Overview & Reviews

Ram is a recently formed subdivision of Chrysler. Its lineup consists chiefly of full-size pickups that were formerly called Dodge Rams. This offshoot brand was created in 2009 as part of a reorganization by Fiat, Chrysler's new owner, to increase awareness for the company's trucks. It all became official for the 2011 model year. The slightly renamed vehicles didn't change, and as such Ram trucks and vehicles are well suited for both work and play.

The Ram name itself was first used back in 1981 on Dodge's then-redesigned pickup trucks. Previously, Dodge pickups had more typical (and mundane) naming conventions, with a letter indicating drivetrain, and numbers indicating capacity. For example, a Dodge D150 was a two-wheel-drive ("D"), half-ton ("150") pickup, whereas a Dodge W150 was a four-wheel-drive ("W") half-ton pickup.

Though the Dodge Ram offered cab styles (standard and extended), powertrain options (inline-6,, V8, turbodiesel) and features similar to its Ford and Chevy competitors, it always trailed them in the sales race. A complete redesign for 1994 gave the Ram pickup line a huge boost in image and popularity. The aggressive styling -- featuring a big-rig-style grille and flared fenders -- was a huge factor in the Ram's increased appeal. Highlights for this generation included the debut of the popular Quad Cab with its reverse-opening rear doors that eased the loading of passengers and cargo. The Quad Cab (along with more luxury features) also signified the ever increasing use of pickup trucks as daily drivers and family vehicles.

Another redesign of the Ram pickup took place for 2002 (2003 for the heavy-duty models), giving sharper edges to the truck's already macho styling, which was backed up with the debut of the burly 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The current version of the Ram 1500 was introduced for 2009, boasting a much-improved interior as well as a unique coil-spring rear suspension. The latter offers notably more refined handling and ride characteristics compared to the more traditional leaf-spring setup used on the Ram's rivals.

In addition to the popular full-size Ram pickup lineup detailed above, the Ram brand also incorporates the midsize Dakota pickup as well as the Dodge Grand Caravan-based Ram C/V (Cargo Van).

User Reviews:

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  My RAM 1500 diesel - 2016 RAM 1500
  By Fritz - July 14 - 5:51 pm

  This is a wonderful truck. Improvements in the entry area could be made for the taller person, I am 62". The height of the door could be 2 inches higher to accommodate this. On the same token the seats could be an inch or so deeper for the same reason. This truck drives and rides amazing. The engine is quiet and responsive as is the steering. I have not had the vehicle long enough for any repairs and it has not been back to the dealer in the first 6 weeks for any issues.

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  2012 Ram 3500 Laramie Crew Cab 6 spd Auto - 2012 RAM 3500
  By atvdude - June 16 - 12:49 am

  Traded off a 2008 Ram 3500 Mega Cab for a 2012 Ram 3500 Crew Cab. Huge improvement over the 2008. Interior quality is much better. Seats are very comfortable and good for long road trips, leather quality is excellent. Audio system sounds great. Very quiet for a diesel and more quiet than the 2008. Feature overload, still have not figured them all out yet.

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  2011 Ram 1500 ST - 2011 RAM 1500
  By blueram1500 - June 2 - 8:38 pm

  My 2002 S10 was on its last legs and I realized it was time to trade in for something new. The purchase of the Ram came down to one simple need: Value. I come from a Ford family. My dads employment enables me to get the some of the best discounts that Ford offers. I have always loved the F-150 and was planning on buying one. Dodge won me over not only with their newer design on the Ram but also with their promises of renewed quality (backed by a pretty good warranty). That and the Ram was $5k cheaper than Ford AFTER all of my discounts. After a month of driving, I have none of the typically reported Chrysler drivetrain problems to speak of... Knock on wood.

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  Broke from day 1 - 2013 RAM 2500
  By youknow1 - May 16 - 3:23 am

  Picked up my new RAM2500 6.7 Cumuins Diesel then drove to a gas to fill it up. When I started the truck up after getting fuel the radio would turn back on and the digital portion of the dash froze. Drove to the dealer to have it repaired. They found the radio faulty and told me it was on back order with no ETA. I contacted Dodges 800 customer line the 2nd week and was given a case manager. The case manager informed as well the radio was on back order and that they have no ETA either. I am now entering my third week without any word of when it will be repaired. Ive purchased several new cars in my life and this will be the last "Dodge"

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  First vehicle I have had in years. - 2011 RAM 1500
  By olddirt - April 27 - 2:50 am

  I have just under 8k on the truck and runs great smooth and the econmy gets better daily. It seems to get better milage above 65 mph than below. I have had no issues with the truck. I have asked for help with some of the options like phone link. but this is this the vehicle Ive ever had it in. I have owned a number of other trucks from 1/2 ton to Mack dump trucks and cars from shelbys show qualty jeeps. and I was as happy as I am with this truck.

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  Best truck for the money - 2013 RAM 1500
  By zaretroc - April 20 - 8:46 am

  I purchased this model in 9/13. This truck has the 3.7 6 cylinder mated to to Rams 8 speed automatic with active grill shutters which automatically close at highway speeds for economy. Its rated at 17 city, and 25 hwy. I have never gotten less than 20mpg in the city! The ride is smooth and comfortable, the design beats the domestic rivals hands down in looks and driveability. I got my Tradesman with power windows, locks, satellite radio, cruise, remote tail gate locking, tow package, bedliner etc for under 23,000. Guys you wont find a nicer better looking, and driving truck for this amount. I give it 5 stars. Plus free 5yr roadside assistance and 100k power train warranty

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  Love My Ram - 2013 RAM 1500
  By lacoydr1 - April 15 - 7:57 pm

  Last week I bought a Ram Express 1500 Crew Cab with the Hemi and 3.92 rear end. It rides like a dream! I only have 500 miles on it, but got 19.3 miles per gallon on a 150 mile round trip. Average between city / highway is 17.4 mpg in the first week. Not bad for a 395 hp V8. I didnt try Ford because I just couldnt justify the price difference. Already own on GM product and it has been in the shop more times than I care to mention. Plus the V8 just doesnt have any balls compared to the Hemi. I am hoping this truck will pull my 6000 TT with ease. Already installed a BedRug and Access Tonneau cover. Also hoping it is reliable. But first wekk has been great. Rock on Ram!

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  2012 Ram 3500 Mega cab - 2012 RAM 3500
  By nosboyracing - February 21 - 10:39 pm

  Best truck that Ive ever owned.. Drives like a Cadillac on the Highway.. Really Bad gas mileage ( diesel fuel),, but,, I kinda knew that would be the result of a truck weighing 8000 lbs! Comfortable on long trips. I took it to Las Vegas pulling a 7000lb racecar trailer down Route 66 and it got around 9 to 10 Miles per Gallon... Diesel fuel is Cheaper than gasoling for the first time in 4 years,,, So,, Im enjoying a little reprieve.. I change the oil and filter every 3000 miles with Mobil Delvac and Genuine Mopar filters... Hopefully it will last a while... Had trouble with my 2009 2500 Blowing black smoke around 80,000 miles,, So I traded it in for this 2012 Duallie.

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  worried - 2012 RAM 1500
  By phatdad - December 31 - 8:06 pm

  After owning fords for 22 years I bought this Ram 1500. I love the power and the interior features. Worried about floppy rear windows that rattle when down. It also shudders between 35-45 mph when not accelerating hard. With slight gas pedal the truck feels like its in the wrong gear. It feels like my f-150 that dropped a coil.

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  Nice Truck pour gas mileage - 2012 RAM 1500
  By rvaughnp1 - December 18 - 12:23 pm

  Really nice truck. For this model and price, i couldnt Ford or Chevy to come close as far as the amenities. I wish I had Ford Sync, and maybe some more gauges, i.e. oil, etc. I was not pleased with Chevy, unless you got into the higher lines (packages). The motor is so impressive. It is nothing to pass a vehicle on the highway. Watch the brakes on a 100 mph pass if you find yourself jumping back in between cars. I experienced a little swervy swervy in the front. The 4 wheel drive works great. The only issue I have noticed with the trans is that 1st gear extends a bit and releases abruptly. I have not realized any of the previous issues from the previous post except for the mileage.