Used 1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Consumer Reviews
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1997 Dodge Ram 1500 Club Cab 4x4 Sport.
Adam, 12/14/2006
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
This is the best truck I have ever owned. It is extremely realible. It is the heavy duty version, so I have not had any transmission problems. The only thing that is bad is the gas. I have did a little work on it to get batter gas mileage so it's not as bad.
Nice, fast, simple truck!
Thommy B., 06/15/2010
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 SS/T 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Just got this black and silver 1997 dodge ram ss/t. I always have been a fan of dodge, but this has to be one of the nicest trucks out there especially with as many years it has. The throttle is still very responsive, and it's tight like a new truck. A big 5.9 liter engine is plenty of power to haul this baby around. May be somewhat tiny but don't be so certain you can run over it in your huge trucks on lifts. The napoleon affect.
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 for sale near you
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- SS/T Regular CabMSRP: $11,999222 mi away
- LTMSRP: $4,000445 mi away
- SS/T Regular CabMSRP: $20,658632 mi away
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Love My Truck
Joe, 01/28/2009
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
This is the best truck I've ever owned. I had no problems at all until 279,000 miles. I would recommend a Dodge to anyone that needs dependability. I carry an average of 2500lbs in the bed at all times. The down side is I get 13 miles per gallon if I'm empty or pulling a trailer with 10000lbs.
Dependable Plow Truck
Pete, 06/08/2008
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 SS/T 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Bought my truck from a friend with 30,00 miles on it. Had a 8' western snow plow on it. I put my 7 1/2' western on it. Been an incredible truck. Plowed snow with it every year since I bought it. Every one always says Dodge Transmissions were junk, but mine went strong. Rebuilt it in Feb. of '06 with 128,000 miles on it (not bad considering what snow plowing can do to a truck). Still has original alternator in it. My snow plow's hydraulics are powered by the battery (electric). My dodge now has 150,00 miles on it and is still a great truck. Wish it were a crew cab. Single cab w/ 6' box. Short Wheel base makes plowing very nice though. But now have 2 kids and no room for the whole family.
Never get stranded again
Jake Ramey, 01/02/2016
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 LT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
15 of 17 people found this review helpful
I love my Ram. I've always heard people complain of death wobble or trans problems and I've honestly not had any of those. Truck has 327k miles on it. She just keeps on trucking. The seats are the most comfortable ones I've ever had the pleasure of sitting on. Gas mileage isn't the greatest but it's a truck.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best, Most Dependable Truck I have Ever Owned!
Darren, 06/12/2016
updated 12/19/2016
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 SS/T 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1997 Dodge Ram Sport 4x4 in the fall of 1996. It currently has 224,000 miles on it and it runs like a top. The only things I have ever had to repair/replace is the usual stuff...alternator, fan belt, u-joints, thermostat, etc... in addition to the routine maintenance and servicing. I have had to do no major engine or transmission work, although I did lose my 4 wheel drive and cruise control due to the plastic vacuum lines eventually rotting and cracking. Got the 4 wheel drive working again, but still no cruise control which I'm ok with since I rarely ever used it anyway. The truck has never stranded me or failed to start. Ever. Performance wise, its not the quickest off the line in terms of raw power but its no slouch either. And it tows whatever I need with effortless ease. Roomy and comfortable with excellent visibility and responsive steering. I don't know if its because I own a short bed or because its a solid axle or whatever, but the turn radius on this truck is unbelievably short. This truck "corners like its on rails", as they say. The ONLY negatives I can say about this truck...the cup holders are terrible!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best I Have Owned
webby1960, 02/25/2011
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Owned every make, owned every model, I treat my truck like a work horse and it delivers every time. Most reliable thing on the farm...You won't go wrong with this rig...got 310,000 miles on it and just came back from a 1200 mile trip pulling a trailer...never missed a beat. After owning this rig, I can't even remember what a Ford or Chevy looks like.
Exelent Truck
damando, 09/26/2011
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 SS/T 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my truck new in 1997 and have had it ever since. Very dependable , Pulls a bayliner dual axle boat trailer with no problems. Have done most of repairs myself. After 14 yrs I only have to drop the tranny and rebuild it. I am very proud of this truck and if I can afford it I will buy another.
Good Truck
roperanger, 03/04/2002
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 LT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought the truck brand new and have 66000 miles on the truck. It has been very dependable, rides good, and has not caused any problems to date. The gas mileage is not good at all, but I supposse you sacrifice that when you buy a truck that is four wheel drive
1997 Laramie SLT 1500
beauwy, 09/18/2004
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
94,000 miles so far, no repairs yet except regular maintenance and wear parts. Very pleased with this truck.
Nice Big Truck!
Jamerson, 04/08/2002
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have not had this truck very long but so far it has been great. I really like the looks of the truck as well as the roomy interior. The truck seems to run good considering its size. My only complaint is the costly gas milage (13/17), but I was aware of it when I bought the truck so I guess I can't complain.
A Love & Hate Relationship
Will H, 04/16/2010
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The Love: I love how this truck looks, especially in Black w/the black f&r bumpers; why Dodge put chrome mirrors on this one is beyond me? Grey interior w/a beige headliner is also weird! Nothing I can't change easily through the use of after market accessories. I also love how this truck sounds after adding a "TRUE" dual exhaust system with flow master American Thunder mufflers. The power was lacking so I installed a K&N FIPK, a JET Stage II Chip, JET throttle body spacer and Bosch +4 spark plugs, and fully synthetic Amsoil engine, trans, case and diff oil and the truck breaths fire now. It has been very reliable so far. The HATE: The dash is cracked all to Hell. After market!
Good Overall
C_hagadone1998, 08/13/2002
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a good vehicle overall. I have a few problems with it. The gas mileage is really poor compared to other trucks. I think it has a little lack of power. I'll be going down the highway with it on cruise and a small little hill will come up and it will kick down to make it up the hill. Everything else is good. I'm used it off road and its fun to mess with.
Runs like a champ!
urbancowboy0307, 04/15/2010
updated 09/11/2020
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great truck
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Awesome
JoshuaS99, 07/13/2003
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love this truck! I bought the Ram as a much needed replacement for my 1990 Ford Bronco and I just think this is an awesome vehicle. The interior is very roomy and very well laid out. The paint is still bright and shiny even after 7 years. The transmission is smooth as is the steering with over 75,000 on the vehicle. I bought this truck used, but it is very reliable. I also love all the room the vehicle has under the hood. My only complaint is that the clear coat is very easy to damage. The top of the bedrails clouded up were I had a toolbox installed. There is a TSB out for this problem, but I solved it by getting bed rail caps.
Still Smoking
jimi, 08/01/2008
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 SS/T 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought the truck new 'cause I fell in love with it. Happy to say I still am 124K miles later The truck is still the benchmark for styling and has performed almost flawlessly. The exception being the brakes, which was fixed with a higher quality pad. It has towed my boat or my camper for about half of those miles. It still runs like brand new and delivers 17 mpg at 75-80 on the freeway. With platinum plugs and 8 mm wires. Very happy and will probably never let it go.
211,660 and still going
Hector, 12/15/2008
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought it with 100,000. First Dodge truck I ever had. Wow! I will always stick with Dodge from now on! What a dependable truck. Same engine & transmission, no rust or clear coat peel, I wax it a lot. Replaced, brake line, pads and rotors, battery, oil and filters. Just regular maintance. Daily driver. The carpet is worn and stained from Michigan winters and mud from off road. I pull a boat in the summer (17 feet) and my boy's lawn service equemptment. I change the fluid and filter one year and flush it the next. Also, use the +4 transmission fluid. It's more pricy than most but it is recomended by Dodge. Has not failed me yet!
Ram Tough is right!
TC Infantino, 07/30/2004
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have owned my Ram since new. I have used and abused this truck more than the average person would ever consider doing to their vehicle. The whole time I have owned it, the only problem I have had was the starter died at 120,000 miles. The 4wheel engagement is strong and possitive, you don't have to guess whether it has kicked in. You can't beat the solid front axle in the 4WD for strength. The body refuses to rust, even through 6 NorthEastern winters. I have driven it in salt water that was up to the waist line of the truck, with no problems, and no body rust. The interior space is unmatched in any standard cab.
No good
d, 04/18/2005
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck with 65k miles on it and it now has 90k after 4 years. I have had it in the shop at least twice a year since I bought it, mostly for big items (tranny, fuel injectors, etc). I like the look of the truck but it's the biggest money pit I've ever owned! This truck may just be a lemon, but I would suggest doing my research before buying one. I've heard similar tales from other Dodge Ram owners.
Love This Truck
James, 09/02/2008
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 ST 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
When i bought the truck i was skeptical at first about gas mileage but i soon came to realize that the 5.2 L is really a pretty economic motor. My truck has 119K on it and i haven't had any problems since buying it in Feb. of 07.
Looks Good, But...
ColdinPa, 01/08/2003
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 ST 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Love the look, the Sport package, and the dependability of the 4x4. However, not enough power w/5.2L, 5-Spd, & Towing Pkg when towing a pop-up. However, putting a Quad in the bed did not affect drive. Also, already need rear-main replaced, and sometimes the cruise will not stay steady on highway.
97 dodge 1500
dodge owner, 01/10/2018
updated 01/13/2020
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 WS 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
318 engine (5.2) is a good engine, and most of the hardware is fine,, the ride is definitely truck, and gas mileage is foot controlled,a/c was good, heater so,so,headlights were not that good, otherwise, it was a good truck, which i sold in 2017,
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
bad to the bone
Fourspeed70, 09/02/2003
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 SS/T 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love my truck,rides great and pulls a 24ft Enclosed Trailer with eas. The girls aways smile and give the thumbs up when I ride by. It always turns heads and that is fun.I wanted the blue w/ white stripes but couldn't get it because there was none in the area and the plants were on strike.I got the black w/ silver stripe and I'm glad I did.
Extremely disappointing
ethan olson, 06/23/2002
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
My Ram 1500 is really a disappointment. I met more 1500 Ram owners that say the same. My truck has 37,000 and the cruise control, steering pump, electrical system, and power locks all had to be repaired. If that wasn't bad enough the front brake pads and rotors had to be repair/replaced at 12,500. From what other dodge owns tell me the transmission should go out soon. Before buying a RAM ask the owns that have one what they think of their truck.
rating for resale
jwwdad, 11/29/2003
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 ST 2dr Extended Cab LB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
have had no problems with this vehicle. Just want to get larger truck
damn good truck
ducegigolo, 07/17/2002
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
im the second owner of this truck,only part changed has been the starter at 88000. It has been real dependable.the first owner was a friend and he just changed oil,nothin else had to be replace,except like brakes and tune ups.
Would i buy again?
Craigger, 02/17/2004
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 ST 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Besides the gas mileage this 1/2 tons truck was always there for me and never left me stranded after 137000 miles. Its time to trade it in for a 1 ton cummins.
first owner perspective
opsboss111, 10/16/2004
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased the truck new in 1997. Have had 1 front wheel bearing assembly go bad at 50k miles and just replaced the O2 sensor at 85k miles. Routine maintenance - change oil, trans, axles, etc. pulls my 19 ft boat just fine. Very pleased with this truck.
I Love My Ram
Allen Grosser, 09/28/2002
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I Love My Ram. This is an excellant truck. And it's finally paid for.
My first Dodge
Ron Jordan, 11/12/2004
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I actually bought this truck off ebay....flew to Houston, Tx. and drove it back 734 miles (to Alabama) in 11.5 hours.....and I've got a bad back! Most comfortable truck I've ever been in! Have had a few squeaks but otherwise, just fine. Would like more mpg from the 318, but not bad @ 15/16 local. Doesn't go up much on the highway though. Overall, a good truck. Quiet and comfortable....looks good too.
Great Truck to drive for fun!
Nathan Jessup, 12/06/2003
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 SS/T 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Dodge SS/T. The only gripe is the gas mileage. With this kind of power I guess it is to be expected. I have had no problems of any kind and in 6 years have only replaced the battery once. With the Limited Slip and Wide Tires I have to watch how hard I get on the gas when it is wet outside. The Beast will go slipping around the corners when it is wet since it takes so little effort to put power to the wheels. It always get lots of looks where ever we go.
Solid truck
Mark , 10/05/2005
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck new in '97. very reliable. Only high dollar items that went bad were a pinion bearing and a fuel pump. This truck had a lot of life left in it, until some old lady ran a stop sign and totaled it! I will be buying another Dodge for sure!
"Bad" Truck
JoeP, 04/22/2002
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 LT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive. Strong. Tough
1997 Dodge 1500 4x4 Regular Cab
moparpartsman, 03/17/2003
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 SS/T 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall this has been a great vehicle. Chicks dig these trucks fellas! Very fun to drive but not very good on gasoline. My two previous and next truck will be Dodges.
EXCELLENT!
Johnny Jackson, 11/05/2002
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had no problems what so ever from my truck, it's a keeper! Still looks great and drives excellent!
Excellent
tommy, 10/06/2002
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehichle has 134,400 miles with one set of tires. No work, except regular service. Never even had front end lined. Tires came off my other dodge and they now have 144,000 miles. Looks better thsn a new one and is cleaner.
Gas Guzzler
Gene, 03/21/2006
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This truck is reliable and the build quality has surprised me, But the very poor mileage takes all of those benefits away. I get about 11 mpg on the highway right now with 97,000 miles on the clock. It's tuned up always has fresh oil but the gas never gets better. Oh well.
Excellent
Tommy, 10/06/2002
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehichle has 134,400 miles with one set of tires. No work, except regular service. Never even had front end lined. Tires came off my other dodge and they now have 144,000 miles. Looks better thsn a new one and is cleaner.
Awesome
Charles, 04/06/2007
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
All I have to say is, Wow. I bought this truck from the original owner, 65 yr old male. Drove the truck like a baby, took awesome care of it, all synthetic liquids throughut the truck. It has 235,000 miles on it and runs like you wouldn't believe. Original everything. Tranny, engine/fuel pump, everything. He kept regular maintence and kept her running beautifully.
My '97 Dodge 4WD
ashgrove, 11/10/2005
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 ST 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We lived in MN and drove this truck there for 6 years. This truck did everything we needed it to do - even through the worst winters in Mn history. We recently bought a travel trailer that is just too much for the 1500, so must sell it. Using hindsight, I should have bought the 3/4T at the time and I would be OK. Many, many great outdoor experiences with this vehicle. Very dependable.
Great truck
best truck ever, 04/18/2008
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 SS/T 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent truck, the women always love it. Very sexy (black with silver stripes). Runs like a Dodge, and keeps on running. I'm selling it only because of the price of gasoline (she can't help it if she loves to chug, it's how she was built!)
This Truck has been Great
rodney, 06/04/2007
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the truck with 61,000 miles on it, drove the wheels off of it, this truck never gave me a bit of problems, just routine maintenance. The body style is awesome. The paint has held up great. The cup holder is in the worst possible spot. The interior has lots of room compared to other trucks
" This thing is a beast !! "
zaxdada, 05/11/2002
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 SS/T 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
That was how my 5 year old described his first ride in my truck. After driving an F350 all day, I get into my Dodge and realize how much nicer it is to drive. The interior is setup as it should be, convenient and comfortable. The ride is outstanding for a truck this size. And last but not least, my SS/T hauls butt. The 5.9 gets up to speed quickly and smoothly. As for offroad performance - well the SS/T wasn't exactly made for that, but I'll take a great looking, fast Dodge over my muddy F350 4x4 any day of the week !!
Dodge Ram
Kevin, 11/10/2007
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This truck is a gas hog, 13 mpg all of the time, I do have the 4x4 package, I have bought fuel saving products, none work, the trucks sounds great, blows Chevy and Ford out of the water in sound alone. Truck has been reliable other than the transmission going out, but thats the risk you take with any used truck. Remember 60% of people do not keep up the maintenance, so someone else down the line has to pay for it. I would recommend the truck to anyone that doesn't care about gas mileage
My Dodge
b sylver, 09/28/2007
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Say what you want, this particular truck has delivered the good through all kinds of conditions. I've owned Fords and Chevy's but this has hung together better than either of them.
Awesome Truck!
Cole Gerdes, 04/28/2003
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great truck. I don't think my Mopar engine is ever giong to die. I have 217000 miles on it and I've never replaced a single thing on the truck.
2nd Time Around
Allen Grosser, 08/22/2003
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I reviewed this about a year ago. It is still going strong, however, I have had about 3 instances of the Check Engine Light come on over the past year. It was all minor stuff. One of them involved a vacuum seal that was also causing the Cruise Control to not work. I also need to replace the carpets because of mold. Not Dodge's fault of course, but I wish I had gotten those rubber molded floors instead of carpet. Why do they put carpet in a truck anyway? What a waste. Anyway, I am still very impressed with this Dodge and the only thing that drives me crazy is that now I want one of the newer ones.
Reliable, good looks, fun to drive
MeanBlueDodge, 04/26/2008
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I thought it would be good to give a review after 6+ months of owning a 1997 Dodge Laramie SLT SB 4WD pickup. I bought it with 182K and now have about 188K. It has been reliable, I did have to replace tie rod ends & track bar (PA inspection), but it has a 3" lift and I don't know the past history-so no complaints. What has impressed me is no rust (Northeast is tough on trucks), paint looks still shiny, interior needed a good cleaning but I'll be installing a new headliner and mat for the floor. I used to own a Ford F150 w/a little higher mileage (205K) but the tranny was shot and it rusting fast. Ram ++Great looks, +comfortable. Motor is real quiet,(not like the Ford)-gas mpg 16/13-just OK ;/
60K to 120K good truck
Bill H, 01/22/2009
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 LT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've enjoyed this truck. I would buy another. My income puts me in the used market so I don't have huge brand loyalty. I used it to tow a 28 foot travel trailer on holiday weekends - decent power for that. Four wheel drive in the snow is great. I did spend money on some repairs. Intake mainfold gasket replaced, front wheel bearings, and front end steering parts twice. I think that it's just part of the 4WD thging. I live in Wisconsin. It's starting to rust - go figure.
I Love my DODGE!!!
Tony Abbondolo, 09/22/2003
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle used with 87,000 miles on it. I love it, its been the best vehicle I have owned to date, it drives like a brand new vehicle. tight as a drum , no squeaks or any problems