Used 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Consumer Reviews

It's a good thing that Dodges don't hold their value!

Seriously... it's a fact. Dodge's DO NOT hold their value compared to, say an F150 or a Sierra, or a Silverado. BUT... This is a good thing because that means you and I can get our hands on a really good, really appealing truck for $1000s less! I've had 3 Dodge's so far, one with a 3.7 V6, one with a 4.7 V8, and one with the 5.7 HEMI V8 (Awesome engine!), and i wished i'd kept all three. Unfortunately i suffer from, "Gotta' have the next thing-itis" and i think it's terminal. All 3 trucks were great, the V6 was really underpowered, the 4.7 was normal, but the HEMI was incredible. Got rid of the HEMI a few months ago and it had 238,000 miles and ran like it had 50k, no lie. I LOVE EM.

Ram Tough

Trucks are not just for guys. We girls drive them too. I bought my Ram used with 53,000mi and have over 183.000 on it and still going. As a nurse I depend on my Ram in bad weather to get me to and from work because we don't get snow days. As a horse owner I trust my Ram to pull my horses safely to where ever I am going. Compared to my parents Sierra, I don't even know I have a horse trailer behind me with the Ram. With the Sierra it moans and groans. On the farm I use it to haul seed during planting season, firewood when cutting up trees and whatever else comes along. With wear and tear I have had to replace things. But when I buy again it will be a RAM!!!

It may be 12 years old but I love the truck.

I have a every expanding mowing business that I do on the side and was looking for an inexpensive pickup. I found this Arizona owned truck with two wheel drive and it was priced to sell by private seller so I grabbed it up. The truck has the 4.7 V8 that does pretty well pulling around my enclosed mowing trailer with equipment in it. It does great around town mowing 40 yards a week. I get about 11mpg pulling the trailer in stop and start non stop while mowing. My only gripe is I wish it had the Hemi in it. I think it would pull the trailer better at highway speeds. It does pull it down the highway ok but I just feel like it could use the extra HP. If it is a windy day I feel like I am giving it some throttle to keep it at 60. Overall the truck for being 12 years old has minimal issues 125,000 miles. AC works great very comfortable interior. Only issue is the CD player stopped working but did not break my heart as my new laptop does not even have a CD accessory anymore to make CD's. I am impressed with how the door handles hold up on the truck. Which may sound stupid but other work vehicles I have used to mow door handles were always falling apart. For a work truck, I am honestly scared to upgrade because this thing has been so good to me. I rated the MPG low but I use this nearly all of the time pulling a trailer so hard to judge.

2004 DODGE RAM 1500

The truck is a good truck dependable, nice looking, except it just barely reached 70,000 miles and just was told transmission needs to be rebuilt. Apparently this happens alot with Dodge trucks. The company that told me about the tranny has been in business 37 years and very reputable. Don't use truck for really anything than driving to and from work so it's not used often. To have tranny issues already is messed up. Other than that no other issues it's just the 1 issue is major and very expensive. Don't think I would be buying a Dodge again, unless the warranty holds up... checking on that now.

Was a Chevy man till I found this

This truck is great no matter what car you buy they all have problems.... most problems is abuse....I'm a tech and work on my own stuff I check it over every time change my oil.. I have few issues.. that is normal wear and tear... which most people complain about... this 4.7 engine is great people say they have lots of problems with it... I dont see why unless you dont change oil regularly or us crap oil that sludges up which is a killer to this engine..... and or dont just dont keep it up... the transmission works great.... the road noise is probably the worst part of truck and bumpy ride... but for price it is reliable

1.5 yrs still love it QC 5.7 SLT 4x4

Pros: -Great Engine! owned a 94 ram 5.2L, after this the 5.7L was incredible. After 2 yrs of driving and hauling more than I should the engine never even breaks a sweat. A 3/4 engine in a 1/2 ton. Tow/Haul mode is a + -Interior front has plenty of storage and works as it should, back seats have plenty of leg room and the fold out flat cargo "platforms" under the flip up seats are genius. -The quad cab deserves it's own comment because although it's not a true crew cab I'll never go back to not having 4 fully opening doors. Personally, I wouldn't want anything with bigger rear doors. Con: -The rear suspension is lacking when paired with the 5.7L (I upgraded with air) -No rear limited slip.

Unstoppable

I've had this truck for many years and have used it in deep snow, sand, and mud and nothing has stopped it. Mine is RWD only and it was pulling 4x4s out of sand and ditches no problem. My only complaints are the cheap looking interior and the bad mpg. Unless you need it as a daily driver for a long commute I'd definitely pick this any day. It's better looking than many other tucks in its time but is no slouch. Good for towing and hauling. Throw a dual exhaust on it and it sounds beautiful.

Dodge 2004 SLT 4X4

Great vehicle, plenty of interior space. Smooth Drive. Gas Hog!!!

Amazing!

I bought the 3.7L Dodge well over a year ago and I couldn't be happier with it. It has a lot of pep on stock motor. I added JBA headers, high flow cats, true dual flowmaster mufflers, K&N cold air intake, and a JET computer chip. The power, MPGs, and torque that it added was unreal! There is no way I will ever sell this truck. If you are looking at buying one, SERIOUSLY seriously consider buying this truck! You wont be disappointed, even with all stock parts, I promise.

Depend on it

Hemi performance excellent, gas consumption not a concern at time of purchase. At $5 a gallon it is time to be frugal. At $8 use only for fun and necessity. If the eco wackos have tier way I still won't separate from this vehicle. I love to drive it. I feel comfortable, safe, and in charge. It handles as well as any car I have ever owned. I am satisfied and have a goal of at least 200,000 mi.

lemon

i have an o4 dodge with 78k original miles, i just spun a rod bearing and dodge refuses to assist in any way meaning time for a new motor at my cost. i have had more warranty work done in the past than probably any vehicle should have, the had to fix leaking rear end, transmission failure, and replace both exhaust manifolds at the motor. my ball joints are also shot and my transmission is leaking at the yoke. i will never purchase another dodge again and i will recommend the same for anyone i meet. they were completely unhelpful at corporation when it came to warranty assistance. BUYER BE WARE!

what a BLAST!!

when first i laid eyes on it it stuck out from the croud of other Dodge's on the lot. When i got in it, i knew this truck was for me. Though it looked much like its brothers sitting idly beside it. When i drove it, i bought it. It is the best looking truck on the road. it is a blast to drive...it is as quick on the road as it is opening the wallet as the fuel economy lacks strength. i am overall, excited about this vehicle and its performance on the road.

HEMI AWD

I sold my 04 a few months ago, and I miss it dearly. I had warped rotors in 18000km, never again.One bad oxygen sensor. Put 120000km on it, and loved it. Lots of trips in all kinds of weather, and the AWD never missed a beat. Couldn't lite up the back tires to show off, but I'm too old for that s$#^.I pulled 2 ATVs in an enclosed trailer very easily. 18hwy,13city,11-12 towing I'm looking for another Ram now, gotta have the full time transfer case. I put on open country toyos as replacement tires(17,265's) and loved them. MDS would be nice to have.

Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi 5.7 Magnum SLT 4wD

This is an excellent truck. It is everything a truck should be; it's fast, looks great, and is better on gas than some believe. I'm getting at least 18 miles to the gallon. As you may know, the Hemi kicks in after 35mph,saving in some gas, not a lot, but savings is savings. Older model but it is a great vehicle. Great truck!

Dodge 1500 Hemi

Bought my '04 Hemi w/25000 miles on it. The previous owner babied it. Now I have approximately 78500 miles on it and have only had to replace the front rotors. Excellent power althought new models have more. It pulls my trailer with no problem. This year I installed a Cherry Bomb Pro muffler to add a little "growl" to the motor. I kept the single factory pipe which comes out of the sidge behind the right rear wheel. Most people that I run into thinks that it sounds better than their own more expensive Flowmaster and Magnaflow dual exhaust set ups.

Talk About an Impulse Buy

After leaving Lowe's one day without the ladder I needed, I decided I had to have a truck. Traded in my baby would- be-paid-off-in-a-month Grand Prix for a Silver Hemi Ram. Everything I could ever want in a truck, and more. After hauling 3 things 4 miles in 2 months, and dropping twice as much on gas, I came to the frightening realization that I had made a mistake. I don't NEED a truck. Unfortunately, neither does anyone else, so I'm stuck and more upside down than a cake. Don't get me wrong, the truck is hot and fun (in a straight line), but I feel trapped.

LOVE My Truck! You Will Too...

I never thought I'd drive a truck but bought the SLT 5.7L HEMI after renting one to tow motorcycles. I absolutely love it! It's so incredibly comfortable inside, and you feel like king of the road when you drive it. I have NEVER had mechanical problems with my truck. It has been very dependable and I always enjoy driving it. Yes, the engine's loud - don't get a HEMI if you don't like it. That's where the power is. No, it doesn't handle bumps well - don't buy a truck if you don't want it to drive like a truck - just hit them slowly and head on. Fuel efficiency is not impressive - we all know that - take the bus to work. If that's not your objective, this is your truck. Don't miss out

There will never be a substitute

I love my truck! I don't think I'll ever fall in love with another vehicle the way I fell in love with this one. Sure, there are things I wish it had, like satelight radio. But compared to other truck manufacturers, I love this one the best. I love that it's big. I love that it takes up space. I love that it takes me 3 attempts to park it. I love that I can fit all my toys in it. I love that it can snow a foot and I don't have to worry. This is the best vehicle I've ever had. Trading it in will be the hardest thing I will ever have to do.

Steering seizes and engine quits running

As an owner of 2004 Dodge Ram I am quit scared to drive my truck because I have had two experiences of the steering seizing up and the engine eventually shutting down as I was turning a corner. We took to dealership and they claim there is nothing they could find on the computer?

Great cheap truck

Great truck. No problems ever, except the front door seals chewing themselves up (replaced under warranty with the redesigned seal). The way this truck is driven, it may sit unstarted for weeks but then pretty much every time it is used for a property company, it is hauling a full load or towing. Never a hiccup, starts right up, and it gets an unbelievable number of "hey, nice truck" comments even being four years old. At Lowe's they even comment about how they see more Dodges than anything else at the commercial dock.

Love My Truck

Very reliable truck. Have had to do only normal maintenance. If you want horsepower and looks this is the truck. If you want a girls truck I would try the F-150. I've had some people try their luck against the Hemi and all they have seen is my bumper as I pull away. What a great feeling. Will always have a Ram.

Reliable But Old and Tired

My truck has lasted me for near a decade with minimal repairs in the first 6 years of ownership. As the truck aged, it started to need certain items fixed/replaced. The HEMI is great. I have hauled between 500 and 1800 pounds and towed 8,000 pounds(max) using this truck and the engine never felt over-worked or under-powered. I'm not overtly impressed with the electronic systems (BCM/fuse box) issues I've had or the tie rod ends that need regular replacement. Overall, this truck has been used for a truck and did what it was intended for with minor reliability or mechanical issues to speak of. Update: Sold this truck at 190,000 miles. I work with the gentleman I sold it to and he has breached 200,000 miles in under a year. To my knowledge the truck hasn't given him any issues yet. I'm happy to see that old truck on the road.

Continues to be an awesome truck

Update: My truck has over 385,000 miles on it., still has original transmission, starter, and many other parts. I use Amsoil in the engine, which is the 5.7 Hemi. It still drives smoothly. I'm glad I have this truck. Update: My truck has over 377,000 miles on it. Just now replacing original O2 sensors. Not sure why Edmunds doesn't include the 5.7L Hemi in its list. My truck has that engine. UPDATE: My truck has over 351,535 miles on it- still driving well, still have many original parts. I'm looking forward to putting a new radio/CD/Bluetooth system in it. UPDATE: My truck now has over 347,000 miles on it. The starter, exhaust system, and most other parts are original. I replaced the battery about 5 months ago; the old one lasted 11 years. I'm glad I bought this truck!! UPDATE: My truck now has just under 327,000 miles on it. It's still the best vehicle we have! I continue with regular maintenance on it. I replaced the air conditioner parts at about 324,000 miles. I definitely have gotten my money's worth out of this truck. UPDATE: A rod failed in my truck's engine in October 2019, when the truck had just over 313,000 miles on it. Because the rest of the truck is still in great condition, it was far less expensive to replace the engine than replace the truck, especially because the engine was replaced by a Dodge dealership and the new engine has a 3 year/100,000 mile warranty. My truck now has over 318,000 miles on it. It still has the original starter, alternator, tranny, exhaust system, air conditioner system. I purchased my truck in March 2004; it had 11 miles on it. It now has over 307,000 miles on it, original engine, tranny, drive train, exhaust system, almost everything is original. I had the engine compression checked 3 years ago- all was good. I had to replace the headlights. The rear differential had a design flaw that caused it to need replacement at about 55,000 miles, but that was under warranty. I've pulled 23 and 28 foot travel trailers with it, and 2 and 3 horse trailers- no problem, even at over 12,000 feet elevation. My truck has an Infinity sound system (which sounds like a concert hall), leather seats, power driver's seat, power gas and brake pedals, fold-out decking under the rear seat, storage under the front center console. I could not have bought a better truck. It provides a smooth ride, is good in snow. I love my truck and can't imagine replacing it.

A Ford & Chevy Convert!

I've driven Ford & Chevy's for years, but this new Dodge Laramie beats them at every angle. Interior space utilization outstanding, fit and finish, looks, 20" wheels....but the "Hemi" engine and the 5 speed auto transmission are what makes this package talk.....once you hammer the right pedal...."Oh yeah, it's got a hemi!" I love this truck.

a REAL Truck

I WISELY ordered the Hemi motor and it makes all the difference in the world. My previous vehicle got 18 mpg, so my Hemi costs me about a buck a day more to drive. I smile a lot on the drive home no matter what happened that day. The truck is well put together and the 4 doors work great when hauling a crew. The guys howl when I twist the Hemi's tail and make it growl. Best truck I evered owned. Every time I pass a Dodge, we check each other out for the Hemi emblem. Ok, enough about the engine. This is a good truck in every way. Bottom line, don't hesitate to buy this truck, especially with the deals being offered out there.

Dodge Ram 4wd Crew Cab Laramie

This is the first vehicle that I have ever been involved with for this long and I have had absolutely zero defects whatsoever. Truly amazing. The only fault I can find with with this truck is the gas mileage, but given the power and torque it has, I guess I shouldn't complain about that. I did'nt buy it going in with the expectation of great gas mileage.

Still happy with my truck after 2 years.

No real complaints, bought it to use as a light duty truck and in that respect it works flawlessly. A bit unhappy with Dodge's claims about the gas mileage, I see nowhere near 21 on the highway, more like 14-15, but I did not buy it solely for the gas mileage.

Not bad for a Dodge

My first dodge since my parents had a aspen. Bought it used with 23,000 now showing 56,000 and have no problems with the truck. I replacing the plugs after 20,000 and found it easy to do. Flushed all fluids and again it not expensive to do. Fit and finish is fine for a truck. Seats a little flat but do work and easy to keep clean. Plastic hard but easy to clean. Not a perfect truck but those thinking none American companies can do better they can not. Owned a toy and a kia and traded them for Ford and Dodge. Read owners manual and keep up on the maintenance and found that these truck are pretty good. Now thinking of replacing the Ford with a Charger. Most reviews are good.

Ram 1500 Review

Absolutely fell in love with this truck after test driving it. The 5.7L HEMI engine meets and exceeds all of the hype created by the dodge commercials. I was actually in the market for the 4.7L engine, which has more than ample power, but after comparing it to the HEMI found that there was no comparison. What is interesting is that the HEMI produces over 100 more horse power but only loses ~1mpg in fuel efficiency. Besides the engine, another thing that really impresses me about the Ram is the way it handles. I was very surprised at the way such a big truck can move and handle. Overall, everything about this truck has thus far exceeded my expectations

Ram quad cab 3.7L magnum

This is the first full-size truck I have had with a V6. I don't tow or haul heavy loads so the 215hp is more than enough. I have a gibson cat-back and CAI. There's a couple of companies developing headers and when I add them I should be close to the 4.7L HP with a little better gas mileage.

Great Value

Needed a truck. Bought bottom of the line but no one can tell. Added cruise control (good move) and a liner(bad choice). A problem with the gauges was corrected but took a while.

Hemi

After owning chevy trucks the last 11 years,this is my first Dodge,and i love it! The handling and suspension is excellent! The 5.7 Hemi is great! This is the best handling truck I have ever driven in snow! I only have had this truck for 15 months, and have 19000 miles, so far no problems. I have owned 3 s-10's(1995,1999,2002)and a 2001 chevy silverado, these vehicles have been very unreliable, after the 3 year 36000 mile warranty expired, repairs were needed. I will find out in 1 or 2 years if the Ram is more reliable than the Chevys! The radio is better than the Chevys, a lot better! This truck is the biggest, baddest, and fastest truck available. This is the best truck available!

My Dodge

Super truck. Lots of interior room and conviences. Hemi engine is awesome. Poor gas mileage. Ride is somewhat jittery. Interior and exterior quality, fit and finish is excellent. Dealer is the best I have experienced. NO hassle, a straight forward deal. This is the second new Chrysler product I have owned. The first was a 1958 Plymouth convertable. The engine, interior room and cab features sold me. The dealer approach was low key and honest.

Bottom line: more truck for the money

I bought the Laramie quad cab 4x4 after pricing and testing the competition. The bottom line is that for the same price as a mid-range F150 you can buy a top of the line Ram 1500. This is no comprimise either - the HEMI and 5- speed automatic provide outstanding performance with imperceptible shifting. The handling and maneuverablity are quite good - the truck "feels" smaller than it is. This truck is well thought out without going overboard on gadgets. My actual mileage is as advertised 18/13 and I live in hilly country. Wish I bought: heated seats for $130.

Ok-ok:(-:)

Where to start. I bought the truck with 89k miles on it...at 90k the rear end started to leak that was lil expensive. I had windsheild whiper problems twice where they conect one would pop off one wone would work. the clutch went out at 100k(i dont do burn outs i baby my truck-never pulled huge load) that was liek 1500$$ i love hate it the driver side rear break light works of adn on...tho when i drive the manaul 5spd 4.& V8 with the 30 series flowmsater I sit back and wonder if i coudl ever get Rid of mt truck i love the manuls:) the egine it slef is ok power rusn great i get 20MPG highway if i baby it but uslay 17-18 adn 14-15 city....in all honesty i would say go with a ford MABE chevy.

My New Hemi is Awesome

I love my new Ram Hemi! I've put it head to head against the Ford, Chevy, and Toyota and I have crushed them all. Its fast and handles great.

Great Truck better than F150

Both and excellent exprience to drive and buy. Everything has been great since I walked in the Archer dealership. After test driving the F150 Dodge and the Toyota Tundra, I opted for the Dodge. The Dodge easily beat both on power and ride although the Toyota did offer better build quality but came with a very large price difference as well.

Awsome

I owned a 94 Ram, and regretted the day I traded it in. When Dodge came out with the Quad Cab, and then added the Hemi, I was hooked. This truck is awsome. I have it loaded with Larime and Sport Package, 20 in wheels & fat tires, plus GPS. It is a joy to drive, and I am getting over 14 miles per gallon around town, and close to 20 on the highway. I did swap out the air filter for a K&N, and saw an immeidate improvement in milage. Next is the exhaust.

I love my truck!

After owning only Fords for years, this was my first truck and first Dodge. I have been very impressed with the whole experience. The dealership made me feel like a princess and multiple employees still come out to say "hi" when I get my oil changed. The truck itself has wonderful steering and braking response. I have almost 20k miles on it and am totally sold on it!

Awesome Truck

Purchased in May 09, only 7100 miles when I bought it. Has 12,000 on it now. Added a Volant CAI which increased highway from 16 mpg to nearly 19.2 mpg and City 9 mpg to 11 mpg if I drive 5 miles over the limit. The CAI increased horsepower from 500 to 522 horsepower. I do punch it at times and it responds well and the sound is AWESOME! The truck has 22" rims, put Hancooks on and handle very well, even in wet weather. The Perelli's did not grip well in wet weather and set of 4 Hancooks cost under $1000. Purchased Altezza tail lights, billet grill for looks. Added a Pioneer DVD GPS system. Overall, great truck!!

Toyota next time

No more Dodge, I bought the slt quad cab with the small v8 thinking the gas mileage might be better, mistake. I have a Ford ranger that gets better mileage and for the weight to power ratio way outperforms the slug that Dodge is, lately I have been having trouble with overheating and have replaced every bolt on part associated with the cooling system and still it runs hot, bad gas mileage, underpowered, overheats, Toyota next time

sucks

this is the worst truck i have ever owned, next to a chevy or the toyota i have only had this truck for 2 months and the thing has been in the shop 6 times for injector problems, 4x4 problems, and things falling off the truck

4.7 bad motors

I love the Dodge style and ride but the 4.7 is a horrible motor. I have replaced 2 on my truck that only has 119,000 miles. After talking to techs at dealerships and looking online I see that Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler have had many problems with this motor. I will never make a purchase of any vehicle with this motor again.

if you cant dodge it, ram it

2004 5.7L HEMI - quad cab LoneStar

The Lone Star Package is great. This is the 1st HEMI I have owned in a truck, and let me say WOW. That is some power, off the line and on the highway, you will not be disappointed. I have had no problems in the past 3 years, and with the great deal am not upside down on my loan :~). Just wish it had a sun roof. For RAW power and decent mpg, its well worth the money. This truck can get almost 18MPG highway, or down to 9mpg if you have a lead foot and love speed. The bottom line is the power is there when you need it!

The gas burner King.

I absolutely love this truck, it smokes Chevy and Ford in sooo many ways. They are really trying to move these trucks at the dealerships as well, hence the great deal I made. The truck is very tight and rides well on and off road, no rattling and the Laramie leather is super comfy. The Hemi pulls like a mule and won't kill you at the pumps either. What a great truck.

I am very pleased

I struggled with this purchase. I owned a trouble free Toyota for years and wanted a bigger truck. I heard the horror stories about certain Dodges. After asking my mechanic and others I went for a test drive. This has been a great vehicle - dependable, comfortable, fun, very nice. I recommend it highly. It has plenty of power, great comfort and good quality. It is a beast in the snow - no problem at all. It is well built and sharp looking too.

dodge ram

This is a great truck. I average 18 mpg on the highway using mobil one synthetic oil. 8000 miles-No problems

My dodge

The truck is beautiful. Its fun to drive and you feel safe. However, if you are concerned about gas mileage, forget it. If you are concerned about mileage don't even look at a pickup truck.

Love My SRT-10

My SRT-10 drives great. It's fast and I can depend on it where ever I go. It's got the eye-catching looks too! The truck is just an outstanding vehicle!