Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Review

2008 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie Crew Cab Shown

For decades, the Dodge offerings in the full-size pickup truck segment soldiered on mostly under the radar. Sales were adequate, but it wasn't until the Dodge Ram 1500 received a major redesign in the mid 1990s that consumers snapped to attention and checked out their neighborhood Dodge dealer.

Thanks to its eye-catching, big-rig styling, carlike interior and strong engine choices, the reborn Dodge Ram went from anonymity to showroom star. The automotive media and consumers alike gave the new Ram props. In '98, the Dodge Ram 1500 was the first half-ton pickup to offer a four-door body style. In fairness, this first "Quad Cab" was more of an extended cab with reverse-opening rear doors than a true crew cab. But that Quad Cab gave the Ram another feather in its Stetson that further distinguished it from its blue oval and bowtie rivals.

More recently, the debut of the popular "Hemi" V8 gave the Dodge Ram 1500 the brawn that pickup owners demand. Whether that muscle is used for hauling heavy things or for the smug satisfaction that comes with kick-in-the-pants acceleration, the Hemi's power and throaty exhaust note lend a muscle car personality to the Ram 1500. Furthermore, the Ram's now-roomier cabs allow more usability in terms of passenger capacity.

With modern pickup trucks pulling double duty as family vehicles and workhorses, the well-rounded Dodge Ram 1500 should fit right in with most folks. Keep in mind, however, that there is more fresh-faced competition in the form of the GM twins (Silverado/Sierra) and Toyota's new Tundra.

Current Dodge Ram 1500

In addition to the regular cab and Quad Cab (now enlarged and with conventional rear doors) offerings, the Ram 1500 is also available in aptly named "Mega Cab" form. With a cabin stretched 20 inches over the Ram Quad Cab, the Mega Cab provides rear-seat legroom (44 inches) that an NBA center could appreciate. One may choose a short or long bed on the regular and Quad Cabs, while the Ram Mega Cab is short-bed only.

Trim levels include the basic Ram ST, the volume-seller SLT and the plush Laramie. Option highlights include a navigation system, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless start, a Sport package and a TRX4 off-road package.

There are three engines: a 3.7-liter V6 (215 horsepower) that's only available on the regular cab 2WD ST, a 4.7-liter V8 (310 hp) and the Hemi 5.7-liter V8 (345 hp). The 3.7- and 4.7-liter engines can be had with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, while the big V8 comes with an automatic only.

In our reviews, we've found that the Dodge Ram 1500 offers competent handling, a comfortable ride and plenty of power, which obviously helps when it's time to work. Properly equipped, the Ram can tow close to 9,000 pounds, but fuel mileage is dismal as it's a stretch to average better than 12 mpg with the 5.7-liter V8. Our consumer ratings are mostly favorable and indicate that the current Ram 1500 is a well-rounded truck that should serve most folks well.

Past Dodge Ram 1500 models

The present Ram dates back to 2002, but has had some revisions along the way. It was heavily revised for 2006. Prior to that, the Ram featured a different interior and exterior, fewer available features and the Hemi went without cylinder deactivation. The Mega Cab was also not available until that time. Additionally, the 4.7-liter V8 had a lower output -- 235 hp -- through the 2007 model year.

The previous-generation Dodge Ram 1500 full-size pickup debuted for 1994 and, thanks to its Kenworth-inspired styling and well-rounded personality, marked the turning point for Dodge's full-size pickup truck. Much more popular than any other Dodge pickup that had gone before, this generation's run lasted eight years. There were a number of important segment-leading features that debuted, such as a standard driver side airbag (this was not yet a required item in pickup trucks), available four-wheel antilock brakes and a center console box big enough to hold a laptop computer.

Cab styles included the roomiest standard cab in its class, the Club Cab (extended cab) and the Quad Cab, which was essentially a Club Cab with a pair of reverse-opening rear doors. Engine choices consisted of a 3.9-liter V6 (175 hp), a 5.2-liter V8 (220 hp) and a 5.9-liter V8 (230 hp). Output increased throughout the years, with the peak being 250 hp from the 5.9. Transmissions included a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic and of course one could select either a two- or four-wheel-drive configuration. Trim levels consisted of the bare-bones Work Special, midgrade LT, sporty ST and luxurious Laramie SLT.

In our 2000 comparison test of four pickups, the Dodge Ram 1500 finished last due to mediocre performance, poor fuel economy, longish braking distances and a tight rear seat. Even though it had the 5.9-liter V8, its heavy weight and lazy automatic transmission hurt it, while the lack of four-wheel ABS (ordering the Off-Road package reverted the Ram to rear-wheel ABS) took away a key safety advantage. Consumer ratings mirrored our sentiments, with chief gripes being the sluggish transmission, horrid fuel mileage and lack of rear-seat legroom.

Before the big rig-inspired version, the Dodge Ram pickup was rather anonymous among half-ton trucks. This 1981-'93 generation marked the return of the Ram name, which was last used some 30 years before. Standard and Club Cabs were initially available, and Custom, Custom SE, Royal and Royal SE trim levels were offered. Later on, trims consisted of base, Work, Work Special and Super LE, and as expected, the features of each ranged from rubber floor mats and taxicab-like seats to full power features and plush upholstery.

A variety of engines saw duty under the hood. There was an ancient 3.7-liter slant six that made 95 hp, a 5.2-liter V8 (140 hp) and a 5.9-liter V8 (170 hp). Later on, a 3.9-liter V6 (125 hp) replaced the slant six. By the close of this generation, power was up across the board, with 180 hp for the V6 and 230 hp for both V8s (though the 5.9 had more torque).

For more information on older Dodge Ram pickups, go to our Dodge Ram history page.

SELECT A SPECIFIC DODGE RAM PICKUP 1500 MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.