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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  2016 Laramie quad cab 3.0 L Motori V6 diesel - 2016 RAM 1500
  By Chris - July 22 - 12:56 am

  On 9 September 2015 I ordered a 2016 DS1P41 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4x2 140" WB, 64" box... 28H customer preferred package, a Laramie.. EXF 3.0L VM Motori V-6 diesel, DMD 3.55 Rear end, DSA Anti spin rear end, WFJ 17" wheels, AHC Trailer tow, XHC Trailer brake control, and a few other options... MSRP 46,860 / Invoice 42,670 / Net, Net, (less Holdback $1,370) $41,300... purchased for $41,900 less $2000 rebates, $39,900...( I personally feel the manufacturers have gone nuts on their pricing... their excuse is that they are competitive, bad argument on their part.) Ok, in my 63 years of life, about 20 of those years, I sold rolling stock to Federal, State, county, and municipal political entities and large and small commercial accounts. These vehicles included Chrysler, Ford, cars and trucks, and Sterling class 4 through 8 trucks... So as writer of this review, I am no nut case... I have driven them all... As for the dealer, they came in on the weak side... little or no product knowledge, customer satisfaction rating will get hit with an average rating, maybe... but, after saving a ton of money, I acquired my new ride on the 3rd of November 2015...had the dealer not had screwed up, I might have had the truck a week or two earlier... As of this writing Sunday 22 November 2015, the truck now has 1587 miles... My first 100 miles, at 65 mph, she clocked in at 33.1 MPG. way better than advertised... The following weekend of 6 Nov. 2015, I logged a good 580 miles at 80 mph, a lot of low rolling hills, some flat plains, good weather, a bit of wind, low humidity, normal temps, and she got a whopping 28.9 MPG... the majority of this ride consisted of more road miles with probably 50 miles of urban driving, this is way better than advertised... as for performance, if you lay that foot on the accelerator, you will be bounced into the back seat... for an itty bitty V-6, shes got some guts and power... As for the power source, the VM Motori diesel, shes not like any diesel that is out on the road... Most power sources that you find in domestically built trucks, ie, cummins, cat., detroit, powerstroke, and GMs Isuzu motor all have or have had an excessive valve knock... this was always standard issue with diesel motors... The Motori, its so quiet, you can hear yourself think... this little power box is actually quieter than some gas engines... If you are into quiet engine operations, this is a good choice... In the cabin, you can actually hold a normal conversation with other occupants. Fuel expense, even though the price of diesel is a bit higher than gas, with this truck and power source you can expect at least a 30% improvement in miles per gallon compared to gas... My first 1500 miles, I have spent less money on diesel fuel than my old gas truck... substantially less... As for handling and ride, this truck is nothing compared to what Chrysler or Ford built back in the 80s or 90s... An option was available for an air ride suspension, I couldnt justify the added expense, or future maintenance costs 80,000 miles down the rode... but, she is smooth, little or no road noise, no road harmonics... Power steering, its electric, no more steering juice to feed to it, no more steering gear leaks... and as for precise handling, its up there... handles like some low profile road cars.. without the stiff rides... As high as the truck stands, you would think that in the curves the G forces would be against you, they are not... you would think that you might have some pitch and awe to contend with when attacking curves, she stays straight and goes where you point her... little or no over or under steer...as for wind noise, Nada... none... The Sterling Acttera, a class 6 truck had a 65 degree cut in her cornering, it could out corner any F-350 to 550 on the road... the Ram 1500, shes there, I do not need a football field to turn her around... but, historically, Dodge trucks were always known to out maneuver Chevys or Fords... If you are still reading this review, and youre and ole guy like myself, something of note, the back up camera, make sure you get it... the Uconnect radio system has this huge interior screen, when you turn the knob selector to reverse, that camera lights up everything behind you... I ordered the front and rear sensors, its well worth the expense... Parallel parking is a breeze, and backing up to a trailer, is so much easier now. I am not having to get in and out a half dozen times to see where the trailer tongue and hitch is... One other thing that you will need to get used to, transmission selector, its a knob, electrically controlled, no more column shift. It seems and feels weird at first, but youll get used to it...

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  Great Heavy Duty Truck - 2011 RAM 2500
  By johnh506 - July 12 - 9:28 am

  The drop down menu does not offer the correct trim i have. I have a 2011 Ram 2500 HD 6.7L Cummins Diesel Engine, 6 speed automatic 4x4, Crew Cab 6.4ft short bed, Laramie Fully loaded Edition, Mono Rugged Brown Pearl. I did 4-5months of research on big 3 3/4 ton diesel trucks. I would be upgrading from a 07 Tacoma. Out of the big 3 I test drove 6 including the Ram 2500 Laramie I currently own and i have to say that im glad i bought this truck. The cummins is a great engine, the new 68re asian transmission is good and doesnt fish for gears like the 05 f-250 and 11 f-250 i test drove. exterior and interior design is wonderfull, functional and great quality. More truck for my buck was awesome

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  what a truck ! - 2011 RAM 1500
  By onoffroad - June 23 - 4:56 am

  Brought a new 2011 Ram SLT Quad 4x4 with 5.7 and 3.92 axle ratio !Got it for towing travel trailer and every day use !Got at "Great price"! Said would never buy a Dodge , but research was worth it ! Got back today from 204 mile trip,temp.95degrees,driving 67MPH.Read out said avg.21,checked 10.2 gal.[20 MPG] with air [AC] on ! People this is a 8cy. 4x4 with towing axle ! Only had the truck 10 days ! It has the works, like back-up camera,touch this and touch that !!!

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  2017 Ram 1500 tradesman crew cab - 2017 RAM 1500
  By Ronald Keillor - May 6 - 9:23 am

  Going for cargo room in the bed and comfort room in the cab - got the best of both with the no frills Tradesman

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  Happy 2012 4X4 Laramie 1500 Owner - 2012 RAM 1500
  By rimo - December 30 - 1:28 am

  I own a 2004 Ford F-150, a 2008 Ram 1500 Big Horn and now a 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie. All three of the vehicles are 4-wheel drive. The Fords reliability has been poor to say the least and has cost me a fortune to maintain, including a new engine. Neither of my Ram trucks have ever required any work other than routine maintenance. After 90,000 miles the 2008 is as solid and beautiful as the day I bought it. My 2012 is amazing in all aspects: interior, ride qualtity, power, fuel economy and fit and finish. The new Chrysler CEO is considered the best in the industry, and it certainly shows with this vehicle.

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  Big Red - 2012 RAM 2500
  By Nate - November 28 - 6:18 pm

  I have the 6.7 Cummins Diesel. Love the truck. The U Connect is ahead of its time for being a 2011. Horrible MPG with the PDF and EGR system but its almost completely worth it just for the power and reliability. Need to improve the wheel well design which is a magnet for rust..... same with the frame. For the price of these trucks I think Ram could afford a rust proof frame.

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  2012 ram 1500 4x4 laramie - 2012 RAM 1500
  By badbilly62 - November 5 - 5:17 pm

  i traded in a 2009 ram 2500 ctd,before that a ford f-150 xlt and this ram 1500 stands head and shoulders above them in ride quality.

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  Love my Ram pickup! - 2014 RAM 1500
  By chris303 - October 26 - 7:20 pm

  I bought my Ram 1500 new in November of 13. After 26,000 miles, I can report only 1 repair (oil pressure sending unit fixed under warranty). Gas mileage on a recent trip from Wisconsin to Florida varied from 20.5 to 25 mpg. My Tradesman trimmed truck came with so much standard equipment, I dont know why anybody would need to spend more! This truck rides and handles like a big American sedan. The 8 speed automatic works great, though I have caught it napping at times when kicked down. My only complaint is I wish the seats had lumbar support for my middle-aged lower back, but I suppose the higher trim levels may. Its no surprise Ram won Motor Trend truck of the year twice!

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  WOW - 2011 RAM 1500
  By ny99 - October 21 - 4:06 am

  This is the first pickup truck that Ive owned and I couldnt be more impressed. I never thought Id buy a Dodge, but I took a test drive after reading all the positive reviews and I was blown away. The ride is incredibly smooth, even over rough terrain, and the acceleration with the Hemi is effortless. The interior is comfortable, and loaded with features that make driving this truck a blast. Ive just reached 9000 miles without any issues and I have absolutely no regrets about this purchase. Nice job Dodge!

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  2011 Ram 5.7L Hemi QC 4x4 SLT - 2011 RAM 1500
  By shibby927 - September 23 - 12:59 pm

  I couldnt be more impressed with this truck. So far Ive got nearly 3k miles on it. I can hardly stay out of it I enjoy driving it so much. The power is there when you need it and the fuel economy is very good for a full size truck. It looks great, and the build quality is light years ahead of the previous generation Ram. I love all of the interior amenities as well. This truck is very functional, and the ride quality is on par with some cars. The coil spring rear suspension is thing of beauty. Its a wonder that this hasnt been in a pickup before. Drove the Ford, and the Chevy and they dont even compare.