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1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Review

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Pros & Cons

  • Large standard V-8, optional V-10 engine, outstanding towing ability, great styling, user-friendly cab
  • ABS is not standard, no third door option
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Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 for Sale
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$491 - $1,034
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Edmunds' Expert Review

Vehicle overview

The Dodge boys had to know they had a winner when their bold Ram Pickup debuted for 1994. Few trucks have turned as many heads, or prompted so much comment. Whether decked out in Sport trim or wearing conventional chrome on its chest-thumping grille, this is macho mentality sculpted in steel.

Under the hood, the goods range from modest to mammoth. For the practical-minded, there's a mild-mannered 3.9-liter V6; or, a Cummins diesel whose throbbing note and power make a guy want to grab his Stetson and haul on out.

Those who'd like a little more muscle have a pair of V8s to choose from. Whoa! You're still not satisfied? Like TV's Tim the Tool Man, you want "more power?" Say no more. Just check the option list and you can barrel homeward with an 8.0-liter V10, blasting out 295 horses, and a locomotivelike 450 pound-feet of torque. The Magnum V10 is available only in heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 series pickups.

This year finds four new exterior colors and two new interior colors available, as well as a Sport Plus upgrade for the Sport Appearance Group which includes 17-inch wheels and tires, sport-tuned exhaust, refined suspension, and a 5.9-liter V8. One first-season criticism centered on space. Only the regular cab was available, seating three on a bench. Dodge claimed its cab was the most spacious in the industry, but that was little consolation to potential buyers who needed to carry extra people. Last year, Dodge introduced a Club Cab that seats six adults, even if access to the rear isn't so easy. For 1997, Club Cab models receive standard rear quarter window glass, and 2500 models can be equipped with a Snow Plow Prep Package.

Inside, the Ram Pickup is totally truck, as you face a flat, upright dashboard (but a steering wheel that contains an airbag). With any engine, tromping the gas produces a reassuring roar--a reverberation of vitality. Otherwise, it's fairly quiet. Ride and handling are so competent that you almost forget you're in a full-size pickup, though occupants will notice plenty of bumps. Visibility is great, and controls are excellent. Automatic-transmission shifts are firm, but not harsh, and the column-mounted gearshift operates easily. For such a large and bulky vehicle, the Ram Pickup is surprisingly agile and reasonably surefooted, but think twice before making any quick maneuvers.

Ram Pickup livability is improved this year. Order SLT trim, and you ca opt for leather seats and woodgrain interior trim. Remote keyless entry is newly optional, and includes illuminated entry lighting. A new combination CD and cassette playing stereo ensures that audiophiles can maximize utilization of their music collection.

More than 800,000 Ram Pickups went to customers during the first three years of production. Demand is still strong, and Chrysler recently opened a new plant to keep the supply lines full. Curiosity has tapered off, but when pickup owners think about a new truck, they can hardly help wondering whether a Ram lies in their future.

1997 Highlights

No major changes for 1997. Refinements include available leather seating and woodgrain trim on SLT models, optional remote keyless entry, and standard deep-tinted quarter glass on Club Cab models. Also available is a combination CD/cassette stereo. Fresh interior and exterior colors sum up the changes this year.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500.

5(40%)
4(40%)
3(7%)
2(13%)
1(0%)
4.1
15 reviews
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Most helpful consumer reviews

283,000 miles - are you kidding me?!?!
Cagman10,08/21/2009
Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB
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.
Reliable!
Karen,11/21/2005
ST 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB
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!
Torque Monster
Torque Monster,03/17/2008
ST 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB
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.
It's been the best!
cfarley,10/04/2002
Laramie SLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB
This has been the best truck I've ever owned. Reliable, powerful towing machine. I love it! -Charles
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Features & Specs

See all Used 1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 specs & features 

Safety

IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
  • Side Impact Test
    Not Tested
  • Roof Strength Test
    Not Tested
  • Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
    Not Tested
  • IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
    Not Tested
  • Moderate Overlap Front Test
    0
More about the 1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500

Used 1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Overview

The Used 1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 is offered in the following submodels: Ram Pickup 2500 Regular Cab, Ram Pickup 2500 Extended Cab. Available styles include ST 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M), LT 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M), Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M), ST 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M), Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M), LT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M), Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab LB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M), Laramie SLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M), Laramie SLT 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M), ST 2dr Extended Cab LB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M), ST 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M), Laramie SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M), ST 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M), and ST 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M). Pre-owned Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 models are available with a 5.9 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 235 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 comes with four wheel drive, and rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed manual.

What's a good price on a Used 1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500?

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Which used 1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500s are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500.

Can't find a used 1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a used Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 for sale - 11 great deals out of 14 listings starting at $9,914.

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Find a used certified pre-owned Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 for sale - 9 great deals out of 15 listings starting at $10,372.

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Should I lease or buy a 1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

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