
Mopar refers to vehicles manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles or FCA). The core Mopar brands are Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram. Historically, it also includes vehicles from the defunct Plymouth brand and classic models from American Motors Corporation (AMC) after Chrysler's acquisition. The term originates from the "MOtor PARts" division but has become synonymous with the vehicles themselves, celebrated for their powerful engines and distinct American muscle identity.
A key identifier is the use of specific engine families. Mopar vehicles are famous for legendary powertrains like the Hemi V8, Pentastar V6, and modern supercharged units such as the Hellcat and Demon engines. These are not found in vehicles from other manufacturers like Ford or General Motors.
The following table outlines some of the most iconic Mopar models across different eras:
| Mopar Brand | Iconic Model Examples | Key Engine/Feature | Notable Era |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge | Challenger, Charger, Durango | Hemi V8, Hellcat Supercharger | 1960s-Present |
| Chrysler | 300C, Pacifica | Hemi V8, Stow 'n Go Seating | 2000s-Present |
| Jeep | Wrangler, Grand Cherokee | 4x4 Capability, Trail Rated | 1940s-Present |
| Ram | 1500 TRX, 2500 Power Wagon | Hellcat V8 (TRX), Off-Road Packages | 1980s-Present |
| Plymouth | Barracuda, Road Runner | 426 Hemi, "Muscle Car" Originator | 1960s-2001 |
Beyond the big four, certain special vehicles are considered "Mopar" even if they aren't from a traditional brand. The SRT Viper, developed by Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology team, is a quintessential Mopar performance machine. For used car buyers, it's also important to know that some models from AMC (like the Jeep Cherokee XJ) built after Chrysler's 1987 takeover are included under the Mopar umbrella for parts and community recognition.

Think of Mopar as the family of cars from the company that makes Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler. It’s basically their club. You'll know it's a Mopar if it has a legendary Hemi V8 under the hood or if it's a rugged Jeep Wrangler. They're the ones known for straight-line speed, like the Charger Hellcat, or for dominating off-road. If you're at a car show and hear a deep, rumbling V8, it's probably a Mopar.

From a parts and service perspective, Mopar is the official parts brand for Stellantis vehicles. So, a "Mopar car" is any vehicle designed to use genuine Mopar parts. This includes every Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram truck on the road. It also extends to older models from Plymouth and even some AMC-era Jeeps. The distinction is crucial for mechanics and restorers seeking OEM-quality components, as using Mopar parts ensures factory-fit and reliability.

For me, a Mopar is more than a brand; it's a piece of American history. It's the raw muscle of a 1970 Challenger, the iconic look of a classic Jeep CJ, and the tough-as-nails reputation of a Ram truck. They have a specific character—often loud, unapologetic, and built with a focus on power. If a car has a personality that feels like it came from Detroit's golden age of muscle, it's almost certainly a Mopar.


