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1990-1996 Dodge Dakota
Date Published: 2/20/08

1990-1996 Dodge Dakota
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Price Range:
$600 - 2,900

Class:
Compact Pickup Truck
1990-1996 Dodge Dakota
Expert Rating Summary
Category
Dodge Dakota 3.9-liter ext. cab Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 3
Ride Quality 3
Steering/Handling/Braking 3
Quietness 3
Controls/Materials 3
Interior Room 5
Room/Comfort (rear) 1
Cargo Capacity 2
Value within Class 4
Total Score: 31
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model
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1990-1996 Dodge Dakota Review
Introduced for 1987, Dodge's Dakota was the first midsize pickup--larger than most compacts and smaller than full-size models. Dakotas came in two sizes: 112-inch wheelbase with a 6.5-foot cargo bed, or 124-inch wheelbase with an 8-foot bed. Each had a 3-place bench seat, but bucket seats might be installed in base or Sport models. A Club Cab pickup arrived in 1990, with a 131-inch wheelbase and 6.5-foot bed, plus storage compartments beneath hinged rear cushions. Rear antilock brakes had been added for 1989. An innovative convertible pickup truck joined the line during 1989, with standard 3.9-liter V6, but remained on sale only into 1990.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Dodge Dakota: A V8 engine become available this year--the only such installation offered in a non-full-size pickup. In addition, the 4-cylinder base engine gained 17 horsepower. All Dakotas got a freshened front end, including a new grille and bumper. Nose sheetmetal was extended about three inches. LE and Sport models gained aero headlamps, while the Sport got a body-color grille and front air dam with fog lamps (plus a chrome roof bar with off-road lights). Club Cab trucks could now have 4-wheel drive.
1992 Dodge Dakota: Both V6 and V8 engines gained a whopping power boost. Horsepower jumped from 125 to 180 on the V6 and 165 to 230 on the V8.
1993 Dodge Dakota: Four-wheel antilock braking became available (a "first" for pickups of any brand). Dakotas got a stainless steel exhaust, seat cushions were recontoured, and 4-cylinder engines lost power.
1994 Dodge Dakota: Safety got the nod this season. Dakota became the first pickup with a driver-side airbag, accompanied by a new padded knee bolster, side door guard beams, and center high-mounted stoplamp.
1995 Dodge Dakota: A shift interlock was added to manual transmissions, and a 2WD Sport Club Cab model joined the 1995 lineup.
1996 Dodge Dakota: A new "Magnum" 4-cylinder base engine went into Dakotas for their final outing in this form. Automatic transmissions gained electronic shift controls.
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