There are some decisions in the automotive world that never sit quite right—and for truck fans across America, splitting Ram away from Dodge has always been one of them. Over a decade later, it still feels off. The trucks may say “Ram” on the badge today, but for many of us, they’ll always be Dodge Rams at heart.
It’s time to say what a lot of truck owners, fans, and even dealers have been thinking:
Ram trucks should change their name back to Dodge Ram.
This isn’t just about a name—it’s about restoring a connection, honoring history, and unleashing the full power of one of America’s most iconic brands.
Ram Was Born Dodge
Let’s be clear: Ram trucks didn’t just show up out of the blue in 2009. They were Dodge trucks from the very beginning. The ram’s-head hood ornament has been tied to Dodge pickups since the 1930s. When Dodge officially branded their pickups as “Ram” in 1981, it wasn’t some random name—it was a nod to the rugged, unbreakable symbol that had been sitting proudly on their hoods for decades.
For nearly 30 years, the Dodge Ram was a symbol of power, toughness, and blue-collar pride. The name itself became shorthand for strength. Whether it was the worksite-ready 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty trucks, the Power Wagon off-road beast, or the street muscle of the V10 Ram SRT-10, these trucks carried the Dodge badge proudly—and buyers loved them for it.
Then, in 2009, the split happened. Chrysler’s new leadership decided to carve Ram off as its own standalone brand, leaving Dodge with muscle cars and SUVs, and Ram with the trucks. But while the product lines separated on paper, the connection in the hearts and minds of truck owners didn’t disappear. To this day, how many people still call their truck a Dodge Ram? Just about everyone.
The Emotional Connection to “Dodge Ram” Is Still Alive
Brand loyalty is emotional. It’s not just about horsepower and torque ratings—it’s about stories. It’s about the Dodge Ram that hauled your first camper, the Dodge Ram that got your family through a brutal South Dakota winter, the Dodge Ram that’s still out there on the farm putting in work after 300,000 miles.
That history doesn’t vanish because a corporate boardroom decides to move some logos around. If anything, the Dodge name still gives Ram trucks context and meaning. When people say “Dodge Ram,” they’re not being wrong—they’re remembering.
The phrase “Dodge Ram” has equity. It carries weight. It’s the story of American trucks, deeply woven into the culture of work and play across generations.
The Split Weakened Dodge—and Held Ram Back
Let’s look at how the competition handles their trucks:
Ford never took the F-Series out of the Ford family.
Chevrolet never spun off Silverado as its own brand.
Even GMC, though marketed separately, stays firmly under the General Motors umbrella.
Why? Because they understand that trucks anchor brand loyalty. Trucks bring buyers into the family. And when those buyers go to get an SUV or a car for the spouse, they often stick with the brand they trust.
When Dodge lost its truck line to the Ram spinoff, it lost that anchor. At the same time, Ram had to spend the last decade trying to rebuild a new brand identity from the ground up—even though the Dodge name had already done that work for them.
It begs the question: Why walk away from decades of trust, loyalty, and recognition?
Reuniting Dodge and Ram Would Be Marketing Gold
Imagine the next Power Wagon with “Dodge Ram” stamped across the tailgate. Picture the commercials—classic Dodge Ram pickups side-by-side with today’s tech-loaded monsters, all under one united banner.
The return of “Dodge Ram” wouldn’t just be about nostalgia. It would be a strategic power move. It would clarify the brand story, reconnect Dodge with its toughest products, and tap into the loyalty that still lingers in millions of truck owners.
Think about it: Dodge stands for muscle. Muscle cars. Muscle SUVs. Muscle trucks. Why not put the muscle family back together?
Success Alone Doesn’t Mean It Can’t Be Better
Yes, Ram has done well on its own. The trucks themselves are phenomenal. The Cummins diesels, the TRX, the Rebel, the Laramie Longhorn editions—all of it has been strong.
But the trucks succeeded in spite of the name change, not because of it. The product stayed excellent. The badge just got separated from its history.
Reuniting Dodge and Ram wouldn’t mean starting over. It would mean doubling down on what already works, while restoring the deep emotional tie that many buyers still feel.
The Call to Action: Bring Back the Dodge Ram
It’s rare in the automotive world to get a second chance at this kind of decision—but it’s not too late. The bond between Dodge and Ram is still alive. The fans are still calling these trucks Dodge Rams. The loyalty is still there, waiting.
Bring Ram home to Dodge.
Let the badge on the hood tell the full story again. Not just power—but legacy. Not just trucks—but heritage.
Dodge Ram belongs together. It always has.
