2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 Consumer Reviews

Work horse

Written by: Diesel Turbo on 01/05/2007

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)

Review

Went exellent until 108,000 miles. Trip from NC to UT after a recall for transmission . I think they calibrated wrong. The whole truck is shaking when I pull up. Have to stop traveling and go to Dodge dealer . I never trusted the transmission , and I change the transmission oil every 30,000 miles. Excellent truck, but now I am not happy.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Dodge, do something on your transmission. I hear too much trouble over transmission in an early stage and I mean 70 to 90000 miles. My Chevy 3500 lasted 235,000 miles and was still in good shape .

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Real World

Written by: Sir Al on 11/29/2006

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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It's big, burly, and a blast to own

Written by: GlennM on 10/16/2006

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 5M)

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Engine. Towing capacity. Payload capacity. Power. Appearance. Comfort. Options. Fuel Mileage. Handling.

Suggested Improvements

Update the dash for more ergonomics. Update the seats for a bit less initial lumbar bolster. Put a transmission in it that matches the brute strength of the Cummins TD engine (can you get a hold of Allison's?)

10 out 11 people found this review helpful

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Switched from Chevy.

Written by: Louie on 05/28/2006

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 5M)

Review

Went from a 454 to the Cummins. This is one heck of a motor. Great mpg and power. Truck looks great. I love so much about this truck. I got mine with the 6sp, Still don't trust Dodge's automatic. I only have minor complains about this truck. It's been the best truck I've own and that's coming from a Chevy man.

Favorite Features

The design. Drives like a truck should. Seats high like a truck should. I like almost everything about this truck. Also holds resale vaule well. My loan pay off actully drops faster than the truck valve.

Suggested Improvements

Odd size tires(expensive)The headlights too dim. blind spots due to big pillers Water leaks from the cab lights and door seals. Had to repalce u-joing twice now at 60K. Make a true full size 4 door alway hitting my knee with the bottom of the door cause they come out so far.All minor would buy again

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Dodge Ram 3500 dually diesel

Written by: Sprinkle on 05/30/2005

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 5M)

Review

Excellent power, relatively quiet engine, very good diesel mileage. I have hauled over 4000 pounds in the bed, and used 2nd gear to start, did not need low. Cab needs some more space, my old Ford was a lot larger, especially the back seating area. Good access to air, radio controls. It has a good strong ride, and is very easy to drive, easier than the Ford or Chevy. It turns easily with a long horse trailer. Will buy another Cummins diesel truck, if I can wear this one out.

Favorite Features

Reliable power, mileage, good brakes

Suggested Improvements

Improve and expand the cab. Give more room for back seat passengers.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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First diesel

Written by: Utahguy on 06/29/2004

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)

Review

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.

Favorite Features

The engine and transmission are unbeatable. The quad cab fits four adults comfortably, but the truck is short enough to be able to turn and park easily. The optional folding cargo shelf under the rear seat is an abloute necessity!

Suggested Improvements

The front seats are too hard for my taste. I have the premium cloth (hate leather), and the seats seem uncomfortable on long trips. Maybe they just need to be broken in. I would like to see fender flares, mudflaps, and wheel-well liners included on the truck too.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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First-time Dodge Ram Owner

Written by: edritchie on 05/30/2004

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)

Review

I have previously owned 1/2 and 3/4 ton Ford and GMC pickups, two Yukons and a full size Bronko. This is the first time I have considered a one ton as the ride and creature comforts are so good in this unit along with expected higher second-hand values and unsurpassed trailer-pulling capacity.

Favorite Features

Torque, fuel-economy, quiet engine, range of options available without having to purchase several packages, and great looks are among my favorite features.

Suggested Improvements

Wind noise at door while driving in sidewinds needs fixing. The uncomfortable, bolt-upright rear seat is a constant cause of complaint from passengers and badly needs improving--- slightly longer cab would allow for recling rear seats.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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3500 Cummins

Written by: billmoncure on 05/22/2004

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)

Review

Great Truck We pull a 12500 lb. race trailer and you hardly notice it is there.

Favorite Features

Torque, Horsepower

Suggested Improvements

More power

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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power house dodge puller

Written by: anvil on 02/28/2004

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 5M)

Review

best hauler weve had we had a 2002 ford f350 drw 4 door the dodge is 10 times better all the way across the board power fuel economy the ford we had to put air ride on for the trailers the dodge is great out of the box if you want a great puller buy dodge if you want to go to the store or drive in town buy the ford just dont hook a trailer to the ford

Favorite Features

ho diesel what else needs to be said maybe ford will get a diesel some day

Suggested Improvements

only thing buy one get one free

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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total power

Written by: 57chevy on 12/18/2003

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab ST 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)

Review

This is my first dodge truck after driving chevys for the past 30 years.My truck is fully load six speed, high output diesel, short bed, 3500 in the lariat trim .This thing is built like a tank and is getting 21.6 MPG on the highway, around town I get 17.5 This is with an empty bed but the thing weights 6800 pounds Amazing.It has so much power I can go over donner summit and never have to slow down a bit

Favorite Features

six speed,diesel,heated power seats,power pedals,infinity sound system self tinting mirror,heated side mirrors

Suggested Improvements

more sound insulation. better seals on the doors

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