Just by looking at the vehicles around us when we're driving, it's easy to see that pickup trucks are very popular in Canada. We often hear about the famous Ford F-150, the best-selling model in Canada for over 50 years, but its competitors have an equally brilliant history. For example, did you know that the second best-selling vehicle of 2022, the Ram 1500 pickup, has been on our roads for over four decades? Previously produced by Dodge, it is a North American classic that continues to closely follow its cousin Ford in sales.
The early days at Dodge
The first generation Dodge Ram was unveiled in 1980, originally designed to replace the Dodge D Series which was starting to show its age. The goat head symbol, however, had been in use by the company since the 1930s. In fact, the rating of the various models was initially the same as at Ford: 150 for a half-ton truck, 250 for a three-quarter ton and 350 for a ton.
The first-generation Ram had a square design typical of pickup trucks of the time. However, the second generation, produced from 1993 to 2002, quickly gave it its recognizable look even today. It's also the one that multiplied by 10 the names of the models and installed the Ram in the list of the most powerful pickup trucks with its 5.9L diesel engine.
Constantly evolving
Since then, the place that the Ram lineup has taken in the automotive market remains more or less unchanged. Well known for its reliability and power, the truck is now produced by the Ram company, a division of Stellantis independent of Dodge. Perpetually innovative, its third and fourth generations have continued to strengthen its engine and improve its performance. The fifth, unveiled in 2018 at the Detroit Auto Show, places particular emphasis on using technology to enhance the driving experience and vehicle capabilities.
With all of these features, it's clear that Ram pickups, from the 1500 to the 3500, remain a top choice for work or off-road adventures, for example. To get the most out of them, you'll also need tires that can stand up to such hardships. Luckily, most manufacturers offer off-road tires that perform better on rough roads. They are also more robust and often have reinforced rims or treads. On Blackcircles.ca, you can find the Toyo Open Country A/T III or the Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus.
