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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Ram big horn - 2017 RAM 1500
By James - November 19 - 5:15 pmGreat truck. Looked at the silverados as a comparison but the price difference was insane. For a Silverado with less equipment than the big horn, chevy wanted almost 9k more. Im sorry but even if chevy has better resale I doubt its that high. If I wanted a comparable truck from chevy it was almost 15,000 more. Ive heard of people saying ram isnt as reliable but I believe thats a myth seeing as how everyone I talk to about rams says they love it and have never had any problems. Because of the new "knob shifter I opted for an extended warranty just in case" . The truck rides great. It seemed more smooth then the chevy and just about as quiet inside the cab. The stock stereo has great sound and the engine noise is just the right amount not too loud but it makes its presence known. The cab is huge. Crew cab has more room then our old suv. My mpg gauge tells me Im doing almost 20 mpg but the real word when I do the math its closer to 18. Overall its a great truck with great looks. Good engine. The hemi sounds awesome. One thing Ive noticed is the small ft and finish stuff where ram falls short. Little things that dont hurt the truck but makes you think "really...." definitely recommend it though.
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The Ram Express is a winner! - 2012 RAM 1500
By ramilia2012 - October 11 - 12:55 amI purchased a 2012 Dodge Ram Express in October of 2012. I fell in love at first sight, or maybe at that point it was lust. Nonetheless, within the first mile of the test drive I was in love. This truck is exceptionally smooth and POWERFULL! It is not a truck, this thing is a Race Truck! If you like having plenty of power readily accessible you will be well pleased. I have installed an aftermarket intake on my Ram and imagine it has well over 400 horsepower. The ride and overall smoothness of the truck are incredible. People comment on how smooth it is. I would highly recommend the Ram to anyone. I have gotten 19mpg on a trip to and from the mountains in NC.
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Engine Failure @ 16000 - 2011 RAM 1500
By jfwill82 - October 8 - 4:20 pmI purchased my ram new in july 2011. Up until recently it has been perfect. It has 16064 miles on it and the check engine light came on but i didnt notice any performance issues. I took it to the dealership to get scheduled in and they hooked it up to the computer and said it was only a missfire. I kept driving my truck and it only got worse. Loud knocking and backfiring and missing and valve noise. I took it back to the shop and they actually did a little bit of diagnostics on it and found the cylinder head had broke where the rocker shaft bolts to it. I have also had a grinding noise when losing traction when braking.
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The 8 speed makes this truck, along with the Interior..... - 2013 RAM 1500
By 2013laramie - September 19 - 9:07 pmI am in love with the 13 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 8speed Hemi! The engine and 8speed trans is buttery smooth and the 8 speed allows you to really harness the 400hp hemi making it VERY fun to drive. The interior is rated TOP TEN in the world versus any other vehicle on the road! Yes, it is that nice. I drove the 6.2l and Ecoboost Ford F150 and while it was good, the trans is nothing close to the 8 speed and the interior is cheesy at best. I drove the 2014 Chevy and with all the vibration and recall issues,I would not touch it with a 50ft pole, not when spending 45k+. My best advice is, dont think of this as a RAM of old, this is a completely new animal. Very Awesome! MPG is also unreal 17.5ave!!
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2012 ram express - 2012 RAM 1500
By core4 - August 24 - 1:02 amPurchased a Ram express at the end of May. I am very pleased with the ride and build quality of the interior. I used it to pull my boat this summer and was impressed with the power of the Hemi. Fuel economy pulling the boat on the hghway was about 15-16. I am very light on the throttle and can get up to 18.2 driving to work everyday. That means letting the vehicle drop below 55 when going up hills to keep the ECO system engaged. I compared it to the ford before buying and the ford has a higher towing capacity around 10,000 vs 8500 lbs for the Ram. I cant remember towing over 4,000 lbs with any truck I ever had.
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Great customer service - 2017 RAM 1500
By Carlos Sanchez-Santiago - August 2 - 11:34 amA big thanks to Jesse fakhoury and rich Nicosia for helping me get approve on my new ram truck.
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The best and worst - 2013 RAM 1500
By janix - June 30 - 9:36 amHemi. Ive owned 3 hemi vehicles: Charger, Challenger, Ram. Ive put a lot of miles on the hemi and know how reliable they are, very! Never once had an issue. Yes, they make noises such as ticking and will from day one. They are bullet proof. No burning oil, no cut-outs, lots and lots of power. In the Ram with the windows up, its very quiet. I mean VERY quiet. Compared against our Porsche Cayenne and Infinity G35; the Ram is the most Quiet, I kid you not. The ride is very smooth. This is easily our favorite car. Nothing like working hard, loading that truck up with supplies to finish our yard, and still having more power and better gas mileage than our Cayenne. Grows on you!!!
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Best in Class! - 2011 RAM 1500
By tomn04 - June 16 - 8:37 am1st full size pickup Ive owned and Im very impressed. Dodge definitely has its act together. Highly recommend. A blast to drive. Solid and great interior.
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Finally got the Ram I wanted - 2011 RAM 1500
By patrickcraven - April 29 - 1:59 pmI bought the 09 TRX4 crew cab and enjoyed the truck a lot. I didnt have any of the nice features I really wanted and being a new gen truck there were recalls to tweak this or fix that. Now that the Ram has a few years under its belt, I can tell it is much more refined and composed. I wanted chrome and 20" rims, so I opted for the Longhorn. I am extremely pleased with it. It has the center console and back up camera that is more helpful than I would have thought. Im also very happy with the factory spray in bed liner.
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2011 Longhorn Crew - Great truck for the Money! - 2011 RAM 1500
By ajh57 - April 26 - 1:34 pmThis truck delivers great looks, great ride, decent fuel economy, and real truck versatility. Job job by the Dodge boys
