What is the oldest RAM car?
The oldest RAM-branded vehicle is the Dodge Ram pickup introduced for the 1981 model year, the first full-size Dodge truck to carry the RAM badge and its distinctive ram head emblem. That model marks the origination of RAM’s branding in the pickup lineup and laid the groundwork for RAM’s later evolution into a standalone brand.
Tracing RAM’s origins
To understand which model started RAM’s long-running badge, it helps to look at how the brand evolved from a Dodge designation into a distinct truck-focused marque. The RAM identity began as a styling and branding shift on Dodge’s full-size pickups in the early 1980s and steadily evolved from there.
First RAM-branded pickup: 1981 Dodge Ram
The 1981 introduction of the Dodge Ram marked the formal debut of the RAM badge on Dodge’s large pickups, accompanied by the iconic ram head emblem. This era established RAM as a recognizable sub-brand within Dodge’s truck lineup and set the stage for future naming conventions (such as RAM 1500, RAM 2500, and RAM 3500) that would follow in the 1990s.
RAM’s transition to a standalone brand
Beyond the badge, the branding strategy shifted over time. In the late 2000s, Chrysler reorganized its truck branding, eventually marketing RAM vehicles as a standalone marque rather than as Dodge RAM. This culminated around 2010, when the trucks were marketed under the RAM Trucks banner, a move that solidified RAM as its own brand within the broader corporate structure (now part of Stellantis).
- 1981: Dodge introduces the Ram-branded full-size pickup, initiating the RAM era.
- 1994: The lineup adopts RAM-based designations (RAM 1500, RAM 2500, RAM 3500) within the Dodge family.
- 2010: RAM becomes a standalone brand (RAM Trucks) within Chrysler, focusing on trucks and commercial vehicles.
- Present: RAM continues to evolve with modern light-, medium-, and heavy-duty pickups and related commercial offerings under Stellantis.
Timeline of RAM branding milestones:
Conclusion: The 1981 Dodge Ram is widely regarded as the origin of RAM’s branding in the pickup segment, and the brand matured into a standalone marque in 2010, remaining central to the identity of RAM trucks today.
Summary
The oldest RAM-branded vehicle is the 1981 Dodge Ram pickup, which introduced the RAM badge and began a branding lineage that eventually led to RAM becoming a dedicated, standalone truck brand in 2010. From that first model onward, RAM trucks have been defined by rugged capability and a distinct brand identity that continues to evolve under Stellantis.
What is the oldest Dodge Ram?
The 1981 Dodge Ram 1500 was the start of the first generation of Ram trucks. These vehicles looked unique and strong on the road. The Ram logo was introduced during this time. It became an iconic symbol of strength and durability.
How many generations of Dodge Rams are there?
There have been five generations of Ram trucks, with the fifth and current generation beginning with the 2019 model year. The generations are: the first (1981–1993), second (1994–2001), third (2002–2008), fourth (2009–2018), and fifth (2019–present).
- 1st Generation: 1981–1993
- 2nd Generation: 1994–2001
- 3rd Generation: 2002–2008
- 4th Generation: 2009–2018
- 5th Generation: 2019–present
How much is a 1991 Dodge Ram worth?
The value of a used 1991 Dodge RAM 250 ranges from $1,146 to $8,240, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.
What was the first Ram ever made?
Dodge Ram 150
The first generation of Ram pickups was introduced for the 1981 model year, named the Dodge Ram 150. While Dodge had used the name “Ram” before for previous vans and trucks, it was not recognized as an official designation until 1981.
