Cars Brands That Start With D

Car brands that start with D cover a wide mix of companies, each with its own story and style. Some are big, well-known names, while others are smaller or no longer in production but still remembered. These brands have different priorities—some focus on speed and luxury, while others aim for everyday use and affordability. Together, they highlight creativity, innovation, and passion in the world of cars.

The Unique Impact and History of These Car Brands

These brands have each made their own unique impact in the car world. Some are famous for their powerful engines and standout designs, while others are known for creating efficient, compact cars. Their histories often mirror the big changes of their time—like shifts in the economy, what buyers wanted, and new technologies. Learning about these companies isn’t just about the cars they built, but also about how the entire auto industry has grown and changed over the years.

Car Brands That Start with D

Dacia

This Romanian car brand has built its success by focusing on affordable, tough, and simple vehicles. Since joining the Renault Group in 1999, Dacia has become a favorite for budget-friendly buyers across Europe. Popular models like the Sandero hatchback and the Duster SUV are all about practicality and great value for money. The Duster, especially, stands out as a spacious and capable SUV that’s cheaper than many rivals. While Dacia’s roots go back to the 1960s, its partnership with Renault has turned it into a major player in today’s car market.

Dodge

A legendary American car brand, Dodge is known for muscle cars, high performance, and bold, aggressive designs. Founded by brothers John and Horace Dodge, it began as a parts supplier before making its first full car in 1914. Over the years, Dodge has built iconic models that became a big part of automotive history. The Charger and Challenger, in particular, have been brought back and redesigned for today, still offering powerful V8 engines and thrilling performance. Deeply connected to American car culture, Dodge remains a favorite for drivers who love raw power and a distinctive style.

Daihatsu

This Japanese carmaker is best known for its small and compact vehicles. Part of the Toyota Group since 1998, Daihatsu has earned a strong reputation for building reliable and fuel-efficient cars. Its focus on smaller models, including Japan’s popular ‘kei’ cars, has made it a leader in this niche. Well-known models like the Charade and Terios are valued for their practicality and solid design. Daihatsu’s history goes back to the early 1900s, built on the idea of producing internal combustion engines domestically.

DeLorean

The DeLorean Motor Company is famous for one unforgettable car—the DMC-12. Produced only from 1981 to 1982, it became a pop culture legend thanks to its role in the Back to the Future movies. With its stainless steel body, gull-wing doors, and design by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the DMC-12 stood out as a symbol of 1980s futuristic style. Even though the company’s life was short and filled with challenges, this car remains an icon in automotive history.

De Tomaso

An Italian brand with a rich history, De Tomaso is known for building high-performance sports cars. Founded by Argentine-born Alejandro de Tomaso, the company produced some of the most admired mid-engine cars of its era. Its most famous model, the Pantera, combined sleek Italian design with a powerful American Ford V8 engine—offering a rare mix of European style and American muscle. Although the original company closed, the De Tomaso name has recently been revived with new concepts, keeping its legacy of exclusive, high-speed cars alive.

Other Car Brands That Start With Letter D

BrandCountry of OriginStatus / Notes
DadiChinaDefunct (ceased in 2012)
DaewooSouth KoreaDefunct (phased out in early 2000s)
DAFNetherlandsActive (truck manufacturing)
DaimlerUK / GermanyDefunct as a brand; now Mercedes‑Benz Group
DallaraItalyActive (race car chassis maker)
DareUKLikely defunct or niche
DarracqFranceDefunct (merged into Talbot in 1920s)
DartzLatvia / RussiaDefunct or minimal activity; brief revival
DatsunJapanDefunct (revived in 2013, retired again)
DauerGermanyDefunct (bankrupt in 2008)
David Brown AutomotiveUKNiche/bespoke; entered administration in Nov 2024
Davis (cyclecar)USADefunct (early 1900s)
Davis Motorcar CompanyUSADefunct (bankrupt by 1948)
De Dion‑BoutonFranceDefunct (1883–1953)
De La ChapelleFranceActive (boutique replica & sports cars)
DearccChinaDefunct / rebranded to Enovate by 2023
DecauvilleFranceDefunct (1898–1909)
DelageFranceDefunct (luxury cars, 1905–1953; name revived recently)
DelahayeFranceDefunct (1894–1954)
DenzaChinaActive (BYD-Daimler joint EV brand)
DenzelAustriaDefunct (1940s–1960s sports car maker)
DerbyFranceDefunct (1910–1936)
DerondaUKActive (Deronda Type F sports car)
DerwaysRussiaDefunct (2003–2015)
DeSotoUSADefunct (1928–1961; Chrysler brand)
Detroit ElectricUSAActive (electric vehicle brand revival)
DevauxFranceNot widely documented—likely defunct or niche
DevinUSADefunct (1970s modular kit cars)
Devon MotorworksUSADefunct (hand-crafted muscle car creators)
DiMoraUSADefunct (luxury custom-built cars mid-20th century)
Dino (Ferrari)ItalyDefunct marque (1957–1976)
DixiGermanyDefunct (BMW’s predecessor)
DKWGermanyDefunct (predecessor to Audi)
DobleUSADefunct (steam cars early 20th century)
Dok-IngCroatiaActive (specializes in electric supercars like the XD)
DomeJapanActive (prototype race car builder)
DongfengChinaActive (major state-owned automaker)
DonkervoortNetherlandsActive (hand-built sports cars)
DortUSADefunct (1920s vehicle producer)
DR Motor (DR Automobiles)ItalyActive (current Italian automaker)
DS AutomobilesFranceActive (luxury brand)
DuesenbergUSADefunct (1920–1937; luxury vehicles)
DuPontUSADefunct (1920s collector car manufacturer)
DurantUSADefunct (1921–1932)
DuryeaUSADefunct (early automobile pioneer)
DuttonUKActive (kit car maker)

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