1997 Dodge Ram Wagon Review
1997 Dodge Ram Wagon Review
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Used Ram Wagon for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Seriously undercuts Chevy, Ford and GMC competitors
Cons
- Original engineering dates to the Nixon presidency
What’s new
New this year are wider cargo doors, upgraded stereo systems, and an improved ignition switch with anti-theft protection. Front quarter vent windows disappear for 1997, and underhood service points feature colored identification.
Vehicle overview
Dodge's full-size vans and wagons haven't changed all that much through nearly three decades of existence. Squint your eyes and focus away from the front end (which was redesigned in 1994), and the latest big Rams could almost be mistaken for 1971 models. Does that matter to their fans? Not in the least. Dodge's brawny haulers have earned an enviable reputation over the years, proving their worth against rivals from Ford and General Motors. Like those makes, Dodge offers a bewildering selection of models, in three capacities with payloads as great as 4,264 pounds--not to mention the dazzlingly long list of options to be considered. Wagons can be equipped to carry as many as 15 passengers.
A driver's airbag is standard, and all Rams have rear-wheel anti-lock braking (four-wheel on the Wagons). Base engine in the 1500 and 2500 series is a 3.9-liter V-6, but most buyers would be better off with a V-8 (standard in the 3500 series). With 295 pound-feet of torque on tap, the 5.2-liter V-8 yields a rewarding combination of strength and economy, but no Ram vehicle ranks miserly at the gas pump.
For demanding applications, whether in cargo-carrying or passenger-seating, the 5.9-liter V-8, packing 330 pound-feet of twisting force, might be a better bet. To compensate for thirsty engine choices, Dodge includes a 35-gallon gas tank on all Ram Vans and Wagons.
New this year are wider cargo doors, upgraded stereo systems, and an improved ignition switch with anti-theft protection (Like theft is a problem here. Ooooh! Can't wait to get my thieving hands on that antique Dodge Van in mint condition...hey! Wait a minute! That's an airbag. This van is new!). Front quarter vent windows disappear for 1997, and underhood service points feature colored identification.
Plenty of RV converters turn out fancied-up variants of the Dodge Ram, but even the stock models can be fitted with a few comforts and conveniences to make driving pleasant, if not exactly posh. Wagons can have a power driver's seat, for instance, and you can even get a CD player with a graphic equalizer and Infinity speakers. An upscale SLT Wagon Package includes cupholders, seat map pockets, and cloth trim panels. Standard gear includes dual side doors, tinted windows, power steering, and a front stabilizer bar.
We find the Ram Van and Wagon to be packed full of value and think that they are a reasonable alternative to the full-size offerings from Ford and Chevy for those on a strict budget. When searching in this market segment, price is often the only thing separating somewhat unequal competitors.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Dodge Ram Wagon.
5 star(50%)
4 star(37%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
16 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
92 Dodge B 250 Conversion van
andrews, 09/25/2007
1992 Dodge Ram Wagon B250 3dr Ext Van
This has been an excellent vehicle for family vacation and fun to drive. It handles very well in the changing weather in Nebraska, and mechanically, it has been a sound car. Never had a mechanical problem, just general maintenance has kept it rolling.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Best Passenger Van Out There
ssbndad, 11/04/2003
1995 Dodge Ram Wagon 1500 3dr Van
My wife and I purchesed a full sized
Dodge Van in 1995. I cant tell you how
happy we are with that purchess. We
have driven over 115000 mi without so
much as a hiccup. We cahnge the oil
regurally and get most of the required
serviceings There is not so much as a
flake of rust and the engine and drive
train still look brand new. I firmly
believe this vechical will be … running
long after I go to meet my maker.
Thanks Dodge.
3.38 out of 5 stars
Big Blue Van never dies!
duckboy, 04/15/2002
1996 Dodge Ram Wagon 3500 Maxi 3dr Ext Van
I admit it. I own a big blue van. The
big, 15-pass airport shuttle bus van.
I bought it because I race motorcycles
all over the country and I don't like
towing a trailer. I can fit two bikes,
all of my gear, my significant other,
and still have room to crawl in the
back seat and take a nap. Very noisy,
interior trim is very cheesy, and I've
broken a lot of plastic … pieces.
However, the drivetrain seems bullet
proof. I almost ran it out of oil once
and I just refilled it with no
consequences. Has a lot of highway
power, but oviously slow off the line,
seeing how it's nearly 6,000 lb. dry.
4.88 out of 5 stars
95 SLT 2500 conversion van
Steve V., 05/24/2004
1995 Dodge Ram Wagon 2500 SLT 3dr Ext Van
This is the best vehicle that I have
owned as far as repairs. The only thing
that has ever gone wrong with this van
are the general maint. things. Teh van
has been all over the east coast with
no problems. I ordered it with the 318
in case I ever wanted to tow anything
with it. The van with the V-8 still
gets 20 mpg over the road. I would
highly recommend these vans as … they
comfortable nad fun to drive, and are a
good vehicle for the money..
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Dodge Ram Wagon, so we've included reviews for other years of the Ram Wagon since its last redesign.
1997 Ram Wagon Highlights
1500 SLT
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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