Used 2003 Dodge Ram Cargo Consumer Reviews
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Not what Dodge used to be
Good solid frame and suspension. Well equipped, full power. Gauges and controls are well designed and located. Nice to drive once you are up and in. No leg room on passenger side. 318 engine seems very weak and some spark plugs are very hard to access. Terrible gas mileage (avg 12MPG). Sheet metal is flimsy and dents if you lean against it or bump it. Paint chips and scratches very easily. Sliding side door jumped the track and scraped the whole side of the van. Rear door caught in wind and pulled bolts out of frame. Three front windshields in three years (stress point in center?). No mechanical problems with drive train. Reliable. Still not the quality my older Dodge vans had.
Failur is lurking in every corner
Purchased the vehicle in 2003 second hand with 15000 miles from the owner (a one driver operator, not rental). This review was written in 2017 with only 110000 miles on it! It has been a great service van for my business but not without flaws. After warranty expired problems begin. Had to replace computer controller few times. Fuel hose went bad, chair adjustment lever broke, minor repairs here and there, water pump replaced, temperature control unit replaced, gas tank and pump replaced. Using a very accurate repair expenses controlled by business analysis I can say that the average repair cost is around $600 per year. This vehicle can't go farther than 10 trips without me worrying when would be the next problem. Dealer sticker say 12/15 miles per gallon but with very conservative driving my records show 17 miles per gallon. Overall I don't think it's the best value for vehicle but being optimistic as I am it is not the worst either. Hope this helps. Sold the vehicle since it started showing signs of eating oil which means it may need engine rebuild and the price didn't justify me going for it. Bye vehicle.
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She's a looker!
I bought the van new with a conversion package, Raised roof, TV, VCR etc.. 2003 leftover good deals still available with zero financing. I have a 5.2 Ltr V-8, plenty of power, nice tight smooth ride. A little short on leg room but overall very comfortable. Lots of windows, everyone gets a window seat. It looks great, I've been getting loads of compliments.You won't be sorry.
Disappointmnet
Bought this car as a commuter vehicle for a van pool. I was very disappointed in the vehicle in comparison to a 1997 model I had previously. The motor was sluggish and tended to have a rough idle. The A/C was better than the old van, but still lacked a separate control for the front and back. What I was most disappointed with was that in moving up five years, I lost driver room, the ability to adjust the steering wheel to where I like it, and the passenger seats, by all accounts were less comfortable. What I noticed in driving is that the vehicle had a very large turning radius. Very difficult to maneuver in traffic.
Great delivery vehicle
It's been a great delivery vehicle for my cafe business good power, economy match easily taken care of. Havent repaired anything or replaced anything but tires and normal maintenance items. Upgraded tires to Michelin LX series helped fuel economy. Would buy another in a second
2003 Conversion Van
This is a left over new van. Great deal especially with the 0 % interest. Van is very comfortable for travel. The built in antennae for the tv is awsome for watching local chanels. Van is very quiet and rides smooth. Regency does a great job on their conversion packages. Awsome family vehicle
Exterior paintDEFECTIVE FROM FACTORY DISHONARABLE
Bought a used Dodge 1500 Ram Van , short wheelbase, hightop by ELK. The 3.9 engine is good ok reliable, minus the lack of power when traveling up steeper inclines or hills, especially when van is loaded with travel gear. The biggest problem is THE FACTORY DEFECT BODY PAINT, it is one of 2 things, they used very cheap primer That failed & didn’t bond AND/or. ... they MIXED CHEAP CLEARCOAT WITH THE MORE EXPENSIVE, but much better clearcoat, this cutting back in expenses and “ to the average consumer” they wouldn’t ever know, and it will look just as good,...for the first 3 years then paint starts flaking off while driving, ( in 2-3 inch squares) when parked and the wind blows heavily, paint flies off, and I have photos before and after a one year period in which it is obviously a defect, even my autistic dog agreed, (he is highly functioning) lol But I contacted DODGEOver a period of one year with at least 12 emails to finally get a response saying to bring it to a dealership and have them look at it and if they agree it is a defect they will paint either parts of it which is most likely or the whole thing which is doubtful I will keep you informed if they are honorable or not to buy Dodge because it is obvious flaws and very badly I will include photos if possible it should be embarrassing for them NOT to fix it! certain years had that problem across the board! They ignore it .. AND SO FAR DODGE HAS SHOWN AMATUER Customer Service etiquette! I was going to buy a new Dodge van and I would not if they don’t correct this problem I would consider them fraudulent to spend that much money in the paint flakes off consistently every year until it’s all gone without even touching it
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Sweet van
This van rocks its the best, lots of room. I carry a lot of cargo in mine and i tow a lot too, it works great!
2001 dodge 1500 ram van
some very early body rust on roof
Keven Smith
Great work vehicle. Drives nice. has lots of room. Easy to handle, bucket seats electric windows
Great Van
Bought used with 34k,the conversion package by Elk automotive is top rate. Has leather, cd, dvd, rear air, tv, rear stereo, all the goodies. Very easy to drive despite its size, ride is nice and quiet inside. With the 318 engines and regular service these things are allmost bullet-proof. As most manufacturers produce very few of the large van conversions any more and the new ones costing 50k that are available, I feel that for 20k I stole this thing. One of the best things is it's still under warranty with Chryslers 7/70 plan. These are the only way to travel, if you are buying for everyday use, it's probably not the right vehicle.