Used 2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Consumer Reviews
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So happy, we are on our 3rd Ram
We had a 2003 Ram single cab, and we were in an accident. My 1 year old was in a rear-facing car seat in the middle, with me and my husband on each side. We all survived without a scratch. The other minivan was totaled. They tried to repair our truck but the sorry repair shop didn't fix it right, so it ended up being totaled. So, we bought the exact same truck, but a Quad cab. Feels very safe in the truck. We have about 150,000 miles on her, and no problems with the engine or tranny. We did have to replace the radiator, heater core, and ball joints, but other then that it hasn't given us any problems. We are selling it now, cause we just got an '09 Ram. Very happy with all 3 of them
Best vehicle I've ever owned
I was pleasantly surprised after owning this vehicle for 8 years that I've had fewer problems than any other car I've owned in my 30+ years of driving. I replaced the alternator as a precaution because a bearing was making noise. That's it. Rotors were changed out under warranty once, but other than that no problems. It is used as a work truck, with hard miles, but it still runs and looks like new. Well built truck. Very solid still. Bad gas mileage but all big trucks have this problem. Average 13 mixed, with a 1500 lb full time load. Great handling truck in my opinion. And I've owned 3 Porsches. Those with brake problems just install aftermarket rotors/pads and be done with it.
- STMSRP: $7,99569 mi away
- SLTMSRP: $4,999141 mi away
- SLT Quad CabMSRP: $9,995146 mi away
our 2003 dodge ram burnt due to electrical problems
2003 dodge ram 1500 4x4 quad cab auto 5.9 loved the truck i am still a fan of dodge they make good looking vehicles.we owned it for 5 yrs.had lots of problems out of it the windows wouldnt roll down missing tranny went out, then we were gonna to drive it let it run for 2 mins went back out and it was on fire. this makes the 4th one i know of that has done this, fire cheif said started in dash with electric.called the dealership and they would not help us.insurance wouldnt cover it either. now it sets in the garage. I now have a 2003 hemi and its haveing elctrical problems same windows radio heater all electrical so we are sending this one back b4 it does the same thing.
Great truck, great price
This truck simply looks amazing! The fit and finish is very tight. All gaps are straight and even. Dash layout is simple, straightfoward and easy to use. For a truck it's size, the gas mileage is on par but still shocking at first, expect 14MPG in mixed driving. Very comfortable family hauler, good for my small kids (needs rear headrest though). You will not notice the 3" they took from the bed; and bed is still a foot longer than the Ford s-crew. The rear is a little bouncy, but this is normal, with a load or 250lb weight in the back, handles like a sedan. I love this truck.
2003 Dodge 1500
I am the second owner of this vehicle, I have only had it for one year now, but this has got to be the best truck I have ever had. I was a little skeptical to buy a used vehicle of any kind with over 50,000 miles on it, but knock on wood the truck has been great. I have upgraded the exterior with a ton of chrome, the design of this truck makes it easy to go a little over board with accessories. I bought some 20" wheels for it just two months ago, upgrade I ever made to it, looks great. I would recommend a Dodge to anyone. The truck was a virgin to pulling anything, never pulled more than it's own weight till just 2 weeks ago, had to load a 1994 Ford Ranger on a car hauler, pulled great.
'03 Ram 5.9L V8
Overall I'm pleased with the truck. It looks great and has plenty of power on tap. No major problems except an emissions vapor canister which I have to replace. Mine is an early '03 so I still have the old 5.9L 360, but from the Hemi owners I've seen and talked to, I still get better gas mileage!
Sweet Rig
First Dodge truck after owning Chevys. Worlds of difference between new Ram and old 2000 Silverado x-cab. Cabin feels much larger than the old truck. Handling is much better. Ride is a little bouncy with the 20's but they look cool so I don't mind so much. Engine is awesome. Can't help but mashing the go pedal, even with the extra expense in gas. Such a fun truck to drive and a looker too. Interior is good but feel a bit sparse and plastic-y and lockers for the cup holder and ash tray have trouble holding sometimes. Get's about 15-16 on the highway going 70- 75, which is about what my Chevy got.
Long live the Hemi
Purchased my 2003 Slt Quad cab 4X4 used with 77k,now have 92K,replaced the tranny cooling lines and battery,The hemi is awesome,runs flawlessly,tranny strong and smooth,rides like a luxury vehicle,interior is roomy nicely appointed,rather spartan in appearance but its a truck,the hemi is a blast to drive,handles nicely for a nearly 5000 pound truck,no complaints to date,if u want gas mileage buy a 4 banger rice burner!!,in closing,i think its the sharpest truck on the street,unlike the fords and chevys that are a box on wheels,drive a hemi u will be impressed.
Forever Dodge
Bought my RAM new with 2 miles on it. 95,000 miles later, it's running better than the day I bought it. The 4.7 with an Airaid intake and a performance muffler, it delivers 24 miles to the gallon and has never missed a beat. It hauls, tows, and goes and continues to beg for more! My only complaint is that it eats its breaks every 30,000 mile or so, but it's a small price to pay for its comfort, reliability, and performance. This is easily a 300,000 plus mile truck and I have no doubt that it will never disappoint me.
Not bad, not great
I agree with anyone that says the V6 is underpowered. If I were to do it over again, and have more money, I'd buy the Hemi version. The 6 is grossly underpowered. All in all, good daily driver, but for an enthusiast, it makes for a pretty boring truck. If only I had gotten the V8, I might be having more fun.
White Dodge
The ride and handling are great. The six cylinder engine does not have enough power for this large a truck. With the motor moved back towards the cab, the rear end has enough weight so that it doesn't fish tail when the roads are wet.
Decent truck, needs some work
A decent truck to drive, handles decently for the size. In four wheel drive, winter driving become a lot of fun, with no issues getting stuck. The interior can use some upgrades, everything is plastic and held together rather poorly from the factory. Cup holder and ashtray are problematic and wont stay up, common issue. The parking brake is also a common issue, failure in springs. Simple, but expensive fix due to labor. Power steering rack and pump known to be weak. My pump failed at 86000miles, and rack at 93000. Truck undrivable without power steering. Bed provides adequate space, and interior is able to fit a full compliment of 6 full grown persons, excluding ashtray and drink holder.
'03 Ram Pickup
Overall a good truck, had the front rotors replaced at 10,000 miles, rear differential replaced at 63,000 miles. Fuel economy in town is HORRIBLE. Highway economy is acceptable but still not great even for a full size pickup with a V8. To do it over again I would probably pick the 5.7 Hemi over this trucks 4.7 standard V8.
Are you serious
I purchased a 2003 RAM 1500 quad cab with the 5.9 and 4wd 5 years ago. Other than my 94 Ford exploder this truck has possibly been the worst automotive purchase I have ever made. Engine problems, heads corroded, leaked, and needed replacing. Wont start when it rains even after replacing the distributer cap. Transmission has lost reverse. Power windows constantly come off the tracks. Heat is minimal. Cruze doesn't work. Air doesn't work. Wheels rusted through which caused over 12 flats in the 5 years and body rust. Power steering died. This truck should be an embarrassment for Dodge more than it is for me.
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Should have Waited
My Ram is the finest truck I owned. Goodlooking, quick and rides smooth. The only heartburn I have is with the dealer. Before buying the 4.7 engine, I asked twice about 5.7 availability. That's the engine I wanted. I was told the 5.7 would not be available in the 1500 until the 2004 model year. 45 days later I could have had a V8.....a 5.7 V8 They lied to me to make a sale that day instead of telling me the truth. I would have ordered & waited. They lost me as a customer
Nothing but problems
I had a 2003 Ram 1500 quad cab ST and was the original owner. Right after 36000 miles the problems were coming every three months. I went through a steering rack, steering lines, steering pump, a/c compressor, two rear ends and a transfer case before it hit 69000 miles. It was fun to drive when it did run but it cost me a fortune to keep her going. The only bright side of the truck was the brakes didn't fail on me. I drove this truck a whole lot easier than my ranger and that took twice the punishment. I am now an owner of a trouble free Silverado and I am much happier with GM than I ever was with Dodge. I vow to never buy another Ram again.
STOP complaining, get the right engine
This is to everyone who is complaining about the under power of the 4.7. If you like to haul your fourwheeler around or carry a small trialer of fire wood to your house and still use the truck to drive 50 miles to work in style, then get the 4.7. But, if you want the most powerful V8 to do anything you want, get the 5.7 HEMI. Dodge did brag to much on the 4.7, it's not all what Dodge made it to be, but what they lacked in the 4.7 they made up with the 5.7. I like the Dodge engines range, you have one engine that will handle anything you need and want and another that is more conservitive but still competitive
Nice...but
Nice truck. A couple of minor issues from factory concerning paint on rear door pillar. Dealer fixed without issue. Other parts needing addressing were driver side console has play making it a nuisance to put windows up and down. Missing screw from plenum underneath instr. panel. Dealer didn't fix console and they put bolt instead of screw on plenum. Again, lovely sale and truck but back to the old typical service issue that I hoped not to relive on my lifetime of owning an American car again. Oh well nice truck just disappointing service.
Solid Truck
Performance: Given it's hefty 4572 lbs curb weight, the 4.7L (240 hp) V-8 gets the job done. Acceleration off the line is excellent and at around 4000 rpm's you really feel the torque (300 ft lbs) planting you in the seat. Comfort: Unbelievably spacious. Behind the seats is enough room for ten grocery bags. No matter how tall you are, there will be plenty of leg room. Build Quality: Can't tell you, I've only driven the truck for about 300 miles at this point. More to follow. You feel like King of the Road when driving this truck and it looks way better than a Silverado or F-150!
junk
I don't know about the other engine's but 3.7 v6 sucks i have 138,000 on truck when all of a sudden top of engine starts knocking . junk.
- Performance
I love my dodge
So far shes been great to me, good pickup speed in the v-6 and very fun to drive.
It's been a good truck
Bought this truck new, now has 144000 miles on it. Very good gas mileage for a large truck - 16 to 19 on the highway depending on the wind. Had to replace the front brake calipers & pads @ 100K - this is a dodge design defect where the calipers hang up and ruin the pads. this is the second Dodge truck I've owned, and both suffered upholstery tears due to sharp edges from the seat frame cutting through the foam padding and through the fabric. If buying a 2WD, get the limited slip differential - it gets you through snow and up slippery boat ramps great. Great truck, but poor interior quality needs to have some attention from the Dodge engineers. Otherwise, buy it right and enjoy.
Best of the bunch
So far, so good. This beast handles like a car, has a good turning ability, and has no fish-tailing...even with a long bed !
Great Truck!
I switched from a Ford Ranger to the full sized Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4x4. This is one tough truck. The ride is very comfortable and quiet. The interior design is second to none and has a great center console and storage under the rear seat. It also has a clever load floor built under the rear seats that lifts and flatens out for hauling cargo behind the seat.Dodge designed the best interior in it's class if you ask me. I've got the 5.9 liter engine and expected just a little more power from it. However, it still has plenty of power. Fuel economy could be a little better. Sharp exterior design. Best value is the SLT w/17" wheels and 5.9L engine.
2003 ram extended cab
I was looking for a pickup and I found a 2003 Ram that was a one owner that the person that traded it in had bought it from that dealership new and had all the maintenance done and the dealership so they had all of the Service records everything every oil change even and it had 150,733 Miles on it and the person that traded it in had already put all the fancy stuff on the truck so it was really sharp I bought the Ram 7 years ago and I have to say it’s the best pickup that I have ever owned it has 5.9 360 in it but the review won’t let me choose that option
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Ride and Gas millage
I traded a ford pick-up in,and the dodge handle great and the fuel milage much is better with my dodge
Fun, fun, fun!
I just bought mine last week, used with 10,000 miles on it. I promptly picked it up and headed out on a road trip to Columbus, OH from Watertown, NY. If you havent driven a truck lately, go test drive this thing! The ride was spectacular! I was worried the seats might be too stiff, but after driving for over 7 hours, my fears had no merit. Great cornering, good suspension (its a bit bouncy over some rough highway) and WOW! What an engine! Mine came with the 5.7 Hemi, and its worth every penny as an extra. The exhaust is enough to get your heart pumping! Only negative that I have to say is the transmission. It likes to shift alot.
Dodge Ram doesn't die
Bought this truck in 2013, we drove it almost every day and have had no issues. Replaced the tie rods and ball joints & complete tune up in 2016 before leaving for Montana for a month vacation. We rode in comfort and got 20mpg average the entire trip. The Hemi magnum was great in the mountains. It will last another 100,000
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Bad juju
I love the truck. Good power with the 4.7. Has the power and the looks, but its a gasaholic
2003 Ram 1500 SXT 2wd Himi......WOW
This is the fastest truck I have ever driven. It tows almost 10,000lbs. Eats up everyother truck on the road except for the Lightning. Best in everything. Man I love it.
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I Love my new toy!!!!!!!!!!!!This is by far the best new car/truck I have ever bought. The only thing I can tell you if your interested is upgrade the radio when you add options. It is good but I need better sound when I am driving down the road. Gas is an issue to, but if you like to have fun then you have to spend a little. If your new to the pick-up game like me start off slow when on the road, the back moves alot when going fast and hitting bumps. All said and done I love it and you will too!!!!!!!!!!!
Great piece of equipment
Hemi is NASTY engine and this truck has enough power to do whatever, whenever
My Dodge RAM
Well I switched from a 2000 Silverado LT Z71 because I liked the look of the new Rams. Much to my misfortune this has turned out to be the worst vehicle I have ever driven. As soon as I hit 2000 miles, I got engine vibration over 40mph, and whistles galore. I brought it in and what they fixed broke again only this time a few days after the repairs. The interior is cheep, poorly designed, and my wife who is 5'9" refuses to go in the back because of zero leg room. I work construction and got a flat tire a month ago and let me tell you that finding a 20inch tire in not easy or cheep. Makes me wish I had my Silverado back, or even a Ford.
Hemi Mayor
I have had 7 new cars in 10 years and this is the best vehicle that I have ever owned. The quality is first rate, the fit and finish are flawless. The Quad Cab has a bunch of room and being 6 foot 4 inch and 300 lbs, I am comfortable.
the best Truck I have ever own?
Reliable, and worth every penny I spent.
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.
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.
Sweet truck
Nice new style for 2003. Still need to work on gas mileage. Better interior than Chevy 1500 & Chevy 1500 cost more than the Dodge. Alot more.
Loved the Truck, But
Truck was great, the small V-8 was more than adequate for my needs. I was aware of the poor gas mileage before buying. Roomy interior,however,wind noise was pronounced at highway speeds. Transmission rebuilt at 46000, tranny problems continued.I would have kept the truck except for these problems. If you are interested in a Dodge,be sure to purchase an extended warranty.
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.
Happy with my Ram
I just want to start by saying, some of the 'negative' reviews here say more about the people who bought the truck than the truck itself. Most of what people criticized, they should have noticed that when test driving the truck. Anyway, the new Ram is the best thing since sliced bread. I've pounded on this truck since day 1 and boy can the Dodge take it. Very Rugged yet quite refined. We are going to be trading in the family car and buying a second ram (quad cab) shortly.
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.
My Truck
I simply loved the styling of this vehicle. I'm 41 years old and buy new vehicles every couple of years. This is the first Dodge/Chrysler product I ever bought. But the bold styling captivated me immediately. I asked lots of other Previous Dodge owners their opinions before I made a final decision. Their comments were mostly positive with most thinking their previous model were a little clunky inside quality wise. I disagreed with this model after careful inspection,however would like to have a change holder and would like storage available in the center console.
Dodge Makes Cheap Trucks
Dodge Ram is a great looking truck, but performance wise, it falls short. The 4.7L V8 (235 HP) and the 5.9L V8 (240 HP) are both very underpowered. This truck is sluggish. The transmission is not smooth. The interior is cheaply made and the seat feel like a cardboard coated steel. My entire dash cluster went out at 7K and a LOUND engine squeak noise would not go away after six trips to the dealer. The four full doors are nice, but the rear seat is really not that roomy, when compared to an F250 Crew Cab. Main (+) is the looks of this truck. It is mean looking. Large bark, no bite here.
Ram Tough
I found the ground clearance to be the best part of my 2003 Ram. The suspension is smooth and the turning radius is unbelievable for a pick up. In making u-turns, I never need to back up to clear the corners--something that happens to most Fords and Chevy pick- ups. The truck idles a little rough, but otherwise I enjoy the ride.
New Ram Rocks
I have both the F-150 and the new Ram 1500. I must say I ride a lot more smoother on the Ram. The design is awesome. My first impression was like "wow, I got to have that" and I'm glad I do. I was impressed with the interior. At 6' 3" and pretty hefty, the extra room sure comes in handy. Over all I love my truck from the design to the 20 inch rims to the interior, but I do wish for a little better gas mileage and more horsepower.
My New Baby
This is the 3rd Dodge truck I have owned but the first Ram. So far the entire family just loves the Quad cab. Looks great, runs great and is a fun truck to drive. We traded in our family car for this Quad-Ram.
Dodge wins big with new Ram
Absolutely love the new exterior design of the new Ram. Interior is not as nice as the former, but is still nicer Ford truck interiors. New 4.7L 287 engine is much more fuel efficient than the former. You lose a little horsepower, but if savings dollars on gas is important this engine is for you. More room in the cab and the tough exterior design make up for the small details Dodge missed with the new Ram.
My Dodge Ram
I think Dodge has built a very solid vehicle with one so far. I have had mine for around a month now and have already put 1600 miles on it. I took it out in the first blizzard of the season last week and nothing slowed this vehicle down. I only have the 2WD model with the anti-slip differential and got around as well as a 4WD did. I loaded the bed down with firewood and took it out of Overdrive and went on about my business as if the roads were clear.
The Mayor of Truckville
I love this truck I sit up nice and high and before we bought any other truck we shopped around and I loved this one more than the ford and chevy plus it well worth the money