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Used 1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Extended Cab Consumer Reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
12 reviews

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4.38 out of 5 stars

283,000 miles - are you kidding me?!?!

Cagman10, 08/21/2009
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful

When I bought this truck new, I never thought I would have it for so long. Hey, life happens and I still have the truck after 283,000 miles, a load of In 'N Out Burger droppings, and a hell of a lot of work. Tranny is a bit rough on cold winter mornings but I have no real complaints ... except, who would ever design a radio that is right under the cup holder? Hello?!?!? Ever hear of spilled coffee -- radio shorted out after four years. I will cry like when I was a kid watching Old Yeller when I have to put her down.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Reliable!

Karen, 11/21/2005
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 ST 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Our truck has towed heavy trailers, carried 3000+ lbs., has 200k miles on it. Just replace tie rod; no other major repairs. Great diesel engine, good handling, had lots of offers but we don't want to sell!

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1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 for sale near you
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4.88 out of 5 stars

Torque Monster

Torque Monster, 03/17/2008
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 ST 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I bought the truck new for the Cummins and it hasn't let me down. It is a pullin' haulin' machine. Get the 5-speed that's the best tranny. This truck could probably pull a building down.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

King leaker

pmartin, 07/03/2002
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Definate problem with power steering leaks. Expensive to fix. I have had this truck 1 month and have spent a $1000 fixing it. It has been in the shop more that I have driven it. I hoping the repairs are done for awhile, only time will tell. It's a great looking truck and should preform outstandingly, I still have high hopes for improvement!

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1.5 out of 5 stars

Poor Me

Steve Butler, 11/21/2010
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 9 people found this review helpful

I made the big mistake of buying one of these lemons. I believe the rated towing is about 14,000 but don't think Dodge thought anyone would tow that much weight. Transmission went out at 25,000, replaced under warranty after 2 week wait which ruined my 2 week vacation. Dodge dealer never could get the brakes & alignment correct. It would never stop straight. Engine blew at 65,000. Out of warranty. Independent shop rebuilt it. Engine blew again at 75,000 & shop out-of-business. Now it sits in my garage with the engine setting in the back of the bed.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Dodge 2500 diesel Laramie LB

Billpor930, 11/28/2003
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought this vehicle to pull a car trailer and it has been excellent for that. Gets excellent fuel mileage with the Cummins diesel. Truck has been 100% reliable over the 30000 miles that I have owned it. The only problem it has had is a leaking front axle seal which cost me a 100 dollar deductible charge to fix.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Luv my truck

Braxt828, 04/14/2003
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is the first vehicle I ever bought new. I like others to break them in first. Never had a problem. I use it as a work truck every day. I haul heavy loads all week, clean it up and take my family on weekend road trips. I don't know if there is a perfect vehicle out there, but this is as close as I've seen!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

My Dodge Ram 2500 w/V10 Engine 4x4

oldtrucks4fun, 05/28/2013
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 6 people found this review helpful

I have owned a 1997 dodge ram 2500 4x4 club cab with V10 since 2000. I had the engine replaced in in 1998 with 65,000 miles on it. Presently the the truck 103000 and the engine has about 40000. I have replaced or had rebuilt the following: 1. Engine 2. Rear end 3. Gas tank 4. Fuel pump 5. Front end rebuilt 6. New front clibers/bearings/and etc 7. Transmission rebuit 8. Water pump 9. New head liner 10. Numerous sensors 11. Several changes of tires - have 35" height tires. Changed motor mount twice 12. Next project alternator 13. Next project exterior paint job 14. It costs about $100.00 plus to fill the gas tank up in today market. Get 6-8 MPG. My son has a 1995 3500 standard cab with V10

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2.25 out of 5 stars

Mopar does not get it

M.Grounds, 08/14/2002
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Numerous problems from A/C to transmission, steering box, front end bounces uncontrolably when you hit a bump over 25 mph, and won't stop until vehicle comes to a complete stop. Had the stabilizer strut replaced as a possible cause but it continues to happen. When new rear window was a constant water leak problem.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Shop Queen

RamSufferer, 08/14/2002
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 ST 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased the vehicle three years ago and purchased an extended warranty. The warranty was the best purchase of my life. The truck has been in the shop six times for the following issues - Power windows not working, ignition swith replaced, power steering, cooling system, replaced brake sensor (4 times). Good looking truck (when it is on the road).

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Satisfied customer

Ed , 02/27/2005
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Truck performed as promised. Plenty of power for pulling a loaded 4 X 8 trailer with a fully loaded full sized box. Very little mechanical problems. Will buy another soon.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Ram Tough

SubVet, 04/04/2005
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought this truck new. Have 103K on it now. Other than brakes and tires never have had a problem. {On third set of breaks and second set of tires.} Key was not having anti-locks. Bought HD package with overloads and tow. Ride a little stiff, but was built for heavy work it has had to do in its life. Will be a fan for life. Fuel isn't ideal, but that wasn't why I needed this much truck.

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