Dodge Dakota (1987–2011): Generations, Specs and Which One to Buy
Overview of dodge dakota generations from 1987 to 2011: bodies, power ranges from 96 to 250 hp, and notable versions worth buying used.
The Dodge Dakota is a pickup double cab produced from 1987 to 2011, with outputs spanning 96 to 250 hp across four dodge dakota generations. It suits buyers who want a mid-size American pickup with a wide choice of drivetrains — RWD or 4x4, manual or automatic — from a simple single-cab workhorse to a 250 hp V8 truck.
Dodge Dakota generations
1 generation (1987–1996)
The first generation was built from 1987 to 1996 as a pickup single cab, RWD only, with both automatic and manual gearboxes across 13 modifications. Power ranged from 96 to 230 hp. The mass-market choice was the 3.9 AT with 125 hp and a 3900 cc engine, while the top version was the 5.2 AT with 230 hp from a 5200 cc engine.
2 generation (1997–2004)
The second generation, produced from 1997 to 2004, switched to the pickup double cab body and added 4x4 alongside RWD. It is the widest lineup of the model with 33 modifications, from 120 to 250 hp. The common version was the 3.7 MT with 214 hp, a 3701 cc engine, manual gearbox and 4x4. The most powerful Dakota ever was here: the 5.9 MT with 250 hp from a 5900 cc engine, RWD with a manual gearbox.
3 generation (2004–2007)
The third generation ran from 2004 to 2007 as a pickup double cab in 16 modifications, with a narrower 210–238 hp range. The mass version was the 4.7 MT with 230 hp (4698 cc, RWD, manual). The strongest was the 4.7 AT with 238 hp and 4x4. The 3.7 MT with 214 hp stood out for fuel use of 10.7 l/100 km.
3 generation, restyling (2007–2011)
The restyled third generation was built from 2007 to 2011, again as a pickup double cab, in 12 modifications with the same 210–238 hp spread. The common version was the 4.7 AT with 230 hp (4698 cc, RWD), the top one the 4.7 MT with 238 hp and 4x4, and the 3.7 MT with 214 hp kept its 10.7 l/100 km consumption.
Which Dodge Dakota to buy
- 4.7 AT (230 hp) (3 generation, restyling): the mass version of the final years, 2007–2011, with a 4698 cc engine, 230 hp and an automatic gearbox — the freshest common Dakota you can find.
- 4.7 MT (238 hp) (3 generation, restyling): the most powerful version of the last generation at 238 hp, with 4x4 and a manual gearbox, built 2007–2011.
- 3.7 MT (214 hp) (3 generation): the economy pick with 10.7 l/100 km, 214 hp from a 3701 cc engine, RWD and a manual gearbox, produced 2004–2007.
- 5.9 MT (250 hp) (2 generation): the peak output of the whole model line — 250 hp from a 5900 cc engine, RWD, manual, built 1997–2004.
When buying used, the newest examples come from the 2007–2011 restyling, so start there if age matters; the 1997–2004 second generation offers the broadest choice with 33 modifications, but even its youngest trucks are over two decades old.
Which Dodge Dakota to avoid
Within the first generation, the 5.2 AT (170 hp) is dominated by the 5.2 AT (230 hp): both are 1987–1996 automatics with RWD and a roughly 5.2-liter engine (5210 cc versus 5200 cc), but the 170 hp version gives up 60 hp with no offsetting number in its favor in the data.