Overview & Reviews

Ram is a recently formed subdivision of Chrysler. Its lineup consists chiefly of full-size pickups that were formerly called Dodge Rams. This offshoot brand was created in 2009 as part of a reorganization by Fiat, Chrysler's new owner, to increase awareness for the company's trucks. It all became official for the 2011 model year. The slightly renamed vehicles didn't change, and as such Ram trucks and vehicles are well suited for both work and play.

The Ram name itself was first used back in 1981 on Dodge's then-redesigned pickup trucks. Previously, Dodge pickups had more typical (and mundane) naming conventions, with a letter indicating drivetrain, and numbers indicating capacity. For example, a Dodge D150 was a two-wheel-drive ("D"), half-ton ("150") pickup, whereas a Dodge W150 was a four-wheel-drive ("W") half-ton pickup.

Though the Dodge Ram offered cab styles (standard and extended), powertrain options (inline-6,, V8, turbodiesel) and features similar to its Ford and Chevy competitors, it always trailed them in the sales race. A complete redesign for 1994 gave the Ram pickup line a huge boost in image and popularity. The aggressive styling -- featuring a big-rig-style grille and flared fenders -- was a huge factor in the Ram's increased appeal. Highlights for this generation included the debut of the popular Quad Cab with its reverse-opening rear doors that eased the loading of passengers and cargo. The Quad Cab (along with more luxury features) also signified the ever increasing use of pickup trucks as daily drivers and family vehicles.

Another redesign of the Ram pickup took place for 2002 (2003 for the heavy-duty models), giving sharper edges to the truck's already macho styling, which was backed up with the debut of the burly 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The current version of the Ram 1500 was introduced for 2009, boasting a much-improved interior as well as a unique coil-spring rear suspension. The latter offers notably more refined handling and ride characteristics compared to the more traditional leaf-spring setup used on the Ram's rivals.

In addition to the popular full-size Ram pickup lineup detailed above, the Ram brand also incorporates the midsize Dakota pickup as well as the Dodge Grand Caravan-based Ram C/V (Cargo Van).

User Reviews:

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  2016 RAM ECODIESEL - 2016 RAM 1500
  By Chris Conklin - March 30 - 6:28 pm

  I have owned my ECODIESEL RAM 1500 for 4 years. I have never met another owner who has been satisfied with this truck. I should have taken it as an omen. Instead, I thought it was just that they wanted to see the big C on the side of their fenders. But before I hit 34,000 on my own ecodiesel truck, the engine seized. I had it towed back to the dealer thinking this was probably not the case being that it has been an excellent running truck. The bad news hit for me and I received a 16,000 dollar estimate on a new engine, or 15,000 for a rebuild engine. My truck isn't worth over 25,000. My powertrain warranty grace period had expired three weeks earlier for 5 years and the dealer or FCA would not cover this replacement. Please take my experience as a sign and do not buy a RAM ECODIESEL. Do your research on how often these fail. Do not make the 16,000 dollar mistake with not getting a Cummins or a Hemi, or completely different manufacturer altogether.

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  Broke from day 1 - 2013 RAM 2500
  By youknow1 - May 16 - 3:23 am

  Picked up my new RAM2500 6.7 Cumuins Diesel then drove to a gas to fill it up. When I started the truck up after getting fuel the radio would turn back on and the digital portion of the dash froze. Drove to the dealer to have it repaired. They found the radio faulty and told me it was on back order with no ETA. I contacted Dodges 800 customer line the 2nd week and was given a case manager. The case manager informed as well the radio was on back order and that they have no ETA either. I am now entering my third week without any word of when it will be repaired. Ive purchased several new cars in my life and this will be the last "Dodge"

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  Worst Decision Ive Ever Made. - 2012 RAM 2500
  By rlemmens - November 13 - 1:23 pm

  First of all, when I bought this truck brand new in 2012, I loved it. For 93,000 I drove it around and honestly didnt think there was a better truck on the road. I bought the top of the line Laramie Longhorn Megacab 4x4 with the diesel. The engine worked great, and pulled anything. There was an issue here and there, but when you put so many luxury features in a truck, little things are going to break. However, when my drivetrain broke, Chrysler refused to cover it under the warranty, even with the service records. The damage caused was so severe (more than $30k) that my insurance had to total the vehicle. Dealing with the warranty claims department took months, and they were useless.

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  Still in the shop - 2011 RAM 2500
  By harv67 - April 30 - 7:19 am

  If you drive in dusty conditions know ac condenser plugged in 6 mths. But biggest problem has been electrical, flasher and dome light goes on and off for no reason. Truck has been at Dodge dealer for close to 2 mths and we still do not have an eta.

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  Transmission Leaking Day 1 - 2014 RAM 1500
  By emmerth - October 17 - 2:36 am

  I purchased this 1500 9-1-14 to replace my aging Titan (10 years old). The dealership was offering some great incentives for the holiday and the truck seemed to be rated pretty good so I thought it was a no-brainer. Until, I took it over my friends house (concrete driveway) and he informed me that I leaked transmission fluid all over it. I then looked under the truck and sure enough, it was leaking. Well, it has been to the dealer 4 times now and they still are having trouble fixing it. It is now at the dealer again. When they picked it up this morning, it had 1568 miles on it and most of them are from them doing test drives. Contact Chrysler support yesterday and waiting them...

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  Buyer beware - 2014 RAM 3500
  By wendymh - August 12 - 7:24 pm

  This truck has been back and forth to the shop since it was 3 days old. The motor uses oil has since about 4500 miles, radio is going out has been since the truck was maybe 2 months old, the side bar step on the drivers side is falling apart cruise control is out has an open recall that has not been done been in the shop twice since parts were made available, back window leaks water traction control out abs system works sometimes fender flares are falling off brake controller out has been for 3 months been replaced twice cooling unit light comes on has a lag in the motor tires are wore out have been since 12000 miles lag vibration motor sounds like its gonna blow