Mitsubishi Compact Rebadge

Spec sheet

Nameplate

Mitsubishi Mighty Max (1982-1996) / Dodge D50 (1979-1980) and Ram 50 (1981-1994) / Plymouth Arrow Truck (1979-1982)

Production

1979–1996

Assembly

Okazaki, Aichi, Japan

Sold in

US
Canada

Codes

L200/Forte (1st gen)
K00/K10/K20/K30 (2nd gen)

Body styles

Regular cab
Sport Cab / Macrocab extended cab

Bed lengths

6 ft
7.5 ft

Drivetrains

RWD
4WD (Power Ram 50 from 1982; Mighty Max 4WD to 1995)

Transmissions

4-speed manual (to 1986)
5-speed manual
3-speed automatic (to 1986)
4-speed automatic (from 1987)

Engines

Engine	Disp.	Config	HP	Torque	Years	Notes
2.0 L	2.0 L	I4	92		to 1989 (EPA lists MY1984-1989)	carbureted; 2nd gen
2.6 L 4G54	2.6 L	I4	109		to 1989 (EPA lists MY1984-1989)	2nd gen
2.4 L 4G64	2.4 L	I4	116		1990-1996	standard on 2WD from 1991; EPA lists a 2.4 L for MY1990-1993 and 1995-1996 (shown as 2.3 L for MY1994)
3.0 L 6G72	3.0 L	V6	143		1990-1995 (Ram 50: 1990-1992)	4WD models only in EPA listings
2.3 L 4D55 turbo diesel	2.3 L	I4 diesel turbo	80	125 lb-ft	1983-1985 (EPA lists MY1984-1985)	86 hp / 134 lb-ft 1984-85

Overview

Chrysler was late to the compact-truck party, answering the Courier and LUV in 1979 with a captive import from Mitsubishi: the Dodge D50 and the Plymouth Arrow Truck (the Arrow ended after 1982). The Dodge became the Ram 50 in 1981 and gained four-wheel drive in 1982 as the Power Ram 50. Mitsubishi started selling the same truck under its own Mighty Max name in 1982.

A second generation arrived for 1987 - the year the Dodge Dakota appeared - and the Ram 50 stayed on sale until about 1993-94. In later years the standard engine was a 116-hp 2.4-liter four (1991) and 4WD models received a 143-hp 3.0-liter V6. A turbodiesel was offered between 1983 and 1985.

The Mighty Max name lasted in the US until 1996 with 6-foot or 7.5-foot beds and regular or extended Macrocab.

Nameplates

Mitsubishi Mighty Max (1982–1996)

Mitsubishi's own badge for the truck in the US, from 1982 until 1996, with 6-foot or 7.5-foot beds and regular or extended Macrocab bodies.

Dodge D-50 / Ram 50 (1979–1993)

Chrysler's captive import: the Dodge D50 from 1979, renamed Ram 50 in 1981, with four-wheel drive (Power Ram 50) from 1982 and on sale until about 1993–94.

Plymouth Arrow Pickup (1979–1982)

The Plymouth-badged version, sold from 1979 and ended after 1982.

Trims, Bodies and Drivetrains

Cab and bed

Body styles: Regular cab, Sport Cab / Macrocab extended cab
Beds: 6 ft, 7.5 ft

Drivetrain and transmissions

Drivetrains: RWD, 4WD (Power Ram 50 from 1982; Mighty Max 4WD to 1995)
4-speed manual (to 1986)
5-speed manual
3-speed automatic (to 1986)
4-speed automatic (from 1987)

Highlights

Chrysler's answer to the Ford Courier and Chevy LUV (both 1972)
Four-wheel drive added for 1982 – "Power Ram 50"
Turbo diesel US-market 1983-85
Ram 50 continued after the Dakota debuted in 1987