Ram trucks have evolved from the days of being a workhorse name in the Dodge lineup to some of the most luxurious vehicles in the entire market.
Dodge first created Ram trucks to compete with the classic Ford and GM pickups offered. Early models were made to be beaten, battered, bruised, and mostly workhorses in the market. As pickup trucks evolved and RAM became a brand under FCA, now Stellantis, these workhorses have become lifestyle statements of luxury with impressive luxury features and upscale comfort features.
Let’s look at a few great models that have been part of the evolution from the Dodge Ram to the Ram trucks of today.
Dodge D100 – An American Workhorse Icon
As was the case with many trucks in the 1970s and 1980s, the Dodge D Series came with a big and powerful V8 engine. This engine was the standard for pickup trucks, offering some impressive numbers to get things done. The D100 production ended in 1993, but during its 30 years in the market, it offered more than 365 horsepower, making it a truck worthy of our admiration.
Ram 3500 – Go Big or Go Home
The biggest, brawniest, and most powerful of the Ram trucks is the Ram 3500. This one-ton workhorse is both comfortable and powerful. A 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine provides drivers with 400 horsepower and 1000 lb-ft of torque to offer more than 35,000 pounds of towing with the right equipment. On the comfort side, you’ll find a large cabin with impressive materials, tons of legroom, and modern electronics. The Ram 3500 could be the perfect heavy-duty truck to pull a large RV.
Ram SRT 10 – A High-Performance Race-Inspired Truck
What happens when you take the Dodge Viper engine and put it into a half-ton truck? That question was answered when Ram did this and created the SRT 10. This pickup sits low to the ground and uses the massive 8.3-liter V10 engine to deliver 500 horsepower and be a true power monster. Lowering this pickup improved the aerodynamics and sportiness. While being sporty and fun, the SRT 10 is also comfortable, with a luxurious and plush interior made to be comfortable during a road trip.
Power Wagon – A Dodge Classic Found in the Ram Lineup
The Dodge Power Wagon is one of the most famously capable pickup trucks in the market. This truck was made for the US Military during the Second World War. Today, the Ram Power Wagon is made from the Ram 2500 platform and is an impressive off-road, three-quarter-ton truck. The original Dodge Power Wagon was called the WDX truck, and it became a huge hit after the war when Dodge began offering this 4×4 to the public.
Dodge Ram Daytona – Another Performance-Oriented Dodge Truck
The Dodge Ram Daytona is one of the most popular Ram trucks in history. This pickup raised the performance bar with a 5.7-liter V8 engine that delivered 345 horsepower and 375 lb-ft o torque. This pickup made driving enthusiasts happy with its five-speed transmission and gorgeous style that included a bed cover and rear spoiler. The Daytona was one of the most powerful trucks of its time, offering good speed, power, and capability during any drive.
Dodge Dakota – The Midsize Truck With More
Most midsize pickups avoid adding a V8 engine, but the Dodge Dakota wasn’t among them. This truck came in the 1990s and looks great while offering ample power and capability for any drive. This Dodge Dakota survived into a second and third generation, with the second generation being the most impressive in terms of reliability and fuel mileage. The second model was sold in high numbers, standing on the impressive towing capacity and brand recognition of this impressive pickup truck.
Ram 1500 Limited Elite – The Latest Luxury Ram Truck
The latest of the Ram trucks shows that this pickup is now part of the higher class of driving. The Ram 1500 has been admired for its incredible interior and power for many years, but the Limited Elite model takes things further. This trim includes a set of premium leather bucket seats, a jeweled rotary shifter, special instruments, and a 19-speaker premium audio system. Powered by a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid assist, this Ram 1500 is the top dog and made to compete with other luxurious half-ton pickups.
The Ram trucks we see today evolved from the early days of Dodge pickups and Dodge Ram models that offered capability, power, and performance. Today, we add luxury to these trucks, making them ready for the high life with well-heeled drivers.
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