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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  Very Poor Electrical systems - 2013 RAM 1500
  By djennings1 - June 23 - 8:39 pm

  My husband & I bought a 2013 Ram 1500 V8-Hemi fully loaded Lonestar package 6 months ago. Electrical problems: Ram box, glove box & reading lights inoperable; Cruise control & traction control dash lights staying on. Mechanical: Check engine light came on due to a faulty injector -required replacement. Not once were we offered a rental car although we purchased the add on comprehensive Zurich vehicle service contract. All repairs required 3 different visits lasting multiple days. We just learned the odometer is reading at least 15 miles above driving speed. We will return for our 4th repair visit tomorrow. We traded a 2003 Dodge ram we drove 10 years that we loved. Very dissappointed!

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  Ram 1500 First 3 Months 26 to 1750 miles. - 2012 RAM 1500
  By flatchewlant - October 9 - 11:03 am

  2012 Ram 1500 | Tradesman | 4.7L 4x4 std bed | Towing package. After doing three months of research, I chose Ram. Got a great deal with MFR rebates and additional money off. Would have like to go with Ford but it was out of my price range. I do love my Ram and chose the most basic with the least amount of bling. I really just wanted a truck to move, pull and do general truck stuff. Got tired of hauling firewood with my minivan... maybe you saw my butt draggin along the highway?? lol! No More :) Looks impressive in Black! Interior is nice, seats are comfortable. I have a light foot :Mileage 16 city and about 20 hwy. I try not to hit it hard, but it will move when I need it to.

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  2014 Dodge Ram Quad Cab - 2014 RAM 1500
  By canoe3 - May 2 - 2:36 am

  Ive had my pickup for a few months now, approx 5,000 miles on it. Never all it seems pretty good, but there are a couple of annoying things - it was right around $30k (Im in Canada). It came without mud flaps, front tow hooks or any other trim. I understand you could get those by paying for a higher trim level, but I feel all trucks should come standard with those (they are on the F150). Aftermarket was fine though. My biggest issue is with the fuel economy, which I expected to be not great as its a v8, but its actually around 14mpg easy driving in the city, 16mpg on the highway. also, stock tires are horrible - if it rains (or aaagh - snows!) youre all over the road.

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  Good truck/bad rear window noise - 2012 RAM 1500
  By sumagolf - March 30 - 3:40 am

  It seems quite quick and powerful on the highway.Smooth take off from a stop and very strong accelaration.Interior is good,exterior color is quite nice.Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl.I bought the truck because off the engine and the appearance.I sell automotive paint and bodyshop supplies.My vehicle appearance is very important as I am in dealerships daily.

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  Drive this truck thoroughly before purchasing - 2011 RAM 1500
  By jclaeys - March 20 - 1:08 am

  Just traded in my 2011 Big Horn after "reluctantly driving it" for a mere 1500 miles. The new "ECO" technology is the most unrefined of any truck out there....where its Hemi shuts down 4 cyl. to "supposedly" improve gas mileage. It is course sounding and causes a fair amount of "vibration" in the underpinnings of the truck, which makes the driving experience less than pleasant. GM has this technology down pat...never noticeable. This truck is beautiful...but the gas mileage is pathetic at best....12mpg, and no, I dont have a lead foot. If you need a truck stay away from this one..the two most dreaded words you will ever hear.."its normal"

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  Good truck....almost - 2012 RAM 1500
  By zerocontact - February 20 - 9:05 pm

  I have a 2012 Ram 1500 "Express" 2 wheel drive quad cab. The truck rides superbly, has plenty of power (is actually quite quick), and is very spacious on the interior with plenty of storage and random nooks and crannys to put random things. Sound quality is good on stock stereo system and interior quality is good. HOWEVER, gas mileage is terrible (8-9 city, 13-14 highway). This is the truck for you if you love to search for gears, downshift randomly, have erratic RPMs at steady speed, idle at low RPMs to the point of the truck bogging out. I will be taking my truck to the service department with 982 miles showing on the odometer