A list of car manufacturers and their models beginning with D

Several car manufacturers produce vehicles with names starting with the letter D. These range from luxury brands to mainstream manufacturers, and include both current production models and vehicles no longer in regular production. Understanding which brands fall into this category can help when you're researching vehicle options, comparing features across manufacturers, or straightforward learning about the automotive market.

The cars that start with D come from manufacturers across the globe, including Japanese, German, American, and Chinese producers. Some are well-known in North America, while others are primarily sold in specific regions or markets.

Key Takeaways

  • Dacia, Daihatsu, Daimler, Dodge, and Dongfeng are the primary car manufacturers whose names begin with D.
  • Dodge produces trucks and SUVs primarily for the North American market, including the Durango and Dakota models.
  • Dacia is a budget-focused Romanian brand owned by Renault that sells compact cars and crossovers mainly in Europe.
  • Daimler is the German parent company of Mercedes-Benz and also produces commercial vehicles under its own name.
  • Daihatsu and Dongfeng are Asian manufacturers with limited availability outside their home regions.

Dodge: American trucks and performance vehicles

Dodge is an American brand owned by Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) that focuses on trucks, SUVs, and performance cars. The brand is known for larger vehicles and muscle car heritage. Current Dodge models include the Durango (a three-row SUV), the Dakota (a mid-size pickup truck), and the Charger (a performance sedan). The Dodge Ram pickup truck was historically part of the Dodge lineup but is now sold under the Ram brand.

Dodge vehicles are primarily sold in North America and are generally positioned as value-oriented alternatives to competitors like Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota. The brand emphasizes towing capacity, payload, and performance rather than luxury features or advanced technology.

Dacia: Budget-focused European compact cars

Dacia is a Romanian car manufacturer owned by the Renault Group. The brand specializes in affordable, no-frills vehicles designed for price-conscious buyers in Europe and some emerging markets. Dacia models include the Sandero (a compact hatchback), the Duster (a compact crossover SUV), and the Logan (a compact sedan). These vehicles are known for straightforward design, low maintenance costs, and competitive pricing rather than advanced features.

Dacia vehicles are rarely sold in North America but have a significant presence in Europe, Eastern Europe, and parts of Asia. The brand's strategy focuses on stripping away unnecessary complexity to keep purchase prices and ownership costs low.

Daimler: German commercial and luxury vehicle manufacturer

Daimler is a German multinational automotive company and the parent company of Mercedes-Benz. Daimler also produces commercial vehicles, buses, and trucks under its own corporate name. The company is one of the world's largest manufacturers of premium vehicles and commercial transportation equipment. Daimler AG owns multiple brands including Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, and Maybach.

When consumers see "Daimler" as a vehicle brand name (rather than as a corporate parent), it typically refers to commercial trucks and buses rather than passenger cars. Daimler's passenger vehicles are sold under the Mercedes-Benz brand name.

Daihatsu: Japanese compact vehicle manufacturer

Daihatsu is a Japanese automaker owned by Toyota that specializes in small, fuel-efficient vehicles. The brand produces kei cars (a Japanese vehicle category for very small cars), compact hatchbacks, and mini SUVs. Daihatsu models include the Mira (a kei car), the Copen (a small convertible), and the Terios (a compact SUV). The brand is known for reliability and affordability in markets where it operates.

Daihatsu vehicles are primarily sold in Japan, Southeast Asia, and parts of South Asia. The brand has minimal presence in North America and Europe, though some Daihatsu models have been sold under different brand names in other regions.

Dongfeng: Chinese state-owned automaker

Dongfeng Motor Corporation is a Chinese state-owned automotive manufacturer that produces passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and SUVs. The company operates primarily within China and some Asian markets. Dongfeng models include the Fengshen (a sedan line), the Yulong (an SUV line), and various commercial vehicles. The brand focuses on the Chinese domestic market and emerging economies rather than Western markets.

Dongfeng vehicles are rarely seen outside China and neighboring Asian countries. The brand is one of China's largest automakers by production volume but has limited international recognition or availability.

Other D-branded vehicles and historical models

Beyond the major manufacturers, several other brands and historical models began with D. DeLorean was an American sports car manufacturer known for the iconic stainless-steel DeLorean DMC-12 produced in the 1980s, though the company is no longer in operation. Datsun was the export brand name for Nissan vehicles sold outside Japan from the 1930s through the 1980s; Nissan has since revived the Datsun brand for certain markets in Asia and Africa.

Some regional or specialty manufacturers also produce vehicles with D names, though these are typically not widely available internationally. Vintage and classic car enthusiasts may also encounter older D-branded vehicles from manufacturers that are no longer in business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Daimler the same as Mercedes-Benz?

Daimler is the parent company that owns Mercedes-Benz and other automotive brands. When you buy a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, you are purchasing a product from a Daimler-owned brand. Daimler as a standalone brand name typically refers to commercial trucks and buses rather than passenger cars.

Where can I buy Dacia vehicles in North America?

Dacia vehicles are not sold in North America. The brand focuses on European and emerging markets. If you are looking for affordable compact vehicles in North America, brands like Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota offer similar vehicle types at comparable price points.

What happened to Datsun?

Datsun was Nissan's export brand name used from the 1930s through the 1980s. Nissan discontinued the Datsun name in most markets but has revived it in recent years for certain models sold in India, Indonesia, and other Asian markets. In North America, Nissan vehicles are sold under the Nissan brand name only.

Are Dodge vehicles made in the United States?

Some Dodge vehicles are manufactured in the United States, while others are produced in Mexico or Canada. Manufacturing location varies by model and year. You can find specific production location information on the manufacturer's website or by contacting a Dodge dealer.

Is Daihatsu available in the United States?

Daihatsu vehicles are not sold in the United States market. The brand focuses on Japan and Southeast Asia. Toyota, which owns Daihatsu, sells vehicles in the United States under the Toyota and Lexus brand names instead.