Ram

The Upside of Ram: Where the Brand Shines

Ram's strengths lie in its comfortable ride quality, luxurious interiors (in higher trims), and innovative features. Ram trucks, particularly the 1500, are often praised for having a smoother ride than their competitors, thanks in part to their available air suspension. The higher trim levels, like the Limited and Longhorn, offer interiors that rival some luxury vehicles in terms of material quality and design. Ram has also introduced innovative features like the RamBox cargo management system and the multifunction tailgate. For many years, Ram trucks have led the pack in incorporating new technology like large, easy to use touchscreens.

The Downside of Ram: Where it Falls Short

Despite its successes, Ram faces some challenges. While recent models have shown improvement, reliability has been a concern in the past, particularly with certain powertrains and the air suspension system. Fuel economy, while competitive within the segment, is generally not a strong point for full-size trucks. Furthermore, while Ram offers luxury trims, its brand image is still more rugged and less premium than some of its competitors.

Ram's Model Lineup: Notable Trucks

Ram's core model is the Ram 1500, a full-size pickup truck available in a wide range of trims, from the basic Tradesman to the luxurious Limited. It's known for its comfortable ride, refined interior, and innovative features. The Ram 1500 TRX is a high-performance off-road truck designed to compete with the Ford Raptor, boasting a supercharged V8 engine and extreme off-road capability. The Ram 2500 and 3500 are heavy-duty trucks designed for serious towing and hauling, available with powerful diesel engine options. Ram also offers the Ram ProMaster and Promaster City vans for commercial use.

From Dodge to Ram: A Brand Evolution

It's important to understand Ram's history as part of Dodge. For decades, Dodge Ram trucks were a mainstay of the Chrysler lineup. The decision to spin off Ram as a separate brand in 2009 was a strategic move to allow both brands to focus on their core strengths. While Ram is now a standalone brand, it still shares some components and technologies with other Stellantis vehicles. This separation has allowed Ram to build its own identity and compete more effectively in the truck market.

Buying a Used Ram: Things to Consider

When buying a used Ram, it's essential to research the specific model and year for any known reliability issues. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended. Service records are crucial to verify proper maintenance. Pay particular attention to the engine, transmission, and suspension components. Be aware that some Ram models, especially those with the air suspension, can be expensive to repair. If buying an older Dodge Ram truck, be aware that they were known for having issues with the dash cracking.

The Ram Dealership Experience

Ram dealerships are often combined with other Stellantis brands (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep). The dealership experience can vary, but you can generally expect a mainstream sales approach with a focus on capability and practicality. Negotiating discounts and incentives is common practice.

Clutsh's Take on Ram

Ram has emerged as a serious contender in the full-size truck market, challenging the dominance of Ford and Chevrolet. The Ram 1500, in particular, has been praised for its comfortable ride, luxurious interior options, and innovative features. While reliability has been a concern in the past, recent models have shown improvement. Ram is a strong choice for those who prioritize ride comfort and interior refinement in a full-size truck. However, it's essential to do your research, choose a model with a good reliability record, and carefully consider the long-term ownership costs. The TRX is also a great option for those looking for a high-performance off road truck that can handle almost anything you throw at it.

Ram's Closest Competitors

Ram's primary competitors are the Ford F-Series (including the F-150 and Super Duty), the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, and the Toyota Tundra. The Nissan Titan is another competitor in the full-size truck segment, though it has a much smaller market share.