Is there a difference between Ram and Dodge?
As a seasoned auto service provider, I often get asked about the distinction between Ram and Dodge. While they share a common history, there are key differences between the two brands that every car enthusiast and potential buyer should know. In this article, I’ll break down the relationship between Ram and Dodge, their unique identities, and what sets them apart in the automotive world.
The Shared History of Ram and Dodge
Ram and Dodge were once part of the same brand under the Chrysler Corporation. Dodge was known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and trucks. The "Ram" name was originally used to identify Dodge's line of pickup trucks. However, in 2009, a significant change occurred when Chrysler decided to split Dodge and Ram into two distinct brands. This decision was made to allow each brand to focus on its core strengths and target audiences.
What Is Dodge Today?
Today, Dodge is primarily focused on performance-oriented vehicles. The brand is synonymous with muscle cars like the Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger, as well as high-performance SUVs like the Dodge Durango. Dodge vehicles are designed to appeal to drivers who crave speed, power, and bold styling.
What Is Ram Today?
Ram, on the other hand, is dedicated exclusively to trucks and commercial vehicles. The Ram brand has become a leader in the pickup truck market, offering models like the Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500. These trucks are known for their durability, towing capacity, and advanced features tailored to both work and leisure activities. Ram trucks are designed to meet the needs of contractors, farmers, and anyone requiring a reliable and powerful vehicle for heavy-duty tasks.
Key Differences Between Ram and Dodge
- Focus: Dodge focuses on performance cars and SUVs, while Ram specializes in trucks and commercial vehicles.
- Brand Identity: Dodge emphasizes speed, power, and bold design, whereas Ram highlights strength, utility, and innovation in the truck segment.
- Target Audience: Dodge appeals to car enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, while Ram caters to professionals and individuals needing heavy-duty vehicles.
Why the Split Was Beneficial
The separation of Ram and Dodge allowed each brand to refine its identity and better serve its respective markets. Ram has been able to focus on developing industry-leading trucks, earning accolades like "Truck of the Year" from various automotive publications. Meanwhile, Dodge has continued to innovate in the performance car segment, maintaining its reputation as a powerhouse in the muscle car market.
Conclusion
While Ram and Dodge share a common heritage, they are now distinct brands with unique offerings. Whether you’re in the market for a high-performance car or a reliable truck, understanding the difference between these two brands can help you make an informed decision. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to assist with all your vehicle needs, whether it’s a Dodge muscle car or a Ram truck. Feel free to reach out to us for expert advice and top-notch service!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Dodge trucks called Ram?
In the late 70s, a ram's head mascot began to appear on Dodge D Series pickups, which, starting in 1981, became known as Dodge Ram. You can also find it on Ramcharger SUVs. The full-size vans of this brand received the name Ram Van, and the brand symbol at that time was a five-pointed star.
Is Ram the same thing as Dodge?
They're still part of the same company, but Dodge cars, SUVs, and minivans are under the Dodge brand, and their pickup trucks are under RAM.
Is Dodge and Ram different brands?
If you have a used RAM that dates before 2009, you might still have the “Dodge RAM” emblem. The company dropped the “Dodge” in 2009, so all trucks made from this date forward were simply “RAM trucks”. And though Dodge and RAM are still part of the same company, the trucks are labeled solely as RAM.
Why is Ram not called Dodge anymore?
In 2009, Dodge's parent company, Chrysler, decided to make RAM a standalone marque. But both Dodge and RAM are owned by the Chrysler group, which is itself a subsidiary of Stellantis.
Why do RAM trucks not say Dodge anymore?
Chysler bought Dodge in 1981, which led to a restructuring of the most popular models. This meant that Dodge retained its cars, SUVs, and minivans – while the RAM truck lineup eventually became its own brand completely in 2009.
Who makes Ram engines?
Chrysler maintained production of the engines up until Stellantis took the helm in 2021, producing the Ram series in full—from the light-duty 1500 all the way up to the heavy-duty 3500. The only other company responsible for making Ram engines is Cummins, which is known for its diesel power plants.
Is my truck a Dodge or a Ram?
If you own a truck made before 2009, it's called a Dodge RAM, and all post-2009 pickup trucks are simply RAM trucks. They're still the same company, they're just Dodge cars, SUVs, and minivans that are under the Dodge branding, and their pickup trucks are with the RAM brand.
Is Ram an American company?
Ram is one of the brands that comprises Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (formerly FCA, now Stellantis), along with Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, and Fiat. Ram is an American truck company that used to be a model name for Dodge trucks.
Do Dodge and Ram have the same logo?
Dodge and Ram eventually separated into their own entities, and when the truck brand branched out in 2010, they took the ram logo with them.
Why are Ram trucks no longer Dodge?
So, why did Chrysler break up these two brands? This process allowed for more focused development of new models. Dodge created the Dodge Challenger to compete with the Chevy Corvette sports car, while the RAM lineup could focus on creating more powerful engines and more resilient builds for Spanaway jobs.
