Used 2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Consumer Reviews
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Dodge ram 1500
Breaks suck. 7000 miles and on 2nd set of rotors without ever towing anything.
Oh, my HEMI!
This is my 3rd pickup, but the first one I bought for the actual utility a pickup afforded. I bought the truck to tow a boat. After much searching and deliberation I settled on the Dodge Hemi. It's looks are still to this date, incredible, and the HEMI, oh, the HEMI. I still get a tingle when I start the truck and it roars to life. The towing unfortunately was mediocre at best, though I am towing pretty close to it's rated 8600# capacity. As far as non towing and hauling it's incredible. My only real complaint would have to be the fuel mileage. I average about 11.5mg now. That kinda hurts the wallet, especially considering gas prices these days.
- STMSRP: $7,99976 mi away
- ST Regular CabMSRP: $7,99588 mi away
- 2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500MSRP: $5,995112 mi away
more work in the interior it to simple
the interior of the truck needs mor work but overall it nice. it needs more features. it looks inside like a ranch truck.
Got the HEMI
Edmunds needs to update the choices for engines, I have a 1500 QC Hemi and love it. I purchsed it with the sport appearance package and it looks the part of a BA truck. So far I have put a little over 3000 miles on it and it seems to be breaking in well. The ride is great, it handles like a car and sits very high with the 265's on it. I installed nerf bars, bed liner and a K&N filter so far and plan to put a Flowmaster system on it to increase the rumble. I would suggest the Hemi for more power over the other engine choices, my mileage is up to 17 on the highway and drops to 12 in the city, unless I start driving like a teenager wwhich happens regularly.
My mini Winnebego
I have been driving my 2003 now for a year. I have 25,000 miles on it now, most of it driving back and forth from California to Florida pulling a boat or trailer. It is very comfortable and has plenty of power for my needs. I would recommend this truck to anyone who is looking for one over the F-150. After 25,000 miles, it is still quiet inside without any rattles or creaks which is my biggest pet peave. the 2001 and prior models had way too many rattles and creaks from the doors and interior which they have completely corrected with the 2002+ model. My truck is a 5 speed manual trans and I would definately buy another Ram but with an automatic.
Dodge Quad cab ST
Lots of room, great price for the truck, fun to drive. I like it!
Good Truck
We love this truck. My first American purchase, always read consumer reports and they still reccomend the Tundra; however I took my 15 year old son and put him in the back seat and his knees were in his chin. Glad I took my kids with me, to look instead of just listening to consumer reports. Took 3 surfboards, 6 bicycles and 6 people with luggage comfortably and got 18.2 miles to the gallon on the freeway. What more can you ask for? On top of that the dealership treats you like King for the Day, I sold my Toyota Previa to purchase this Utilitarian vehicle and it was the best decision I ever made. Dodge gives you 7 years on the warranty.
Hemi Ram
This Hemi motor is a blast. But fuel econimy in the city is bad. Highway milage is good at speeds under 60mph.
Great truck.....gotta love the Hemi!!!
I bought the truck used and it has run great ever since. I can't say too much for the gas mileage, but considering how big the truck is and the engine size, it does pretty well. It is a V8 after all. Great truck except Dodge needs to work a little with the shifting, it's not bad, but it's not perfect. Great truck!
Like it so far
Since there are only 2 reviews, and the average is 4.3 or something, figured I'd chime in. I agree, the engine feels a little wussy for what they say it is. For the gas it eats, I want to take off from the red light... of course, thats more my shifting than anything else, given I got the manual transmission. Love the looks. Feels solid, handles very well. The brakes are amazing. Like it so far. As for the 'no leg room' in the back... you sure you got a quad cab? I'm 6'1" and I have plenty of leg room in the back seat.
Love my new Quad Cab
1st new vehicle purchase. Have been a Dodge fan for years. The interior and exterior styling of the new Dodge quad cab in my opinion is second to none. In comparison to the "compitition" the dodge has a slightly firmer ride like a truck should be. The steering is very responsive due to the vehicles new rack & pinion steering. Body roll is barely noticeable. Interior noise level is very quite. The sound of my 4.7 stock exhaust is just right, not to loud or to quite. The Dodge Quad may be a bit difficult to access for us shorter people.The addition of nerf bars added style and made easier access possible.
The HEMI
-I dont feel 345 hp that Chrysler bragges up, powerfull but 345hp? -A "clicking" in the transmission when going from park to reverse and drive -A "tapping" in the engine on initial start up on the HEMI -Towing up steep grades really works the motor, even if it is a HEMI
Not a Dodge Fan until now
I Did not want a Dodge but I made the mistake of test driving it and found it to be the best.
Hemi
Chrysler a one big mistake. Not comming out with the Hemi sooner. After having a 01 ram and towing cars with it, and now towing cars with this hemi. There is no comparison. Drive better in rain, tows with no problems, just need to work on the interior. That only thing that looks and feels cheap. That hemi is the best engine I have used in 20 years. Great job on bring it back.
my hemi
this truck is not only good looking it does everything you could ask of a high performing hard towing truck
Extremely Pleased
So far I am extremely impressed with the truck. The regular cab has a LOT of room behind the seats (enough to put a bunch of groceries, or luggage for the wife and I for a trip), very comfortable and supportive seats, and the dash design is simple but attractive. The ride is somewhat stiff, but it's a 4x4. The gas mileage isn't the greatest, but what do you expect for a full size truck like this? Engine power is a tad lower than the basic V8s from the competition, but I will gladly take a 15 or 20 hit in HP to save about $1K, and then get an exhaust system and an intake to compensate. All in all I highly recommend it.
Best of Breed
If you see a bad review of this truck better suspect the source as a Ford or Chevy dealer. They got caught with their pants down. I have freinds with the Tahoe and Ford Triton. The Ram is stylish, hemi power beautiful interior and nice ride for a truck. I used to be a Chevy man but this is a crossover vehicle. We're Dodge fans as long as they build this kind of quality. We own a Toyota which is also good quality but not in the same class. No better full size truck after looking for weeks.
What's with the suspension
What is going on with the ghetto cruiser electra 225 bouncy suspension? I feel like the truck goes out of control a bit at highway speeds when you hit a bump and it has a mushy non truck like ride. It needs to be tighter more truck like. I feel I have to watch out and keep two hands on the wheel all the time. Yes, I should have test drove it longer, but it seemed so comfortable the 4-5 miles I test drove it. Oh yeah, can you stand not seeing the end of the hood? The wipers are in the way.
Excellent Ride!
I have been very please with this truck. It is stylish and powerful. The acceleration is quick and responsive. Smooth ride for being a truck. I would have been disappointed with anything else.
HEMI? Why, yes it does.
Got the HEMI and love it. Makes the truck quite quick. Standing on the accelerator forces you back into your seat like a catapult launch. Gas mileage is far better than I expected: started at about 14 mpg hwy. Now, with 13,000 miles, I average more than 18. The dark blue gets lots of compliments. Towed a large trailer from Memphis to Boston with ABSOLUTELY no problem. Couldn't even tell I was pulling over 3 tons of crap. GREAT TRUCK!
I LOVE THIS TRUCK
After two great months I am still in awe of this truck, I only have two complaints 1. I wish my wife didnt like to drive it so much, then I wouldnt be driving a minivan to work. and 2. I wish I had gotten the 5.7 HEMI instead of the 4.7 so I could say YES to all the ????
my dodge truck
Have had truck 5 months and dealership can not keep brakes fixed been in 3 times for brakes, 2 times for AC work, had to replace right remote mirrow. Wish I had purchased the 5.9, the 4.7 is just 2 week on hills and pulling. other than that I like the looks and the ride.
Ram 1500 Problems
The truck is fun to drive However had problems with front rotors warping after 15000 miles dealer said it was due to towing a trailer. this was the reason for purchasing the truck trailer weight is 3000lbs below max. for the truck. also body strenth is vary low major damage from an accident at 5mph.
Great Truck
Dodge has made a solid and powerful truck. Sharp looks are backed up with a powerful 360 engine. I can't wait for the 1/2 ton with the new Hemi.
Cruising
The only thing that the truck lacks is the high end Laramie package should have better leather and the dash should be of a better quality. It's appearance just stands out to you and the 20" chrome clad package is what sold me. If I would buy again, I would still buy the Dodge but I would settle for a SLT model and stick with the cloth. You can save a few thousand dollars and get the same interior feel. But make sure you order the sport package, I love that colored bumbers, etc.
Poor quality Dodge Truck
Big size truck but lacks in the quality deptartment. Overall the quality of the my Dodge truck is very poor. Problems from the very beginning. Transmissions problems, valve problems and ring replacements after only 4 months. Prestige Dodge in Longmont, Co was the worst service I ever had. Everytime I took it in for repairs it took them 2 to 3 weeks to fix it. They always had to order parts from Chrysler, never had the right parts in stock. No loaner car either. The truck was in the Dodge garage more than my garage.
Way Too Expensive...
There's no dispute, it's the best looking truck out there. However, the Hemi engine consumes way too much fuel. As for the rear seats, they're not comfortable at all. In fact, the back seats don't recline whatsoever and they lack headrests, which Dodge finally added in 2004. In comparison to other truck manufactures, Dodge' Quad Cab seems to offer the least amount of leg room. The leather interior looks cheap and the stereo system isn't anything to boast about. The navigational system has a small screen compared to other manufacturers and Dodge doesn't even offer a DVD entertainment system for the rear. Would I buy another Dodge Ram? No...
Primo Ramo
This beast is absolutely AWESOME! I have never been more proud to own a vehicle. All the bells and whistles and a GREAT total package too.
Love my truck
Love my truck. Plenty of room for a family. The 4.7 drives well, but wish it had more power. I have driven the 5.9 and can not tell a difference in acceleration.
03 Ram 1500
Abosolutely love this truck. Bought in July 03 incentives were great!! Prviously owned 2000 Dakota wnt looking for another one and wound up with my Ram. The ride, room, and styling blew me away.
Wheel Fell Off
I thought the highway gas mileage at 11 mpg was the worst part of this 4x4 truck until the rear tire broke off the axle while trying to drive over a 6" curb. Then Dodge refused to warranty the vehicle and charge me $3400 to repair the axle. Needless to say, I will never buy a Chrysler product again. My 2002 FORD F350 is a great vehicle.
dodge truck
very solid truck. first dodge i have owned. love it. only thing i dont like is the gas mileage, but i am going to add dual exh and a cold air ram. this should add some miles per tank.
4.7L best pick for overall driving
If you're going to ride ride around in a full size truck and you're not towing more than a bass boat or medium size camper more than twice a year, the 4.7 is the way to go. I have a 4WD and routinely average 19-21 MPG and thats at HWY speeds in a 5500 lb truck... I avg 33k a year so the majority is hwy. When I am running the streets it will get 14 mpg, and my only complaint is, you have to think about parking whenever you pull into a lot.. It's only been in the shop for recommended maintainence, and one warranty item(ac condensor fan failed at 70k miles)
Ram It
I bought this mainly for work and travel, but needed something to put the kids in too. The interior features had a lot to do with the purchase. The room in this truck is second to none. Styling is great. It just feels solid and well built. The engine provides enough power and doesn't feel overworked. Handling is phenominal. With 4,000 miles already, I've had no problems and am happy with the purchase.
Never thought I'd buy a Dodge, but......
I just ordered the 2003 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 Short Bed, and must say that I am impressed with this truck. It rides better than the full size SUV's, but the best part is that it isn't a SUV! I had looked at the Toyota Tundra, and liked the truck, but the back seat is only big enough for a five year old. After I drove one I was sold. It is head and shoulders above F- 150 and Silverado as far as style and power. The 5.7L Hemi is an awesome engine (345 HP). I had never really considered Dodge, but after driving the Ram 1500 Hemi, I was able to talk my fiancee out of wanting to get a full size SUV.
Hemi
The Hemi motor is awesome on my 1500,coupled with the manual 5 speed transmision and the anti slip diferential it launches down the road in a hurry.
Hemi vs MPG
Buy this truck for looks, performance, or just to say you have a Hemi but don't buy it if you plan to commute with it. You will not be pleased with 10 to 12 mpg using the required mid grade fuel. $$$$$
Dodge Ram with Hemi
We've had our truck about 3 months. It has about 5000 miles. Last week we had to have new rotors on the front. Anyone else have this problem?
dodge
Although I am somewhat disappointed with the fuel economy of the truck I am very pleased over all with the truck.Acceleration is terrific, ride quality is nice and fit and finish is better than I expected.
Dodge Ram '03...Best yet
This '03 Ram handles and drives several fold better than the '98 Ram I traded in. Best vehicle I've owned in years, excepting the '02 Vette, of course.
Snow? Ice? No Problem!!!
The first week my rear left tire blew out because I ran over something in the road. I had to immediately pay $150 for a 20" tire. Ouch! In January, we had a huge snow and ice storm that lasted over a week. When I took my Hemi out and put it in 4x4 mode, it was INCREDIBLE!! I didn't need any chains and it drove perfectly. I couldn't have asked for anything more! I felt safe and secure and I plan to own this truck for many years to come! I now have only 11K on it, but I am still in my first year. I have had many compliments on this truck both in the appearance as well as the power that my passengers felt during the drive.
Wheres that gas station?.........
Over all I love my big green truck. My only complaint ould be the fuel economy but hey .. it's a truck... what do I really expect?? Living in the boonies is a bit of a bite out of my wallet when gas stations are far and few between. I have had some unexpected paint chips unfortunatly (thank goodness for touch up paint). Havn't towed with it yet so I can't really coment in the power department yet. Handles great on hwy and mnt driving conditions. Besides you gotta admit it's nice when you can see over the traffic instead of staring at bumpers :).
Good truck
This is a nice truck. The interior is well planned, and it has decent storage behind the seats (unlike Chevy or Ford). The ride is smooth, and the power is good. No mechanical problems at all so far. Mileage is averaging about 17mph combo. Not great, but not as bad as some I've heard about. This is my first truck, and I plan on driving it for several years.
Never thought I'd own anything but GM!
Having had only GM cars and trucks in the past, this was quite a leap for me! I have been quite pleased with the Ram so far. The truck drives and looks great. I am impressed with the road manners and braking! The interior is sharp and functional, and the seats are very comfortable.
Great Truck
I've owned late models Chevy and Ford pick ups and this Hemi Lariat has been the tightest built to date. The bed doesn't shake over railroad tracks, the steering feel is good and it tracks true. Heated seats are nice on cold days and the HVAC system works well in all weather. This truck has great acceleration with the Hemi and the sound of the exhaust reminds me of the late 60s. This is not a perfect truck, but I don't regret my choice of the Dodge. I have had no problems, either mechanical or otherwise so far. The looks are awsome and you have a commanding view of everything around you.
A Winner
Excellent truck for the price! It has every feature I was looking for on a tight budget. The 20's definitely turn heads. Wheels are much better than the '01 and back. You have to get used to the long truck feel, but that is only minor.
03 Dodge Ram
Excellent vehicle, reliable, handles well. The lack of fuel economy 11 mpg around town, 13-14 on highway, with small V-8 is a major problem.
Great truck!
I was a Ford man but couldn't pass this truck up. Built solid with a good design. Gas milage isn't great but it's average for a big truck. I love it and I'm glad I bought it!
Very poor radio
The truck is great however the radio is junk.
2003 Hemi Ram
I was affraid that the HP would be lost in this tank, but I was wrong. This truck can walk circles around my old Dakota R/T and about anything else on the road today