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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  75k and going - 2011 RAM 1500
  By mrish - November 25 - 3:57 pm

  Im just now hitting 75k miles on my 11 Outdoorsman. It has been completely reliable to date. No issues to report at all. the only thing Ive done is change the oil, air filter, and plugs. Which by the way, has to be changed every 30k miles and there are 16 of them. I have a 30 travel trailer that weighs in at 6400# and it tows it great. I use it as my daily driver and it is absolutely comfortable. MPG is about 17, mostly interstate.

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  This is a luxury truck, not a job site truck - 2013 RAM 1500
  By eichler34 - November 21 - 5:15 am

  Ive got 8000 miles on my truck now, its white with gold two tone, with the cattle tan interior. I intentionally avoided the laser etched filigree seats as to me, it would have been too much country. Options I have are the 8 speed rotary dial transmission, the multi-level air suspension, Rambox storage, and each of those options to me are an absolute necessity when getting this top of the line model.

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  Awesome experience!! - 2013 RAM 1500
  By tyler_lopes - November 6 - 1:29 am

  If you want a truck this is the truck to get! First off whats better than a hemi?! This is most fun Ive ever had driving a vehicle in my life and Ive also owned a charger. Its definitely a truck that I would buy more than once and I could drive it for years.

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  The Ram has come a long way. - 2014 RAM 1500
  By velvet69 - October 20 - 10:28 pm

  I just upgraded from a Toyota Tacoma, and I love this truck. Its like riding in a luxury car with all the amenities, but its still a truck. I cant wait to start hauling and towing stuff. I love this truck!

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  2012 Big Horn 1500 - 2012 RAM 1500
  By tbarkley - August 19 - 10:45 pm

  Ive had my 1500 for 2 months now and love it. Its a 2012 1500 "Big Horn" Crew Cab with a 5.7 HEMI. It has all the power in the world, smooth, comfortable ride, all the features I need plus more. I have not had a moments trouble with it. My only complaint is that Im too short to reach over the bed sides from the ground very well (Im 59").

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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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  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!