Overview & Reviews

For decades, the Ram was Dodge's iconic full-size pickup. Starting in 2011, however, parent company Chrysler decided to make the Ram name an actual brand. So, yes, this truck's name is now just Ram, with 1500 added on to specify its status as the half-ton truck in the lineup. There are 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty models as well.

Current Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is a full-size truck offered in three body styles -- regular cab, extended cab ("Quad Cab") and crew cab. The regular cab can be had with either a 6-foot-4-inch bed or an 8-foot version. The extended cab comes only with the 6-foot-4 bed. The Ram's crew cab model provides the most interior room but comes only with a 5-foot-7-inch bed.

There are three trim levels: base ST, midlevel SLT and top-shelf Laramie. The ST is pretty basic, but you still get air-conditioning and a full complement of safety features including stability control, antilock brakes and side curtain airbags. Naturally, moving up to the SLT or Laramie will get you more standard equipment. Notable options include "RamBox" storage bins mounted on the sides of the bed, a TRX off-road package and rear entertainment and navigation systems.

For engines, the Ram 1500 starts out with a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 215 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic is standard. The standard engine on the four-wheel-drive Ram ST and all SLT models is a 4.7-liter V8 coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission. Output is a healthy 310 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. Standard on the Laramie trim and optional on the SLT is a 5.7-liter V8 with a five-speed auto. Output is 390 hp and 407 lb-ft of torque.

In reviews, we've found that this truck excels as a daily-use pickup. A major contributor to this is the truck's coil-spring rear suspension, which significantly enhances ride quality over broken pavement. Another benefit is the roomy and well-appointed interior. The crew cab's rear seat is very comfortable, offering loads of legroom and an agreeable seatback rake. There's also lots of storage space, and the optional RamBox storage bins are pretty cool, though in testing we've found them to be lacking in terms of durability. On the road, the Ram 1500 provides plenty of grunt for towing and hauling when fitted with either V8; the underpowered V6 should be avoided.

Used Ram 1500 Models
The new Ram 1500 name came into being for 2011. In reality, though, it's just the next model year of what was formerly the fourth-generation Dodge Ram. For more information on the Dodge version and its previous generations, please read our Dodge Ram review.

User Reviews:

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  See Guss at Dick hannah - 2017 RAM 1500
  By Robert - May 7 - 3:00 pm

  I had a great buying experience with Guss and Aladdin from Dick hannah. The 4X4 truck handles well and has excellent fuel economy. The truck also has great acceleration for a 6 cylinder. The options are also an excellent value for the cost of the vehicle, it is loaded, including:back-up camera, lots of chrome trim, tilt wheel, alloy rims, spray in bed liner and 1 year XM radio. The gear selector knob is also a great feature and easy to use. The only complaint I have is getting the right seat adjustment because the manual controls are not as precise as electric. I enjoy driving the truck, working with the truck and looking forward to many years with it.

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  2013 Laramie Longhorn - 2013 RAM 1500
  By bparisi - March 28 - 11:47 pm

  Beautiful and comfortable, purchased as executive transport and winter vehicle. Handling in snow is excellent with 4WD Auto.

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  Hard To Beat - 2014 RAM 1500
  By mitchselect - January 24 - 12:49 am

  Although its hard to go go wrong with any full size truck these days except for maybe the Nissan Titan, the initial impression of my new Ram seems to be just a little bit better all around. Even if you have been a "hater" in the past, which many of us are, and for good reason, i strongly urge you to at least test drive one and give it a fair chance. You wont be disappointed. I found it to be the best performing, arguably the best looking, best optioned and with current rebates it was the cheapest. It is my belief that Ram Dodge Fiat (whatever) is trying to make a statement with this truck and in my opinion has done so! although i gave reliability a 5, only time will tell. GIVE RAM A CHANCE!

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  Ram 1500 First 3 Months 26 to 1750 miles. - 2012 RAM 1500
  By flatchewlant - October 9 - 11:03 am

  2012 Ram 1500 | Tradesman | 4.7L 4x4 std bed | Towing package. After doing three months of research, I chose Ram. Got a great deal with MFR rebates and additional money off. Would have like to go with Ford but it was out of my price range. I do love my Ram and chose the most basic with the least amount of bling. I really just wanted a truck to move, pull and do general truck stuff. Got tired of hauling firewood with my minivan... maybe you saw my butt draggin along the highway?? lol! No More :) Looks impressive in Black! Interior is nice, seats are comfortable. I have a light foot :Mileage 16 city and about 20 hwy. I try not to hit it hard, but it will move when I need it to.

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  2011 1500 Big Horn - 2011 RAM 1500
  By 1timmy - September 26 - 7:42 pm

  I absolutely love my 2011 1500 Big Horn! This is my 3rd Dodge truck (1995, 2003)! I was crazy about my 03 SLT, but this one may the best of the bunch! It rides awesome and had more that enough power! Great look...great gas mileage and very comfortable. Drove it over 800 miles the first day. This truck has just the right amount of chrome! Im to see that Dodge is still changing the rules! A++

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  EcoDiesel is the "Real Deal" - 2014 RAM 1500
  By theov - September 3 - 12:48 am

  The 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is a machine worth purchasing. I have driven the truck for 2,500 miles and I am totally impressed with the interior ride and quality and the fuel mileage (25 to 30 mpg). The truck has great storage compartments to fit my tools, bikes, boys baseball stuff, and suitcases. I have not yet towed my Wrangler for 4x4 excursions, but I am sure it is up to the task. Mileage is phenomenal, around town I am in the 21-23 mpg range, on the highway around 26-27 at 75 mph or 30 to 31 at around 67-69 mph. This is tested and verified by me. The interior is quiet, 1st class, and the hands free system is excellent.

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  Best looking pickup out there (IMHO) - 2013 RAM 1500
  By ishepperd - August 29 - 3:07 am

  Im not a pickup guy but theyve gotten so much nicer over the last 10 years that I reconsidered. Im also a Ford guy and swore Id never by a Chrysler product. But the Ram 1500 has great styling and features across the whole line. The Longhorn is just nicer looking than the tip-top F150 Limited. Head-turning styling with rugged good looks outside, and a luxury car interior.

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  Drove a lot of Trucks before buying this one - 2016 RAM 1500
  By Eric Wallis - June 9 - 8:16 pm

  Far and away the best interior and loaded with features. I feel like I am driving a BMW but its a truck!

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  ECO Mode is terrible but great ride. - 2011 RAM 1500
  By dvp16 - May 19 - 12:06 pm

  Great ride, smooth, quick. Nice interior, better than Fords. The bad- the ECO mode or MDS that cuts the engine to four cylinders to save fuel is terrible. Runs rough, sputters despite program flash from dealer. I had a 2011 Jeep with the same engine and the MDS switch was flawless. So this must be a "Ram" problem. Check out some Ram forums and see the complaints about the ECO and MDS before purchasing. Drivers are placing the transmission in 5th gear to keep the MDS from engaging. I guess we know why Ram sales continue to fall. Chrysler will not listen to the owners.

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  New Truck! - 2016 RAM 1500
  By Rob H - May 6 - 10:57 am

  Just purchased this truck recently. So far, its awesome!