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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  Finally got the Ram I wanted - 2011 RAM 1500
  By patrickcraven - April 29 - 1:59 pm

  I bought the 09 TRX4 crew cab and enjoyed the truck a lot. I didnt have any of the nice features I really wanted and being a new gen truck there were recalls to tweak this or fix that. Now that the Ram has a few years under its belt, I can tell it is much more refined and composed. I wanted chrome and 20" rims, so I opted for the Longhorn. I am extremely pleased with it. It has the center console and back up camera that is more helpful than I would have thought. Im also very happy with the factory spray in bed liner.

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  2011 Longhorn Crew - Great truck for the Money! - 2011 RAM 1500
  By ajh57 - April 26 - 1:34 pm

  This truck delivers great looks, great ride, decent fuel economy, and real truck versatility. Job job by the Dodge boys

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  Awesome Truck! Worth checking out! 5.7L Hemi - 2011 RAM 2500
  By Brett - April 18 - 2:06 am

  I have owned this truck just shy of 5 years. This has been by far the best truck I have owned. I have had 3 issues with it since I purchased it, one was the tie rod end recall that Chrysler put out a few years ago. Had an exhaust manifold bolt break, fixed under warranty, and my heater blower motor died. Easy fix there as well. I own a lawncare/landscaping/snow plowing company. This truck does everything for us. We tow trailers all summer long and then slap on snow plows during the winter season. For the use and abuse we put this truck through, it is never in the shop! Ram makes maintenance really easy on their trucks as well. (Not sure how the diesel ones are for maintenance) The interior layout is really nice and comfortable (even after plowing snow nonstop for 12 hours). I cant say enough good about this truck! Im starting to wish my old one with close to 210,000 miles would die so I could by another like this one. I am a 100% repeat customer for ones of these trucks!

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  I love my truck! - 2011 RAM 1500
  By sgilbert - April 8 - 11:35 pm

  My 2011 Dodge Quad Cab 4X4 has the Hemi. I find the initial quality to be excellent. No squeaks or rattles, and a beatiful, smooth quiet ride, almost like riding in a luxury car. The seats are very comfortable and supportive (better than the Ford I also drove). The hemi performs beautifully and I get about 13 mpg around town and cruising 60 -65, steady, produces around 20. Everything works. Havent had it back to the dealer for anything, and Im quite fussy. The media center provides a ton of information Ive never seen before in a vehicle, and the satellite radio is great (love that Sinatra channel). Overall very pleased - I love to drive this truck!

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  So far so good! - 2011 RAM 1500
  By cyoung6 - February 3 - 12:49 pm

  This is my husbands truck but since I have driven it on numerous occasions, I thought I would write a review. First of all, I am a petite woman (5ft) and this big truck is moderately comfortable for my small stature. My husband is over 6ft tall and it suites him just fine, as well. The truck is an animal in the snow with great traction control and handling. We have 4 wheel drive and hemi option. The mileage is great for a big truck with a big engine. We average about 20mpg and the eco mode urges economical driving habits. Love the dark green color we have.

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  Like it but... - 2012 RAM 1500
  By tylerg4 - December 28 - 3:30 am

  I bought this truck in October (I live in maine), I think the truck is good but I really do use it as a family truck and a work truck. Its is the best family truck but lets see what you get when you take it off road. Make sure to see pros and cons.

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  Beats my F-150 Ecoboost any day of the week! - 2014 RAM 1500
  By cpercha - December 22 - 9:59 am

  Wow!!! After 3 years and 88,000 miles in a 2011 Ford F-150 Ecoboost I can tell you that the Ram makes it look like a glorified golf cart. I had driven several Rams before making my choice on which one to get. I ended up going with the Hemi attached to the 8 speed automatic and 3.92 gears. At first I was concerned that I would pay the price at the pump for the 3.92 gearing but I have found that this has not been the case at all. When driving models with 3.21 gears I had to get into the gas more to get the response I was looking for. With the 3.92 not only am I getting better performance but I dont need to hit the peddle much to get it to move which ended up resulting in better gas mileage.

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  Made the switch - 2014 RAM 1500
  By johneb09 - November 29 - 5:19 pm

  We traded our 2012 Silverado in on this new Ram a few months ago, and so far, love the truck. The Chevys 5.3 ltr had very sluggish acceleration, and an irratic shifting 6 speed transmission. I test drove another new 2014 Silverado, a 2014 F150, and then the Ram. The 2014 Chevy was once again, sluggish. The Ford was ok, but the Rams performance and handling, IMO, was the one that was the most enjoyable to drive. The acceleration is amazing, and the 8 speed transmission is precise. The Hemi engine is powerful, yet we have been getting 25 MPG on the highway. Pretty amazing truck all the way around, plus it was priced thousands less than the Ford & Chevy.

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  Transmission Leaking Day 1 - 2014 RAM 1500
  By emmerth - October 17 - 2:36 am

  I purchased this 1500 9-1-14 to replace my aging Titan (10 years old). The dealership was offering some great incentives for the holiday and the truck seemed to be rated pretty good so I thought it was a no-brainer. Until, I took it over my friends house (concrete driveway) and he informed me that I leaked transmission fluid all over it. I then looked under the truck and sure enough, it was leaking. Well, it has been to the dealer 4 times now and they still are having trouble fixing it. It is now at the dealer again. When they picked it up this morning, it had 1568 miles on it and most of them are from them doing test drives. Contact Chrysler support yesterday and waiting them...

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  Unimpressed - 2013 RAM 1500
  By roger126 - October 10 - 8:50 pm

  Cant believe that this is the truck of the year! Have about 2000 miles on it and have scheduled second trip to dealer to try to fix the radio. The touch screen goes black and I cant control the radio. I also have had on several occasions where when I turn the key nothing happens. If I take the key out and try again, then it will start. Not very comfortable feeling if I want to take it out into the woods. I will give it credit for fuel economy with the 6 cyl and 8 speed transmission. Not sure if I like the dial shifter. In light of the other electronic issues I am not confident that will not become an issue down the road. The ride is good, the paint was not the best quality