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When did Dodge start calling their truck Ram?

Dodge, the iconic American automaker, has a long and storied history with its truck lineup. In the mid-1980s, Dodge made a significant change by officially renaming its pickup truck the "Ram." This move marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of Dodge's truck brand.


The Origins of the Dodge Ram


Prior to the mid-1980s, Dodge's pickup trucks were simply known as the "Dodge Pickup" or "Dodge Truck." The decision to rebrand the truck as the "Ram" was a strategic move by Dodge to differentiate its pickup line and create a more distinct identity.


The name "Ram" was chosen to evoke the rugged, powerful image of a ram, a male sheep known for its strong, curved horns. This branding aligned well with Dodge's desire to position its trucks as tough, capable workhorses that could handle demanding tasks and environments.


The Debut of the Dodge Ram


The first Dodge Ram pickup was introduced in 1981 as a 1982 model year vehicle. However, it wasn't until 1986 that Dodge officially adopted the "Ram" name for its pickup line.



  • The 1986 Dodge Ram featured a bold, muscular design that set it apart from previous Dodge truck models.

  • The Ram's distinctive grille, with its prominent "RAM" lettering, became an iconic visual element of the brand.

  • Dodge's marketing campaign for the new Ram emphasized its strength, durability, and capability, further reinforcing the truck's rugged image.


The rebranding of Dodge's pickup truck as the "Ram" was a significant move that helped establish the model as a distinct and recognizable brand within the highly competitive truck market.

Where did Dodge get the Ram name?


The name “Ram” was intended to pay homage to the Ram air hood, which had first become popular around 1933. Dodge-brand trucks quickly became popular throughout the twentieth century, and in the 1980s, the company founded Dodge Ram, or just Ram, a name many will associate with premium pickup trucks.



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.



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.



Why aren't they called Dodge Rams 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.



When did RAM drop the Dodge name?


2009
When Did Dodge and RAM Split? Chrysler acquired Dodge in 1981 and kept their most popular models, including RAM pickup trucks. From 1981 to 2009, their pickup trucks were named “Dodge RAM,”. After 2009, RAM trucks became its own brand.



When did Dodge start calling their trucks Ram?


1981
From 1981 to 2009, their pickup trucks were named “Dodge RAM,”. After 2009, RAM trucks became its own brand.



What year did Dodge start calling their trucks Ram?


1981
From 1981 to 2009, their pickup trucks were named “Dodge RAM,”. After 2009, RAM trucks became its own brand.



Why do people say Dodge Ram?


I would say that they changed their name from dodge to RAM in an effort to change their image, but that isn't true. Dodge spun off their truck line and named it RAM, so that dodge could focus on their automotive products (muscle cars and sedans,) and to allow RAM to focus on developing their truck line.



Why does Dodge call their trucks 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.



Why did Dodge trucks switch to Ram?


Dodge and Ram were split into separate brands by their parent company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), in 2009. The decision to separate the two was driven by a strategic desire to focus each brand on different market segments and to create a stronger identity for each.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.