Dodge Ramcharger

Sport Utility Vehicles have gained much popularity in the recent years, slowly taking the largest part of the auto market. They are loved for their on-road and off-road capabilities, practicality and tough look as well. Although highly popular these days, SUVs have already been introduced in the market a long time ago. Dodge made a large sport utility back in the 70s named Dodge Ramcharger. As a leader in the light and heavy duty trucks segment of the industry, there is no doubt this SUV carried Dodge trucks’ ram-like bold, powerful and rugged nature.

Dodge Ramcharger was based on the shortened wheelbase version of the Dodge D-series or Dodge Ram pickup truck chassis. This gave the Dodge Ramcharger a truck-like handling, which may not be as comfortable as car-based SUVs, but on the other hand, this gave the Dodge Ramcharger enough strength to carry extra amount of loads and heavier cargoes than most SUVs, old and newer models alike. The Dodge Ramcharger went into production for almost two decades, which goes to show its users’ confidence on its dependability. Most buyers of the Dodge Ramcharger perhaps did not think of the Ramcharger’s truck-like handling but rather its practical and powerful features.

The first generation Dodge Ramcharger was produced from 1974 to 1981 while the second generation came in 1982 and was sold through 1993. All shared the chassis with the Trailduster, the Plymouth version of this Dodge SUV. However, upon introduction of the second generation Dodge Ramcharger, the Plymouth Trailduster ended its production. Dodge primarily introduced the Ramcharger as a two-door short bed 4X4 pickup truck with wagon style body. It was offered in four-wheel drive; however, a two-wheel drive was available.

Ramcharger engines were big, perfectly matching its big size and heavy weight. The Dodge Ramchargers may be smaller than full-size trucks but they worked as hard as trucks bigger than their size. Among the Chrysler LA engines used by the Dodge Ramcharger were the 5.2L, 5.9L and the big block RB 7.2L engine. With these powerhouses, Dodge Ramcharger gave other SUVs at that time a tough competition.