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:

• 

  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.

• 

  Big Red - 2012 RAM 2500
  By Nate - November 28 - 6:18 pm

  I have the 6.7 Cummins Diesel. Love the truck. The U Connect is ahead of its time for being a 2011. Horrible MPG with the PDF and EGR system but its almost completely worth it just for the power and reliability. Need to improve the wheel well design which is a magnet for rust..... same with the frame. For the price of these trucks I think Ram could afford a rust proof frame.

• 

  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!

• 

  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.

• 

  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!

• 

  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.

• 

  Frickin great truck - 2012 RAM 2500
  By Nick Neighoff - August 1 - 8:12 am

  Has always been a great runner and has never let me down.