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:

• 

  Great to drive - 2011 RAM 1500
  By bigmiles - March 3 - 12:24 am

  Purchased used June 2010, 34K miles, now have 68K. Cons: Have heard clicking/grinding noise under pedals when traction breaks. I suspect universal to transfer case, but dealer will verify. Other issue is the Uconnect / radio, cuts out, pops, this too will be dealt with at dealer. No cabin air filter for these trucks, guess that was a cost savings from manufacturer, I installed my own in 15 min. at a cost of $28.00 great investment. Glad I purchased the warranty. Pros: Drove on vacation, I always use cruise, 19 MPG avg for trip of 2600 miles.

• 

  great preformance low gas milage - 2012 RAM 1500
  By - January 25 - 8:52 am

  bought this truck in feb 2012 it is roomy but is high off the ground makeing it a big step to get in but you addapt to it or get a step installed rides nice, but bit stiff on off road like a grass drive drive way iot will toss you left and right but on the road is great it was twichey stearing but they fixed it has the 3.93 gears and tow equipement MPG is at best 16 this with the VVD ( runs on 4, 6 or 8 cyl ) when advertised mpg is 20 big diffrence in cost to run but you can tow any thing with this and it will prefrorm when you push the pedel !

• 

  2012 Ram 1500 Express - 2012 RAM 1500
  By enriquef - January 22 - 12:53 pm

  This is pure American muscle. If you like power, reliability, comfort, mad swag, and POWER this is the truck for you. Accelerates like a sports car with the 5.7L Hemi, which means it get to 60+ mph REAL FAST. Purchased new for $18,500 (~$22,500 after tax/reg. and a 7 yr./100K mi. warranty). After 2.5 years and 35,000 mi., it still runs and feels like new. Ive taken it cross-county on business with no problems. The exterior design induces countless head-turns on the regular by truck lovers of all types. The interior is spacious. Theres plenty of room for attractive shotgun-riders.

• 

  Very Nice - 2017 RAM 1500
  By J Stamps - December 9 - 4:53 am

  The basic truck is perfect. Plenty of power, great suspension, quiet cabin, comfortable seats. Like the high ride for the ability to see far - plus less fatiguing for long trips. My only beef is the stereo. Like all FCA products, it automatically turns on each time you start. The only fix is to turn the volume all the way down rather than pushing the power button. Also, it only reads USB drives up to 4 GB (FAT32). It would not play my 64 or 128 GB NTFS-formatted USB drives. Fords are better here. Fuel economy display and other Driver Information Center functions are not intuitive (had to read the manual). Gas mileage was as advertised. Liked the outside door handles for the quad cab doors (Ford and GM require you to open the front doors to access the buried rear door handles). Great looking exterior! Under hood is an amusing sight with the 3.6 - about two feet of empty space between the radiator and engine. Still, Id take this over the Fords amped-up 2.7 with that annoying start/stop feature. Better to suffer slightly lower MPG than to feel annoyed most of the time. I never considered a Chrysler product before, but the trucks seem to have better owner reviews than the Fords and GMs. Ill probably end up buying one of these. A better truck for less money. Ill just buy and install a proper stereo from Crutchfield.

• 

  No Regrets - 2011 RAM 1500
  By tmusco265 - November 25 - 11:47 am

  To be honest the Dodge Ram wasnt a consideration for me when I was looking at trucks. My first choice was a 2011 Ford F150 FX4 with Ecoboost. Although it was a very nice truck the cost was too high even with my dads Ford discount. After seeing a friends Dodge I decided to check them out and boy am I glad I did! The ride is so much smoother and responsive than I couldve hoped for. I love everything about the truck so far (7 weeks after buying). The gas mileage of 21 hwy w/tonneau cover is amazing! My last truck was a 06 Lincoln Mark LT and this trucks blows it away in EVERY category. Also, the price was discounted about 12k from sticker price. After seeing my truck a workmate got 1.

• 

  Get the hemi, get the crew get the RAM - 2012 RAM 1500
  By tylerg4 - October 2 - 12:08 pm

  I started off test driving a ford f-150 Eco boost, well when I put that thing to the floor it didnt spin and tj felt like a Prius on wheels Then I went to the ram, I put it half way down and layed a black strip down the road. The hemi definitely has a lot of power! I also got the crew can because I have kids. The crew cab is super roomy with storage everywhere. I also got the dual exaust which is nice although I wish it was slightly louder I wont complain. Over all its a great truck but theres one major thing I hate about dodges, which is rust, I noticed a quater inch rust spot that will be fixed immediately.

• 

  Excellent Truck! - 2011 RAM 1500
  By cgt79 - July 26 - 7:46 am

  Purchased my 2011 Ram about a month ago, and I could not be happier. The truck is very comfortable and rides very nice, for a truck. The fit and finish is excellent, plenty of cubbyholes for storage and soft touch materials. The center console with bucket seats is huge and offers two levels of storage The 5.7L Hemi has plenty of power when needed and gets decent gas mileage for a full size truck (I am averaging 17.5 for mixed city/highway) and the transmission is smooth and responsive. Other than a minor issue with the brakes (sensor was mis-adjusted so the brake lights stayed on and cruise would not work) the build quality is very good.

• 

  Ram Limited 4x4 - 2012 RAM 1500
  By efs101 - June 15 - 11:01 am

  This is the first true truck(non-SUV) I"ve owned. Got it for towing, but needed something appropriate for office. Man does this thing fit the bill. Sharp and functional. Fantastic, smooth ride, and it responds almost effortlessly when you hit the accelerator. As comfortable as most luxury cars. After test driving Ford and GMC equivlents, for me this was an easy choice. This is simply a better looking, more comfortable ride. Yes I gave up a few 100 lbs towing capacity to other choices, but premium ride is worth the trade-off.

• 

  2011 Ram Hemi Express - 2011 RAM 1500
  By 2011hemiexpres - March 7 - 2:02 pm

  Bought 11 Hemi Express 2WD new at Dealership 3 mos ago.(9/2011) Was Ad truck at @ $19,500 with ST package on top of Express Package. Does not have limited slip or carpet. Has 3.21 rear gear. Have 6k miles. Typically get 16 mpg combined. High of 17.7 low of 14.2 Its been great so far, Im a big dodge fan after owing a 06 SRT8 charger & 02 2500 4wd V10 The truck is tight and lacks any rattles or moans. Hemi has lots of performance and with 5 speed auto with VVT and 2nd Gen. Cylinder De Activation its a seemless and modern power plant. Perfect platform for customizing thanks to Ram group and Stacy David of Gearz for the inspiration. Disc brakes are great and interior is quiet & comfortable.

• 

  THE Best Truck on the Market Today - Bar None!!! - 2015 RAM 1500
  By jammer10 - November 11 - 12:22 am

  I ordered my 2015 Ram 1500 Laramie, 4x4, quad cab with the V6 Pentastar motor and I have had it since February 2015. I have air suspension, Ram boxes, convenience package, sunroof, skid plates, navigation and 3.55 gears in the rear axle. I love this truck! I did a ton of research on all truck brands and it came down to this truck or the 2015 F150 with the 2.7L V6. In my opinion the configuration of this truck - the V6 Pentastar with 3.55 gears, and 4x4. Is the best drive train on the market. With 4,600 miles on the truck I am averaging 32 MPH and 19.6 miles to the gallon!!!