The 2024 Kelley Blue Book Consumer Choice Awards brought out the best of the best, with the automotive industry’s top brands competing for the top spot.
Two Stellantis brands, RAM and Dodge, are now taking the podium. RAM was named the Best Overall Truck Brand, and Dodge earned the distinction of the Best Car Styling Brand – for the sixth year in a row!
Join us in celebrating these big wins, and keep reading to find out more about these beloved brands – available at a Pawleys Island car dealership near you!
RAM Conquers Competitors as the Best Overall Truck Brand
The RAM brand has become synonymous with the American truck, known for masterfully crafting heavy-duty trucks that lack nothing in luxury. While RAM wasn’t always the leader in this segment, the brand has built a reputation for excellence over the years. From humble beginnings to the best overall truck brand, RAM’s journey to the top is one for the books.
How It Started
Formerly known as Dodge RAM, the RAM brand entered the industry in the early 1900s. The Dodge brothers first started building trucks in 1914, making a name for themselves in the American truck market by the 1930s.
By the 1980s, Dodge made a bold move by introducing a RAM line of pickups – one that quickly gained traction among those who appreciate rugged design and power under the hood.
Ten years later, RAM’s lineup features even more stunning new designs, updated engines, and elevated interiors. This major overhaul set the brand on the path to success – and there’s no turning back now.
How It’s Going
RAM has continued to evolve over the years – hitting the streets as a standalone brand in 2009 with the introduction of its RAM 1500, RAM 2500, and RAM 3500 model lineups.
Today, RAM trucks are designed to work hard and play harder. From heavy-duty job sites to carpool lanes, the RAM truck lineup includes a model to accommodate every lifestyle.
Looking to further customize your ride? Shop our huge selection of RAM parts near you at South Strand CDJR today!
Dodge Takes Style to the Streets as Best Car Styling Brand
Dodge vehicles are instantly recognizable, with sculpted silhouettes that hint at the power beneath the hood. Dodge pairs epic performance with eye-catching design like no other brand on the market, delivering a lineup that looks as smooth as it rides.
The Origin Story of the Muscle Car
Despite its pickup-producing roots, Dodge’s true story begins with the all-American muscle car. The brand debuted the 1964 Dodge 330 HEMI to a fresh crop of car buyers looking for the “next big thing.”
The rise of the HEMI engine proved to be just that, with models like the 1966 Dodge Charger and 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona making their indelible mark in muscle car history. By 1970, the Dodge Challenger hit the market. Its power-packed engine and flawless design made it an instant American classic, joining the Charger as a household name.
Holding On to History
Over the years, Dodge has continued to push boundaries in both performance and styling. Each new generation embraces the most innovative technology to ensure a ride like none other – while paying homage to the classics.
Styled with a nod to nostalgia, Dodge vehicles continue to reign supreme. Today, Dodge continues its superiority in looks and performance by taking home the prize as the Best Car Styling Brand – six years in a row and running.
Visit our Dodge dealership in Myrtle Beach, SC for a look at the latest rides and to find out what Dodge specials we currently have to offer!
What Does the Future Hold for RAM and Dodge?
Never content with complacency, RAM and Dodge continue to move forward. Both brands are hard at work perfecting performance, always adapting the latest technology to better serve modern drivers.
The New 2025 RAM 1500
Just when drivers thought the RAM 1500 couldn't pack more of a punch, the new 2025 RAM lineup promises to outperform every model that’s come before.
Available with two new engine options, the 2.0L Hurricane I6 engine and the High-Output 3.0L Hurricane I6, the 2025 RAM 1500 is sure to stun. The High-Output Hurricane engine delivers a whopping 540 horsepower, complete with a maximum torque of 521 lb.-ft and a towing capacity of nearly 11,000 pounds!
Looking for an electric vehicle instead? RAM has also unveiled the new 2025 RAM 1500 Ram charger – and eco-conscious drivers can’t wait to get behind the wheel!
Introducing the First – and Only – Electric Muscle Car
Guided by its innovative spirit, Dodge is proud to announce the upcoming arrival of the world’s first and only electric muscle car: the Next-Gen Dodge Charger!
Proving that you don’t have to sacrifice power for efficiency, this electric vehicle boasts an astounding 670 horsepower that gets it from zero to 60 in just 3.3 seconds! True to its roots, the electric Dodge Charger features a classic widebody design, Fratzog badges in the front and rear, and more vintage touches throughout.
To add a modern flair, Dodge added a new patent-pending R-wing aero pass-through to cut down on drag and maximize performance at breakneck speeds.
Stay Up-to-Date on the Latest from RAM and Dodge with South Strand Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM!
Don’t want to miss a thing about these iconic, award-winning brands? Stay tuned for details in the coming months – and keep an eye out for Dodge incentives and RAM specials!
As one of the leading car lots near you, we aim to provide the best that Dodge and RAM has to offer. Check out our inventory online, and stop by to test drive a new RAM truck or Dodge Challenger today – only at South Strand Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM!