1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Review

My First Truck

Written by: csearls on 08/10/2009

Vehicle

1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 2 Dr ST 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

First off, I want to say it is an ok truck. We bought with 167K miles on it and put bout 12K on it. But we have only owned it one year and already replaced fuel pump and a wheel cylinder. The dealership said it had one owner. We feel like that we have been ripped off! We cannot even trade it in since we can only get 2000 for it and still owe like 4000 on the loan. So now we are stuck with a truck that could break down any day!

Favorite Features

Love the sound of it. Love the fact that it doesn't have much rust on it. It is a nice running truck and got us through the winter with the 4x4.

Suggested Improvements

Could be better on gas mileage. Cup holder is broken and the stereo system is junk too.

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Love My Truck

Written by: Joe on 01/28/2009

Vehicle

1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 2 Dr Laramie SLT Extended Cab SB

Review

This is the best truck I've ever owned. I had no problems at all until 279,000 miles. I would recommend a Dodge to anyone that needs dependability. I carry an average of 2500lbs in the bed at all times. The down side is I get 13 miles per gallon if I'm empty or pulling a trailer with 10000lbs.

Favorite Features

The comfort, dependability

Suggested Improvements

None

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60K to 120K good truck

Written by: Bill H on 01/21/2009

Vehicle

1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 2 Dr LT 4WD Standard Cab SB

Review

I've enjoyed this truck. I would buy another. My income puts me in the used market so I don't have huge brand loyalty. I used it to tow a 28 foot travel trailer on holiday weekends - decent power for that. Four wheel drive in the snow is great. I did spend money on some repairs. Intake mainfold gasket replaced, front wheel bearings, and front end steering parts twice. I think that it's just part of the 4WD thging. I live in Wisconsin. It's starting to rust - go figure.

Favorite Features

Four wheel drive and a back seat most average people can climb into

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders are terrible - They fixed it on the '89s

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211,660 and still going

Written by: Hector on 12/14/2008

Vehicle

1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 2 Dr Laramie SLT 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

Bought it with 100,000. First Dodge truck I ever had. Wow! I will always stick with Dodge from now on! What a dependable truck. Same engine & transmission, no rust or clear coat peel, I wax it a lot. Replaced, brake line, pads and rotors, battery, oil and filters. Just regular maintance. Daily driver. The carpet is worn and stained from Michigan winters and mud from off road. I pull a boat in the summer (17 feet) and my boy's lawn service equemptment. I change the fluid and filter one year and flush it the next. Also, use the +4 transmission fluid. It's more pricy than most but it is recomended by Dodge. Has not failed me yet!

Favorite Features

I love the wide cab and the smooth ride even with B.F. Goodrich MT's on. Plenty of power with the 5.9 for what I use it for.

Suggested Improvements

I would like the bed light to turn on with out having to turn on the interior light also.

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Love This Truck

Written by: James on 09/02/2008

Vehicle

1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 2 Dr ST 4WD Extended Cab LB

Review

When i bought the truck i was skeptical at first about gas mileage but i soon came to realize that the 5.2 L is really a pretty economic motor. My truck has 119K on it and i haven't had any problems since buying it in Feb. of 07.

Favorite Features

I love the Stereo system in it. The stock system is about 150 watts. the center console turns into a seat. making seating capacity 6

Suggested Improvements

different cup holders, lift kit, 5.9 motor, bigger tires.

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