Chrysler announced the retirement of the Dodge Dakota compact pickup as of tomorrow, after 24 years of loyal service.
The gradual withdrawal of just about every other similar model led us to expect the imminent demise of the Dakota, suffering from flagging sales. As of July, 1,263 units were sold, compared to the 36,944 Rams found on Canadian roads.
The Dakota, which means “friend” or “ally” in Sioux, slotted in between the Ford Ranger/Chevrolet S-10 and full-size pickups like the Ram or F-150. It was perfect for buyers looking for something that handled like a compact pickup yet had the advantages of a full-size mode, and it was the first to offer an optional V8 in its class.
In 2000 it was named North American Vehicle of the Year at the Detroit Auto Show, chosen by a panel of 50 eminent automotive journalists. A bizarre drop-top version was unveiled in 1989, which nonetheless managed to attract 2,482 buyers when it was introduced.
Though the Dakota is bowing out, its heritage might be reflected in the upcoming “TR Ram Life Style Truck,” a Canadian-built model that could be taking on the Honda Ridgeline sometime in 2013.
Source: The Detroit News
The gradual withdrawal of just about every other similar model led us to expect the imminent demise of the Dakota, suffering from flagging sales. As of July, 1,263 units were sold, compared to the 36,944 Rams found on Canadian roads.
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| Photo: Chrysler |
The Dakota, which means “friend” or “ally” in Sioux, slotted in between the Ford Ranger/Chevrolet S-10 and full-size pickups like the Ram or F-150. It was perfect for buyers looking for something that handled like a compact pickup yet had the advantages of a full-size mode, and it was the first to offer an optional V8 in its class.
In 2000 it was named North American Vehicle of the Year at the Detroit Auto Show, chosen by a panel of 50 eminent automotive journalists. A bizarre drop-top version was unveiled in 1989, which nonetheless managed to attract 2,482 buyers when it was introduced.
Though the Dakota is bowing out, its heritage might be reflected in the upcoming “TR Ram Life Style Truck,” a Canadian-built model that could be taking on the Honda Ridgeline sometime in 2013.
Source: The Detroit News