2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Consumer Reviews

60,000 miles

Written by: Dodge Ram Hemi on 09/02/2006

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd LB (5.7L 8cyl 5M)

Review

Trouble with fuel guage required tank removal and was not covered by guarantee. Early replacement of all 16 spark plugs was costly. Mileage is unsatisfactory. Steering is too sensitive to road bumps. Differential shudders in slow turns. Hemi engine requires special care (extra oil) As a towing vehicle, the truck is satisfactory, and I tow a 30-foot travel trailer or usually tow a fishing boat.

Favorite Features

The interior is extremely comfortable and functional, and the Hemi engine is excellent for fast starts (pickup) at highway intersections.

Suggested Improvements

The truck should get better gas mileage.The front suspension should be improved for better control on rough roads.

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One tough truck!!

Written by: Tom on 06/17/2006

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 5M)

Review

This truck just won't quit! Cummins diesel motor is bulletproof. Runs like new with 82k miles on it. Large cab, although less legroom in back than Ford or Chevy diesel quad cabs. Not a problem to fit the three kids back there though. Mileage is 20mpg hwy and 15mpg city on average. Controls in cab are simple, intuitive, and well-placed. Tows our 12k# travel trailer like it wasn't even there. Noisy at the drive-through, but there's no doubt you're riding around in one great truck! I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

Favorite Features

Cummins diesel, ride height, cab layout and controls

Suggested Improvements

None. This truck does it all.

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Tough pickup, bulletproof drivetrain!

Written by: JohnWayne on 04/21/2006

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 5M)

Review

My '03 2500 Ram has the Hemi and 4x4. I work in fields all over the country so I needed a tough pickup. I have been from Oregon to Maine with this truck. I lifted my Dodge 6" on 35" tires and it works very well. I get about 9-11 MPG which isn't good but I bought the truck with 30,000 on it and have 89,000 and it has always been there for me. My last Ram had over 300,000 on it with the 5.9. My truck has been everywhere with me and has been so reliable I would trust it another 10 years.

Favorite Features

Power, that Hemi is unbelievable. The looks are unmistakable on the Rams. And the reliability is second to none. Dodge has such a strong pickup built to work. I love the solid axle, great for getting over rocks and obstacles.

Suggested Improvements

Maybe a little better MPG, driving 30- 50k a year at $3.00 gas is getting hard to pay for. But at all costs keep that bulletproof drivetrain.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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I'll never sell it

Written by: mmceldowney on 04/20/2006

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 5M)

Review

I checked out Ford and Chevy, then drove this truck. Bought it on the spot, didn't even haggle over the price. I love this truck and will never sell it. The power, the styling, the reliability, the value! I get better mileage with this diesel than I got with my Chevy Blazer. I tow a 25' 8000lb travel trailer and don't even know it's there. I can set the cruise at 70mph and climbs hills while towing without slowing. Dodge got it right!

Favorite Features

The torque and horses, the styling, the interior comfort, the feeling of "I've got the biggest and baddest truck on the road, don't get in my way!"

Suggested Improvements

Are you kidding? What could be better?

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03 Ram 2500 with CTD

Written by: Randy on 11/07/2005

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 4dr Quad Cab Laramie Rwd LB (5.7L 8cyl 5M)

Review

The best truck I have ever owned. The diesel engine is a must for towing. I tow a large 5th wheel and also use it for a daily driver. It is superb for both. The leather interior is very comfortable and all of the features with the Laramie package are great. I have ahd zero maintenance problems so far. Sure beat the Chevy that I traded in!

Favorite Features

Interior comfort, fuel economy for a truck is awesome(18mpg)

Suggested Improvements

A full crew cab with a long bed.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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2500 Ram 4 Dr. SLT LB DSL HO

Written by: DB on 10/19/2005

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 5M)

Review

We purchased this truck to pull campers and car trailers with. Unbelievable power from the Cummins HO Diesel. This truck can pull 15,000# trailers and hardly notice they are back there. Mileage is outstanding with 21 MPG unloaded and 13/14 pulling trailers. This is impressive after getting 5-7 with Ford 460 gas engines. Engine noise is a little louder than I care for inside the cabin. Three kids love the backseat room. Ride is suprisingly smooth compared to 3/4 ton Chevy's I have owned in the past.

Favorite Features

This will sound silly but the flip up towing mirrors seem to provide the best of both worlds. The diesel engine almost gives the feel of gas acceleration with the power of a Peterbilt.

Suggested Improvements

This truck has a six speed manual and it lock the doors at 15 mph. This is great however, it never unlocks the doors when you stop. Have read the manual multiple times and procedure outlined does not shut the autolocking feature off.

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'03 Ram 2500 Cummins

Written by: Chris on 06/26/2005

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 5M)

Review

I used to be an exclusive GM owner until my wife and I bought our first travel trailer. Our Chevrolet Avalanche with the optional 4.10 gear ratio handled our trailer horribly. I found out very quickly that I could get a Dodge for about $7,000 less than a similarly equipped GM or Ford Diesel pickup. This has been the best truck I've ever owned.

Favorite Features

The Cummins, of course!

Suggested Improvements

None

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At 36,000 miles...

Written by: jwalker on 06/15/2005

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd LB (5.7L 8cyl 5M)

Review

I have the Cummin's Diesel HO. The truck has been great overall. Towing is fabulous, and so is the gas mileage, even at the higher diesel prices. In the city. I'm getting14MPG, and on the freeway, up to 25MPG, which is a lot better than the gas counterpart! The only problem so far is the power steering went out for a couple of seconds twice. So they are replacing it now, within 500 miles of the warranty expiration!

Favorite Features

Back seat storage.

Suggested Improvements

Heavier, thicker, and more resilient paint.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Very nice truck, but with annoying flaws

Written by: scott on 05/22/2005

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 5M)

Review

This truck looks and sounds mean. It's my third Dodge. The Hemi is throaty and torquey, but is not all it's cracked up to be speed-wise with the weight of the 2500. I bought it used and have gone 3k trouble-free miles, except for a replaced leaky steering box (under warranty). It's very comfortable and has great visibility. The 4WD works great. However, I have a rattling window, a chirping (ocassionally) blower fan and a squeaky hood that needs lubrication every few days. Much of Chrysler interior plastic is chintzy. The cloth seat material is "fuzzy" and catches all sorts of debris and is tough to clean. Although the cruise controls are on the wheel where I like them, they are tough to get at. Jumpy throttle from a stop.

Favorite Features

Infinity sound. Stereo controls in steering wheel. Looks. Overhead console information. (except when you are watching your mileage!). Good storage spaces. Creates "truck-envy" when she passes by.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage - it's pitiful even for a 3/4 ton pick-up (average 9 - 12). Better fit and finish - my '96 1/2 ton was better in this department. Higher quality paint - Chrysler vehicles seem to chip very easily. 4.10 axle not mated real well with the tranny at slow speeds.

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Great truck, Great price!

Written by: JasonW on 05/18/2005

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 5M)

Review

I've always been a "Chevy man" but when it was time to buy my first new truck, I couldn't look the other way when presented with the facts: -Twice the (powertrain) warranty -More horsepower and torque -Better mileage -Legendary Cummins motor -About $5,000 cheaper etc, etc. Looks great, handles great (for a truck), tows great. Stops on a dime. Couldn't ask for anything more. I'm am extremely satisfied with this vehicle. 21,000 problem free miles so far.

Favorite Features

22 mpg highway. 19 mpg city/hwy mixed. 15 mpg pulling a 5,000lb trailer. This diesel rocks!

Suggested Improvements

Sheet metal seems to dent easily, and is too thin. Paint chips off easily along bottom from driving gravel roads. Needs a 5 speed auto to keep up with the competition.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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