Ram has a longstanding tradition of strength and reliability. Brothers Horace and John Dodge began the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle company in 1914 with its first vehicle, a successful touring car. By 1917, the company was building trucks so reliable they were called to duty as staff vehicles and ambulances through World War I.
But nothing Dodge developed would become as respected as its symbol of strength: the Ram. Over the years it has become the marker for a vehicle that is swift, strong, sure, and proud.
The Ram was first used to adorn Dodge vehicles as a hood ornament in 1932. The symbol transformed into a model of its own in 1981 – a tough, versatile truck that’s refused to back down from a hard day’s work ever since.
The 1981 Ram truck boasted a short and stout frame, a no-frills cab, and recycled hood ornament from the ‘30s. 1986 brought about a significant design change with the introduction of the new Dodge “crosshair” grille. It was a leap forward in the style department, but a mere drop in the bucket compared to the design changes to come.
In 1994 the body underwent a stunning change, transforming the Ram into a visual statement of power. It was a risk that paid off big: The ‘94 redesign more than doubled Ram’s market share in just a few years.
Ram’s reputation was cemented as a perfect combination of capability and refinement. A cutting edge body worthy of replication paired with ever advancing engine technology. Then, 2002 saw the return of the Hemi engine in Ram trucks, 345 horsepower and 375 ft/lb torque that pushed the power envelope. But Ram is built to over-achieve, so the advancements kept coming.
The 2010 HD Ram trucks – equipped with 6.7-liter I-6 Cummins turbo engines, exhaust brakes, and “Smart” tow/haul controls – met government emissions regulations in 2007, three years before the due date, and well before any of its competitors. In 2009 the Ram 1500, powered by the Hemi, offered the best blend of power and fuel efficiency.
This year the Ram 1500 took first place for Edmunds’ Most Wanted Vehicle, International Truck of the Year, and 13 categories in between. Ram also won Strategic Vision’s 2009 Total Quality Index™ ranking of “Top of its Class” – with the highest score of any truck in its 15-year history. These symbols of respect are just a few in a long line of awards.
Love getting mud in your tires? Climbing up a steep incline? Hauling an impossible payload? Ram Zone is the new blog for Ram. So consider this page your new source for all things Ram-related. We’ll be covering the latest news on Ram, finding the best truck toys & gadgets, and giving you a heads up on great trips, music, and events for folks who love trucks. Got some ideas for stories? Leave ‘em in the comments, or contact us with your thoughts.
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