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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  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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  window noise - 2012 RAM 1500
  By wwebbys - November 15 - 5:27 am

  The rear windows on this model(Outdoorsman) seem to be loose. When they are partially down and driving there is a very loud bothering noise. I took it to the dealership. They said this normal for this model and year. I have owned F150s and a Frontier and never had this problem. Is anyone else having the issue?

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  Nightmare - 2014 RAM 1500
  By flalum06 - September 15 - 8:13 am

  I have never had more trouble in my life then with this new ECO Diesel! Pulled out of the lot with 16 miles on it check engine light came on. Took it in 3 times before it was fixed. Then I finally got to drive it and the drivers side window leaked and I could not put fuel into the truck without getting a bath or having fuel run all down the side of the truck or vapor locking. Has been in and out of the shop for well over a month (this will be the 3rd time) and they are telling me they do not know what is wrong with it. LEMON! Will never buy another dodge again. Called Dodge numerous times and they are SLOW... I spent 41,000 on a truck that now has 2100 miles and I can not even drive it.

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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 to drive - 2011 RAM 1500
  By bigmiles - March 3 - 12:24 am

  Purchased used June 2010, 34K miles, now have 68K. Cons: Have heard clicking/grinding noise under pedals when traction breaks. I suspect universal to transfer case, but dealer will verify. Other issue is the Uconnect / radio, cuts out, pops, this too will be dealt with at dealer. No cabin air filter for these trucks, guess that was a cost savings from manufacturer, I installed my own in 15 min. at a cost of $28.00 great investment. Glad I purchased the warranty. Pros: Drove on vacation, I always use cruise, 19 MPG avg for trip of 2600 miles.

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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 !

• 

  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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  Very Nice - 2017 RAM 1500
  By J Stamps - December 9 - 4:53 am

  The basic truck is perfect. Plenty of power, great suspension, quiet cabin, comfortable seats. Like the high ride for the ability to see far - plus less fatiguing for long trips. My only beef is the stereo. Like all FCA products, it automatically turns on each time you start. The only fix is to turn the volume all the way down rather than pushing the power button. Also, it only reads USB drives up to 4 GB (FAT32). It would not play my 64 or 128 GB NTFS-formatted USB drives. Fords are better here. Fuel economy display and other Driver Information Center functions are not intuitive (had to read the manual). Gas mileage was as advertised. Liked the outside door handles for the quad cab doors (Ford and GM require you to open the front doors to access the buried rear door handles). Great looking exterior! Under hood is an amusing sight with the 3.6 - about two feet of empty space between the radiator and engine. Still, Id take this over the Fords amped-up 2.7 with that annoying start/stop feature. Better to suffer slightly lower MPG than to feel annoyed most of the time. I never considered a Chrysler product before, but the trucks seem to have better owner reviews than the Fords and GMs. Ill probably end up buying one of these. A better truck for less money. Ill just buy and install a proper stereo from Crutchfield.

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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.