The Ram truck has been a staple in pickup trucks across North America for over three decades. While most people know it by its name and emblem, there’s also quite a lot you may not know about one of the original American pickups. Here at Great West Chrysler, we’re about to tell you five of the most interesting facts you may not know about the Ram truck.
Where Did The Name Come From?
Before Ram trucks were even called Ram trucks, they were still made and named under the Dodge brand and were essentially early models of the Dodge-D Pickup Series. The inspiration for the name came from even earlier models, as every Dodge vehicle produced in the 1930s came with a ram-shaped hood ornament on the front of the vehicle. It’s a welcome callback to much of the brand’s history and heritage over the last several decades.
Ram Became Its Own Brand
After Chrysler was acquired by Fiat Automobiles, a strategic decision was made to separate the Dodge brand into two different markets in 2010. Dodge switched to becoming an exclusive car and SUV-based auto brand, while Ram eventually became its own brand focusing on the pickup and heavy-duty truck line. Consequentially, Dodge no longer has the ram emblem attached to any of its vehicles, as it’s now synonymous with Ram trucks.
The Ram is a Millennial!
The first Ram truck was introduced in 1981 while still being under the Dodge brand. On the first generation Ram truck, it came with a Slant-6 I6 engine before switching over to a V6 in 1988. At that time, the Ram could only produce up to 95 horsepower and 170 lb-ft. or torque, which is well under what Ram trucks are capable of today.
Steel > Aluminum
Ram trucks are one of the only trucks left on the market that’s still manufactured with a steel frame. While other truck makers, like Ford, moved towards aluminum frames to decrease weight and improve fuel economy, Ram decided to keep using steel because it’s a more durable metal in comparison. That’s why Ram trucks created other methods of saving fuel, such as the EcoDiesel engine, without having to compromise the tough exterior that they’re known for.
Five-Time Truck of the Year Winner
Throughout its existence, Ram trucks have earned the title of Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year across five different years. Here are the models years that gained that honourable distinction:
- Second-generation RAM – 1994
- Third-generation RAM Heavy Duty – 2003
- Fourth-generation RAM Heavy Duty – 2010
- RAM 1500 – 2013, 2014
Make sure to stay updated with Great West Chrysler for everything Ram! If you’re interested in taking one out for a test drive, make sure to let us know!