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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  Pretty darn nice - 2012 RAM 3500
  By pb58 - December 25 - 6:23 am

  After being a power-stroke guy for many years I made the switch to ram. Very glad I did. I have the Laramie package and it is pure luxury...truck or not. Uconnect works excellent, I have the 730n. High quality leather, great sound system, quite ride, more power than I will probably ever need...and I pull heavy equipment. Lumbar support is outstanding. M.P.G,s are not horrible for a 1 ton with this much power, I can get it down to about 14 if I drive hard, normal driving gets me about 18-19. Towing 14000# gets about 10. Call quality on Bluetooth is excellent. Took about 3 minutes to pair my iPhone and download the phone book. Absolutely no buyers remorse...love it. Would do it again!!

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  2500 ST 6.7L Diesel 4X4 Automatic (for some reason, this was not an option on the *Model list) - 2011 RAM 2500
  By jdean2900 - December 10 - 11:52 pm

  Up to this point, the truck has been great. The only issue I have had so far is the O2 sensor acted up, activating the "check engine" light. Once replaced, I experienced no further issues with it. It has a ton of power and torque. The interior layout is ergonomical and comfortable. The ride is quiet and smooth. In fact, people frequently comment about how quiet it is for a diesel truck. It brakes well considering its size and weight. I use this truck both on and off road, and so far it has performed admirably. Overall, a great value.

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  Maintenance Costs Astronomical - 2011 RAM 2500
  By bfiske - November 14 - 11:18 pm

  Just got back from the dealer, oil change and fuel filter change $190.00 the cost to change the fuel filter is $100!! they told me the cost of the filter is $65!!! Unbelievable, but absolutely true!!

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  New Truck Just Quit - 2013 RAM 1500
  By qaz2 - November 3 - 9:01 pm

  We bought the RAM 1500 in Feb 2013. It ran great for 9000 miles, averaging 22 mpg city/25 mpg highway. On a trip to the Florida Keys, the "check engine" symbol was displayed flashing and the truck automatically shut down while we were traveling at 60 mph on a busy highway. VERY unsafe condition. We finally were towed to a dealership. They replaced an ignition coil. Five miles later it happened again. Had to get towed once again. Dealership found that it was a short in the wiring bundle. Problem finally fixed. Overall cost to us - $400 (rental cars, hotels, etc.). Called RAM to see if they would provide some compensation, and they said sorry about that. Nice support there.

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  4th Dodge Ram in 8 years - 2014 RAM 1500
  By houdini1957 - February 24 - 4:56 pm

  I should be doing a commercial for Arrigo as this is the 6 vehicle I have purchased from them in 8 years. I had a 06 Ram 1500. Traded it for a 09 Ram 1500. I didnt like the truck. Loved the way it looked, hated the way it road. Talked to John Arrigo during my first oil change and I ended up buying a new (leftover) 08 3500 Diesel Dually. Loved the truck but wasnt using it for the things it was intended for enough. Sold it. Just purchased this truck a few months ago. Got the basic Tradesman with the 5.7 liter Hemi. Great truck! Pulls my 6x12 enclosed trailer with my HD Road King and gear like nothing is behind it at all. Quiet, well put together and made for work.

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  2011 dodge ram - 2011 RAM 1500
  By jarhead83 - February 16 - 12:57 am

  I have had my truck for 3 months have about 4700 miles on it truck gets good mileage 16-21 5.7 hemi 4x2 slt bighorn but for the bad news the truck has been in the shop 4 times since I have had it 2 for the paint 2 for my power back glass leaking still do not know if it is fixed waiting a few days to wash again but know it will be going back as soon as the shop opens go in this morning it started and no gauges worked windshield wipers came on and would not cut off windows will not roll down radio will only cut off if you turn it off even with switch off so this will make 5 times in 3 months of which I owned the truck I like the look the power but man at the problems Im having

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  Beware - 2013 RAM 1500
  By rexer - August 19 - 4:35 am

  I bought a brand new 2013 RAM 1500 and must admit that it was my first brand new purchase for a vehicle. I got a couple blocks away from the dealership when all of a sudden steam and smoke started pouring out from under the hood. I looked down at the temp guage and it was slightly below the red mark. I pulled over and popped the hood and found a rad hose not attached to engine. I called the dealership who sent a tech out to meet me (later found out that the hose is given a plastic peice at the factory to assit in assembly and it was never removed causing the hose to fall off under pressure). I spoke with the dealership and Chrysler Canada and was told too bad basically, your stuck with it.

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  Ram 2500 Diesel - 2012 RAM 2500
  By Brian - May 23 - 9:53 am

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  Poor Towing capabilities-5th wheel - 2013 RAM 2500
  By tnraven - January 25 - 1:04 am

  I traded my Laramie Hemi for a 2500 diesel because the upper limit on the Hemi was only 10,000 lbs towing. We were buying a fifth wheel which was 12,000 lbs. When I got it home and did some last minute research before buying the fifth wheel we picked out, I found it could not tow it. I am sitting here in shock after spending $70k on a truck with one purpose and it isnt capable. THe towing number is fine at over 17,000 lbs.....but the payload capacity is only 2274 lbs. The fifth wheel is fairly light at 1980 lbs and if I go by myself on vacation it would be OK....but adding passengers, dogs, clothes...Im 400 lbs over. Chevy and FOrd have no prob.em here and are in the 4000 lb p

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  2015 RAM Cummins, Great Truck, Always Room For Improvement Though - 2015 RAM 2500
  By ltngdrvr - October 11 - 11:35 pm

  Ordered my 2015 RAM 2500 Mega Cab Cummins, picked it up 02/09/15 and in the last 6 weeks have racked up over 10K miles. I traded in a 2012 F250 Crew Cab Long Bed PowerStroke that I had put over 200K on. So far I am really liking my RAM although there is room for improvement.My ford pulled better, even though both have the same torque at 800. I can only attribute this to the difference between the faster revving V8 vs the big inline 6 of the Cummins. If RAM made the 3.73 or 4.10 gear ratios optional in the Single Rear Wheel trucks over the 3.42 ratio, maybe it would match the fords pulling abilities. That would probably hurt fuel economy empty. I have gotten as high as 21.7 MPG in the RAM.