2023 Ram 1500 Classic Review

Price Range: $26,499 - $34,990

Ram 1500 Classic Express Crew Cab Pickup Exterior

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2023 Ram 1500 Classic Review

by the Edmunds Experts

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

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4.5/5Excellent

#1 out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Ram 1500 Classic from 2008-2022.}

$522/yr

vs. $752/yr
for Average Fullsize Truck

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.4x/yr

vs. 0.98x/yr
for Average Fullsize Truck

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

8.1%

vs. 19.9%
for Average Fullsize Truck

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Ram 1500 Classic Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.2

37 reviews

5(73%)

4(5%)

3(5%)

2(6%)

1(11%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Ram Classic now most-reliable by Consumer Reports.

Walt C, 02/02/2021

2020 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

Why buy the new-generation Ram 1500, when the classic version of this is rated more-reliable by Consumer Reports. In fact, Ram 1500 Classic is currently rated most-reliable Big 3 American pickup, better than Ford and GM. That's all consumers need.

2021 RAM 1500 No Quality Control at Factory

2021 RAM LEMON, 07/06/2021

2021 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

I bought a 2021 RAM on 23 Apr 2021 and had it towed back to the dealership on 27 Apr (137 miles) because it would shut down in the road. They found no issues and by then it was running again. On 29 Apr (202 miles) it shut down on the side of the highway and set there for over 3 hours in the hot sun waiting for the Dodge Raodisde Service so to show up, They kept it 2 days and found the …

2020 ram classic

Paul, 10/16/2021

2020 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

I've got 24700 miles on it so far. And I have looked to try and find something wrong with it and so far nothing found. I'm one of those guys the dealer hates. I don't believe the " it's normal line" . So far this has been a great truck. Fuel mileage is as rated and it sure does ride good. Update: I've had the truck going on a year now. No issues what so ever. The fuel mileage is still … good, still rides good,tires are wearing fine, doesnt use any oil between changes, no complaints. Now I do have some things that I wished I would have bought on the truck but this isnt a reflection of the truck, this is on me. A larger backup camera viewer would be nice, and I might could have splurged for a better radio and maybe one more interior light and a glove box light. I know all this was available, but it was probably in some thousands of dollar package that I didnt want to spring for. I would still buy the truck again. Update #2 The truck is still doing fine, no complaints. Mileage is at almost 13,000. No mechinical issues, no oil burning, no issues what so ever. Everytime I get in my truck I am still amazed at just how well this pickup rides. This is one of the biggest reasons I bought this truck to start with. Now since,I have some more milieage on the truck, the engine is running smoother, and has more power. Fuel mileage is fantastic for a 4x4 truck. Back when I was much younger I remember Dodge was known for poor fuel ecomomy. I remember the w100 back in the day was rated at 12 in town 18 on the interstate. And now I can easily get 23+ on the interstate. I reallly appreciate Chrysler comitment to fuel ecomomy. Update #3 My wife and I have started using this truck to take vacations. Any drawbacks ? Yes, a little tough to park in smaller parking spots, thats it. Trucks is still performing great. On long trips, consistently getting 23+ mpg on the interstate, which I still consider phenomenal for a 4x4 truck. Again, fantasic ride, and the interior room is great. This is probably one of my best purchases in many years. I know that the pentastar engine has caught some flack for mechanical issues o er the years, however Chrysler has made over 10 million of these engine, and they use it in almost every model in their lineup. Standing outside of the truck you cant even hear this engine run and is extremely smooth, still impressed to this day. Say what you want, but in my opinion Chrysler outdone the competition, for what I needed a truck for. Yes, I would still buy it again.

Excellent Truck, very pleased

Mike, 06/27/2022

2021 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A)

Great truck, 4x4 with Hemi even with a 3.92 gear still delivers great mileage. Plenty of power, well built. Only complaint is never open door when moving, such as backing up, goofy safety feature slams it into park.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic, so we've included reviews for other years of the 1500 Classic since its last redesign.

See all 37 reviews of the Ram 1500 Classic

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2023 1500 Classic Highlights

Type:

Crew Cab

Trim:

Tradesman

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$39,755
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$161/month
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	10,460 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the 1500 Classic models:

Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus: Alerts the driver if a collision might occur and can automatically brake to try to prevent or minimize an impact.
Automatic SOS Call: Uses the available connected services to contact help after the airbags deploy, and can automatically send help to your location.
ParkView and ParkSense: Warns the driver through visual and audible cues when the truck is getting close to an object.

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2023 Ram 1500 Classic Review

Price & Payment

2023 Ram 1500 Classic Review

What's new

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Ram 1500 Classic Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Trending topics

Ram Classic now most-reliable by Consumer Reports.

2021 RAM 1500 No Quality Control at Factory

2020 ram classic

Excellent Truck, very pleased

2023 1500 Classic Highlights

Safety

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