2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Review

Reliable, but not as good as others

Written by: somewhat satisfied on 06/16/2009

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (4.7L 8cyl 5M)

Review

Overall I haven't had any mechanical trouble out of the truck. But on the other hand it could stand alot of improvement. The gas mileage is terrible in the 4.7 liter about 13.5 mpg on average. The handling isn't nearly as good as the chevy's I've driven.The interior quality could have been much better, the dash cracked in three places due to the sun. Which is really my fault but still the Chevy won't crack that easyThe engine has been very reliable it hasn't had to be worked on once but it doesn't have very much power. When you need to pass someone you can mash it and the speedometer barely moves.Been a good truck but when compared to others of this year model dodge should have stepped it up

Favorite Features

I love the way the engine sounds with an exhaust system. The outside styling is nice.

Suggested Improvements

More horsepower is a must, better quality dash is needed, and better handling.

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Decent truck, needs some work

Written by: Teach on 05/30/2009

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 4dr Quad Cab ST Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)

Review

A decent truck to drive, handles decently for the size. In four wheel drive, winter driving become a lot of fun, with no issues getting stuck. The interior can use some upgrades, everything is plastic and held together rather poorly from the factory. Cup holder and ashtray are problematic and wont stay up, common issue. The parking brake is also a common issue, failure in springs. Simple, but expensive fix due to labor. Power steering rack and pump known to be weak. My pump failed at 86000miles, and rack at 93000. Truck undrivable without power steering. Bed provides adequate space, and interior is able to fit a full compliment of 6 full grown persons, excluding ashtray and drink holder.

Favorite Features

My favorite features are the availability of interior space, a plus with children, and the 4 wheel drive for off road and winter driving. Also a must for "hard" accelerations.

Suggested Improvements

Dodge needs to upgrade the interiors, plastic is not all bad, but things that should stay shut, should stay shut. Driver and passenger front doors interfere with door seal strip when open, causing it to tear, and allowing water into cabin. A redesign is called for.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Good Old Blue

Written by: bean on 04/13/2009

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 2dr Regular Cab ST Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I bought my truck about a year ago and I love it! I have not really had any problems from my truck. My wife tells me it is my grandpa truck. Its got the complete chrome package. I love it!

Favorite Features

Rides like a Cadi! Slick exterior design. Hauling ability.

Suggested Improvements

Don't really have any as of now!

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Disappointment

Written by: sae185628 on 10/06/2008

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (4.7L 8cyl 5M)

Review

This is one of those vehicles I looked forward into purchasing. However, at 3,000 miles, the rotors started warping and the brakes had to be replaced. This occurred every 3,000 miles, take it in for an oil change and get the brakes gone through. I did this six times before I traded off the truck with 18,000 miles on it.

Favorite Features

Satisfied with everything except brakes

Suggested Improvements

Develop a better braking system for factory 20 in wheels.

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2003 Dodge 1500

Written by: SteveO on 07/24/2008

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (4.7L 8cyl 5M)

Review

I am the second owner of this vehicle, I have only had it for one year now, but this has got to be the best truck I have ever had. I was a little skeptical to buy a used vehicle of any kind with over 50,000 miles on it, but knock on wood the truck has been great. I have upgraded the exterior with a ton of chrome, the design of this truck makes it easy to go a little over board with accessories. I bought some 20" wheels for it just two months ago, upgrade I ever made to it, looks great. I would recommend a Dodge to anyone. The truck was a virgin to pulling anything, never pulled more than it's own weight till just 2 weeks ago, had to load a 1994 Ford Ranger on a car hauler, pulled great.

Favorite Features

I love the broad stance of the truck, looks more like a mans truck then any other pick up on the market in my opinion, sounds awesome with some 40 series flows.

Suggested Improvements

Better fuel mileage would be great, but you can't expect too much out of a hoss of an engine. Take it easy and your sure to get an average of 16 city/19 hwy. Would like for the front seats to be a little more comfortable, feel a little sore after a long trip.

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