What years did they make the Dodge Dude?
No official production model named the Dodge Dude exists in Dodge’s historical lineup. There is no record of a factory-produced vehicle by that exact name.
If you’ve come across the term, it’s likely a nickname, a one-off concept, or a misreading of another Dodge model. This article outlines what is documented and how to verify information in Dodge’s history.
Is there any production Dodge Dude?
Dodge’s official production histories do not list a model by the name “Dude,” and no Dodge catalog shows this designation as a factory model.
Contributing factors to the rumor
Automotive folklore and show-car lore can create nicknames that stick, even when no production exists.
Possible sources of confusion include the following scenarios.
- Unconfirmed concept or show car rumored to have been called the "Dude" by designers or press (no official documentation confirms this).
- A dealer- or enthusiast-built custom project informally nicknamed "Dude."
- Misreading or conflating similarly named models such as the Dodge D-50, Dakota, or Durango.
In short, these points reflect why you might encounter the name but not a production run.
Real Dodge models that might be confused with "Dude"
Below are production Dodge models with similar naming or branding and their general production spans.
- D-50: compact pickup sold 1979–1985 in the U.S. and for several years in other markets.
- Dakota: midsize pickup produced from 1987 to 2011.
- Durango: mid-size SUV introduced for the 1998 model year and continued through multiple generations to the present.
These real models are sometimes mentioned in discussions about a Dodge model with a short, catchy nickname, which can lead to confusion with any unverified claim about a “Dude.”
Summary
Bottom line: There is no official production period for a Dodge vehicle named the "Dude." If you encounter the term, treat it as rumor, a concept story, or a nickname rather than a factory-produced model with defined production years.
What year Dodge truck to stay away from?
Years to avoid include the 2012–2016 and 2018 Dodge Ram 2500 due to chronic reliability issues like brake and transmission problems, and the 2012, 2013, and 2018 Ram 1500 for electrical and component failures. Additionally, the 2003, 2010-2013, and 2014-2016 Ram 1500 models are frequently cited for issues such as steering loss and transmission problems, while the 2009-2011 Cummins diesel years are considered problematic.
Ram 1500 (1/2 ton)
- 2012, 2013, and 2018: These years had a higher-than-average number of electrical and component failures.
- 2003: This model year is noted for issues like frame rust, which caused major safety concerns.
- 2010-2013: These years saw frequent transmission problems, including rough shifting and complete failure, especially in models with the 5.7L V8 engine.
- 2014, 2016, and 2019: These years had reported power steering loss, which is a major safety risk, and electrical malfunctions.
Ram 2500/3500 (3/4 ton and 1 ton)
- 2012–2016 and 2018: These years are frequently mentioned for chronic reliability issues, such as brake system failures, steering component defects, turbocharger breakdowns, and transmission problems.
- 2019: As the first model year of the fifth generation, it experienced issues that were later resolved in subsequent model years.
Cummins Diesel Engines
- 2009–2011: These years had numerous issues, especially with their engines.
- 1999, 2001, 2003, 2006, and 2007–2008: These years are frequently cited for problems related to engine performance.
What year did Dodge make the Dude truck?
The Dudes were only offered in the 1970 and 1971 model years and only 1,500 to 2,000 Dudes were produced.
How much is a 1987 Dodge D150 worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $12,367 for a 1987 Dodge D150 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1987 Dodge D150 1/2 Ton? The highest selling price of a 1987 Dodge D150 1/2 Ton at auction over the last three years was $24,200.
What year did Dodge make the prospector?
The Prospector was a special trim package for Dodge Ram and Ramcharger vehicles offered during the 1980s, specifically from 1982 through 1987. It was a way for buyers to get a more luxurious and stylish package, often with bundled features at a discount.
- Model Years: 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, and 1987.
- Vehicle Types: Primarily featured on Dodge Ram pickup trucks and Ramcharger SUVs.
- Purpose: The Prospector package was an "upgrade" that combined Royal SE trim with various comfortable and stylish features, such as specific interior and exterior options.
