It’s no secret—the truck market has changed dramatically over the past three decades. Today’s pickups are bigger, taller, heavier, and loaded with tech features that would have been considered pure luxury back in the ’90s. Along with that size has come a massive jump in price, with many new trucks easily topping $60,000 or more.
Back in the early ’90s, Dodge had a different answer to the pickup question. The Dodge Dakota was the perfect in-between: larger and more capable than the compact Chevy S-10 and Ford Ranger, but easier to maneuver and park than a full-size Ram, F-150, or Silverado. It struck a balance that made it just right for buyers who needed real truck capability without the bulk.
Now, one particularly well-preserved—and tastefully customized—example is up for grabs. This 1994 Dodge Dakota Sport Regular Cab is currently live on BringATrailer with bidding set to end on Thursday, August 14 at 5:15 p.m. EDT.
Originally sold new at Trostle Dodge in Butler, Pennsylvania, this Dakota stayed with its first owner until earlier this year. It’s powered by the dependable 3.9-liter Magnum V6 paired with a 4-speed automatic, sending 175 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential. With just 12,000 miles on the odometer, it’s a true time capsule.
The exterior wears monotone Black paint with Dakota Sport graphics, a body-color grille, and a rear step bumper. The original owner didn’t leave it stock for long—by June 1994, the truck had been fitted with Boyd’s Stinger polished cast-aluminum wheels (15-inch × 7-inch front, 15-inch × 8-inch rear), BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires, lowering springs that drop it by 1.5 inches, ground effects, an aftermarket front fascia, smoked taillights, and LED lighting all around. A Fastback hard tonneau cover and quad-outlet exhaust complete the custom touches.
Inside, the Dakota is fitted with charcoal cloth bucket seats, a center console, air conditioning, and a Sony CD stereo with Bluetooth. Woodgrain trim accents the dashboard and steering wheel rim, giving it a bit of ’90s flair.
The truck comes with its original window sticker showing a new price of $14,138—about $30,667 in today’s money—as well as the broadcast sheet, original sales paperwork, manufacturer’s literature, partial service records, removed parts, and a clean New York title.
For collectors, truck enthusiasts, or anyone nostalgic for the days when pickups were simpler, more manageable, and just plain cool, this Dakota Sport is a rare chance to own a near-new example of a disappearing breed.
1994 Dodge Dakota Sport Regular Cab Image Gallery:
