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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  Get the hemi, get the crew get the RAM - 2012 RAM 1500
  By tylerg4 - October 2 - 12:08 pm

  I started off test driving a ford f-150 Eco boost, well when I put that thing to the floor it didnt spin and tj felt like a Prius on wheels Then I went to the ram, I put it half way down and layed a black strip down the road. The hemi definitely has a lot of power! I also got the crew can because I have kids. The crew cab is super roomy with storage everywhere. I also got the dual exaust which is nice although I wish it was slightly louder I wont complain. Over all its a great truck but theres one major thing I hate about dodges, which is rust, I noticed a quater inch rust spot that will be fixed immediately.

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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.

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  Ram Limited 4x4 - 2012 RAM 1500
  By efs101 - June 15 - 11:01 am

  This is the first true truck(non-SUV) I"ve owned. Got it for towing, but needed something appropriate for office. Man does this thing fit the bill. Sharp and functional. Fantastic, smooth ride, and it responds almost effortlessly when you hit the accelerator. As comfortable as most luxury cars. After test driving Ford and GMC equivlents, for me this was an easy choice. This is simply a better looking, more comfortable ride. Yes I gave up a few 100 lbs towing capacity to other choices, but premium ride is worth the trade-off.

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  2011 Ram Hemi Express - 2011 RAM 1500
  By 2011hemiexpres - March 7 - 2:02 pm

  Bought 11 Hemi Express 2WD new at Dealership 3 mos ago.(9/2011) Was Ad truck at @ $19,500 with ST package on top of Express Package. Does not have limited slip or carpet. Has 3.21 rear gear. Have 6k miles. Typically get 16 mpg combined. High of 17.7 low of 14.2 Its been great so far, Im a big dodge fan after owing a 06 SRT8 charger & 02 2500 4wd V10 The truck is tight and lacks any rattles or moans. Hemi has lots of performance and with 5 speed auto with VVT and 2nd Gen. Cylinder De Activation its a seemless and modern power plant. Perfect platform for customizing thanks to Ram group and Stacy David of Gearz for the inspiration. Disc brakes are great and interior is quiet & comfortable.

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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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  Great Truck - 2011 RAM 2500
  By kymidnight - December 2 - 7:13 pm

  Mine is a Cummins 6.7L, w/ 6sp A/T but I couldnt find that as an option on the drop down menu. I love this truck. Its big and sits up high, but doesnt drive or feel unwealdy. Fits nicely in the lane and tracks down the road. Ride is a little bouncy, but for a heavy duty truck, is the best Ive ever ridden in. The interior is simple but nice and well thought out. Im currently getting around 16MPG mixed city/highway, which is pretty good for a truck of this size. I got the truck for work, not for a commuter, but I enjoy driving it so much, I look for an excuse to take the truck.

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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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  THE Best Truck on the Market Today - Bar None!!! - 2015 RAM 1500
  By jammer10 - November 11 - 12:22 am

  I ordered my 2015 Ram 1500 Laramie, 4x4, quad cab with the V6 Pentastar motor and I have had it since February 2015. I have air suspension, Ram boxes, convenience package, sunroof, skid plates, navigation and 3.55 gears in the rear axle. I love this truck! I did a ton of research on all truck brands and it came down to this truck or the 2015 F150 with the 2.7L V6. In my opinion the configuration of this truck - the V6 Pentastar with 3.55 gears, and 4x4. Is the best drive train on the market. With 4,600 miles on the truck I am averaging 32 MPH and 19.6 miles to the gallon!!!