Did Dodge make a car truck?
Yes. Dodge has a long history of building both passenger cars and pickup trucks. The brand has produced cars such as the Charger and Challenger, and a line of pickups including the Dakota midsize truck and the full-size Ram trucks. Since around 2010, the Ram pickup line has been marketed under a separate Ram brand, with Dodge focusing on cars and SUVs.
Historical arc: Dodge’s car and truck lines
Below are the most notable examples that illustrate Dodge’s involvement with both car-focused and truck-focused models throughout its history.
Key passenger cars
- Dodge Charger — a long-running performance coupe/ sedan with multiple generations.
- Dodge Challenger — a classic muscle car revived in the modern era with high-performance variants.
- Dodge Dart — compact car with multiple generations (early versions and a later revival).
- Dodge Neon — a compact car popular in the 1990s and early 2000s.
- Dodge Caliber — a compact hatchback produced in the late 2000s.
The Dodge lineup has long emphasized passenger cars with a mix of performance, practicality, and affordability, reflecting shifts in consumer demand over decades.
Key pickup and truck models
- Dodge Dakota — midsize pickup produced from 1987 to 2005.
- Dodge Ram pickups (1500/2500/3500) — full‑size trucks that carried the Dodge Ram branding for many years, with heavy‑duty variants available.
- Brand separation note — starting around 2010, the Ram pickup line was spun off into a standalone Ram brand, and subsequent trucks have been sold under the Ram name rather than Dodge.
These entries show Dodge’s longstanding involvement in the truck segment, culminating in a branding shift that moved trucks to a dedicated Ram line while leaving Dodge to focus on cars and, later, SUVs.
Current status and branding
In the contemporary market, Dodge does not offer a traditional pickup truck. Truck duties have been carried by the Ram brand, which continues to develop light-duty and heavy-duty pickups. Dodge’s current lineup centers on passenger cars and sport/utility vehicles, such as the Charger, Challenger, and Durango, with Ram handling trucks.
Understanding the branding shift
The critical change occurred in the 2010 model year and surrounding years, when the Ram nameplate was introduced as a separate brand for pickups and commercial trucks. This move separated Dodge from the truck segment, leaving it to focus on cars and crossovers while Ram became the dedicated truck brand.
Summary
In summary, Dodge has historically built both cars and trucks, including the Dakota midsize pickup and larger Ram trucks. By the early 2010s, the truck line was separated into the Ram brand, and today Dodge does not offer a traditional pickup; trucks are sold under Ram, while Dodge focuses on cars and SUVs. The legacy includes notable muscle cars like the Charger and Challenger, as well as practical family cars and a diverse SUV lineup.
Did Dodge ever make a car truck?
The Dodge Brothers Company started in 1900, making car parts, and by 1914, they began making complete vehicles. This move led to Dodge's entry into the truck market in the 1920s, starting a legacy in Dodge pickups.
Does Dodge make a truck?
No, Dodge does not currently make trucks; the Ram Trucks brand split from Dodge in 2010 to become a separate brand under Stellantis. Therefore, you can no longer buy new Dodge-branded trucks, but the Ram brand continues to produce them. You can find new trucks under the Ram name (Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500) and used or older models may still be available with a "Dodge Ram" nameplate.
- Current trucks: The brand is now known as Ram Trucks, which produces models like the Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500.
- Past trucks: While new Dodge trucks are no longer made, older models like the Dodge Ram 1500 are available on the used market.
- Brand separation: Dodge and Ram officially separated in 2010, with Ram now focusing exclusively on trucks and commercial vehicles.
Why did Dodge stop making trucks?
Bottom line: discontinuation was a strategic business decision driven by declining niche demand, internal product overlap, regulatory and redesign costs, and higher returns from focusing on Ram full‐size trucks and SUVs rather than investing in a new Dakota.
What are Dodge trucks called now?
The newest Ram trucks are the 2025 Ram 1500, which has a new Tungsten trim and a new RHO off-road model, and the 2025 Ram 2500, which has a new infotainment system. The 2026 Ram 1500 RHO is also upcoming. Additionally, a new electric version, the Ram 1500 REV, is planned for 2026.
- 2025 Ram 1500: Features a new top-level Tungsten trim with premium features, a new RHO model that replaces the TRX, and an updated cabin and exterior.
- 2025 Ram 2500: Includes new infotainment technology, such as a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch passenger display.
- 2026 Ram 1500 RHO: A new off-road model is expected for the 2026 model year.
- 2026 Ram 1500 REV: An electric truck is planned for release in 2026.
