Dodge · 1987-1996
Dakota (1st Gen)
The first-generation Dodge Dakota (1987-1996) bridged compact and full-size with a mid-size body, rack-and-pinion steering and, for the first time in its class, an optional V8. Convertible and Shelby versions added flair.
- Years
- 1987-1996
- Drivetrain
- RWD · 4WD (V6/V8 only)
- Engines
- 2.2 L K · 2.5 L K · 2.5 L AMC
- Sold in
- US · Canada
Spec sheet
- Generation
- 1st Gen
- Production
- 1987–1996
Production: 1986 to 1996.
- Assembly
- Warren, MI (Warren Truck Assembly)
- Sold in
- USCanada
- Codes
- AN platform
- Body styles
- Regular cabClub Cab (1989)Convertible (1989-1991)
- Bed lengths
- 6.5 ft (111.9 in WB)8 ft (123.9 in WB)Club Cab 130.9 in WB
- Drivetrains
- RWD4WD (V6/V8 only)
- Transmissions
- 5-speed manual3-speed A998 / 4-speed A500 automatic
- Trims
- S (base)SportLESport convertible (1989-91)Shelby Dakota (1989)
- Wheelbase
- 111.9 / 123.9 / 130.9 in
Engines
- Displacement
- 2.2 L
- Config
- I4
- HP
- 94 hp
- Years
- 1987-1988
- Displacement
- 2.5 L
- Config
- I4
- HP
- 100 hp
- Years
- 1989-1995
- Displacement
- 2.5 L
- Config
- I4
- HP
- 120 hp
- Years
- 1996
- Displacement
- 3.9 L
- Config
- V6
- HP
- 125 hp
- Years
- 1987-1991
- Notes
- Magnum 180 hp 1992-93; 175 hp 1994-96. EPA lists a 3.9 L V6 in every model year 1987-1996
- Displacement
- 5.2 L
- Config
- V8
- HP
- 170 hp
- Years
- 1991-1996
- Notes
- 230 hp Magnum 1992-93; 225 hp 1994-96. EPA also lists a 5.2 L V8 Dakota for MY1989
Highlights
- 01
- First pickup with rack-and-pinion steering (2WD only)
- 02
- First mid-size pickup with an optional V8
- 03
- 1989 convertible: ~2,482 sold first year; eight built for 1991
- 04
- 1989 Shelby Dakota V8
- 05
- 1992 Magnum V6 (180 hp) / V8 (230 hp) with MPFI
Photos
Dodge Dakota (1st Gen) 1987-1996, image 1 of 3
Dodge Dakota (1st Gen) 1987-1996, image 2 of 3
Dodge Dakota (1st Gen) 1987-1996, image 3 of 3
Related
Overview
Chrysler launched the Dakota for 1987 as a truck sized between compacts and full-size pickups, built at Warren Truck Assembly in Michigan with body-on-frame construction and leaf-spring rear end. It was the first pickup with rack-and-pinion steering (2WD) and the first mid-size with an optional V8.
Engines started with a 94-hp 2.2-liter four (then 2.5), and a 125-hp 3.9-liter V6. A 5.2-liter V8 (170 hp) arrived in 1991, becoming 230 hp Magnum from 1992. The 1989 model year added a Club Cab, a fixed-roll-bar convertible (2,482 sold the first year) and Carroll Shelby's V8-powered Shelby Dakota.
The 1996 model was the last first-generation Dakota, with an AMC 2.5-liter four rated at 120 hp.
Note: Wikipedia classes the Dakota as mid-size; it is listed here because it bridged the compact and full-size segments.