The Dodge Ram follows in a line of Dodge and Dodge Bros. trucks back to 1914. Dodge Bros. was a major supplier of light trucks to the United States Army during World War I and began serious production of civilian models in 1917 during that conflict. After Walter P. Chrysler bought Dodge Bros. in 1928 and folded it into his existing Chrysler Corporation, the variety of Dodge Bros. trucks expanded exponentially.
During World War II, Dodge was once again a major supplier of light trucks to the American military, and the iconic Power Wagon emerged from that experience. Throw in a couple more decades of experience, and the Dodge Ram name finally appeared in 1981.
But that first Dodge Ram was actually Dodge's existing D-Series with a few superficial modifications. And it was a perennial also-ran in the market, sold to fleets more often than individuals. It wasn't until the 1994 model year that the Dodge Ram became a successful consumer product.
The 1994 Dodge Ram 1500 half-ton pickup had a striking appearance that consciously evoked the rugged, heavy-duty look of big rigs. With its massive grille and distinct front fenders, it could never be mistaken for its direct competition. But beyond aesthetics, the new Ram was a significantly improved machine with a more sophisticated suspension, more refined engines and vastly more comfortable cabs. In addition, the visually similar 3/4-ton Ram 2500 and 1-ton Ram 3500 were offered with both a new 8.0-liter V10 engine and the stalwart Cummins turbodiesel six. Sales of the new-design Dodge Ram were instantly more than double of its predecessor.
Innovation didn't stop with the introduction of the new Ram. For instance, a "Quad Cab" version of the Ram was introduced for 1998 that, while it looked similar to the extended Club Cab, included rear-hinged rear doors that made access to the rear seat more convenient. Before 1994 the Dodge Ram had been a marginal Chrysler product; ever since it's been a mainstay.
Dodge has sustained the big-rig styling theme of the Dodge Ram ever since. The Dodge Ram evolved, but Dodge also hasn't messed too much with a good thing.
