2005 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
The heavy-duty Ram offers serious diesel power, stout suspensions and a well-built, functional interior -- all of which make it an impressive package for hard-core truck users.
Pros
Powerful engine lineup, huge payload and towing capacities, comfortable interior, compliant ride, available side-curtain airbags.
Cons
Stunted standard bed, fewer body configurations than the competition.
What's New for 2005
Changes for the Ram 3500 include an even more powerful version of the Cummins turbodiesel engine, now rated at a whopping 610 lb-ft of torque, and the availability of a power sunroof and Sirius Satellite Radio on Quad Cabs.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Nice truck, after initial quality issues
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab Laramie 4WD LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 6M)
Review
I really like the truck, but it had some initial build quality problems. I recommend a 2006 model, they had the problems fixed. Initially truck had 70 MPH vibration problem, then the plastic ended intercooler blow out, and the drivers side door seal became torn. All problems were fixed by dealer under warranty with updated parts. Over 50,000 miles and still runs great, and gets decent mileage.
Favorite Features
Cummins engine! Also the heated seats, and storage bins under front and rear seats.
Suggested Improvements
A better automatic transmission, or at least a tighter torque converter.
Great Truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab Laramie 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
Review
Vehicle amazes me everytime I drive it. Unreal power on towing hill terrain. The Cummins motor is living up to every expectation. Recommending this truck to everyone. Good towing mirrors.
Favorite Features
Power. Visablity out of cab. Tow haul function of transmission. Instead of no overdrive the computer will let it go into overdrive if it is not being overworked.
Suggested Improvements
Center console design of lid. Awkward to open. Better location of engine oil filter (ease of changing)
Farmer
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 6M)
Review
Handles like a car, even though it is a crew cab longbed. Very quiet and with the 325 hp it has sportcar power.
Favorite Features
The four door and the long bed it is best of the both worlds. A work truck but can carry your family. The Cummins has the power but quiet.
Suggested Improvements
Bigger cab with the longbed, maybe a 400 hp cummings.
Dodge shortbed too short for fifth wheel
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 1 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab Laramie 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
Review
Having driven this for 16,000 miles,towing a 15,500# fifth wheel trailer I hate it. 1. Distance from center of rear axle (center of hitch) to back of cab is 5- 6" shorter than a Chevy. The 6'3" bed coupled with the 140" wheel base places the nose of the fiver too close to the cab even with sliding hitch. I have damaged cab. 2. You can't put an exhaust brake on any Dodge AT older than a 2006 without extensive modifications or risk burning up the tranny and losing warranty coverage. Dodge fine print says this truck is only good for 10,000# without an ebrake. 3. Dodge does not come with rear inner fender tubs. You have to buy these at $100/set. 4. Headlights very poor.
Favorite Features
Interior layout and interior storage. Cummins Engine, Dodge toughness and 7year /70,000mi warranty.
Suggested Improvements
Better climate control where you can set a temp and it keeps it there, automatic daytime running lights, factory installed tranny temp gauge, better ventilation (cab gets stuffy), factory installed rear inner fender tubs, and a 6'6" short bed.
Best Truck Ever
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 6M)
Review
This is by far the best truck I have ever owned. I deliver RV's all over the country and drive about 180,000 miles a year. I have owned this truck for less than a year and have had no problems with it. I keep up with the regular scheduled maintenance for the truck and it keeps me running. On average while driving empty at 70 mph. I get 23 mpg. and loaded I can average 14 mpg. The only other truck that I have found that can compete with this is the Chevy Duramax. They also get good fuel mileage but is seriously lacking in torque.
Favorite Features
My favorite feature is the fuel mileage. 23 mpg at 70 mph is almost unheard of for a one ton truck. Driving on average 700 miles per day, it's nice to only have to fuel once per day.
Suggested Improvements
They need to offer a better seat. This wouldn't be a big deal for your average driver, but for someone who spends 11 hours a day in that seat, I would like to see Dodge offer a air ride seat that you find in the semi trucks.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
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