Used 2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Quad Cab Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Thank God for the Hemi!
I have been an import buyer until recently but decided to go back to american and I bought a Dodge Ram 1500 with a Hemi. I considered a bigger truck with the cummins diesel but ultimatley price kept me from doing that. This is by far the best truck I have ever owned. I love everything about it, the styling, POWER, and its functional for work. Dodge has made huge improvements and the new 7/70 warranty was definatly a decideing factor
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.
Best I've ever driven
I've owned 3 trucks previous, a Ford, a Chevy, and a GMC. None were as quiet, smooth, or powerful as this one. Huge interior, rear seating plenty for adults. Tows my camper or utility trailor loaded with 4-wheelers without any strain or significant change in gas mileage.
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.
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)
Very Nice Truck
This is my 4th Dodge Truck and I like this one the most. The Hemi is great and has plenty of power. Eventhough I loved my 99 Cummins this is much nicer to Drive for everyday. Good power, pulls my 18 foot trailer great, nicer ride then my Yukon and a much nicer infiniti sound system to. Great for my 3 kids, so much so that we are getting rid of the Yulon and my wife is going back to a nice car. No problems at all. In fact since I bought mine I have had 3 friends drive mine and then go out and buy there own. The brakes need alittle work, but remember I had a diesel before that needed brake work here and there. Great truck!
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.
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.
To many Repair's
This was a great truck the first 3000 miles,great power 3000 miles is number the truck would shake when brakeing had to turn rotors install new brake pads ,liked the 20" wheels untill the chrome started staining replaced 2 wheels,replaced pass side front & rear glass the glass would scratch when it was lower.Now the HEMI 5.7 at 4700 miles heard a ticking noise from the right side of the engine was a broken rocker arm after 26 day's dodge fixed the engine. 14 days later the tick noise is back.
grab the bull by the horns
we love our 2003 dodge ram 4x4 quad cab, when towing our travel trailer, we forget it's behind us.
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
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 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.
HAMMERTIME
Whatever category you list this truck does it! Anybody that whines about fuel economy I ask did you not read the window sticker? Secondly with the power and performance did you really expect to get great economy? Thirdly you like showing off which makes it difficult to keep your foot out of the tank! So now let's get this straight you wanted what?
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.
my ride
so far i've driven 10000 miles and this truck has been there for me. i'm in construction and i expect alot out of a truck and this ram delivers
I love my Hemi, but...
I bought my '03 Hemi new in '03. It has been a marvelous truck. It's been in the dealership twice to replace warped brake rotors and to install new calipers. Dodge has a problem with brakes on these trucks. Mine has 20" wheels, leather, Infinity, Hemi, 4WD, tow package, SLT loaded. The only negative I see is the gas mileage. Has awesome power. Thought about trading truck in on one of these fuel conserving small SUV's but can't bring myself to do it. I guess I'll just keep on paying the high prices for gas.
Done Right
Looks(Wow)...Comfort(Wow)....Performance (Wow) No matter where I go, people complement me on this truck. Black with Larmine Trim and the HEMI! Purchased hard shell for the bed to finish the look. Power. looks and comfort all in one package is unheard of and gas mileage around town with the Hemi is 13, with today's gas price hard but expected.
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.
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.
one of a kind
my new 2003 dodge ram quad cab 4x4 5.7 hemi is a real head turner.this truck is roomy,fun to drive ,acceleration is good ,braking is excellent i've raced chevy's,fords and toyotos and haven't lost a race yet . for 35,000 grand i could have bought any one of the others. by doing the process of elimination i chose the one with the best all around package,and still have no regrets.
DODGE RAM 1500 QC SLT 5.7LTR "HEMI"
BEAUTIFUL TRUCK,ALOT OF LOOKS,PLENTY OF POWER,WHEN DRIVING OVER BAD PAVEMENT AT NORMAL RATE OF SPEED, TRUCK REAR-END WILL MOVE QUITE A BIT. POSSIBLE CAUSE IS 20 INCH TIRES.ALSO EXPERIENCING HESITATION IN TRANSMISSION FROM PARK TO DRIVE. SORT OF JUMPS. ALSO MY EXPERIENCE THAT TRUCK TAKES A WHILE TO SETTLE DOWN TO NORMAL OPERATING IDLE. POSSIBLE CAUSE, TORNADO FUEL SAVER INSTALLED.?
Junk
The Dodge boys better figure out how to keep the Hemi runnin. I've had mint back to three different dealers a combined eight times in just over a year and they cannot figure out why it dies on me. I may have to go back to Fords.
Nice Truck. Good Price
Well, it's got a Hemi, what more can I say. With the Hemi engine, it really moves, whether from a stand-still or passing even at 75 mph. Of course, you can bank on filling the gas tank up at every street corner, but hey, it also tows my 3000 lb. boat like it wasn't even there, so if I was looking for fuel economy I'd buy a gay hybrid car and hug trees. The interior is spacious and comfortable. The drive is nice and smooth, except over bumps.
Excellent Ride
I have never owned a truck before and I believe this is one of the best trucks out there. Good price and great comfort.
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
Love it, but can't pass a gas station...
I have had this truck for a year and put just over 13,000 miles on it. It does everything I need it to do very well, hauling family as well as construction materials musical equipment. I wish it got advertised gas mileage. I drive it like an old lady (my wife even hates riding with me or following me) and it still averages 12-13 mpg in a 50/50 city/hwy setting. And I am the guy doing 53mph down the highway (and rolling through stop signs)...
Hemi is Awesome
Comfortable, Fast, and looks great
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.
cool truck
I haven`t put too many miles on it yet,but so far its been great.I just wish the gas mileage was better since it seemed to increase in cost around the time I bought it.
Big Red
My 2003 Ram 1500 Quad Cab has been a very pleasant surprise. I had never thought about buying a Dodge truck but these new Rams really caught my eye. I got the 5.7 Liter "Hemi" and the 20 inch wheels with the sport package. The Ram handles very well for big truck and looks great. The first two months have been trouble free. The Hemi engine is awesome!
Dismal and disappointing
These trucks look awesome, but they sure disappoint with their poor quality. Exterior is awesome and is the selling point for these trucks. Interior design is very dated and plasticy. Very roomy & comfortable on short to medium length trips. Long trips become more uncomfortable due to the seats/lack of lower back support. Engine performance is horrible. Bought mine before the Hemi came out - thought the 4.7 would do. Thought wrong. It can't get out of it's own way, and gets worse mileage than the much more powerful 5.4 ford that this replaced. Truck out of alignment at 4,000 miles, warped rotors at 15,000, alignment again at 20,000, and leaky power steering pump at 39,000 miles.
Not your Daddy's Dodge
Have only put about 1500 miles on my new truck so the honeymoon's still on. Love the way it handles for a big vehicle. Has all the amenities of a luxury car and feels like it! The only problem with the ride I found was a back end bounce on certain stretches of road at high speed. But I when I have some weight in the cargo bed the bounce goes away. The 4.7 V8 is enough power for my purposes. I am getting about 14mpg in gas mileage around town. It could be better but that's the price you pay for owning a big truck I guess. I think my wife likes the truck as much as I do. I get compliments about its appearance all the time.
03' Ram 1500 Quad Cab Wanna Bee
On a road trip across America, it performed flawlessly. At the time of purchase, I bought an extended warranty thru Daimler- Chrysler. It covers pretty much everything. I even get a loaner car for oil changes! Drive'rs area has power adjustable pedals. Stereo controls are conveinently located on the back of the steering wheel. Power seats with power lumbar support are great for long road trips. Gas mileage is about 13.8 mpg if I drive. 14.5 mpg if wife drives. Windshield visors telescope to block the sun. It has loads of storage in and under the seats. Optional tonneau cover for storing items dry and out of the way, yet accessible. 12 volt accessory plugs.
Arrest me Red
For a person of my size there is more room than in a similar Ford or Chevy.
2003 Dodge
After shopping around, Dodge was the best value. I got an early year model with the 5.9L V8 before the Hemi was available. I figured it may save me a mile or two per gallon vs. the Hemi from what I heard. The 245 HP is proficient for me but the 345 Lbs. of Torque is right up there and it shows. Overall the truck is great, the overall fit and finish are great, it looks and runs great, and it's dependable with the exception of an O2 sensor that went bad. As everyone else says, this is a nice truck but it seems no matter what motor is under the hood, Dodge could would on the fuel economy.
American Buyer and always will be
My '03 Ram Hemi 4x4 has just rolled over to 44,000 and has been an excellent truck. Transmission feels strong and gas mileage just keeps getting better. I get routinely nearly 15 mpg. I hunt and fish and this truck gets me everywhere and places i didn't think it could go. For deer season it is great. Great payload and performance is second to none. Always pull my buddy out of the creeks and mud in his 2002 Toyota Tundra. He has gone through 2 transmissions at 78,000. Mopar has really made a winner. No problems but routine oil changes.
2003 Dodge RAM 1500 SLT 4WD Quad Cab SWB
This HEMI is impressive. The truck is fun to drive, and the HEMI gives me the power I need for pulling grades with a loaded bed and 4 passengers. I had a 98 RAM, same configuration, with the 318 and this truck is an improvement in every category.
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.
Quite a Truck
Laramie Hemi optioned out. Tow package Hemi, 45RFE 5 Speed and 3.92 limited slip, body color bumpers and grill. 20 in. wheels. Gorgeous truck. Sticker price $35,000 +. This has been a great truck. Handles like a sports car, lots of power. Gas mileage 20MPG@55,16- 17MPG@70, In town around 13. But I expected that. In shop once for warped rotors, covered under warranty (7/70 waranty no longer available) Now have a rear end whine and engine ticking noise that are going to be covered under warranty. No other mechanical problems. Transmission shifts perfectly when truck is loaded tentative when without load but that is the way it should be. A beaut with an 8,800lb towing capacity. Would buy again.
Pretty Awesome Truck
I got the 1500 Hemi with 20" wheels after checking out Chevy and GMC. This truck had me from the moment I sat in it. I picked it up with 50 miles, two weeks ago and currently have 2200. The gas mileage I will have to admit could be better but it's a truck afterall. I currently average 14mpg and improving. The hemi has awesome power and handles beautifully under most conditions. Watch out when going over bumps in the road, the truck wiggles as some of the other guys were saying. So far so good, I am really happy with my purchase.
Yeah, its got a Hemi!
I love the Hemi power and throttle noise, comfortable seats, and sitting up high over the traffic. Terrible wind noise from front passenger window, leaks water when windy and raining. Paint is fading on lower panels behind wheel wells.
RAM IN PUERTO RICO
MY FAMILY ARE HAPPY WITH OUR NEW DODGE RAM SLT 4DR.IT'S VERY COMFORTABLE, AND NICE TO RIDE. THE DUAL PURPOSE WORK & CRUISE.P-UP TRUCK WITH ELEGANCE & STYLE.
Canyousayhemi
Awesome vehicle. No problems, no complaints. Should be TX truck of year and future.
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.
mayor of truckville for sure
I love driving this truck it makes you feel like the king of the road
hemi
i really enjoy driving my Dodge there is just one thing. I want to ad after market things to my truck but it will void some of the warenty. Also you guys charge about 3 time the amount to install to stay with the warenty.
great truck
I've had an excellent experience with this truck. Installed and K&N air filter and FloMaster Stage III dual exhaust system, getting 3 MPG better on freeway. Build quality has been durable, no squeaks or rattles. Engine has been flawless.
!!!!!!!!HEMI!!!!!!!!!
So far so good. I am really liking my first truck. Its nice to be able to buy what you want, without wondering about how you are going to get it home. I didnt really need the full size truck but I am glad I bought it. The Dakota needs the Hemi!
Love those Rams
I have had the truck for just under 10,000 miles and have had no problems. My old Ram has over 200,000 miles on it which is why I bought another one. I have had the best luck with Chrysler products all the way around. This new Ram has great looks, power, a wonderful ride (like riding on a cloud) and can do everything. It seats 6 adults comfortably, tows and hauls, what more could you want from a vehicle?