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
Lovin' it!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 6M)
Review
I love this truck. It's my second cummins with a stick. I regularly pull a 20,000 lbs. gooseneck trailer. This thing is stock and I just put it in the top slot (6th gear) and it'll go up any hill in Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The best part is it still gets like 16.5 mpg! I can get 24.7mpg empty! Beat that Ford or Chevy! The leather is awesome, everything in the cab is roomy and accessible. Definite best buy, I'd recommend to anyone. The duals really don't hinder off-road ability as long as you have some All Terrain tires. I can go through just as much as any of my huntin' buddies with it. The limited slip rear end helps. I am a diesel mechanic and love how easy it's to work on.
Favorite Features
All of 'em!
Suggested Improvements
stock EGT and Boost gauges
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.
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.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Great truck for the money
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
Review
I traded a '02 1500 QC 4x4 on this truck and have not regretted it yet. The power of the CTD engine is unmatched to any gas engine on the market or any other diesel as far as I'm concerned. I just rolled 10K on the odometer and can't wait until this engine is broken in. Fuel economy to date is better than my gasser ever was.
Favorite Features
CTD power and fuel economy Exterior looks and interior features
Suggested Improvements
Additional gauges - trans temp, EGT and boost.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Great Truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
Review
So far with about 11,000 miles, no problems, rides good, handles well. I tow a 15,000 pound 38 foot RV back and forth from New York to Florida with no problems. More than enough power and the automatic transmission works well. For a 1 ton truck it rides well, my back doen't bother me on my trips. I tried out a Ford, but the Cummings is far superior.
Favorite Features
Cummings diesel, ride and handling, power seat. Good warranty
Suggested Improvements
Better view over hood, EGT, transmission and engine oil temp gauges, dash vent reflection in windshield should be eliminated.
9 out 9 people found this review helpful
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