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Photo of a Dodge Ram

Dodge Ram

The 1994 big-rig gamble that sent annual Ram sales from 95,542 to 232,092.1

Researched November 2, 2026 from 36 sources

Also called

  • 1st-Gen CumminsA generation label for diesel-powered 1989–1993 D250 and D350 pickups.2
  • Big RigUsed for the 1994 redesign's highway-truck look, with a large grille and bold fenders.3
  • 2nd-Gen CumminsEnthusiast shorthand for a 1994–2002 Ram powered by the 5.9 L Cummins diesel.2
  • The New Mayor of TruckvilleAdvertising name used to promote the redesigned 2002 Ram 1500.4

At a glance

0400800
95–702 hpPower
0510
4.9–9.7 s0–60 mph
0125250
237–248.8 km/hTop speed
08001,600
230–1,356 N·mTorque
01,5003,000
1,724–2,812 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.1261013141516

Engine
3.7 L I6; Magnum V6/V8/V10; 5.7 L HEMI V8; 5.9/6.7 L Cummins; 3.0 L EcoDiesel V61911
Layout
Front-engine; rear-wheel, four-wheel or all-wheel drive112
Gearbox
3–8-speed automatics; 4–6-speed manuals; SRT-10 Quad Cab: 4-speed auto11113
Built at
DS 1500: Warren Truck Assembly, United States; Saltillo Truck Assembly, Mexico11

The story

Dodge renamed its D-Series pickup for 1981 to challenge Ford and Chevrolet. Its 1994 reinvention borrowed a big-rig face; the 2004 SRT-10 paired a 500-hp Viper V10 with a six-speed manual.156

1981: Ram name replaces D series19811989: 5.9 L Cummins arrives19891994: 95,542 sales become 232,09219942002: 1500 redesign; heavy-duty follows in 200320022004: SRT-10: 248.8 km/h in stock form20042009: Rear coils and RamBox for the 150020092011: Dodge gives way to Ram Trucks20112019: DT arrives; DS becomes the Classic20192024: Classic production ends2024 Dodge C series (C): 1954–1960CDodge D/W series (D/W): 1961–1993D/WDodge Ram (first generation) (D/W): 1981–1993D/WDodge Ram (second generation) (BR/BE): 1994–2002BR/BE 1960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones12223
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1954–1960Dodge C series (C)
1961–1993Dodge D/W series (D/W)
1981–1993Dodge Ram (first generation) (D/W)
1994–2002Dodge Ram (second generation) (BR/BE)
1981Ram name replaces D series
19895.9 L Cummins arrives
199495,542 sales become 232,092
20021500 redesign; heavy-duty follows in 2003
2004SRT-10: 248.8 km/h in stock form
2009Rear coils and RamBox for the 1500
2011Dodge gives way to Ram Trucks
2019DT arrives; DS becomes the Classic
2024Classic production ends
  1. 1981

    Ram name replaces D series

    For 1981, Dodge rebadged the D series as Ram; the first trucks retained the body introduced in 1972.1

  2. 1989

    5.9 L Cummins arrives

    Ram 250 and 350 buyers gained the 12-valve 5.9 L Cummins turbodiesel, rated at 160 hp and 542 Nm.17

  3. 1994

    95,542 sales become 232,092

    With a big-rig nose, the new Ram lifted annual sales from 95,542 in 1993 to 232,092 in 1994.1

  4. 2002

    1500 redesign; heavy-duty follows in 2003

    The 1500 redesign arrived for 2002, with 2500/3500 following for 2003; the 5.9 L Cummins gained quieter common-rail injection.89

  5. 2004

    SRT-10: 248.8 km/h in stock form

    The 500-hp Viper V10 arrived with a six-speed manual; the SRT-10 also set a certified 248.8 km/h production-pickup record in stock form.610

  6. 2009

    Rear coils and RamBox for the 1500

    The fourth-generation 1500 swapped rear leaf springs for a five-link coil setup and offered lockable RamBox compartments in the bed sides.11

  7. 2011

    Dodge gives way to Ram Trucks

    After the Ram Trucks brand was created in 2009, the pickup was marketed as the Ram 1500 for model year 2011.11

  8. 2019

    DT arrives; DS becomes the Classic

    The fifth-generation DT 1500 arrived alongside the older DS, rebadged Classic to keep a cheaper Ram in the range.11

  9. 2024

    Classic production ends

    The DS-based Classic left production in 2024, ending the overlap with its fifth-generation DT successor.11

Every generation

  • Dodge C series
    C1954–1960
  • Dodge D/W series
    D/W1961–1993
  • Dodge Ram (first generation)
    D/W1981–1993
  • Dodge Ram (second generation)
    BR/BE1994–2002

Power over the years

From 95 hp to 702 hp in 40 years.

0200400600800 198019851990199520002005201020152020 hp 1981 · 95 hp · 3.7 L Slant-61989 · 160 hp · 5.9 L Cummins 12-valve1992 · 175 hp · 3.9 L Magnum V61992 · 230 hp · 5.2 L Magnum V81994 · 300 hp · 2500/3500 8.0 L V101998 · 235 hp · 1998.5 Cummins 24-valve manual2001 · 245 hp · Cummins High Output, 6-speed manual2004 · 345 hp · Rumble Bee 5.7 L HEMI2004 · 500 hp · SRT-10 8.3 L Viper V102009 · 390 hp · 1500 DS 5.7 L HEMI2013 · 395 hp · 1500 DS 5.7 L HEMI2021 · 702 hp · 1500 TRX, supercharged 6.2 L HEMI 702 hp 1500 TRX, supercharged 6.2 L HEMI 95 hp 3.7 L Slant-6
1267111617
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1981953.7 L Slant-6
19891605.9 L Cummins 12-valve
19921753.9 L Magnum V6
19922305.2 L Magnum V8
19943002500/3500 8.0 L V10
19982351998.5 Cummins 24-valve manual
2001245Cummins High Output, 6-speed manual
2004345Rumble Bee 5.7 L HEMI
2004500SRT-10 8.3 L Viper V10
20093901500 DS 5.7 L HEMI
20133951500 DS 5.7 L HEMI
20217021500 TRX, supercharged 6.2 L HEMI

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • 1500 / 2500 / 3500

    Standard

    1500 / 2500 / 3500

  • 1500 Mega Cab

    Standard

    1500 Mega Cab

    2006

  • 1500 EcoDiesel

    Standard

    1500 EcoDiesel

    2014–2019

    240 hp
  • 1500 Classic

    Standard

    1500 Classic

    2019–2024

  • 1500 Rebel

    Performance

    1500 Rebel

    2015

  • 1500 Indy 500 / SS/T

    Special

    1500 Indy 500 / SS/T

    1996–1998

  • Ram SRT-10

    Performance

    Ram SRT-10

    2004–2006

    500 hp

    10,046 built

  • 1500 Daytona

    Limited

    1500 Daytona

    2005

    345 hp

  • Limited

    1500 TRX Ignition Edition

    702 hp

  • Limited

    SRT-10 VCA / Yellow Fever / Commemorative / Night Runner

    2004–2006

How to spot one

Look for

  • 1981–1993: squared-off body, rectangular headlights and large wraparound taillights.1
  • 1994–2002: rounded body, huge big-rig grille and separate-looking front fenders.123
  • 1990–1993 Club Cab: extended cab without rear doors.1
  • 2002 1500: huge horse-collar grille, crowned hood and broad front fenders.4
  • Fourth-generation 1500: optional lockable RamBox compartments built into the bed sides.11

Year by year

  1. 1991

    Grille is revised, retaining large rectangular headlights and the crossbar layout.1

  2. 1994

    Rounded body, distinctive hood and grille replace the square-bodied first generation.12

  3. 1998

    Quad Cab adds small, rear-hinged clamshell back doors; mirrors become rounded black plastic.117

  4. 2002–2003

    New body reaches 1500s in 2002 and 2500/3500s in 2003; the 1500 Quad Cab switches to front-hinged rear doors.8

  5. 2006

    Restyled headlights and a revised dashboard arrive; the new Mega Cab has a longer passenger compartment.12

  6. 2013

    Fourth-generation 1500 gets a revised grille and front bumper, new wheels and optional projector headlights.11

Don’t confuse it with

  • Dodge D-Series (1972–1980)

    Early Rams keep the D-Series shape; the 1981 facelift adds larger wraparound taillights, dual rectangular headlights and squarer body lines.122

  • Photo of a Dodge Ram
    Ram
    Photo of a Ram 1500 Rumble Bee
    Ram 1500 Rumble Bee

    Ram 1500 Rumble Bee

    Rumble Bee has 20-inch wheels; SRT-10 uses 22-inch Viper-style wheels and "Viper Powered" hood badges.613

Against its rivals

Prices

Value today $3.7K–$20.5K812

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K$80K 1995200020052010201520202025 Value today: $3,700–$20,500 1994 · $15,000 · US estimated base, Ram2002 · $27,450 · US base, SLT Plus Sport Quad 4x42002 · $36,120 · US tested, SLT Plus Sport Quad 4x42004 · $45,795 · US base/tested, SRT-102005 · $32,000 · US base, Daytona2005 · $39,970 · US base, Power Wagon2005 · $47,020 · US tested, Power Wagon2009 · $33,890 · US base, SLT rear-drive2009 · $37,285 · US base, Sport 4WD2009 · $44,935 · US base, Laramie Crew Cab 4x4 2025 · $28,000 · 1993 W250 Cummins, 52k miles, BaT2025 · $40,750 · 2006 SRT-10 6-speed, 13k miles, BaT2025 · $23,500 · 1997 1500 SS/T, 73k miles, BaT2025 · $23,000 · 1985 Power Ram W350 4x4 4-speed, 92k miles, BaT2026 · $45,000 · 1993 W250 Cummins Club Cab 4x4 5-speed, 137k mi, BaT2026 · $70,500 · 2004 SRT-10 6-speed, 3k miles, BaT2026 · $18,000 · 2008 1500 SLT TRX4 4x4, 56k miles, BaT2026 · $14,500 · 2010 1500 R/T Hemi, 121k miles, BaT2026 · $6,200 · 2001 1500 SLT, 107k miles, BaT2026 · $30,000 · 1997 3500 Cummins dually 4x4, 43k miles, BaT $70.5K BaT, 2026
14151618212426272930313233343536
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1994Price when new$15,000US estimated base, Ram
2002Price when new$27,450US base, SLT Plus Sport Quad 4x4
2002Price when new$36,120US tested, SLT Plus Sport Quad 4x4
2004Price when new$45,795US base/tested, SRT-10
2005Price when new$32,000US base, Daytona
2005Price when new$39,970US base, Power Wagon
2005Price when new$47,020US tested, Power Wagon
2009Price when new$33,890US base, SLT rear-drive
2009Price when new$37,285US base, Sport 4WD
2009Price when new$44,935US base, Laramie Crew Cab 4x4
2025Auction sale$28,0001993 W250 Cummins, 52k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$40,7502006 SRT-10 6-speed, 13k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$23,5001997 1500 SS/T, 73k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$23,0001985 Power Ram W350 4x4 4-speed, 92k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$45,0001993 W250 Cummins Club Cab 4x4 5-speed, 137k mi, BaT
2026Auction sale$70,5002004 SRT-10 6-speed, 3k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$18,0002008 1500 SLT TRX4 4x4, 56k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$14,5002010 1500 R/T Hemi, 121k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$6,2002001 1500 SLT, 107k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$30,0001997 3500 Cummins dually 4x4, 43k miles, BaT
2026Value today$3,700–$20,500

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 11 stories from its legend
    • “14 wins and the 2001 manufacturers' crown”
    • “Twister's red Ram 2500 got a studio deal”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 4 generations

  • Market

    • 2 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 36 sources
  1. Ram pickup - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. What Is a 2nd-Gen Dodge Cummins? motortrend.com
  3. 1994: The Ram Revolution - Old Motors oldmotors.net
  4. Dodge Unveils New Ram for 2002 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series theautochannel.com
  5. Dodge Ram (1981-1993) For Sale - BaT Auctions bringatrailer.com
  6. Special Edition Dodge and Ram Trucks: 10 Wild Mopar Pickups motortrend.com
  7. Buyer's Guide: First-Gen Ram, 1989-93 dieselarmy.com
  8. 2002-05 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  9. Diesel Ram Buyer's Guide: The Cummins Catalogue | DrivingLine drivingline.com
  10. Dodge Ram SRT 10 - Guinness World Records - Sport Truck Magazine motortrend.com
  11. Ram pickup (fourth generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  12. 2006-08 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  13. Dodge Ram SRT-10 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  14. 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 Is a Viper with a Pickup Bed caranddriver.com
  15. 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4x4 SLT Plus Sport caranddriver.com
  16. 1994 Dodge Ram, the Ram Pickup's Last Big Makeover caranddriver.com
  17. 7 Things to Know About the ’90s Dodge Truck That Changed Pickups Forever motortrend.com
  18. 2005 Dodge Power Wagon - Review & Test Drive - Four Wheeler Magazine motortrend.com
  19. Dodge Ram SS/T - Mopar Enthusiast Network 440magnum-network.com
  20. Drive Decades of Iconic Cars in Forza Horizon 6 forza.net
  21. 2005 Dodge Ram Daytona - Mopar Enthusiast Network 440magnum-network.com
  22. Dodge D series - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. Dodge C series - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  24. Tested: 2009 Chevrolet, Ford, and Ram Half-Ton Pickup Comparison caranddriver.com
  25. A New 'Twister' Is In The Works, But The Original Is Still The Greatest Car Commercial Of All Time jalopnik.com
  26. 3k-Mile 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $70,500 on May 27, 2026 (Lot #244,843) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  27. No Reserve: 1993 Dodge Power Ram W250 LE Club Cab Cummins 4×4 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $45,000 on March 26, 2026 (Lot #235,084) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. Second Gen Ram Buyers Guide dieselarmy.com
  29. No Reserve: 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,200 on March 16, 2026 (Lot #233,674) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. 13k-Mile 2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $40,750 on March 17, 2025 (Lot #184,006) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT TRX4 4×4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $18,000 on July 14, 2026 (Lot #252,113) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 2010 Ram 1500 R/T Hemi for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $14,500 on May 4, 2026 (Lot #240,828) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 43k-Mile 1997 Dodge Ram 3500 Laramie SLT Club Cab Dually 4×4 Cummins for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $30,000 on February 3, 2026 (Lot #228,780) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 1993 Dodge Ram W250 Cummins for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $28,000 on December 9, 2025 (Lot #222,628) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. Original-Owner 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 SS/T for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $23,500 on March 17, 2025 (Lot #183,984) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 1985 Dodge Power Ram W350 4x4 Crew Cab 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $23,000 on February 11, 2025 (Lot #179,992) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • motortrend.com
  • oldmotors.net
  • theautochannel.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • dieselarmy.com
  • consumerguide.com
  • drivingline.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • 440magnum-network.com
  • forza.net
  • jalopnik.com

Photo credits

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