History of Dodge RAM Trucks
May 21, 2010
Wondering about the History of Dodge RAM Trucks? The Dodge Ram is a truck that got its start in in 1981. It is now a full-size truck that is produced by Dodge division of Chrysler LLC. A huge success in the United States, this truck is still on the road today.
The Dodge ram first got its name as inspiration from the hood ornament from old dodges from the 1930s and 40s. The iconic ram head harkens to his toughness and durability. Over the years, Dodge ram trucks have been considered high quality, durable, hard working trucks. In fact, awards have followed the Dodge ram from periodicals such as motor trend magazine who named it truck of the year three times.
History of Dodge RAM Trucks
They are considered for generations of Dodge ram trucks. The first generation came in the years of 1981 – 93. These trucks did not sell quite as well as the popular Ford F series or the GM C/K trucks. The big problem with this series of trucks was the dated cab and chassis design. This design had been in production ever since 1972 in the interior had not been upgraded since 1981. People grew tired of the look and is sold under 100,000 units in most years of the first generation.
In 1994, came the second generation of Dodge trucks. In that year, as a response to changing times and under the pressure of declining sales, Dodge unveiled a complete redesign of the Ram truck line. Gone was the boxy front-end and in came a new more aerodynamic “big rig style” front-end on the truck. This was a complete departure from the Ford or Chevy/GMC truck designs.
The result of the new second generation redesign was a complete success. By 1996, sales had almost quadrupled to nearly 400,000 units being sold that year. However by 1999, sales begin to decline as Ford and Chevy both redesigned their truck lines.
The third-generation ram debuted in 2002 on 1500 models and in 2003 on the 2500 & 3500 models. This truck had a new frame, powertrains, sheet metal, suspension, interior, as well as a new grille. By this time, the competitors had adopted the second generation’s separate-fender look. The new redesign brought the Dodge ram to its high point in all-time sales in 2003 when it sold 450,000 units. However, at the same time, both Ford and GM each had elevated truck sales to over 850,000 units. Dodge had to are will 2008 is considered the last year of the third-generation ram.
The fourth-generation Dodge RAM was introduced at the 2008 North American international auto show in Detroit. The styling of this generation is based off of the foundations of the second generation. Over the years, the Dodge Ram has improved year in and year out. You can’t really go wrong with buying one, especially if you’re looking to do some hauling.
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