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Ram Trucks: All Models, Brand History & HEMI® Power

Born from a legendary lineage, Ram Trucks stands as a dominant force in the American truck market. With a relentless focus on innovation, capability, and a level of interior luxury that has redefined the segment, Ram builds trucks that are both hardworking and remarkably refined. From the award-winning Ram 1500 to the mighty Heavy Duty lineup, Ram is a promise of strength and sophistication.

Ram Trucks: The Enduring Spirit of American Capability

Ram Trucks, while a relatively young standalone brand, carries a rich and powerful heritage that is deeply rooted in the history of American pickups. For decades, the "Ram" nameplate was the heart and soul of the Dodge truck lineup, a symbol of toughness and HEMI®-powered performance. Today, as an independent brand, Ram has forged its own path, relentlessly innovating to become a leader in durability, technology, and, most notably, interior refinement that has set a new benchmark for the entire industry.

The Genesis: A Strategic Separation and a Singular Focus

The pivotal moment for the Ram brand came in 2010. In a strategic move by its parent company (then Chrysler Group, now Stellantis), Ram was separated from Dodge to become its own distinct, truck-focused brand. This separation allowed the newly formed Ram Trucks to have a singular mission: to design and build the best pickup trucks and commercial vehicles in the world. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA, Ram is a profoundly American brand, with its primary manufacturing based in the United States.

Core Philosophy: "Guts. Glory. Ram." - A Commitment to Excellence

Ram's core philosophy is perfectly encapsulated in its slogan: "Guts. Glory. Ram." This signifies a commitment to building trucks with the "guts" to handle the toughest jobs and the "glory" of a premium, comfortable, and technologically advanced experience. Ram's engineers have consistently challenged industry conventions, pioneering features that have forced competitors to follow suit. This commitment to innovation is a cornerstone of the brand's identity.

Defining Moments and Key Achievements

Even as a newer brand, Ram has a history of game-changing achievements:

  • The "Big Rig" Revolution (as Dodge Ram): In 1994, the second-generation Dodge Ram introduced a revolutionary "big-rig" front-end design that completely transformed the look of modern pickup trucks.
  • The Coil-Spring Rear Suspension: Ram was the first to ditch the rough-riding leaf springs of traditional trucks in favor of a class-exclusive multi-link coil-spring rear suspension in its 1500 model. This innovation delivered a car-like ride and handling that was unheard of in a pickup, setting a new standard for comfort.
  • The Luxury Interior Benchmark: Ram has consistently been praised for setting the benchmark in interior design and material quality. The use of premium leather, real wood, and a massive 12-inch Uconnect® touchscreen in its top trims created a cabin that rivaled luxury SUVs.
  • The Ram 1500 TRX: The launch of the 702-horsepower Ram 1500 TRX, the "apex predator of the truck world," was a definitive statement of performance dominance, creating a new "supertruck" segment.

Ram's Modern Market Position: The Leader in Refinement

Today, Ram stands as one of the "Big Three" in the American truck market, renowned for its powerful engines, exceptional ride quality, and luxurious interiors.

Vehicle Lineup and Target Audience

Ram's lineup is focused and powerful:

  • Ram 1500: The brand's best-seller and a multi-award-winning truck, available in a wide range of trims from the hardworking Tradesman to the opulent Limited. It targets a broad audience, from contractors to families who use their truck as a primary vehicle.
  • Ram Heavy Duty (2500 & 3500): These trucks are engineered for immense towing and hauling, powered by the legendary Cummins® Turbo Diesel engine option. They are the choice for serious work and heavy-duty recreation.
  • Ram ProMaster: A versatile and capable lineup of commercial cargo and passenger vans that serve businesses across America.

Key Differentiators and Competitive Advantages

Compared to its primary rivals, Ford and Chevrolet, Ram's key differentiators are:

  • Unmatched Ride Comfort: The standard coil-spring rear suspension on the 1500 provides a demonstrably smoother and more comfortable ride than its leaf-spring competitors.
  • Interior Luxury and Design: Ram consistently leads the segment in interior material quality, fit and finish, and user-friendly technology with its Uconnect® system.
  • Powertrain Options: From the efficient V6 with eTorque mild-hybrid technology to the legendary HEMI® V8 and the mighty Cummins® diesel, Ram offers a powerful engine for every need.

Ram Models

  • Ram 1500

    2011-Present

    The truck that redefined the segment. The Ram 1500 delivers a class-exclusive smooth ride with its multi-link coil suspension, legendary HEMI V8 power, and a benchmark-setting, luxurious interior. It’s the full-size pickup that's both a rugged workhorse and a refined daily driver.

  • Ram 1500 TRX

    2021-2024

    The apex predator of the truck world. The TRX is a super-truck engineered to dominate any terrain, powered by a 702-hp supercharged HEMI V8. With its extreme off-road suspension and ferocious performance, it is the most powerful factory-built pickup in history.

  • Ram 1500 Classic

    2019-Present

    Proven toughness with unbeatable value. The Ram 1500 Classic continues the award-winning legacy of the previous generation, offering a no-nonsense, reliable work truck with available V8 power. It's the smart, budget-friendly choice for getting the job done.

  • Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty

    2011-Present

    The benchmark for heavy-duty capability. Engineered for the most demanding jobs, the Ram Heavy Duty offers monumental towing and payload ratings, powered by the legendary Cummins Turbo Diesel engine. It's the ultimate tool for serious, uncompromising work.

  • Ram Chassis Cab

    2011-Present

    The ultimate foundation for American business. The Ram Chassis Cab (3500/4500/5500) provides a rugged, upfitter-friendly platform for building the exact work truck your business needs. It combines legendary powertrain options with exceptional durability.

  • Ram ProMaster

    2014-Present

    The smart, capable, and efficient full-size van for modern business. The ProMaster stands out with its front-wheel-drive layout, offering a low, flat load floor for easy access. It's a versatile and customizable workhorse for any trade or delivery service.

  • Ram ProMaster City

    2015-2022

    The agile and efficient compact van built for the urban grind. The ProMaster City offered impressive cargo capacity and payload in a city-friendly size, making it the perfect partner for small businesses, florists, and service professionals navigating tight streets.

  • Dodge Ram

    1981-2010

    The legendary truck that built the brand. Before Ram became its own entity, the Dodge Ram, especially the 1994 'big-rig' model, revolutionized truck design with its bold, aggressive styling. It set the stage for the powerful and iconic trucks of today.

  • Dodge Dakota

    1987-2011

    The original 'just-right' mid-size pickup. The Dakota was the only truck in its class to offer an available V8 engine, providing a unique blend of compact maneuverability and full-size power. It remains a beloved and sought-after used truck.

  • Ram Power Wagon

    2005-Present

    The most capable production off-road truck, period. Based on the Ram 2500, the Power Wagon is a factory-built beast with locking differentials, a disconnecting sway bar, and a 12,000-lb winch. It's engineered to conquer the most extreme terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ram still part of Dodge? What's the difference?
No, Ram is no longer part of Dodge. In 2010, the brands were officially separated by their parent company (now Stellantis) to allow each to have a more focused identity.
  • Dodge is now the dedicated performance brand, focusing on high-horsepower muscle cars and SUVs like the Charger, Challenger, and Durango.
  • Ram is the dedicated truck and commercial van brand, singularly focused on building the best pickups and work vehicles.
This separation allowed Ram to innovate aggressively, leading to its class-exclusive multi-link coil-spring rear suspension and its benchmark-setting luxury interiors.
What makes the Ram 1500's ride so comfortable?
The Ram 1500 is widely praised for having the most comfortable ride in its class, and the primary reason is its exclusive suspension setup. Unlike its main competitors (Ford and GM), who use traditional leaf springs, the Ram 1500 features a standard multi-link coil-spring rear suspension. This more sophisticated, car-like setup allows the rear wheels to absorb bumps more independently, resulting in a significantly smoother and more composed ride, especially when the truck bed is empty. For even more comfort, Ram also offers a class-exclusive Active-Level™ Four Corner Air Suspension on higher trims.
What is the difference between a Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500?
The numbers in the Ram lineup refer to the truck's capability class:
  • Ram 1500: This is a "half-ton" light-duty pickup, designed for everyday use, light towing, and general hauling. It's the most popular model and balances capability with comfort.
  • Ram 2500: This is a "three-quarter-ton" Heavy Duty (HD) pickup, engineered for more serious towing and hauling. It features a stronger frame and is available with the powerful Cummins® Turbo Diesel engine.
  • Ram 3500: This is a "one-ton" Heavy Duty (HD) pickup, representing the pinnacle of capability. It offers the highest towing and payload ratings and is available with a dual-rear-wheel ("dually") configuration for maximum stability when pulling the heaviest trailers.
What is the Ram 1500 TRX?
The Ram 1500 TRX is a high-performance, off-road "supertruck" and the apex predator of the truck world. It is not just a trim level; it is a factory-built monster designed to be the fastest, most powerful, and most extreme production pickup on the planet. Its key feature is its legendary supercharged 6.2L HEMI® V8 engine, producing over 700 horsepower. Combined with a specialized long-travel suspension, massive 35-inch tires, and a reinforced frame, the TRX is engineered for high-speed desert running and extreme off-road capability, directly competing with the Ford F-150 Raptor.
What is the eTorque system on a Ram truck?
eTorque is Ram's innovative mild-hybrid system, available on both the V6 and HEMI® V8 engines. It is not a full hybrid system that can power the truck on its own. Instead, it replaces the traditional alternator with a small electric motor-generator. Its primary benefits are:
  • Improved Fuel Efficiency: It allows for a much smoother and longer-lasting engine start/stop function, saving fuel in city driving.
  • Added Torque: It can provide a brief electric boost of torque (up to 130 lb.-ft. on the HEMI) from a standstill, which helps the truck feel more responsive and smooths out acceleration.
It's a clever technology that enhances both the efficiency and the refinement of the Ram's powertrain.