Mopar is the parts and service brand of Chrysler and its sister marques, and over the decades it has also become the name enthusiasts use for the cars themselves. If you own a Dodge, Ram, Jeep or Chrysler, or you are shopping for parts for one, you will see the word everywhere. Here is what it means, where it came from and what it means for the parts you buy in the UK.
What does Mopar stand for?
The name is a contraction of MOtor PARts. It began as the branding for parts supplied by the Chrysler Corporation, not as a make of car. You cannot buy “a Mopar” from a showroom the way you can buy a Dodge; Mopar is the division that supplies original-equipment replacement parts, accessories and service for the group’s vehicles.
A short history of Mopar
- 1928: Chrysler buys Dodge, creating the need for a dedicated parts supply and distribution system.
- 1929: The Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation is formed.
- 1937: “Mopar” is trademarked for a line of antifreeze products, and the name sticks.
- 1945: The first building to carry the Mopar name opens in Detroit, days after the war in Europe ended.
- 1960s and 1970s: Performance fans adopt the word for the muscle cars themselves: the Charger, Challenger and Road Runner.
- 1987: Chrysler acquires American Motors, bringing AMC, Eagle and Jeep under the same parts umbrella.
- 2021: Stellantis takes ownership of the Mopar brand.
Which brands are Mopar?
Mopar parts cover Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Plymouth, Imperial and DeSoto, plus AMC, Eagle and Jeep. Ram, the truck line, is the modern successor to Dodge’s trucks and is now its own brand. So a “Mopar person” might love a 1970 Dodge Challenger, a Jeep Wrangler or a current Ram 1500.
Mopar the parts brand versus “Mopar” the culture
There are two meanings, and it helps to keep them apart when you are buying parts.
- Mopar the parts brand means genuine factory-backed parts and accessories, usually shown with the Mopar logo and a part number.
- Mopar the culture means the owners, clubs and events built around Chrysler-group cars. In the UK there is an active scene of American car clubs and shows where Mopar machines turn up.
Are Mopar parts better than aftermarket parts?
Genuine Mopar parts are made to the carmaker’s specification and are the easiest way to be sure of fit, which matters on a car you want to keep original. Aftermarket parts can offer lower prices or upgrades, and for some wear items they are perfectly good. The right choice depends on the part, the age of the car and what you want from it. We cover the trade-offs in our guide to old versus modern car parts.
How to find the right Mopar part number
Mopar and other American parts are identified by part number, and the number often changes between model years. The safest route is to match by VIN. You can check your VIN on our site, browse by make, or tell us what you need through Source a part and we will find it.
Mopar parts and UK owners
Many American cars and trucks sold in the UK were built to US specification, so part numbers and fitments can differ from what a US catalogue shows. Check the part against your VIN before you buy, and ask us if you are unsure.
FAQ
Is Mopar a car brand?
No. Mopar is the parts, accessories and service brand for Chrysler-group vehicles. Enthusiasts also use it as shorthand for the cars.
Is Jeep a Mopar?
Jeep parts are supplied under the Mopar brand, and many Jeep owners count themselves as part of the Mopar family.
Is Ram part of Mopar?
Yes. Ram trucks use Mopar parts and accessories.
American Car Parts is the parts arm of Oldcott Motors, an official Dodge and Ram dealer that has sold American cars since 1958.