2000 Dodge Ram Van Review
2000 Dodge Ram Van Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Bargain pricing, room for 15 passengers.
Cons
- Hasn't had a serious redesign in nearly 30 years, fuel-sucking engines.
What’s new
Minor changes come with the 2000 model year, including hood-mounted windshield-washer nozzles and chrome-clad wheels. Sealing has been improved to reduce noise and keep out the weather, and Ram vans get a six-speaker audio system as standard equipment.
Edmunds says
An archaic platform that still lends itself well to a variety of applications.
Vehicle overview
Dodge's full-size vans and wagons haven't changed all that much despite nearly three decades of existence. Squint your eyes and the latest big Rams could almost be mistaken for the 1971 models. But this does not matter to Dodge fans. Chrysler hasn't yet found a need to change the brawny trucks in order to keep up with rivals from Ford and General Motors.
Despite the lack of a ground-up redesign, one-third of the components were all-new in 1998, including the instrument panel and brakes; in addition, the suspension was re-tuned and the body panels were transformed. So for 2000, only minor refinements were needed.
First, let's break down the Dodge lineup: There's a cargo van, a passenger wagon and a conversion van (built by factory-approved conversion specialists). The convert comes in three lengths and three load ranges, while the van and wagon are offered in four levels-a 1500, a 2500, a 3500 and a 3500 Maxi wagon. That last one has a payload of up to 4,245 pounds and standard seating for 15 passengers.
The base engine in the 1500 and 2500 series is a 3.9-liter V6, but most buyers would be better off an optional V8, either a 5.2-liter or a 5.9-liter. With 295 foot-pound of torque on tap, the 5.2-liter yields a rewarding combination of strength and economy, but no Ram vehicle ranks miserly at the gas pump. For demanding applications, your best bet might very well be the 5.9-liter, which packs 335 foot-pounds of twisting force. To compensate for thirsty engine choices, there's a 32-gallon gas tank on the 109-inch wheelbase vans and wagons, and a 35-gallon tank on all other models. The V6 is hooked to an automatic three-speed transmission, and both V8s are attached to an automatic four-speed. The van and the wagon have rear-wheel antilock braking, although four-wheel is optional on both.
And if you're a tradesman, you'll appreciate the equipment packages available, including ones with shelving (with three sets of four-tiered shelving units), a ladder rack (a slide-down rack) or a shelving/ladder-rack combo (you guessed it, equipped with both features). The conversion van can be outfitted with a variety of high-tech goodies, including a video player, a TV monitor and game-ready electronics, and the rear passengers can have their own air conditioning and power seating. Also, a wheelchair lift can be added and the roofline easily raised for the physically challenged, according to Dodge.
The Dodge Ram van has remained virtually the same for 30 years, as has its value, in-demand conveniences and practical price. As they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2000 Dodge Ram Van.
5 star(26%)
4 star(38%)
3 star(28%)
2 star(8%)
1 star(0%)
26 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3 out of 5 stars
Wanted to Love this van.....eh
Ron E Dee, 05/01/2018
1999 Dodge Ram Van 3500 Maxi 3dr Ext Van
We were the second owner of the 15 passenger version, white w/ dark tinted windows. First off I want to say, I really wanted to love this van. It was priced $10k below the comparable Ford 15 pass van. But, now I realize with good reason. We purchased this used, with 45k miles on her from a used car dealer. We bought the extended warranty, luckily! The former owner was a church, or group … home, so the miles were hard miles mechanically. Within 6 months the front-end needed a complete overhaul. The first of 2 that would be needed within 100k. More on that later. Then the whole AC system needed replacement: from the compressor to the dryers to the hoses! Fortunately the $1500 it cost was in the last month of our extended warranty, on the dealers dime. Having a big family, the size and ride were very good. And she ran very reliably for us, needing very little maintenance besides the usual, oil, filters, cooling and tires. Tires on this baby were a huge expense, but we only needed one set in 60,000 miles or so. Back to the front end on this series van.... I have a friend who was a Dodge/Chrysler mechanic and he said the front end on these were always wearing out. IMO Chrysler didn't get the design right. The van always creaked and made weird noises, like the geometry wasn't right. Even with the new parts and alignment was done. And the van always felt like it wandered on the freeway. And you were always correcting the steering. At first it was annoying, but I guess you get used to it after awhile. Again, I wanted to like/love the van. But there was always something to complain about, despite the solid reliability it had for us. If you are considering this vehicle? Make sure the front end has been checked. Its quite pricey to do. And it seems the parts only last 40-50,000 miles before you will need another go. The van will run forever. But you will need to repair the front end at some point. Its not an option. Oh.... if the one you are considering has the 4sp overdrive tranny? Don't do it! My mechanic friend said the standard 3 speed automatic is way more reliable, on any Chrysler product in that time period. **UPDATE** We sold the van to a traveling, sales/marketing group. Not before we spent another $500 welding the frame around the control arm. Again, the front ends of this period 3500 is atrocious! Be vigilant about it when purchasing one.**UPDATE** We ended up selling the van, but the buyers mechanic found the right side frame where it connects to the suspension was cracked and needed welding....which took off $500 from the selling price! I guess, now I know why the van was "wandering"! Check yours!! At least I got a few thousand back on my overall investment. Good Luck!
3.38 out of 5 stars
i miss this van
JLJones, 12/07/2004
1997 Dodge Ram Van 1500 3dr Van
I purchased this van 1 year old used, a former fleet van. I have owned a 1991 dodge van previously. 1997 van had 3.9l v6 and 3-speed automatic trans. drivetrain not high on power but reliable and the transmisson worked well only problems were a cracked catalyst caused by using bosch platnum plus-4 spark plugs. ran this van overloaded most of the time and regularly exceeded tow rating bu … 1500-2000 lbs van held up well to 3-years of my abuse then i traded it for a new 2001 dodge van. my 1997 sold to a friend of mine had 56,000 miles at trade now has 130,000 with no trouble while my 2001 van has been a nightmare 38,000miles 3 sets brakes weak 318 v8 and terrible tranny, eats rear tires, leaks, junk. will buy a ford van next time
5 out of 5 stars
1996 Dodge Ram b2500
donnie71281, 05/14/2010
1996 Dodge Ram Van 2500 3dr Van
I find this to be the best Van we have owned. Runs like a tank and has never left us stranded. Now it has around 124k on it and runs as well as the day we got it. This year I've spent time doing preventative maintenance since it is now 14 years old. These vans are also very easy to work on. Gas mileage is also very good for this giant van. I get 10mpg-14mpg city(depending on the … weight of my foot)and 26mpg on the freeway. The 5.2L 318 is a fantastic engine.
2.88 out of 5 stars
Nice Van for the Money
Scott, 07/14/2005
1997 Dodge Ram Van 2500 3dr Van
I leased this van as a used conversion van from the dealer in '99 with 20,000 miles on it. We have taken it on 2 trips to Florida and 1 to Green Bay Wisconsin from NY. It has been very reliable with the 3.9 V6 and 3 speed auto tranny. The ride in higher wind gusts is much better than that of the Ford or Chevy. Most who drive a full sized van probably have been blown all over the road, … but this van is much more stable.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2000 Dodge Ram Van, so we've included reviews for other years of the Ram Van since its last redesign.
2000 Ram Van Highlights
2500
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $295/month |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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