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:

• 

  Cross-Shopped with Ford, Loved the Ram - 2012 RAM 1500
  By notafraid11 - July 11 - 3:52 am

  After extensive shopping for a full-sized truck - mainly comparing it with the Ford F-150 XLT, I chose the Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4x4 Big Horn. It had the perfect mix of features I wanted (back-up camera, navigation) without having to have features I didnt necessarily want to pay for (leather, two-tone paint) that are available in the higher trim lines. Had to jump up to higher trim lines to get these features in the Ford. I also like the look of the Ram better than the Ford (as most seem to), and like its power delivery versus the Ford as well - EcoBoost in the Ford was not very smooth. This is an excellent truck - very high quality, great power, and a great mix of useful mid-line features.

• 

  Great Truck, Horrible Air Conditioning - 2011 RAM 1500
  By cbonomo - June 26 - 7:52 pm

  I love everything about this truck, but it is unfortunately ruined by inferior air conditioning. I have had it back to the dealership three times and they tell me it is working as per spec, but also agree that the spec is inadequate. FYI, the spec is to blow air at 20 degrees below the outside temperature. I can tell you that if the outside temperature hits 79 degrees or greater, you need to roll down the windows, or you will sweat in the car. The dealership has tested my 2011 a/c performance against older models and they claim that the older models work better. There is nothing that can be done about it. It is a design flaw that ruins the truck.

• 

  what a truck ! - 2011 RAM 1500
  By onoffroad - June 23 - 4:56 am

  Brought a new 2011 Ram SLT Quad 4x4 with 5.7 and 3.92 axle ratio !Got it for towing travel trailer and every day use !Got at "Great price"! Said would never buy a Dodge , but research was worth it ! Got back today from 204 mile trip,temp.95degrees,driving 67MPH.Read out said avg.21,checked 10.2 gal.[20 MPG] with air [AC] on ! People this is a 8cy. 4x4 with towing axle ! Only had the truck 10 days ! It has the works, like back-up camera,touch this and touch that !!!

• 

  2017 Ram 1500 tradesman crew cab - 2017 RAM 1500
  By Ronald Keillor - May 6 - 9:23 am

  Going for cargo room in the bed and comfort room in the cab - got the best of both with the no frills Tradesman

• 

  Used 2011 Ram 1500 Quad - 2011 RAM 1500
  By jbredbug - March 9 - 6:41 pm

  I bought a 2011 used Ram 1500 Quad (SLT). Ive had it 8 weeks now, so Im still in the "honeymoon stage". That said; so far its a great truck. The ride is exceptional in the front seats. The rear seat is cramped (its a quad not a crew). The quad has more bed length. I have the 4.7, not the Hemi (5.7). On the highway, I get 22mph. With easy city driving, Im avg. 17 (with the AC off). It has a quiet, smooth ride. The quality apppears to be there inside and out. I have not towed with it yet.

• 

  Happy 2012 4X4 Laramie 1500 Owner - 2012 RAM 1500
  By rimo - December 30 - 1:28 am

  I own a 2004 Ford F-150, a 2008 Ram 1500 Big Horn and now a 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie. All three of the vehicles are 4-wheel drive. The Fords reliability has been poor to say the least and has cost me a fortune to maintain, including a new engine. Neither of my Ram trucks have ever required any work other than routine maintenance. After 90,000 miles the 2008 is as solid and beautiful as the day I bought it. My 2012 is amazing in all aspects: interior, ride qualtity, power, fuel economy and fit and finish. The new Chrysler CEO is considered the best in the industry, and it certainly shows with this vehicle.

• 

  Thoroughly Drive This Beast Before You Buy - 2011 RAM 1500
  By jclaeys - November 22 - 3:21 pm

  If you dont mind a "growly" engine and a vibration in the undercarriage in the "constantly seeking eco mode"..this is your truck. If you dont mind poor sight lines over the fenders, this is your truck..if you dont mind poor gas mileage, ( and, Im talking 11mpg pure city and 16mpg max on long trips), this is your truck. If you dont mind poor paint quality, and poor customer service at the dealership, this is your truck. Never mind the deal youre going to get....it will cost you dearly when you go to sell it a few months later, when you dont enjoy even driving it anymore.

• 

  2012 ram 1500 4x4 laramie - 2012 RAM 1500
  By badbilly62 - November 5 - 5:17 pm

  i traded in a 2009 ram 2500 ctd,before that a ford f-150 xlt and this ram 1500 stands head and shoulders above them in ride quality.

• 

  Love my Ram pickup! - 2014 RAM 1500
  By chris303 - October 26 - 7:20 pm

  I bought my Ram 1500 new in November of 13. After 26,000 miles, I can report only 1 repair (oil pressure sending unit fixed under warranty). Gas mileage on a recent trip from Wisconsin to Florida varied from 20.5 to 25 mpg. My Tradesman trimmed truck came with so much standard equipment, I dont know why anybody would need to spend more! This truck rides and handles like a big American sedan. The 8 speed automatic works great, though I have caught it napping at times when kicked down. My only complaint is I wish the seats had lumbar support for my middle-aged lower back, but I suppose the higher trim levels may. Its no surprise Ram won Motor Trend truck of the year twice!

• 

  WOW - 2011 RAM 1500
  By ny99 - October 21 - 4:06 am

  This is the first pickup truck that Ive owned and I couldnt be more impressed. I never thought Id buy a Dodge, but I took a test drive after reading all the positive reviews and I was blown away. The ride is incredibly smooth, even over rough terrain, and the acceleration with the Hemi is effortless. The interior is comfortable, and loaded with features that make driving this truck a blast. Ive just reached 9000 miles without any issues and I have absolutely no regrets about this purchase. Nice job Dodge!