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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  2011 Ram 5.7L Hemi QC 4x4 SLT - 2011 RAM 1500
  By shibby927 - September 23 - 12:59 pm

  I couldnt be more impressed with this truck. So far Ive got nearly 3k miles on it. I can hardly stay out of it I enjoy driving it so much. The power is there when you need it and the fuel economy is very good for a full size truck. It looks great, and the build quality is light years ahead of the previous generation Ram. I love all of the interior amenities as well. This truck is very functional, and the ride quality is on par with some cars. The coil spring rear suspension is thing of beauty. Its a wonder that this hasnt been in a pickup before. Drove the Ford, and the Chevy and they dont even compare.

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  Still early, but "Wow." Bye-Bye F150 ! - 2014 RAM 1500
  By dallasdon - September 21 - 9:19 pm

  Coming off of three-straight F150 platforms (07 Lincoln Mark-LT, 09 Loaded Lariat, 11 Platinum) I decided to take a break, but that triumvirate set the bar high (11 Plat was the nicest half-ton I ever drove.) Well, the past is the past. This 14 Longhorn simply outclasses the Fords across the board (for now, until FoMoCo stops resting on laurels.) Gorgeous, comfortable, luxurious, powerful, intuitive technology...it has it all. The "Western" themed interior is a little over the top (a bit long on badges and saddle-stitching) but its crafted so finely, its hard to say that theres something else youd prefer.) Heres the new bar for Ford, Chevy and Toyota to jump over. Good luck boys!

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  My First Dodge - 2013 RAM 1500
  By btobdan - September 4 - 3:51 pm

  Being my first truck I had no known expectations. I checked out the Ford F150, The GMC, The Chevy Silverado, Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan. Dodge was not even on my list. After reviewing the trucks above I decided it was between GMC and Ford. On the way home from test driving the Ford for a second time I pulled into the Dodge dealership and was introduced to the Dodge Ram 1500 Big Horn Quad Cab. Even before I test drove it I was immediately impressed with the features and the overall impression that the trucks interior was much larger and wider than the other trucks. The I took it for a test drive and once again I was amazed at the difference in comfort this truck has in comparison.

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  Almost Perfect - 2012 RAM 1500
  By qmg - July 15 - 11:36 pm

  Ive had my 2012 Ram 1500 Quad Cab "Outoorsman" for just about a year now. Without a doubt the most comfortable and well appointed vehicle Ive ever owned. Absolutely no issues that sometimes plague new cars. Car like ride on the road, very quiet for a big truck, yet very capable off road. The off road ride is head and shoulders above any other full size truck. A bit on the expensive side for a truck but all vehicles seem to be excessively priced these days. Gas mileage on the 5.7L Hemi obviously isnt that great but you dont buy a full size truck if fuel economy is priority #1

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  Ram 1500 - 2015 RAM 1500
  By freeza_143 - July 10 - 3:00 am

  Recently bought a 2015 Ram 1500 crew cab with a V6. I ordered it especially with everything I wanted and did not want. This truck with the V6 is powerful with outstanding gas mileage.

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  Best in class - build quality and ride - 2011 RAM 1500
  By My New Hemi! - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Finish and build quality are great. The ride is superior to competitors I tested in class. I drove them all before committing. This truck is solid, powerful, and has minimal body roll. For the price with options - best bang for the buck. Also, very cool to watch the digital mpg increase dramatically anytime you are cruising at a constant speed for a bit and the eco light will seamlessly kick in to limit fuel injection to only 4 cylinders. Averaging 16.0 mpg with 66% around town driving under 35mph.

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  Love my Ram R/T - 2011 RAM 1500
  By maddogthegreat - May 15 - 6:26 am

  Lots of power, good gas mileage (16-21) and a beautiful truck. Whats not to love? I take 10 hour trips and this truck is a joy to drive.

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  Much Better Truck than my Old Tradesman - 2016 RAM 1500
  By Jeff Lawton - January 14 - 12:33 pm

  Mostly my comparison is to the 2012 Trades I had before purchasing the Sport. I saw this blacked out optioned truck on the lot and fell in love with it. It looks great and I get lots of compliments! The bucket seats are far more comfortable than in the Tradesman. Acceleration off the line isn’t as good due to the higher gearing in this specific Sport. The new 8 speed tranny is so much better than the old 6 speed. Very smooth shifting, very little of it trying to find the right gear. The 6 speed in the Tradesman was always clunking around, always looking for the right gear to be in. I didn’t like the way it shifted from the beginning and did have to take it in at 65K to have transmission work on it. I was really nervous about the warranty running out and having to pay for a new tranny. But I got the lifetime power train warranty on the new truck which was the primary reason for going back to the Ram. Gas mileage has been in the 17-18 MPG range. Although I live in a hilly area I still cant imagine getting 21 MPG. The Uconnect system can be a little distracting. The high beams are awesome. The truck came with a big subwoofer that sits under the passenger side rear seat and takes up 2/3rds of the rear under seat storage. With 700 miles on it I am loving it!

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  Very unhappy - 2012 RAM 1500
  By unhappy109 - January 11 - 1:53 pm

  Well I have a 2012 ram 1500 with 48000km on it was very pleased with it up until 2 days ago. When I hit a bump doing 40km breaking the lower control arm at the ball joint. I had it towed to the dealership where it was purchase after they took pictures of the broken arm and the rest of the damage done to the truck emailing them of to a engineer. They called me back telling me that I must have be mudding and they will not cover the damage to the truck. At this point I am very upset with the way they have treated this situation and made up there own story of what happened. Witch is not one bit true leaving me with a 4000 bill the truck will be fixed and I will be going back to chev.

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  2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Express 4x4 Quad w/ Hemi - 2013 RAM 1500
  By jason134 - December 30 - 5:32 am

  Drove 2013 f150 STX 4x4 ext cab, 7k discount, priced at $27k. Decent truck but kinda cheap interior, just felt it was overall average. Toyota wasnt even close asking 33k for similar equipped truck as ford. And Toyota doesnt discount! Poo poo to them, their vehicles have had lots of issues lately and Tundra is dated. Dodge had the quad express hemi 4x4 discounted 11k down to 24k! Drove it and felt more refined, smooth ride, powerful and great interior. Honestly has everything needed. Navigation, leather, and backup camera are really the only things missing in the express. I get 18mpg combined driving too! No Joke! Friend has ecoboost f150 and he cant get 18mpg and he doesnt have a hemi!