Used 2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 Consumer Reviews
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Real World
Sir Al, 11/29/2006
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
Driven 95,000 miles with only $300 in repairs (nic oil changes, maintenance,etc) This is the most reliable truck I have ever purchased. Previous non Dodge trucks were in rebuilt stage with this amount of mileage. I have done better than 22 mpg cruise control set with no heavy loads. Towing 10K GVW 5th wheel trailer have enough power in diesel engine that I have never felt like I needed more power, and I drive the Rocky Mountains.
356000 miles
emory dwayne grant, 09/10/2009
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
19 of 20 people found this review helpful
I have 356,000 miles. Pulled a trailer mostly about6000 lbs. A little over 100,000 miles injector pump went out and throttle positioning sensor. I have forgiven those breakdowns though because I have 360,000 miles with normal maintenance. Hope to get 500,000 miles. I have owned fords & Chevrolet trucks. I like the Dodge best. Good fuel mileage also.
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 for sale near you
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- 2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500MSRP: $15,999267 mi away
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First diesel
Utahguy, 06/29/2004
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Mine has the HO 305/555 motor, and the 6 speed manual transmission. I bought it to tow a car hauler with a Jeep on it (around 6000 pounds). Towing is a dream, just put it in 6th gear and set the cruise control. Steep hills are not a problem, the engine has tons of power. My drivers side door had excessive wind noise and had to be adjusted, but other than that it has been problem free.
It's big, burly, and a blast to own
GlennM, 10/16/2006
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 5M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
This model of Dodge truck is the last before the 600 Cummins was introduced, and the fueling problems that came with it. With class-leading towing and load capacities, this truck makes no excuses for anything you ask of it. Drive throughs are interesting with the wide stance, but you forget about that as you look down to the window where your food is waiting. I cannot say enough that this truck has simply made me a happy man again, after dealing with inferior vehicles for far too long. Even my neighbors with their V-10 and Diesel Fords and Chevrolets are jealous. You need a truck for a good ride and awesome capabilities while still getting decent mileage? This is the one for you.
Work horse
Diesel Turbo, 01/05/2007
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Went exellent until 108,000 miles. Trip from NC to UT after a recall for transmission . I think they calibrated wrong. The whole truck is shaking when I pull up. Have to stop traveling and go to Dodge dealer . I never trusted the transmission , and I change the transmission oil every 30,000 miles. Excellent truck, but now I am not happy.
3500 Diesel Ram
Joshua, 04/28/2007
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
This has been a great truck. I have 87,000 miles so far. I am averaging 23.1 mpg, but drive conservatively. Very strong frame and heavy truck. Loving it.
Ram 3500 diesel
R Epper, 10/26/2003
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab ST Rwd SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
20 MPG Great for a 3500, love to drive this truck 50,000 miles in 8 months with no problems.
real 5.7 gas 2003 3500 slt 4by4 dually quad cab hemi
john620, 12/01/2012
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab ST 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
dodge 2003 hemi 3500 came with a 4-45rfe transmission this transmission is in aspens mini vans 1500 and other cars and does not hold together in a 1ton truck.At 51 thou miles the 1st transmission failed the 2nd failed at 115 thou miles both with no more than heavy half ton loads only.The hemi motor has been very good so far great power smoth I can not say one bad thing about my 5.7 motor hemi I had some brake issues but nothing over the top they stop very well. the ride for a 1ton truck is good.The rear end of this truck has 373 or 410 gears but on mine has not been tested with heavy loads.the inside on slt is basic but good.dodge stopped this combo after 2003 in the 3500 hd I cant recommend
The Truck of All Trucks!
Dodge Dude, 01/14/2003
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This truck is incredible! I have a 2003 quad cab Laramie High Output diesel and it is without a doubt the best truck I have ever driven. It pulls our 15,000lbs. camper with ease and is getting nearly 20 mpg! Dodge definitely out did Ford and Chevy on this one.
Power to Pull
FireMedic, 04/26/2008
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle used from a dealer. The vehicle was used by a local farmer to pull cattle. I replaced an 2006 F-250 5.4L - I was passed on the interstate by an 80,000 lbs semi. I was pulling a 12,000 lbs 5th-wheel camper. With this RAM, there was no trouble passing anything on any grade of hill in any of my travels. The power and confidence are there to pull or climb any hill. On the same hill the F-250 did 25 mph - RAM was doing 70 !!!
2003 Ram 3500
Joseph M Foultz, 08/23/2003
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is my fourth Cumins Diesel all have preformed well we like the improvement in power over previouse years. Four doors is the biggest improvement.We have had no problems so far 16000 miles.
total power
57chevy, 12/18/2003
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab ST 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is my first dodge truck after driving chevys for the past 30 years.My truck is fully load six speed, high output diesel, short bed, 3500 in the lariat trim .This thing is built like a tank and is getting 21.6 MPG on the highway, around town I get 17.5 This is with an empty bed but the thing weights 6800 pounds Amazing.It has so much power I can go over donner summit and never have to slow down a bit
First-time Dodge Ram Owner
edritchie, 05/30/2004
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have previously owned 1/2 and 3/4 ton Ford and GMC pickups, two Yukons and a full size Bronko. This is the first time I have considered a one ton as the ride and creature comforts are so good in this unit along with expected higher second-hand values and unsurpassed trailer-pulling capacity.
Switched from Chevy.
Louie, 05/29/2006
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Went from a 454 to the Cummins. This is one heck of a motor. Great mpg and power. Truck looks great. I love so much about this truck. I got mine with the 6sp, Still don't trust Dodge's automatic. I only have minor complains about this truck. It's been the best truck I've own and that's coming from a Chevy man.
Friday 4:30 build?
JDinOhio, 12/12/2008
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Now has 96k. Axle housing welded to differential housing crooked from fact. repl.10k(American Axle)-Injecters were all repl.30-50k.(Bosch)- Turbo 50k (Poss. oil line pinch during inject. work)- Power steering failure 44K. -Tailgate rust 4yrs. That said still love it truck. 4.10s too low for daily driver unless pulling daily. No competition in class 3 trucks, this truck is like a small semi. Cummins straight 6/6-speed is the only way to go, just like the big trucks. Have had p-strokes, V-8s are for cars, you have to really run them to achieve the same performance as the I6. From other reviews, problems seem rare, mine were largely component mfgs. These will be regarded as the last good ones.
This is HOT!!!
Bam Bam, 02/14/2003
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Real nice truck..I love the 20 MPG for a 3500...one ton. That is real cool..I just sold a F350 getting 14 MPG on a good day. No comparison this beats the Ford all to pieces. I should know, I have owned four of them. But after my last "Lemmon" F-350 never again. Go Cummins..real strong engine and real quite now.
This Dodge Rocks
mbaston, 02/03/2004
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Absolutly love it. Lots of power, handles well with or without a load. Comfortable and quiet.
fantastic
cozie, 12/23/2003
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is my fourth cummins diesel and the firt automatic transmission. I tow a 38 ft 5th wheel like its not even behind me. Truck is quiet and comfortable. Very impressed.
Has Turned Into A Major Disappointment
Diesel Dawg, 11/26/2009
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have the SRW, 5.9L HO Diesel. Drives well, tows all day long. 10k pounds and I barely know it's back there. Interior well thought out. Headlights weak, had to add PIAA's to see at night on rural interstates. Minor electrical problems from day 1. Came with throttle sensor problem that caused uncontrolled acceleration. 6 months ago I was happy with this truck. Unfortunately it's turned in to a hangar queen: U-joints, front hubs, master brake cylinder, #6 injector and three injector tubes all went bad between 100k and 111k miles. Hubs and injector problems at 100k miles are inexcusable on a truck like this. Dodge won't help. $8k later I'm good as new, but will never buy another Dodge...ever!!
3500 Cummins
billmoncure, 05/22/2004
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Great Truck We pull a 12500 lb. race trailer and you hardly notice it is there.
love it
sean, 11/14/2009
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab ST 4WD LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I got mine with 10,000 on it. I have drove the crap out of it but I dont abuse it. i have over 120,000 and it starts every day never no major problems I even have the auto. I have done the oil change every 5000 miles, and regular maintence. It does need ball joints in front end and I replaceed all the ujoints this year thats about it. The driver window lock switch broke. thats about all. I am happy with mine
03 Dodge 270,000 miles trouble free
Jim Patterson, 05/10/2010
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I ordered my Ram 3500 HO CTD Laramie fully loaded. I drive this every day and the truck now has 270,000 miles on it. Had no problems, rebuilt trans at 219,000 for 1st time, ATS Torque conv. Billet shafts, truck has been modified since 140,000 miles, Diesel Dyno 50 HP injectors, exhaust, bully dog downloader, intake work, larger turbo. Truck is very fast and is not always driven easy. Engine has never been touched outside of injectors, water pump, new trans, larger driveshafts, Ball Joints 1st at 140K, and again this time with Core Products. Paint is good, leather seats still good, most of my friend can believe it looks so good with all these miles on it.
Best Damn Truck Ever
Mitchlep, 09/25/2003
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Awesome power,great ride, quiet, good storage, good price.
Excellent truck
1sttimedodgeowner, 10/15/2003
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have the long bed series of this truck, but the website does not list it as a style option for this review. I traded a 99 f250 super duty for this truck that got 9 mpg (city), am already getting 13.5mpg (city) with the HO turbo diesel in this dodge and getting better mileage as the diesel breaks in. This truck loves to carry a load, and you almost forget your towing a trailer because of the torque and horsepower the motor provides.
Dodge Ram 3500 dually diesel
Sprinkle, 05/30/2005
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Excellent power, relatively quiet engine, very good diesel mileage. I have hauled over 4000 pounds in the bed, and used 2nd gear to start, did not need low. Cab needs some more space, my old Ford was a lot larger, especially the back seating area. Good access to air, radio controls. It has a good strong ride, and is very easy to drive, easier than the Ford or Chevy. It turns easily with a long horse trailer. Will buy another Cummins diesel truck, if I can wear this one out.
Dually Diesel 6 spd
D Pierovich, 11/30/2003
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My wife and I use up most of the 18000 GCWR to carry our camper and pull our 3 horse trailer. Now, after 14000 miles of pulling and hauling, we're still both tickled to death. Stick it in 2nd gear and it'll "idle" up a very steep driveway. More power than we'll ever need to pull those mountain passes and only need to slow down for the slower traffic ahead. My wife actually gets to drive it more than I do, and she loves it.
Built like a locomotive
Offroadatvn, 06/24/2022
updated 07/01/2024
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I’ve had my 2003 Dodge Ram 3500, dually, quad cab, 4x4, Cummins Diesel with the NV5600 manual transmission for a 3 years now. So far besides routine maintenance this truck has run amazing. It’s great on fuel and no matter how you load it up, it still drives like nothing is attached to it. It’s nice that it is pre emission also. I’d recommend this truck for anyone looking for fuel mileage and a classic old rig. As my truck is a manual 6 speed don’t expect to win any races lol.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
great truck
James & Ashley Ginge, 03/06/2004
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Mine has a High out put Cummins turbo diesel with a 6sp manuel tranny awesome power and torque
power house dodge puller
anvil, 02/28/2004
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 5M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
best hauler weve had we had a 2002 ford f350 drw 4 door the dodge is 10 times better all the way across the board power fuel economy the ford we had to put air ride on for the trailers the dodge is great out of the box if you want a great puller buy dodge if you want to go to the store or drive in town buy the ford just dont hook a trailer to the ford
Not very happy
n/a, 01/31/2007
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab ST 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have had this since 3000 miles. Now at 70,000 miles i am thinking of trading it in. I've needed a water pump ,power steering pump, tranny lines, flip down visor, and now rust is forming on the inner wheel well on passangers side. Total repairs must be about $2,000.00 so far. Some were covered under warranty thank God. I am only getting about 13.5 mpg. and to me the truck unloaded going up a hill at about 70 loses power not very impressive. Wind noise comes in from drivers side door. I will give the truck this it has not left me on the side of the road "yet"? I drive this truck as a car. I haul a trailer(about 5000lbs ) maybe 10 times a year if I am lucky everything else is hwy. Not very happy
Dodge V10 Ram 3500 Dually
Robert, 02/10/2009
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best truck ever, strong fast and cool. This truck is fun to trick out and has a great ride plus feels like a tank. The 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 is the coolest best and most fun truck on the road and continues to be.
Best truck on the market
Big Daddy, 08/07/2003
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I cannot say enough good things about my new truck, it has surpassed all my expectations. I pull a 15k pound 5th wheel, and I pull it with ease. Our last trip to Colorado was a blast because we no longer bogged up the hills having to drop into second to pull it. If you need a tough, dependable well built truck, you've found it in the new Dodge.
3500 Ram Quad Cab 6 speed H.O.
800summit, 06/30/2003
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the truck that will pull that 5th wheel trailer you always dreamed about. Strong motor, quiet, comfortable for a 1 ton truck,
Long lasting, still like new!
Ivan R. Vernon, 09/03/2024
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD LB DRW (5.7L 8cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Mine is a 2003 3500 hemi gasser duallie. This truck drives very nice, and has had minimal repairs over its 157,000 miles--a front wheel bearing in first year of ownership, partial wiring harness at over 100,000 miles, and just recently a cracked plastic pressure coolant reservoir. I will say that the bad plastic used for the dashboard cracked all to hell, and Chrysler Corporation refused to replace it. The company could definitely take some lessons from Toyota in how to protect customers from their mistakes and stand behind their products better than they do. Anyway, I like the truck better than I like the company, and spent about twice what the truck is worth teo do a complete restoration--replaced lots of body parts including rear duallie fenders, hood, front lights, and front and rear bumpers. It looks like new, drives like new, and gets lots of attention.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
off road
dan piette, 07/23/2003
2003 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 4dr Quad Cab ST 4WD SB (5.9L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
it has been very fun