What is the Dodge Dakota called?
The Dodge Dakota is called the Dodge Dakota—a mid-size pickup truck produced by Dodge from 1987 to 2004.
It was Dodge’s entry into the growing mid-size truck segment, offering regular and extended cab configurations and a range of engine options before the nameplate was retired. Today, the Dakota name is not in active production, though its legacy lives on in the related Mitsubishi Raider and in the broader evolution of Dodge’s truck lineup toward the Ram brand.
Identity and class
Understanding what the Dakota is helps place it in Dodge’s historical lineup: it was a stand-alone mid-size pickup positioned between compact models and the full-size Ram line, designed to balance maneuverability with payload for its era.
Two generations and their milestones
Below are the two main generations that defined the Dakota's production run.
- First generation (1987–1996): introduced as Dodge's first mid-size pickup, offered regular cab and Club Cab configurations, with options for rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
- Second generation (1997–2004): redesigned with updated styling and interior, continued with multiple cab options and drivetrain choices, and ending production in 2004 as Dodge refocused on full-size Ram trucks.
The Dakota's two generations reflect its evolution and eventual discontinuation in the mid-2000s.
Current status and legacy
As of 2025, the Dodge Dakota is not in production. The nameplate was retired in 2004, and Dodge’s truck lineup eventually migrated toward the Ram brand. A related Mitsubishi Raider, produced from 2006 to 2009, used the Dakota platform under a separate badge but was also discontinued. While rumors occasionally surface about reviving a midsize Dodge pickup, no official Dakota model has been launched.
Summary
The Dodge Dakota was a mid-size pickup truck sold by Dodge from 1987 through 2004. It bridged the gap between compact and full-size trucks in Dodge’s lineup and remains a notable chapter in the brand’s history. Today, the Dakota name is not active in production, and the vehicle lives on mainly in used-market memory and in the lineage that influenced later Ram trucks.
