Who builds RAM Trucks? History of RAM

In the world of trucks, one brand stands apart from the rest. Ram trucks have proven themselves time and time again to be better than the competition. This has been true for all of Ram’s storied history. That history has taken many turns over the years, and you wouldn’t be faulted if you were a bit confused about who currently builds Ram trucks. Let’s journey through the archives of automotive history to uncover the story behind Ram trucks and how it became its separate brand from Dodge.

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Where Ram Was Founded and Its First Models

Ram is now an independent brand as of 2009, but the first truck to bear the iconic Ram name rolled off Dodge’s assembly line in 1981. The Dodge brand traces back to 1900 when brothers John Francis Dodge and Horace Elgin Dodge founded the Dodge Brothers Company. Initially, they ventured into parts manufacturing, supplying components to emerging Detroit automakers. Their commitment to quality soon garnered a strong reputation in the industry.

Shortly after its founding, Dodge ventured into car manufacturing, earning a reputation for producing rugged and dependable vehicles. Then, during World War I, Dodge played a critical role by supplying vehicles and ambulances to the U.S. Army. This foray into work trucks would sow the seeds for the Ram brand, even though it wouldn’t be until 1981 that the first Dodge Ram truck would be produced.

In 1928, the Dodge Brothers Company was acquired by the Chrysler Corporation, becoming a division of Chrysler. This union allowed Dodge to leverage Chrysler’s resources while retaining its unique brand identity.

In 1981, the first generation of Dodge Ram trucks became available to Americans. They quickly garnered a reputation for being dependable workhorses suited for various needs. The second generation of the Dodge Ram was introduced in 1994, unveiling the Dodge Ram 1500, one of the most ubiquitous trucks ever available.

Who Makes the Ram Today?

Today, as part of the Stellantis Group (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), Ram is an independent brand. While the Dodge brand played a significant role in the history of Ram trucks, the landscape has evolved in recent years. Being a standalone brand allows Ram to sharpen its focus exclusively on trucks and commercial vehicles.

Establishing Ram as an independent brand has proven to be a game-changer. It enabled Ram to channel its resources and expertise into developing a diverse truck lineup that caters to various needs and preferences. The Ram brand encompasses a range of models, including the popular Ram 1500, the heavy-duty Ram 2500 and 3500, and the versatile Ram ProMaster vans.

Ram’s journey as a standalone brand has been marked by innovation and excellence. The Ram 1500, in particular, has received numerous awards and accolades for its exceptional performance, luxurious interiors, and cutting-edge technology. This transition from being a part of Dodge to becoming its own brand has allowed Ram to forge its unique identity in the fiercely competitive truck market.

The Ram truck is in its fifth generation as of 2019, with the Ram 1500 at the forefront of the lineup. Ram also produces the Ram 2500, the Ram 3500, and the Ram ProMaster vans. RAM vehicles are built in Sterling Heights, Warren, Michigan, and Saltillo, Mexico.

Current Ram 1500 Lineup

The  Ram 1500 offers many options to suit different needs. It has seven trim levels: the Tradesman, Big Horn, Rebel, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, Limited, and TRX. Buyers can choose between two cab configurations: quad cab or crew cab. Crew cabs are available with either a short bed (5 feet, 7 inches) or a long bed (6 feet, 4 inches), while all quad cabs feature a long bed. We always have specials available on the Ram 1500, so be sure to check those out.

Under the hood, the Ram 1500 offers four engine options depending on the trim level and configuration. These engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that powers the rear wheels, with four-wheel drive available on all models except the Ram TRX, where it comes standard. The engine lineup includes a 3.6-liter V-6 with Ram’s eTorque mild hybrid system (305 horsepower, 269 lb-ft of torque), a 5.7-liter V-8 (395 hp, 410 lb-ft of torque) with or without eTorque, a diesel-powered turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 (260 hp, 480 lb-ft of torque), and a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 exclusive to the TRX (702 hp, 650 lb-ft of torque).

The entry-level Ram 1500 Tradesman has basic features, including 18-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, and more. Moving up to the Big Horn adds 18-inch aluminum wheels, chrome bumpers, fog lights, and additional interior features, with various optional equipment groups available.

For off-road enthusiasts, the Ram Rebel enhances capability with features such as LED exterior lighting, a raised suspension, all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, tow hooks, and more. It also includes individual front bucket seats and forward collision mitigation.

The Ram Laramie takes a luxurious turn with added chrome accents, LED headlights, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, an 8.4-inch touch-screen infotainment system with smartphone integration, and more.

The Limited Longhorn brings even more upscale features, such as 20-inch aluminum wheels, rain-sensing wipers, a spray-in bedliner, leather seats with reclining rear seats, a navigation system, parking sensors, and more.

At the top of the range, the Ram Limited offers a standard 5.7-liter V-8, an air suspension, power-deployable running boards, premium leather bucket seats, a 12-inch touch-screen infotainment system, wireless charging, and advanced safety features such as blind-spot warning.

The Ram TRX is a dedicated off-road performance truck with a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, full-time four-wheel drive, specialized suspension, and numerous off-road enhancements for those seeking ultimate off-road performance.

Optional features and packages are available across the lineup, allowing buyers to customize their Ram 1500 to their preferences. These options include various bed and storage features, a panoramic sunroof, advanced audio systems, automated parking, trailer reverse steering control, and driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure mitigation, blind-spot warning, and a surround-view camera system.

Find the Ram of Your Dreams

If you’re eager to experience the exceptional qualities of a Ram truck for yourself, the time has never been better. Our Carmel, New York, inventory boasts a wide selection of Ram vehicles, including the acclaimed Ram 1500. Our team will be glad to help you get into the Ram of your dreams, so contact us schedule a test drive, and experience the legacy of the Ram truck firsthand.

Photo Credit: Image via OEM