When it comes to American vehicles, few names are as iconic as Dodge and Ram. For years, people called pickup trucks “Dodge Rams,” and the name stuck so strongly that even today many drivers still use it.
Dodge and Ram are not the same brand but remain under one parent company, Stellantis. Dodge builds cars and SUVs, while Ram produces trucks. Both share roots yet operate separately with distinct identities.
Let’s break down how the two brands connect and why they split apart.
The Origins of Dodge
The Dodge brothers, John and Horace, started their company in the early 1900s. First, they supplied parts to Ford, but by 1914, Dodge was building cars and trucks under its own name. Over the years, Dodge became part of Chrysler, and its lineup included everything from sedans to minivans, SUVs, and heavy-duty trucks.
Dodge built a reputation for toughness and reliability, especially in the truck segment. This is where the name “Ram” first appeared.
The Birth of the Ram Name
In 1981, Chrysler introduced the “Ram” name for its Dodge pickup line. The choice wasn’t random—the company had already used a ram’s head hood ornament on Dodge trucks since the 1930s. The Ram name was meant to symbolize strength, durability, and rugged performance.
For years, trucks carried the “Dodge Ram” badge. Models like the Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 became icons of American pickup culture. By the 1990s and early 2000s, “Dodge Ram” was one of the best-known names in the truck world.
Why Dodge and Ram Split
So, what changed? In 2009, Chrysler went through bankruptcy and restructuring. Around the same time, Fiat gained control of the company. The new management decided to separate the brands to give each a clear identity.
- Dodge would focus on cars, SUVs, and performance vehicles.
- Ram would become a standalone brand for trucks and commercial vehicles.
This move officially happened in 2010. From that point on, trucks were no longer called “Dodge Ram.” They were simply “Ram.”
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Who Owns Dodge and Ram Today?
Today, both Dodge and Ram are owned by Stellantis, the global auto giant formed in 2021 after Fiat Chrysler merged with France’s PSA Group. Stellantis also owns Jeep, Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, and Peugeot, among other brands.
So while Dodge and Ram are separate brands, they are still “siblings” under the same parent company.
The Role of Dodge After the Split
After Ram became its own brand, Dodge went back to its roots. The company focused on building performance cars and SUVs with attitude. Models like the Charger and Challenger carried the muscle-car spirit, while the Durango SUV offered power and practicality.
By narrowing its lineup, Dodge could strengthen its image as a brand for speed, power, and aggressive styling.
The Rise of Ram as a Truck Brand
On the other side, Ram flourished as a truck-only brand. Without Dodge in its name, Ram trucks could create their own identity in the highly competitive pickup market.
The Ram 1500 quickly became a favorite, winning Motor Trend Truck of the Year multiple times, including back-to-back wins in 2019 and 2020. Ram trucks stood out for their combination of power, luxury interiors, and advanced technology.
The brand also expanded into commercial vehicles like the Ram ProMaster van.
Do Dodge and Ram Still Share Anything?
Although the names are different, Dodge and Ram are still closely connected. They share the same parent company, and in some cases, they may use similar parts, technologies, or platforms.
However, when it comes to marketing and sales, they are treated as completely separate. A customer walking into a dealership will find Ram trucks in one section and Dodge cars in another, each with their own logos and branding.
Key Differences Between Dodge and Ram Today
While sharing a heritage, Dodge and Ram have diverged significantly:
- Vehicle Focus: Dodge specializes in cars and SUVs with a performance edge. Ram is all about trucks and vans for work and heavy-duty tasks.
- Target Audience: Dodge appeals to thrill-seekers and families wanting sporty rides. Ram targets contractors, farmers, and those needing towing power.
- Model Lineups:
- Dodge: Charger (sedan), Challenger (coupe), Durango (SUV), Hornet (compact SUV).
- Ram: 1500 (full-size light-duty), 2500/3500 (heavy-duty), ProMaster vans.
- Branding and Logos: Ram uses a ram’s head logo (formerly Dodge’s), emphasizing ruggedness. Dodge retains its classic script with a focus on speed.
| Aspect | Dodge | Ram |
| Primary Vehicles | Muscle cars, SUVs | Pickup trucks, commercial vans |
| Key Strengths | Performance, speed | Towing, durability |
| Popular Models | Charger, Challenger, Durango | 1500, 2500, ProMaster |
| Target Market | Enthusiasts, families | Workers, commercial users |
This table highlights how the split has allowed each brand to excel in its domain.
Why People Still Say “Dodge Ram”
Even though the split happened more than a decade ago, many people still call Ram trucks “Dodge Rams.” This is mostly because of habit. For nearly 30 years, the trucks carried both names, and it became part of everyday language.
It’s similar to how people still say “Kleenex” for tissues or “Xerox” for photocopies. Technically, it’s wrong, but it’s hard to change after so many years.
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Popular Models and What They Offer
Dodge’s standout models include the Charger and Challenger, both offering high-horsepower engines (up to 807 hp in SRT variants) for adrenaline-pumping drives. The Durango SUV provides family-friendly space with towing up to 8,700 pounds.
Ram’s lineup shines with the Ram 1500, a versatile full-size truck with options for crew, quad, or regular cabs, boasting best-in-class capabilities. Heavy-duty options like the 2500 and 3500 handle extreme loads, while the ProMaster EV introduces eco-friendly commercial solutions.
Is Dodge and Ram the same company 2021?
In 2021, Dodge and Ram were no longer the same brand. They had already split back in 2009–2010, when Chrysler reorganized under new ownership.
However, both brands still belonged to the same parent company, Stellantis. Dodge focused on cars and SUVs, while Ram specialized in pickup trucks and commercial vehicles. So, connected but not identical.
Is Ram owned by Fiat?
Yes, Ram is part of the Stellantis group, which includes Fiat. Originally, Ram was created as a division under Dodge, but after Chrysler’s bankruptcy in 2009, Fiat gained control and helped reorganize the company. That’s when Ram became its own separate brand. So, Ram is not “owned by Fiat alone,” but Fiat helped shape it.
When did Ram separate from Dodge?
Ram officially separated from Dodge in 2009, during Chrysler’s bankruptcy and restructuring. At that time, the company decided to split its brands for better focus.
Dodge became known mainly for performance cars and SUVs, while Ram took over the truck and van lineup. Since then, Ram has worked independently as a truck-only brand under Stellantis.
Who makes Ram trucks?
Ram trucks are manufactured by Ram Trucks, a brand under Stellantis. The vehicles are built mainly in the United States, with plants in Michigan and Mexico producing different models.
Stellantis oversees the engineering, production, and global sales. So, while Dodge doesn’t make trucks anymore, Ram continues to produce the popular 1500, 2500, 3500, and ProMaster vans.
Dodge Vs. RAM Vs. Chrysler
Dodge, Ram, and Chrysler are three different brands under the same parent company. Dodge builds sporty cars and SUVs, Ram builds trucks and work vans, and Chrysler makes family vehicles. They share the same company group but focus on different types of vehicles.
Is Ram the Same as Dodge?
Ram is not the same as Dodge anymore. They used to be together, but Ram became its own truck brand around 2009–2010.
Dodge now focuses on performance cars, while Ram handles all pickup trucks and commercial vehicles under the same parent company.
Does Dodge Still Make Trucks?
No, Dodge does not make trucks today. All pickup trucks, including the 1500, 2500, and 3500, now come under the Ram brand. Dodge only builds performance cars and SUVs, like the Charger, Challenger, and Durango, not trucks.
When Did Ram Split from Dodge?
Ram officially split from Dodge around 2009–2010. Before that, trucks were called “Dodge Ram.” After the split, the trucks became “Ram” only, and Dodge continued focusing on sporty cars and SUVs. It was a branding change, not a new company.
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Why did Chrysler change their truck from Dodge Ram to just Ram?
Chrysler wanted clearer branding. They made Ram a separate truck brand so it could focus fully on truck customers, work buyers, and towing needs.
This allowed Dodge to focus on performance vehicles. The change helped both brands grow in their own markets.
How can I tell the difference between a Dodge RAM and a RAM truck?
Older trucks before 2009 usually say “Dodge Ram” on the badges. Newer trucks simply say “Ram.” The logo also changed—newer models use the Ram’s head badge without the Dodge name. The styling and branding make it easy to spot the difference.
Why are “Rams” not called “Dodge Rams” any longer, are they built by a different company?
They are still built by the same overall company, but Ram became its own brand in 2009–2010. The name changed for marketing reasons, not because a new company took over. Ram now focuses on trucks, while Dodge focuses on performance vehicles.
FAQs
1. Is Ram still owned by Dodge?
No, Ram isn’t owned by Dodge anymore. Both are separate brands, but they still belong to the same parent company, Stellantis.
2. Why did Ram drop Dodge’s name?
Ram dropped Dodge’s name in 2009 to create a stronger identity. This helped separate trucks from Dodge cars and gave each brand its own focus.
3. Why did Dodge and Ram split up?
They split in 2009 when Chrysler reorganized. The idea was to let Dodge focus on cars, while Ram specialized in trucks and commercial vehicles.
4. Is Ram basically Dodge?
Not exactly. Ram used to be part of Dodge, but today it’s its own brand. They’re like siblings under Stellantis, sharing roots but different identities.
5. Why do RAM trucks not say Dodge anymore?
RAM trucks don’t say Dodge anymore because the brands separated. This change made trucks stand out on their own instead of being tied to Dodge cars.
6. Is RAM better than Dodge?
It depends on what you want. RAM builds powerful trucks, while Dodge makes muscle cars. One isn’t better—they serve different purposes under Stellantis.
7. Why did Dodge stop using the RAM logo?
Dodge stopped using the Ram logo after 2009. Ram became a separate truck brand, and Dodge focused on cars with its own updated branding.
8. Does Ford own Dodge?
No, Ford doesn’t own Dodge. Dodge is owned by Stellantis, the same company that owns Ram, Jeep, Chrysler, and other global automotive brands.
9. Why did RAM get rid of Dodge?
Ram didn’t “get rid” of Dodge. The companies separated in 2009 to make each brand stronger—Ram for trucks, Dodge for cars and SUVs.
10. Did Elon buy RAM trucks?
No, Elon Musk never bought Ram trucks. Ram is still owned by Stellantis. Elon Musk only owns Tesla, SpaceX, and some other companies.
Conclusion
Dodge and Ram may share a long history, but today they stand as two separate brands with unique roles in the automotive world. Dodge builds muscle cars and performance SUVs, while Ram produces some of the most capable trucks and commercial vans on the market. Both remain under Stellantis, which connects their heritage but allows each to shine in its own category. The split wasn’t about competition—it was about clarity, letting Dodge focus on speed and style while Ram mastered strength and utility. So, while people still say “Dodge Ram,” the truth is simple: they’re different, but family.