What Are The Different Models Of Dodge Trucks?

Dodge is an American automobile manufacturer considered one of the pioneers in the industry. The company produced several models of trucks that suited the needs and requirements of the given era and evolved as a quality vehicle. We have researched the different dodge truck models, and here's what we've found.

The Dodge Company began manufacturing trucks in 1914, and their most popular model is the Ram pickup which was introduced in 1981. The other models under the original Dodge banner are the Dakota, Power Wagon, Warlock, Crusader, and Rampage.

A distinction must be made between the true Dodge trucks and its breakaway counterpart Ram since all pickups manufactured after 2010 no longer belong to the same company. This article includes models and their general features from several generations up to date.  

What Is The Distinction Between Dodge Trucks And Ram Trucks?

To fully appreciate the transition from Dodge to Ram, a short history of the company is warranted. Most motorists refer to the brands as a single entity and use them interchangeably. But as of 2009, Dodge specializes in cars and minivans while Ram focuses its production on pickup trucks.

The company was founded in 1900 as the Dodge Brothers Company and produced its first truck in 1914. Chrysler purchased it after several years but maintained the brand name under the Dodge Motors flagship. 

Dodge motors manufactured several designs to keep up with changing times, such as farm and industrial models and even war vehicles, until they evolved to manufacturing all-purpose family vehicles.

It was not until 1981 that the first Dodge Ram truck was introduced to the market and became the standard for all succeeding models. In 2009, the Chrysler corporation separated production and designated Dodge to car and van manufacturing while focusing the Ram arm of the company on developing pickup trucks.

The Evolution Of Dodge Truck Models

The evolution of dodge truck models

The Dodge Brothers supplied parts to manufacturers like the Ford Company before producing their own line of trucks. The earlier models offered different box lengths (now referred to as beds) and cab capacities.

The following section includes some outstanding features that differentiate them from other truck brands and models. 

Power Wagon

Dodge Ram Power Wagon on display at the Chicago auto show

The Dodge Power Wagon is a 4-wheel drive medium-duty truck produced in several model series from 1945 to 1980. What makes it unique is that it is the first of its class manufactured in a civilian version - it was mechanically and structurally based on World War ll military vehicles.

The model featured 3.8 to 5.9 Flathead and V8 front engines noted for power. It was classified as a full-size pickup truck with a standard cab and a medium-sized box, later referred to as the bed.

The Power Wagon name was revived as a Ram model in 2005 and is still in production.

Warlock

The Dodge Warlock was produced in the late 1970s. The company designed the vehicle with a short wheelbase because most people began customizing their trucks with this feature. 

The pickup features two-wheel and four-wheel drive along with the availability of all basic engines including the base slant six, the 318 and 360 barrel carburetor, and the 400 and 440 V8.

A radio, cruise control, and air conditioning system could be installed on the track. The interior proved to be more user-friendly as opposed to other brands and pickup models. This unique quality has made it more popular.

Rampage

Dodge Rampage is a half-ton truck produced in the early 1980s. It is among the smallest pickups ever built and the competition of Subaru BRAT, Volkswagen Rabbit Sportruck, and El Camino.

The Rampage has an overall length of 183.7 inches (15 feet) and a curb weight of 2,293 pounds. It features a regular cab designed with a short cargo box or bed. 

The model has been upgraded with a five-speed manual transmission, making the vehicle better at accelerating and fuel-efficient. It is designed with a 2.2 L four-cylinder piston engine.

Dakota

American off-road truck Dodge Dakota exhibited at the annual International Motor

The Dodge Dakota is a midsize truck first introduced in the late 1980s. The model lasted until 2011- it was called the Ram Dakota during its final two years on the market. 

It is designed with a 3-speed and 4-speed automatic and 5-speed manual transmission and an optional V8 engine. It features rear-wheel and four-wheel drive.

Production was discontinued due to declining consumer demand. It was sold at the same price as the regular RAM 1500 even though the model is a midsize and compact vehicle. 

Dodge Ram

Dodge Ram 1500 display at a dealership

In 1981 Dodge introduced the Ram, which set a precedent for all trucks manufactured in its class. Initially developed as a light to medium truck, it has evolved into a powerhouse pickup with several generation models.

1981

The first generation Dodge Ram truck was introduced in 1980 as a 2-door, 3-speed or 4-speed, 2- wheel drive pickup with a 225 cubic inch slant-6 engine.

Later models featured extended and 4-door crew cabs with a 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive alternative and offered longer beds. The engines were upgraded to 3.92 V6 and 5.9 V8 with 5-speed transmissions.

1994

The 1994 redesigned and upgraded Ram was dubbed "Truck of the Year" and was a well-sought vehicle that increased the company's sales from under 100,000 units in 1993 to over 400,000 three years later.

Its designs featured roomier cabs and longer cargo beds with powerful Magnum V6, V8, and V10 engines. It came in 4,5, and 6-speed automatic and manual transmissions available in 2 or 4-wheel drive options.

2002

The third generation Ram included a new frame, a different suspension design, and the mega cab that allowed a 6-seating capacity. The 2006 model has a built-in infotainment system that features a BlueTooth U Connect. The 2007 model features the newest 6.7 L turbo diesel with a 350 HP capacity.

 What's The Top Of The Line Dodge Truck?

Dodge RAM 1500 TRX

Since the Dodge company no longer produces trucks, the RAM 1500 is considered the top-of-the-line pickup presently manufactured. The vehicle is available in a V6 engine with 305 HP and a V8 with 395 HP. 

The RAM features an average MPG rating in highway and city driving compared to its competition. The vehicle is easy to maneuver and generally offers a smooth ride since its suspension does a better job of cushioning the vehicle.

Is The Ram 1500 A Good Family Truck?

Dodge RAM 1500 on the road leading through the volcanic landscape

The RAM 1500 is a family-friendly truck that can accommodate you and your kids since it has a luxurious and spacious interior cabin. 

It is conducive for long rides and vacations since it features infotainment systems such as a five-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and wireless device charging.

The RAM 1500 is among the best-rated full-size trucks by the National Highway Transport Safety Administration (NHTSA). It has received a five over five-star rating for its overall protection characteristics. 

It obtained a four out of five stars in the frontal crash valuation and a perfect score in the side crash category.

The vehicle has blind spot monitoring, parking sensors, pedestrian detection, lane sensor, and forward collision warning devices, all designed to detect any form of contact. 

In Closing

The Dodge company manufactured pickup trucks that set precedent standards in function, design, and versatility. The Ram lineup of succeeding models may have broken off and separated from its original maker, but the quality has been carried on.

We hope the article has been informative about your query. 

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