Used 1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Extended Cab Consumer Reviews
Used Ram Pickup 1500 for sale
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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.
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.
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 for sale near you
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
97 Ram 1500
M Wilcox, 10/19/2003
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 has been a fun vehicle to drive. Had to get the transmission worked at about 45,000 miles and the anti-lock brake light came on when new (warranty item). Brakes were good for over 80,000 miles. Other than that, only normal maintenance. I expect it to keep on ticking for a long time.
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
I love this truck
Cody zent, 04/01/2019
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Blown my cars engine and i alwayd wanted a 2nd gen so i found mine at a dealership in may of 2018 with 212k. It did have overheating problems when i got and it has broke down once (fuel pump) but thats nothing. It now has 230k and she still runs. It still has stock transmission, motor. Even tho i want to rebuild both. These are great, realible trucks and ive noticed everyone who hates on 2nd gens never owned or drove one. Get you one youll love it.
- Safety
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- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
1997 Dodge Ram 1500 V8 SLT
NapalmWD40, 06/18/2002
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
I got my Ram with the 5.9L V8 over the 5.2 because of the increased horsepower and torque. Although it doesnt seem like 10hp and 10 lb-ft would matter, the 5.2 was very underpowered for this size vehicle. I get about 13-15 mpg with this guy. It's pretty wide and long, even with the Short bed on the ext. cab. It barely fits in my garage. Only problem I have is the bottom of the doors are rusting because of poor design on Dodge's part; they failed to have enough drain holes. Aside from that, this is a great vehicle.
My First Truck
csearls, 08/11/2009
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 ST 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 5 people found this review helpful
First off, I want to say it is an ok truck. We bought with 167K miles on it and put bout 12K on it. But we have only owned it one year and already replaced fuel pump and a wheel cylinder. The dealership said it had one owner. We feel like that we have been ripped off! We cannot even trade it in since we can only get 2000 for it and still owe like 4000 on the loan. So now we are stuck with a truck that could break down any day!
Lemon
LeeLee, 09/08/2005
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.2L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the truck from an old man who had all the service records. The truck had 67,700 miles on it. In the last year I only put 3,700 miles on it and every time I drive it I end up having to go to the mechanic. Last time the power steering pump shaft broke, this time it's the transmission. It's the biggest money pit.