Dodge Dakota: Encyclopedia II - Dodge Dakota - 1987

Dodge Dakota - 1987

The first generation of the Dakota was produced from 1987 through 1996. Straight-4 and V6 engines were offered along with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Four wheel drive was available only with the V6. Both 6.5 ft (2 m) and 8 ft (2.4 m) beds were offered. Fuel injection was added to the 3.9 L V6 for 1988 but the output remained the same.

1989 saw the unusual Dakota convertible. The first convertible pickup since the Ford Model T, it featured a fixed roll bar and complicated manual top. Just 2,482 were sold that first year. Another important addition that year was Carroll Shelby's V8-powered Shelby Dakota, his first rear wheel drive vehicle in two decades.

An extended "Club Cab" model was added for 1990, still with two doors. This model allowed the Dakota to boast capacity for six passengers, although the rear seat was best suited for children and shorter adults.

For 1991, the front of the Dakota received a more aerodynamic grille and hood, and Dodge added the 5.2 L V8 as an option, inspired by the earlier Shelby Dakota option. This engine produced 170 hp (127 kW). Both of the V-configuration engines were updated to Magnum specs the next year, providing a tremendous power boost.

In 1996, the first generation's final year, the K-based 2.5 L I4 engine was out of production and had been considered vastly underpowered compared to the competition, so Dodge borrowed the Jeep 2.5 L I4 (rated at 120 hp) and installed it as the base engine in the Dakota. It was the only major change for 1996, and would be carried over as the base engine in the new, larger 1997 model.

Engines:

• 1987-1988 - 2.2 L K I4, SOHC, 96 hp (72 kW)
• 1987-1991 - 3.9 L LA V6, 125 hp (93 kW)
• 1989-1995 - 2.5 L K I4, 99 hp (74 kW)
• 1991 - 5.2 L LA V8, 170 hp (127 kW)
• 1992-1993 - 3.9 L Magnum V6, 180 hp (134 kW)
• 1991-1993 - 5.2 L Magnum V8, 230 hp (172 kW)
• 1994-1996 - 3.9 L Magnum V6, 175 hp (131 kW)
• 1994-1996 - 5.2 L Magnum V8, 220 hp (164 kW)
• 1996 - 2.5 L AMC I4, 120 hp (90 kW)

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "1987", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki