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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  Hard To Beat - 2014 RAM 1500
  By mitchselect - January 24 - 12:49 am

  Although its hard to go go wrong with any full size truck these days except for maybe the Nissan Titan, the initial impression of my new Ram seems to be just a little bit better all around. Even if you have been a "hater" in the past, which many of us are, and for good reason, i strongly urge you to at least test drive one and give it a fair chance. You wont be disappointed. I found it to be the best performing, arguably the best looking, best optioned and with current rebates it was the cheapest. It is my belief that Ram Dodge Fiat (whatever) is trying to make a statement with this truck and in my opinion has done so! although i gave reliability a 5, only time will tell. GIVE RAM A CHANCE!

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  2011 1500 Big Horn - 2011 RAM 1500
  By 1timmy - September 26 - 7:42 pm

  I absolutely love my 2011 1500 Big Horn! This is my 3rd Dodge truck (1995, 2003)! I was crazy about my 03 SLT, but this one may the best of the bunch! It rides awesome and had more that enough power! Great look...great gas mileage and very comfortable. Drove it over 800 miles the first day. This truck has just the right amount of chrome! Im to see that Dodge is still changing the rules! A++

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  EcoDiesel is the "Real Deal" - 2014 RAM 1500
  By theov - September 3 - 12:48 am

  The 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is a machine worth purchasing. I have driven the truck for 2,500 miles and I am totally impressed with the interior ride and quality and the fuel mileage (25 to 30 mpg). The truck has great storage compartments to fit my tools, bikes, boys baseball stuff, and suitcases. I have not yet towed my Wrangler for 4x4 excursions, but I am sure it is up to the task. Mileage is phenomenal, around town I am in the 21-23 mpg range, on the highway around 26-27 at 75 mph or 30 to 31 at around 67-69 mph. This is tested and verified by me. The interior is quiet, 1st class, and the hands free system is excellent.

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  Best looking pickup out there (IMHO) - 2013 RAM 1500
  By ishepperd - August 29 - 3:07 am

  Im not a pickup guy but theyve gotten so much nicer over the last 10 years that I reconsidered. Im also a Ford guy and swore Id never by a Chrysler product. But the Ram 1500 has great styling and features across the whole line. The Longhorn is just nicer looking than the tip-top F150 Limited. Head-turning styling with rugged good looks outside, and a luxury car interior.

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  recommended buy - 2011 RAM Dakota
  By intrepidguy23 - July 8 - 7:14 pm

  i owned this dakota for 2 YEARS and i love it!!!!!! very powerful and spacicous. very reiliable and i recomend it if you are looking for nice truck

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  Drove a lot of Trucks before buying this one - 2016 RAM 1500
  By Eric Wallis - June 9 - 8:16 pm

  Far and away the best interior and loaded with features. I feel like I am driving a BMW but its a truck!

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  New Truck! - 2016 RAM 1500
  By Rob H - May 6 - 10:57 am

  Just purchased this truck recently. So far, its awesome!

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  no more chevys after driving this - 2014 RAM 1500
  By yoyo69 - April 28 - 1:21 am

  I thought these hemi engines got poor mileage but this 4x4 gets over 20 mpg just driving back and forth to work. This truck blows away ford and chevy in every category. looks better, rides better,nicer interior with more options that come standard. Drive one if your in the market for a new truck. It sells itself, and was priced better. I did have a negative bias against the dodge truck but seeing is believing.