More... · 1987-1996
Dodge 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
- US
- Canada
- Codes
- AN platform
- Body styles
- Regular cab
- Club 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
- RWD
- 4WD (V6/V8 only)
- Transmissions
- 5-speed manual
- 3-speed A998 / 4-speed A500 automatic
- Trims
- S (base)
- Sport
- LE
- Sport convertible (1989-91)
- Shelby Dakota (1989)
- Wheelbase
- 111.9 / 123.9 / 130.9 in
Engines
| Engine | Disp. | Config | HP | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L K | 2.2 L | I4 | 94 | 1987-1988 | |
| 2.5 L K | 2.5 L | I4 | 100 | 1989-1995 | |
| 2.5 L AMC | 2.5 L | I4 | 120 | 1996 | |
| 3.9 L LA V6 | 3.9 L | V6 | 125 | 1987-1991 | Magnum 180 hp 1992-93; 175 hp 1994-96. EPA lists a 3.9 L V6 in every model year 1987-1996 |
| 5.2 L LA/Magnum V8 | 5.2 L | V8 | 170 | 1991-1996 | 230 hp Magnum 1992-93; 225 hp 1994-96. EPA also lists a 5.2 L V8 Dakota for MY1989 |
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.
Trims, Bodies and Drivetrains
Trims
- S (base)
- Sport
- LE
- Sport convertible (1989-91)
- Shelby Dakota (1989)
Cab and bed
- Body styles: Regular cab, Club Cab (1989), Convertible (1989-1991)
- Beds: 6.5 ft (111.9 in WB), 8 ft (123.9 in WB), Club Cab 130.9 in WB
Drivetrain and transmissions
- Drivetrains: RWD, 4WD (V6/V8 only)
- 5-speed manual
- 3-speed A998 / 4-speed A500 automatic
Highlights
- First pickup with rack-and-pinion steering (2WD only)
- First mid-size pickup with an optional V8
- 1989 convertible: ~2,482 sold first year; eight built for 1991
- 1989 Shelby Dakota V8
- 1992 Magnum V6 (180 hp) / V8 (230 hp) with MPFI