Dodge Dakota

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 Truck Assembly) 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	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.