2004 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Although the mighty V10 has been dropped, the heavy-duty Ram still offers serious diesel power, stout suspensions and a well-built, functional interior that makes it an impressive package for hard-core truck users.
Pros
Powerful engine choices, huge payload and towing capacities, comfortable interior, compliant ride, numerous safety features.
Cons
Stunted standard bed, no high torque gas engine available, fewer body configurations than the competition.
What's New for 2004
An automatic transmission debuts for the high-output Cummins turbodiesel that was formerly available only with a manual gearbox. The Laramie model gains more flash via a new grille, body molding and interior accents. A hands-free cell phone with Bluetooth technology is now available, as is a new Off-Road package and a navigation system. Lastly, the Magnum V10 engine is dropped from the power plant roster.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Solid Workhorse
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (5.7L 8cyl 5M)
Review
This truck has proved itself to be a great workhorse. About 80% of miles were empty city/highway and 20% towing very heavy loads (10,000#s +). Oil gets changed every 8,000 miles and run Marvel Mystery Oil every other tank. Only repair was a fuel pump at 80K which was covered under warranty. Plan on many more miles with this truck and wouldn't hesitate to buy another.
Favorite Features
Powerful, efficient, and reliable motor. Comfortable interior (for a 3/4 ton truck) Overall Reliability.
Suggested Improvements
High Repair Costs
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 2dr Regular Cab SLT 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 5M)
Review
I love this truck. It's a real stump puller. Tows heavy loads great.
Favorite Features
Solid engine power, very flat torque curve. Great auto transmission. Everything is VERY heavy duty.
Suggested Improvements
Over my ownership of this vehicle which I purchased NEW, I have had to sink over $12,600 in just REPAIRS! Turbo, AC, power distribution controller, lift pump, exhaust system, front knuckles, u-joints. The list goes on. Used 94% for simple commuting. Very little hauling.
Great Truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 4dr Quad Cab Laramie 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 5M)
Review
I bought it used with 60k miles. Not many used out there, then or now with the Cummins. Automatic has been great. Ride is a little stiff, but it's a real truck, 2500. Had the 1/2 ton,1997, gas, Dodge, no comparison. Now have 138k miles, looking at going with a chip. I run 185/70/17s, get 19.4 mpg, at 71mph. city/hwy average 17.6, no load, with bed cover. City and 6x12 box trailer milage 13.2. With trailer and these tires, running around town its a little weak, time to chip.Maintenance has been low, very few problems. Get the Laramie, it's worth it, you will appreciate them, I know I do.
Favorite Features
Looks, short bed, the frame is high and hidden by the body, you don't see it hanging down like the Chevy. I like my truck.
Suggested Improvements
The head lights are horrible. I have the best replacement bulds out there. A dealer aggreed, but had no recomendations. The back seat needs more room, the mega cab, please, I just need a little room, not a sleeper. No other complaints.
Way better than Nissan & Toyota
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 4dr Quad Cab Laramie 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 5M)
Review
Had a Nissan Titan before this.What a pile of crap it was. Always in for repairs. The Dodge never once has let me down. Looked at the Tundra. Overpriced and very UGLY. I can see why Toyota is trying to give them away now. Nobody wants them. Way to go Dodge. I'm sold. Two of my buddies traded in their Tacoma and Frontiers to get one also.
Favorite Features
Seats are great. Great reliability. Way better than Nissan and Toyota Tundra. No service issues unlike Import brands.
Suggested Improvements
More and bigger wheel options.
Bangin
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (5.7L 8cyl 5M)
Review
My Truck, a 2005, 2500 with the Cummins TD HO is the best truck I have ever owned. Speaking of owned... thats exactly what it does to the Ford and Chevy. It's the most quiet, fuel efficient, smallest engine, and still generates the more power. This truck is amazing. though the 48re is letting me down after 90kmiles ( having trouble shifting in between first and second gear) I still rate it a 10. I have every performance upgrade you can do to the engine.... minus twin turbos and have been running the stock tranny. I'm happy it's lasted this long.
Favorite Features
5.9 litre Cummins HO I-6
Suggested Improvements
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
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