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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  2012 Ram 3500 Mega cab - 2012 RAM 3500
  By nosboyracing - February 21 - 10:39 pm

  Best truck that Ive ever owned.. Drives like a Cadillac on the Highway.. Really Bad gas mileage ( diesel fuel),, but,, I kinda knew that would be the result of a truck weighing 8000 lbs! Comfortable on long trips. I took it to Las Vegas pulling a 7000lb racecar trailer down Route 66 and it got around 9 to 10 Miles per Gallon... Diesel fuel is Cheaper than gasoling for the first time in 4 years,,, So,, Im enjoying a little reprieve.. I change the oil and filter every 3000 miles with Mobil Delvac and Genuine Mopar filters... Hopefully it will last a while... Had trouble with my 2009 2500 Blowing black smoke around 80,000 miles,, So I traded it in for this 2012 Duallie.

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  Nice Truck pour gas mileage - 2012 RAM 1500
  By rvaughnp1 - December 18 - 12:23 pm

  Really nice truck. For this model and price, i couldnt Ford or Chevy to come close as far as the amenities. I wish I had Ford Sync, and maybe some more gauges, i.e. oil, etc. I was not pleased with Chevy, unless you got into the higher lines (packages). The motor is so impressive. It is nothing to pass a vehicle on the highway. Watch the brakes on a 100 mph pass if you find yourself jumping back in between cars. I experienced a little swervy swervy in the front. The 4 wheel drive works great. The only issue I have noticed with the trans is that 1st gear extends a bit and releases abruptly. I have not realized any of the previous issues from the previous post except for the mileage.

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  THIS TRUCK IS EVERYTHING YOU WANT. - 2011 RAM 2500
  By blackham - December 11 - 3:36 pm

  I purchased the truck last month and wow.... We acquired the new CUMMINS engine with the new high output upgrade. The truck now has the best power in class bar none. It rides like a dream and is very well appointed in the Laramie package. I beleive you couldnt purchase a better truck .

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  Great truck, comfortable, well made - 2014 RAM 1500
  By 2farout - July 26 - 8:25 pm

  I have a2014 BIG HORN Crew Cab 4x4 3.6 V6 305 HP and 269 lbs of torque. The 3.6 requires less maintenance than the other 2 engines. There is good power and is quick from the start and passing. I especially like the dial shifting knob, out of the way easy to use. Gas mpg is 22-24 in 75 degree + temp, and 19-21 in lower temps. Fit & finish are very good. Ride is comfortable, Crew Cab is great for 6 men. Plenty of storage bins, & under seat. NO problems in almost 15K. Goodyear tires are City street tires only. Good discounts,& rebates. Most buyers have mind made up on brand before they buy. Brand loyalty in trucks is unchangeable, I think.

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  Luv my new ride - 2011 RAM 1500
  By stefanieo - March 27 - 1:46 pm

  This truck is the best Ive owned to date. I have owned now 3 dodge trucks and by far this is my favorite. Exclt in comfort and looks. All the boys drool over this one!

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  great preformance low gas milage - 2012 RAM 1500
  By - January 25 - 8:52 am

  bought this truck in feb 2012 it is roomy but is high off the ground makeing it a big step to get in but you addapt to it or get a step installed rides nice, but bit stiff on off road like a grass drive drive way iot will toss you left and right but on the road is great it was twichey stearing but they fixed it has the 3.93 gears and tow equipement MPG is at best 16 this with the VVD ( runs on 4, 6 or 8 cyl ) when advertised mpg is 20 big diffrence in cost to run but you can tow any thing with this and it will prefrorm when you push the pedel !

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  2012 Ram 1500 Express - 2012 RAM 1500
  By enriquef - January 22 - 12:53 pm

  This is pure American muscle. If you like power, reliability, comfort, mad swag, and POWER this is the truck for you. Accelerates like a sports car with the 5.7L Hemi, which means it get to 60+ mph REAL FAST. Purchased new for $18,500 (~$22,500 after tax/reg. and a 7 yr./100K mi. warranty). After 2.5 years and 35,000 mi., it still runs and feels like new. Ive taken it cross-county on business with no problems. The exterior design induces countless head-turns on the regular by truck lovers of all types. The interior is spacious. Theres plenty of room for attractive shotgun-riders.

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  No Regrets - 2011 RAM 1500
  By tmusco265 - November 25 - 11:47 am

  To be honest the Dodge Ram wasnt a consideration for me when I was looking at trucks. My first choice was a 2011 Ford F150 FX4 with Ecoboost. Although it was a very nice truck the cost was too high even with my dads Ford discount. After seeing a friends Dodge I decided to check them out and boy am I glad I did! The ride is so much smoother and responsive than I couldve hoped for. I love everything about the truck so far (7 weeks after buying). The gas mileage of 21 hwy w/tonneau cover is amazing! My last truck was a 06 Lincoln Mark LT and this trucks blows it away in EVERY category. Also, the price was discounted about 12k from sticker price. After seeing my truck a workmate got 1.

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  Great truck. - 2017 RAM 2500
  By Steve Waters - August 6 - 5:15 am

  Was the best buy for the money.

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  Excellent Truck! - 2011 RAM 1500
  By cgt79 - July 26 - 7:46 am

  Purchased my 2011 Ram about a month ago, and I could not be happier. The truck is very comfortable and rides very nice, for a truck. The fit and finish is excellent, plenty of cubbyholes for storage and soft touch materials. The center console with bucket seats is huge and offers two levels of storage The 5.7L Hemi has plenty of power when needed and gets decent gas mileage for a full size truck (I am averaging 17.5 for mixed city/highway) and the transmission is smooth and responsive. Other than a minor issue with the brakes (sensor was mis-adjusted so the brake lights stayed on and cruise would not work) the build quality is very good.