First Generation

• The first generation of the Dodge Dakota was produced between 1987 and 1996. Until 1991 the trucks had either a 97-horsepower V-4 or a 125-horsepower V-6 engine with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. 1991 saw the release of the "Magnum" 170-horsepower V-8 engine, in what was referred to as the "Shelby Dakota," and V-8s and V-6s became the two engine choices until 1996, when another compact V-4 was introduced. In 1989, a convertible model was released, which featured a manually removable top.
  
  

Second Generation

• The second generation of Dodge Dakotas ran from 1997 to 2004. In 1998, the R/T model was introduced; it had a 250-horsepower V-8 engine and a maximum payload of 1500 pounds. In 2000, the Quad-Cab model was introduced. It had four doors and room for three passengers in the back seat, though at the cost of a shorter cargo bed (63.1 inches) than standard 2-door models. This generation also saw the replacement of the 5.9-liter V-8 and 2.5-liter V-6 engines with the 4.7-liter V-8 and the 3.7-liter V-6 "PowerTech" engines.
  
  

Third Generation

• In 2005, the third and current generation of Dodge Dakota models was introduced. Dodge went to using 5-lug wheels instead of 6 lugs, as used in previous generations. There are three engine options available for the third generation, including a 3.7-liter V-6 PowerTech engine and two 4.7-liter V-8 engines. The standard PowerTech V-8 engine produces 230 horsepower, while the V-8 High Output engine is capable of 260 horsepower. The R/T model became available in 2006, but changes were purely cosmetic, including a non-functional hoodscoop, side stripes, and a specially designed gauge cluster.
  
  

Discontinuation

• It was announced in November of 2009 that the Dodge Dakota would be discontinued in 2011. This due to declining sales numbers.
  
  

Sales Numbers

• Dodge sold over 177,000 Dakotas in 2000, and sales progressively declined every year since, with only 10,690 sold in 2009.