When did Dodge stop making Power Wagon?
The bottom line: Dodge stopped making the Power Wagon as a standalone model after the 1980 model year.
To understand how the Power Wagon evolved, this article traces its mid‑20th‑century origins, its disappearance from Dodge’s lineup, and its later revival under the Ram Truck brand as a distinct off‑road champion that continues today.
Origins: the creation of a civilian Power Wagon
What follows is a concise timeline of the Power Wagon’s life as a Dodge model, from its wartime origins to its discontinuation in 1980.
- 1946: Dodge introduces the Power Wagon as a civilian version of the WWII Dodge WC 4x4 truck, built to deliver serious off-road capability for civilian buyers and heavy-duty work.
- 1950s–1960s: The Power Wagon remains a staple in Dodge’s 3/4‑ton 4x4 family, with ongoing updates to powertrains and rugged suspension to handle demanding work and terrain.
- Late 1960s–1970s: The Power Wagon persists as a recognizable badge within Dodge’s heavy‑duty lineup, continuing to serve in mining, agriculture, and rural markets where true off-road ability mattered.
- 1980: Dodge ceases production of the Power Wagon as a standalone model as the brand shifts its heavy‑duty truck strategy toward other lines; the name fades from Dodge’s regular lineup.
In short, the original Power Wagon lived as a Dodge model from 1946 until its standalone production ended in 1980, marking the end of an era for the brand’s most rugged civilian truck.
Return as a Ram, not Dodge
The Power Wagon name would not disappear for long. In the mid‑2000s, Ram Truck—then a separate brand under Stellantis—revived the Power Wagon as a high‑end off‑road variant for the Ram 2500/3500 heavy‑duty pickups, signaling a rebirth of the badge under a new corporate structure.
Today, the Power Wagon is a Ram model rather than a Dodge model. It remains a flagship off‑road version of Ram’s heavy‑duty lineup, featuring capabilities such as selective locking differentials, reinforced suspension, and rugged off‑road equipment designed for extreme terrain.
- The revival began in the mid‑2000s, with Power Wagon as a high‑end off‑road package for Ram 2500/3500 pickups.
- Since then, Ram has continued to offer Power Wagon as a dedicated variant, distinct from Dodge badging, reflecting the broader brand realignment under the Ram name.
Note: Before this list, a short explainer highlights the revival’s context and the distinction between the Dodge and Ram brands, which is important for understanding the current naming and branding.
In modern showrooms, the Power Wagon remains a Ram‑brand offering, not a Dodge model, underscoring how the name has endured even as corporate branding evolved.
Summary
The Power Wagon’s journey spans nearly eight decades. It began as a Dodge civilian heavy‑duty 4x4 in 1946, ceased as a standalone Dodge model in 1980, and was reborn in the Ram lineup in the mid‑2000s as a purpose‑built off‑road flagship. Today, the Power Wagon exists as a Ram vehicle, carrying forward the legacy of rugged capability that first defined the name decades ago.
When was the last Dodge Power Wagon made?
The Power Wagon nameplate was discontinued in 1981 with the introduction of the Dodge Ram, with the four-wheel-drive models being sold under the "Power Ram" nameplate through 1993.
Is Ram making a 2025 Power Wagon?
Hit the trails with the incredible off-roading gusto of the new 2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon®.
What year ram 2500 6.4 to avoid?
You should avoid Ram 2500 models with the 6.4L Hemi engine from the 2014-2018 model years because they were paired with the 66RF transmission, which was prone to overheating and shifting issues. While these years are a prime concern for that specific engine, some general Ram 2500 years to be cautious of include 2012-2013 and 2018 due to widespread reliability issues, and 2016 due to multiple recalls.
Years to be cautious of for the 6.4L Hemi
- 2014–2018: These models used the 66RF transmission, which is prone to overheating and has problems with the 2-3 shift.
- 2019: This year has been linked to fire risks, electrical failures, and engine problems.
Other years to be cautious of
- 2012–2013: These years have a reputation for reliability issues, including problems with the steering system, transmission, and brakes.
- 2016: This model year had a high number of recalls and owner-reported issues, including problems with the display screen, transmission, and electrical components.
- 2018: This year has been flagged for various reliability issues, such as transmission problems and brake system failures.
What year ram power wagon to avoid?
2012 Dodge Ram 2500
The 2012 Ram 2500 has 279 complaints and 5 recalls listed on the NHTSA as of 2025. The biggest concern is the steering system. Many drivers reported that the truck began shaking violently after hitting a bump, especially at highway speeds.
