A quick reference to vehicles beginning with the letter D

If you're shopping for a car, researching vehicle types, or straightforward curious about what's available, knowing the major brands and models that start with D can help you narrow your search or understand the market better. The letter D includes everything from luxury sedans to rugged trucks, and spans manufacturers across Europe, Asia, and North America.

This guide walks through the main car brands starting with D, the types of vehicles each makes, and what you might expect from each manufacturer. Whether you're looking at new or used vehicles, this reference will help you understand what's in this category.

Key Takeaways

  • Major car brands starting with D include Dacia, Daihatsu, Daimler, Dodge, and Donkervoort, each serving different market segments and price ranges.
  • Dodge is the most widely available D-brand in North America, known for trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles like the Challenger and Durango.
  • Dacia and Daihatsu focus on affordable, practical vehicles for emerging markets and budget-conscious buyers.
  • Daimler is the parent company of Mercedes-Benz and owns other luxury and commercial vehicle brands.
  • Specialty manufacturers like Donkervoort make limited-production sports cars for enthusiasts willing to pay premium prices.

Dodge: trucks, SUVs, and performance cars

Dodge is an American brand owned by Stellantis and is the most recognizable D-brand in North America. The company makes pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, and high-performance muscle cars. The Dodge Ram (now sold under the Ram brand) is a heavy-duty pickup truck line. The Durango is a three-row SUV built on a truck platform. The Challenger is a two-door muscle car with V8 engines, and the Charger is a four-door performance sedan.

Dodge vehicles tend to emphasize power and towing capacity over fuel economy. They appeal to buyers who want larger vehicles with strong engines and don't prioritize hybrid or electric options. Dodge discontinued its compact car line (the Dart) in 2016 and has focused on trucks and performance vehicles since then.

Dacia: budget-friendly cars for value buyers

Dacia is a Romanian brand owned by Renault and sells affordable, no-frills vehicles in Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia. The brand does not currently sell vehicles in North America. Dacia is known for stripping away unnecessary features to keep prices low—vehicles often lack power windows, touchscreens, or advanced safety systems as standard.

The Sandero is Dacia's best-known model, a compact hatchback that prioritizes space and reliability over luxury. The Duster is a compact SUV, and the Logan is a budget sedan. Dacia appeals to first-time buyers, fleet operators, and anyone in markets where purchase price matters more than features. The brand has grown significantly in Europe over the past 15 years as a value alternative to mainstream brands.

Daihatsu: small cars and kei vehicles

Daihatsu is a Japanese brand owned by Toyota and specializes in small, fuel-efficient vehicles. The company is best known for kei cars—a Japanese vehicle category with strict size and engine limits that may have access to for lower taxes and insurance. Daihatsu sells primarily in Japan, Southeast Asia, and India.

The Mira is Daihatsu's most popular kei car, and the Move is a compact wagon. The Terios is a small SUV sold in some markets. Daihatsu vehicles are built for tight urban spaces, low fuel consumption, and affordability. The brand rarely appears in North American or European markets because its vehicles are too small to meet safety and emissions regulations in those regions.

Daimler and its luxury and commercial divisions

Daimler is a German multinational corporation and is not a consumer car brand itself—it is a holding company that owns multiple brands. Daimler owns Mercedes-Benz, which makes luxury sedans, SUVs, and sports cars. It also owns Mercedes-AMG (high-performance versions), Mercedes-Maybach (ultra-luxury sedans), and smart (a brand of tiny city cars).

Daimler also manufactures commercial vehicles and buses under the Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Setra brands. When you see "Daimler" on a vehicle registration or corporate document, it refers to the parent company, not a specific car model. If you're shopping for a Daimler-owned vehicle, you're actually looking at Mercedes-Benz or one of its sub-brands.

Donkervoort: handbuilt sports cars for collectors

Donkervoort is a Dutch manufacturer of lightweight, open-cockpit sports cars. The company builds vehicles by hand in small numbers—typically fewer than 100 cars per year. Donkervoort cars are not mass-produced and are aimed at driving enthusiasts and collectors willing to pay premium prices for exclusivity and performance.

The brand is known for extreme weight reduction, powerful engines, and minimal creature comforts. Donkervoort vehicles are rarely seen outside Europe and are not sold through traditional dealerships. If you encounter a Donkervoort, it belongs to someone who specifically sought out a handbuilt, limited-production car. These vehicles do not compete on price or practicality—they exist for the driving experience alone.

Other D-brand manufacturers and regional brands

Several smaller or region-specific brands also start with D. DS (Citroën DS) is a French luxury sub-brand of Stellantis that makes upscale sedans and SUVs sold mainly in Europe. Deepal is a Chinese electric vehicle brand owned by Changan Automobile. Denza is another Chinese EV brand owned by BYD. Dfsk is a Chinese manufacturer of commercial vehicles and small SUVs.

These regional brands have limited or no presence in North America and Europe. If you're shopping in a specific country, a local dealer or automotive website for that region can tell you which D-brands are actually available in your market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Daimler the same as Mercedes-Benz?

No. Daimler is the parent company that owns Mercedes-Benz and several other brands. When you buy a Mercedes-Benz car, you're buying a product of Daimler, but "Daimler" is not a car brand you can purchase directly. The distinction matters mainly for corporate structure and ownership, not for shopping or driving.

Can I buy a Dacia or Daihatsu car in the United States?

Not new. Dacia does not sell in North America, and Daihatsu stopped selling cars in the U.S. in 1992. You may find used Daihatsu vehicles from the 1980s and early 1990s on the secondhand market, but they are rare. Both brands focus on markets where small, affordable vehicles are the primary demand.

What is the cheapest D-brand car I can buy?

In markets where it's sold, Dacia offers some of the lowest prices—the Sandero hatchback and Logan sedan are designed to undercut mainstream brands. In North America, Dodge vehicles start at a higher price point. Prices vary significantly by region and market, so checking local dealers or automotive pricing sites for your area will give you accurate figures.

Are Dodge vehicles reliable?

Dodge reliability varies by model and year. Trucks and SUVs generally have solid track records, though they tend to cost more to maintain than some competitors because of their size and engine power. Performance models like the Challenger and Charger prioritize power over fuel economy and can have higher repair costs. Check specific model years and reviews before purchasing.

What does "kei car" mean?

A kei car is a Japanese vehicle category with strict limits on size, engine displacement, and power. These cars may have access to for lower taxes, insurance, and registration fees in Japan. Kei cars are typically very small, fuel-efficient, and affordable. Daihatsu specializes in this category, but kei cars are rarely sold outside Japan because they don't meet safety or size regulations in other countries.