warren Truck Assembly in Michigan
  • Final two years sold as Ram Dakota
Canadian angle

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.

Quick 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.
What made the Dakota notable?
It was the first mid-size pickup offered with an optional V8 engine.

Sources

  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