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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  2014 Dodge Ram Quad Cab - 2014 RAM 1500
  By canoe3 - May 2 - 2:36 am

  Ive had my pickup for a few months now, approx 5,000 miles on it. Never all it seems pretty good, but there are a couple of annoying things - it was right around $30k (Im in Canada). It came without mud flaps, front tow hooks or any other trim. I understand you could get those by paying for a higher trim level, but I feel all trucks should come standard with those (they are on the F150). Aftermarket was fine though. My biggest issue is with the fuel economy, which I expected to be not great as its a v8, but its actually around 14mpg easy driving in the city, 16mpg on the highway. also, stock tires are horrible - if it rains (or aaagh - snows!) youre all over the road.

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  no more chevys after driving this - 2014 RAM 1500
  By yoyo69 - April 28 - 1:21 am

  I thought these hemi engines got poor mileage but this 4x4 gets over 20 mpg just driving back and forth to work. This truck blows away ford and chevy in every category. looks better, rides better,nicer interior with more options that come standard. Drive one if your in the market for a new truck. It sells itself, and was priced better. I did have a negative bias against the dodge truck but seeing is believing.

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  Good truck/bad rear window noise - 2012 RAM 1500
  By sumagolf - March 30 - 3:40 am

  It seems quite quick and powerful on the highway.Smooth take off from a stop and very strong accelaration.Interior is good,exterior color is quite nice.Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl.I bought the truck because off the engine and the appearance.I sell automotive paint and bodyshop supplies.My vehicle appearance is very important as I am in dealerships daily.

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  Drive this truck thoroughly before purchasing - 2011 RAM 1500
  By jclaeys - March 20 - 1:08 am

  Just traded in my 2011 Big Horn after "reluctantly driving it" for a mere 1500 miles. The new "ECO" technology is the most unrefined of any truck out there....where its Hemi shuts down 4 cyl. to "supposedly" improve gas mileage. It is course sounding and causes a fair amount of "vibration" in the underpinnings of the truck, which makes the driving experience less than pleasant. GM has this technology down pat...never noticeable. This truck is beautiful...but the gas mileage is pathetic at best....12mpg, and no, I dont have a lead foot. If you need a truck stay away from this one..the two most dreaded words you will ever hear.."its normal"

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  Good truck....almost - 2012 RAM 1500
  By zerocontact - February 20 - 9:05 pm

  I have a 2012 Ram 1500 "Express" 2 wheel drive quad cab. The truck rides superbly, has plenty of power (is actually quite quick), and is very spacious on the interior with plenty of storage and random nooks and crannys to put random things. Sound quality is good on stock stereo system and interior quality is good. HOWEVER, gas mileage is terrible (8-9 city, 13-14 highway). This is the truck for you if you love to search for gears, downshift randomly, have erratic RPMs at steady speed, idle at low RPMs to the point of the truck bogging out. I will be taking my truck to the service department with 982 miles showing on the odometer