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2023 Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab
MSRP Range: $39,755 - $48,750 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
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2023 Ram 1500 Classic Review
byChristian Wardlaw
Correspondent
Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at Edmunds and was the first editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.
Pros
- Low base price
- Smooth and comfortable ride quality
Cons
- Design and engineering date to 2009
- Few available configurations and trim levels
- Lacks safety features
What's new
- Express trim level canceled
- Regular-cab, short-bed version discontinued
- RamBox cargo bed storage no longer available
- Part of the fourth Ram 1500 generation introduced for 2009
Overview
Five years ago, the fifth-generation Ram 1500 debuted to critical acclaim. And yet, half a decade later, you can still buy a brand-new example of the fourth-generation Ram 1500. It's called the Ram 1500 Classic, and it's supposed to offer cash-strapped full-size truck buyers a value-oriented alternative to the newer, safer and far more sophisticated fifth-gen Ram 1500. But does it? Nope.
If you want a regular-cab Ram 1500, the Classic is the only game in town. Plus, its base price is thousands of dollars less than the cheapest fifth-gen Ram 1500. However, as soon as you upgrade to a Tradesman Quad Cab, the price difference between the old and new Rams shrinks to a few hundred bucks. Trust us when we tell you that you want to skip the Classic for the new Ram.
The Tradesman is one of two Ram 1500 Classic trim levels. The other one is called the Warlock, and it's dressed up with blacked-out trim and bigger wheels. The equivalent in a fifth-gen Ram 1500 would be a Tradesman equipped with the Night Edition package, and to get that, you'll spend less than you would on the Ram 1500 Classic Warlock.
So unless you're buying the regular cab, forget about the Ram 1500 Classic. It's an overpriced antique that Ram has kept in its lineup well beyond its expiration date.
Which 1500 Classic does Edmunds recommend?
If you're going to buy this outdated truck, we recommend the regular-cab Tradesman. It's one of the cheapest ways to get a new full-size light-duty truck, and you can dress it up without spending much money. Otherwise, you should upgrade to a fifth-generation Ram 1500 or switch to a different brand.
Ram 1500 Classic models
The 2023 Ram 1500 Classic is available in Tradesman and Warlock trim levels. You choose from three cab configurations (regular cab, Quad Cab and crew cab) and three bed lengths (5 feet 7 inches, 6 feet 4 inches, and 8 feet), but availability depends on the cab style. A 3.6-liter V6 (305 horsepower, 269 lb-ft) pairs to an eight-speed automatic transmission powering the rear wheels. A 5.7-liter V8 (395 hp, 410 lb-ft) is optional, and you can upgrade to four-wheel drive at an extra cost.
Save as much as $2,812 with Edmunds Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.
2023 Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab pricing
in Ashburn, VAWhat others are paying
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Ram 1500 Classic vs. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevy's design and engineering are a decade fresher than the Ram's, but in some ways the Silverado falls short of the aging 1500 Classic. For example, the Ram has a more attractive interior than the basic versions of the Silverado, and the Ram offers a more composed ride. However, the more expensive Silverado trims have a substantially nicer cabin and the Chevrolet also offers superior technology. You'll also get more towing and payload capacity with the Silverado.
Ram 1500 Classic vs. Ford F-150
We think the Ford F-150 is the best truck you can buy, so aside from its lower price, the Ram 1500 Classic isn't a contender in this matchup. The F-150 can tow and haul considerably more than the Ram, and its impressive powertrain lineup, broad number of trim levels, and superior technology and convenience features make it the easy choice here. You can learn more by reading Edmunds' long-term road test of the Ford F-150.
Ram 1500 Classic vs. Ram 1500
The price difference between the fourth-generation Ram 1500 Classic and fifth-generation Ram 1500 isn't substantial, so we don't advise choosing the older design. The exception would be if you want a regular-cab truck, a configuration not available in the newer Ram 1500's lineup. Otherwise, the newer version of the Ram provides more towing and payload capacity, has a more sophisticated design and refined interior, and supplies superior infotainment and safety tech. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Ram 1500 to learn more.
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FAQ
Is the Ram 1500 Classic a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 1500 Classic both on the road and at the track. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Ram 1500 Classic. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic:
- Express trim level canceled
- Regular-cab, short-bed version discontinued
- RamBox cargo bed storage no longer available
- Part of the fourth Ram 1500 generation introduced for 2009
Is the Ram 1500 Classic reliable?
To determine whether the Ram 1500 Classic is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the 1500 Classic. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the 1500 Classic's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 1500 Classic is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Ram 1500 Classic?
The least-expensive 2023 Ram 1500 Classic is the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $39,755.
Other versions include:
- Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $39,755
- Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $40,055
- Express 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB w/Prod. End 04/23 (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $41,270
- Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $43,555
- Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $43,855
- Warlock 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $44,485
- SLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $44,485
- Express 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB w/Prod. End 04/23 (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $44,770
- SLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $44,785
- Warlock 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $48,285
- SLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $48,285
- SLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $48,585
- Express 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $48,750
What are the different models of Ram 1500 Classic?
If you're interested in the Ram 1500 Classic, the next question is, which 1500 Classic model is right for you? 1500 Classic variants include Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Express 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB w/Prod. End 04/23 (3.6L 6cyl 8A), and Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A). For a full list of 1500 Classic models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more