2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 Review
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 Review
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Used Ram Pickup 3500 for sale
Appraise This CarDodge Ram Pickup 3500 model years
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful engine choices, huge payload and towing capacities, comfortable interior, many safety features.
Cons
- Stunted standard bed.
What’s new
Dodge redid its Ram 1500 full-size truck for 2002. For 2003, the heavies -- the 2500 and 3500 -- get their day in the sun. Along with the new Ram styling, these trucks receive more powerful engines, increased towing capacities, improved handling characteristics and additional safety equipment.
Edmunds says
The latest maxi-brute to hit the streets and local construction yards. It's tough and mean, but also has a sensitive side. We're impressed.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 2dr Regular Cab ST Rwd LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
Not EPA tested for Ram Pickup 3500 ST
Ram Pickup 3500 ST
vs
$250/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
Armed with new powertrains, massive tow and payload capacities, updated Ram styling and plenty of features, the all-new 2003 Dodge Ram heavy-duty pickups should be quite attractive to commercial users, as well as serious consumers.
Starting things off are two new engines. The first is 5.7-liter V8. Called "Hemi Magnum," it marks the return of Chrysler's legendary Hemi engine name after a 32-year absence in Chrysler production cars. This new V8 is standard in both Rams and features a hemispherical combustion chamber (hence the name Hemi). It makes 345 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque, more than GM's 6.0-liter V8. The other new motivator is a high-output Cummins turbo diesel. This 5.9-liter inline six puts out 305 hp and a towering 555 lb-ft of torque. The high-output Cummins is optional in the 2500 and 3500, as are last year's 8.0-liter gas V10 and regular Cummins turbo diesel. A variety of transmissions are available (including a new five-speed automatic), as is manually or electronically controlled 4WD. Four-wheel-drive trucks will have a live front axle, as opposed to the Ram 1500's independent front suspension.
Regular and four-door Quad Cab body styles are available. For the first time, a two-wheeled rear-axle 3500 is available, providing an intermediate step in payload capacity between the 2500 and 3500 dually. Thanks to an exceptionally stiff frame and a new rear axle, towing and hauling capacities are quite high. A Ram 3500 dually with the HO Cummins has a 12,000-pound max payload (GVWR) rating and 23,000-pound tow rating (GCWR).
Dodge says it created a new duty cycle aimed directly at commercial customers, testing the new Ram in conditions ranging from -40 to 130 degrees F and running the equivalent of 150,000 miles at 95 percent of their maximum towing and payload ratings. Safety is also enhanced with the new truck, thanks to features like side curtain airbags, power adjustable pedals and seatbelt pre-tensioners. ABS is standard.
For those who like trucks, these new heavies should serve as well, or perhaps even better, than the current offerings from Ford and Chevy. Look for the Ram 2500 and 3500 to be on dealer lots in the latter part of 2002.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500.
5 star(85%)
4 star(6%)
3 star(9%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
34 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Real World
Sir Al, 11/29/2006
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
Driven 95,000 miles with only $300 in repairs (nic oil changes, maintenance,etc) This is the most reliable truck I have ever purchased. Previous non Dodge trucks were in rebuilt stage with this amount of mileage. I have done better than 22 mpg cruise control set with no heavy loads. Towing 10K GVW 5th wheel trailer have enough power in diesel engine that I have never felt like I needed … more power, and I drive the Rocky Mountains.
5 out of 5 stars
356000 miles
emory dwayne grant, 09/10/2009
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
I have 356,000 miles. Pulled a trailer mostly about6000 lbs. A little over 100,000 miles injector pump went out and throttle positioning sensor. I have forgiven those breakdowns though because I have 360,000 miles with normal maintenance. Hope to get 500,000 miles. I have owned fords & Chevrolet trucks. I like the Dodge best. Good fuel mileage also.
4.88 out of 5 stars
First diesel
Utahguy, 06/29/2004
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
Mine has the HO 305/555 motor, and the
6 speed manual transmission. I bought
it to tow a car hauler with a Jeep on
it (around 6000 pounds). Towing is a
dream, just put it in 6th gear and set
the cruise control. Steep hills are
not a problem, the engine has tons of
power. My drivers side door had
excessive wind noise and had to be
adjusted, but other than that it has …
been problem free.
5 out of 5 stars
It's big, burly, and a blast to own
GlennM, 10/16/2006
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 5M)
This model of Dodge truck is the last before the 600 Cummins was introduced, and the fueling problems that came with it. With class-leading towing and load capacities, this truck makes no excuses for anything you ask of it. Drive throughs are interesting with the wide stance, but you forget about that as you look down to the window where your food is waiting. I cannot say enough that … this truck has simply made me a happy man again, after dealing with inferior vehicles for far too long. Even my neighbors with their V-10 and Diesel Fords and Chevrolets are jealous. You need a truck for a good ride and awesome capabilities while still getting decent mileage? This is the one for you.
2003 Ram Pickup 3500 Highlights
Regular Cab
ST
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $25,305 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Seating | 3 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 16,200 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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