2023 Ram 1500 Classic Review

Five years ago, the fifth-generation Ram 1500 debuted to critical acclaim. And yet, half a decade later, you can still buy a brand-new example of the fourth-generation Ram 1500. It's called the Ram 1500 Classic, and it's supposed to offer cash-strapped full-size truck buyers a value-oriented alternative to the newer, safer and far more sophisticated fifth-gen Ram 1500. But does it? Nope.

If you want a regular-cab Ram 1500, the Classic is the only game in town. Plus, its base price is thousands of dollars less than the cheapest fifth-gen Ram 1500. However, as soon as you upgrade to a Tradesman Quad Cab, the price difference between the old and new Rams shrinks to a few hundred bucks. Trust us when we tell you that you want to skip the Classic for the new Ram.

The Tradesman is one of two Ram 1500 Classic trim levels. The other one is called the Warlock, and it's dressed up with blacked-out trim and bigger wheels. The equivalent in a fifth-gen Ram 1500 would be a Tradesman equipped with the Night Edition package, and to get that, you'll spend less than you would on the Ram 1500 Classic Warlock.

So unless you're buying the regular cab, forget about the Ram 1500 Classic. It's an overpriced antique that Ram has kept in its lineup well beyond its expiration date.

The 2023 Ram 1500 Classic is available in Tradesman and Warlock trim levels. You choose from three cab configurations (regular cab, Quad Cab and crew cab) and three bed lengths (5 feet 7 inches, 6 feet 4 inches, and 8 feet), but availability depends on the cab style. A 3.6-liter V6 (305 horsepower, 269 lb-ft) pairs to an eight-speed automatic transmission powering the rear wheels. A 5.7-liter V8 (395 hp, 410 lb-ft) is optional, and you can upgrade to four-wheel drive at an extra cost.