When Did RAM Become its Own Brand?

We still have drivers come to us looking for a Dodge truck, even though they haven’t been manufactured in years. In fact, when you look at our pre-owned RAM and Dodge truck inventory, it’s typically only used RAM trucks. So what happened? Vaughn Chrysler Dodge Jeep® RAM unpacks the details.

Dodge RAM Trucks

No, you aren’t imagining that there used to be a Dodge RAM truck. Rather than a combination of the brands, the “RAM” in the original Dodge RAM truck was the model name. Dodge was the manufacturer. These trucks were in production from 1981 until 2009.

The Divide

When the Dodge RAM truck was in production, they were under the Chrysler company umbrella. As the popularity of trucks surged, Chrysler felt the need to put more emphasis on their truck line. So, the removal of the Dodge name did not come from the separation of the two companies. It was the beginning of RAM as a standalone manufacturer. 

The RAM Truck

The first RAM truck without the Dodge name was introduced in 2010. Today's RAM company consists of full-size and heavy-duty pickup trucks, commercial trucks, and vans. Becoming a standalone company allowed a sharper focus on performance and capabilities. This also allowed Dodge to focus on their core lineup of performance muscle cars and SUVs.

Shop for Used RAM Trucks in Ottumwa, IA

RAM and Dodge models are synonymous with power and capability, but they deploy those strengths differently. While you can still find a classic Dodge truck, RAM trucks are your best bet for a late-model used truck. We encourage you to stop by Vaughn Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM to shop our pre-owned inventory and find your perfect fit today!