For pickup truck enthusiasts, the names Dodge and RAM bring to mind images of rugged, reliable American vehicles.
But many wonder about the relationship between the two powerhouse brands. Was RAM ever truly a part of Dodge?
Or have they always been separate automakers that just happened to have a close association?
This in-depth article will explore the intertwined histories of Dodge and RAM, examining how they split yet remain indelibly connected through their truck-making heritage.
The Origins of Dodge and the Birth of the RAM Pickup Truck
To understand the Dodge and RAM story requires going back to the early days of the American automotive industry.
Dodge has its roots in the Dodge Brothers Company founded in 1914 by Horace and John Dodge.
Their company quickly earned a reputation for making durable, dependable vehicles, including light trucks ideal for commercial use.
In 1928, the Dodge Brothers operation was acquired by the Chrysler Corporation, adding to their portfolio of automotive brands.
Over the next decades, Dodge grew into one of America’s top producers of trucks and passenger cars.
Numerous innovations established Dodge as a leader in automobile manufacturing and styling.
The first pickup truck to bear the name “RAM” emerged in 1981 with the release of the Dodge Ram 50.
This new small pickup aimed to compete against popular compact trucks like the Ford Ranger and Chevy S-10.
The Ram 50 kicked off a new naming convention for Dodge trucks that would eventually lead to the RAM brand.
The Era of the Iconic RAM Dodge Pickup Truck is Born
In the following years, Dodge focused on making their RAM-branded trucks bigger, more rugged, and more powerful.
The cumulation of those efforts came in 1994 with the release of the second-generation Dodge RAM pickup.
This brand new big truck featured bold styling for the era and the power that customers desired.
A range of burly Cummins turbo diesel engines, including an available 8-liter inline-6, gave RAM trucks tremendous capability for work or play.
Over its nearly two-decade production run, the second-gen Dodge RAM cemented itself as a favorite of truck owners who needed serious hauling power and everyday reliability.
With each refresh, Dodge upped the RAM’s towing strength, luxury features, and design.
Special models like the RAM Power Wagon and SRT-10 brought extreme off-road prowess and blistering Viper V10 power to the RAM lineup.
By the 2000s, the Dodge RAM stood as one of the truck market’s dominant forces.
The RAM Brand Splits Off from Dodge to Focus on Trucks
In 2009, after years of the RAM name being part of Dodge, the two brands split into separate divisions under Chrysler.
This allowed each to focus on their own strengths. The new RAM brand would center exclusively on trucks while Dodge put more emphasis on manufacturing cars, minivans and sporty vehicles.
The separation proved advantageous for RAM trucks. As an autonomous brand, RAM could laser-focus on the needs of truck owners rather than compete internally with Dodge.
The RAM truck lineup expanded, introducing the ProMaster van and revamping heavy-duty 2500/3500 models.
An all-new fifth-generation 1500 pickup debuted for the 2019 model year with a new high-tech interior and improved ride quality.
Free from other vehicle segments, RAM continues to push the boundaries of pickup truck capability, luxury, and performance.
Their “RAM Revolution” reflects their sole mission of producing trucks that owners can rely on for work or family.
Who Owns RAM Now? The Brand Under Stellantis
Today, RAM operates as one of several vehicle brands under Stellantis, the global automotive group formed in 2021 via the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Groupe PSA.
While no longer tied specifically to Dodge, RAM trucks carry on the Dodge tradition of reliable, powerful trucks even as an independent brand.
Stellantis now oversees RAM along with Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, and other major auto brands.
Together, these marques can share expertise and resources while still focusing on their unique products.
Under this corporate structure, RAM maintains its focus on continuously improving and revolutionizing its truck lineup for the evolving needs of truck owners.
The Current RAM Truck and Van Lineup Built for Any Job
RAM now offers one of the truck market’s widest ranges of pickups, chassis cabs, and vans.
Their lineup provides unmatched capability, luxury, and versatility whether you need a work truck or family hauler. Key models include:
- RAM 1500 – The cornerstone light-duty RAM 1500 delivers best-in-class comfort, technology, and fuel efficiency thanks to its advanced hybrid powertrains. It comes in 6 main trim levels from the value-packed Tradesman to the sophisticated Longhorn and Limited. Extensive customization and over a dozen powertrain options make it easy to equip an ideal 1500.
- RAM Heavy Duty 2500/3500 – When your demands call for extreme truck muscle, the RAM 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty models provide it. These brawny trucks boast Cummins diesel power up to 1,000 pound-feet of torque paired with coils springs and advanced ride dampening. Fifth-wheel/gooseneck-ready versions make quick work of even the biggest trailers.
- RAM ProMaster Full-Size Van – The ProMaster delivers expansive cargo capacity and adaptability perfect for commercial applications. It’s available as a cargo van, chassis cab, cutaway van, and crew van.
- RAM ProMaster City – For those needing serious utility in a smaller, more maneuverable package, the ProMaster City gets the job done. Its configurable cargo area and potent powertrain provides versatility for urban commercial use.
The Bond Between Dodge and RAM Remains Strong
While Dodge and RAM went separate ways over a decade ago, the two American brands remain intrinsically linked through their shared truck-building roots tracing back over a century.
Both originated from the Dodge Brothers Company and carry on their legacy of reliable, boldly-designed vehicles.
Though now independent makes, Dodge and RAM still complement each other under the Stellantis banner.
Dodge produces muscle cars, performance vehicles, and SUVs while RAM dominates the truck market.
Yet the bond between them persists, seen in RAM’s Power Wagon model harkening back to the 1945 Dodge Power Wagon.
The brands share a common soul focused on giving drivers vehicles worthy of the Dodge and RAM names.
Experience Icons of American Truck History at Your Local RAM Dealership
Our dealership offers the full selection of the latest RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickups.
Come test drive the RAM truck that’s right for you and experience these icons of American motoring firsthand.
Our knowledgeable truck experts can guide you through the options to find your perfect RAM.
We’ll help you acquire the capability, technology, and luxury features you need straight from our impressive Dodge RAM inventory.
Whether you need a workhorse or family adventure mobile, we have the RAM truck for you.
Final Thoughts
While no longer a unified entity, RAM trucks proudly continue the Dodge standard of reliability and performance.
Their intertwined history and shared focus on outstanding trucks binds the Dodge and RAM brands together forever.
So next time you see that big bold RAM grille, know it represents an American truck-building tradition that runs deep.
RAM trucks forge ahead while still bearing the enduring Dodge soul.
