The History of Ram Trucks
The Ram trucks are full-size pickup trucks manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group). Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 by Dodge Trucks. Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year eight times. The Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003 and 2010. The Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award three times, winning in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
First Generation
The first-generation Ram trucks and vans introduced in October 1980 feature a Ram hood ornament first used on Dodge vehicles from 1932 until 1954. The truck models were offered in standard cab, "club" extended cab, and crew cab configurations. They also were offered along with 6.5 feet and 8 feet bed lengths and "Utiline" and "Sweptline" styled boxes along with standard boxes. In addition, engine choices were pared down to the 225 slant-6 and 318 and 360 V8s. Among the options offered on the Ram were front bumper guards, a sliding rear cab window, air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt steering column, power door locks and windows, AM/FM stereo with a cassette tape player, styled road wheels, aluminum turbine-style mag wheels, special paint and stripe packages, two-tone paint, and a plow package for four-wheel-drive models.
Ram Tucks for the 1990s
In development from 1996, the third-generation Dodge Ram was unveiled at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show. This major update included an all-new frame, suspension, powertrains, interiors, and sheet metal. The crew cab models for this generation were actually Quad Cab trucks that had conventional-opening rear doors. The rear-wheel-drive 2500 & 3500 had class-exclusive rack and pinion steering for their independent front suspension. This body style drew heavily from the previous generation. The redesigned trucks bolstered sales, with 400,000 sold during 2001-2002 and nearly 450,000 sold during 2002-2003, a new high point for the Ram name.
Current Ram Trucks
The fourth-generation Dodge Ram was introduced at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This latest generation was sold as the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 starting in the Fall of 2008. 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 models were later added to the lineup. In 2010, the Ram Trucks brand was separated from Dodge, starting with the 2011 model year. Models included a new four-door cab style offering, new suspension, a new HEMI engine option, and the Rambox, a new storage system that allows secure storage inside the truck's bed walls. In 2011, Ram 2500/3500 models were marketed as having a "class-exclusive" manual transmission option, as General Motors and Ford discontinued manual transmissions for North American models.
Ram Trucks of the Future
The Ram 1500 Revolution is Ram's first all-electric pickup truck. The Revolution has a body-on-frame design with two motors providing all-wheel drive. In addition, the Ram introduced a visionary road map with its Ram 1500 Revolution Battery-electric Vehicle Concept, which provides a glimpse into the future and demonstrates how the industry's leading truck brand will once again redefine the pickup truck segment. The leading-edge Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept showcases a truckload of innovative features that will be seen in future Ram trucks, particularly on Ram's electrification journey.
East Hills Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram is Here for Your Past, Present, and Future
Whether you are looking for a pre-owned Ram 1500 or the first-ever Ram 1500 REV East Hills Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram is here to help you find one at a price you can afford. With a friendly and helpful staff, highly skilled mechanics, and multiple automotive certifications, we always put our customers first. We encourage you to come and visit us at 2300 Northern Blvd to view our selection in person, speak to a sales professional, or take one of our vehicles for a test drive. Call us at (888) 311-7452 if you have any questions that we can answer for you.