A used Ram 1500 is a good way to get something reliable, and tough, without worrying about damaging it too much if you're planning on doing some big jobs. In this article, we'll look at the Ram 1500 to see how it has changed over the years, as well as noting which features are the best. Here are some things to know before buying a used Ram 1500.
Key Takeaways
- If you're wanting some of the best tech, then you can look for something from 2019 onward, since it may come with eTorque.
- If you liked the Dodge branding, then you'll need something before 2013.
- The mega-cab came with a ton of room to make you and your passengers comfortable.
- The Rambox storage system is available on most trims, making it an easy way to keep smaller things secure in the bed of the truck.
Third Generation (2002-2008)
This generation of Ram 1500 helped solidify Ram's spot in the North American market by selling nearly 1,000,000 units in just 3 years. This was thanks to the new design of the Ram now coming with all-new frame, suspension, powertrains, interiors, and sheet metal.
For 2006, the Ram came with a Mega Cab as part of a design update. This sat six with rear recliners, thanks to the extra 22-inches of room this cab brings. For 2008, the truck saw the Ram 1500 emblems replaced with RAM emblems, an omen of where things were soon to head.
Fourth Generation (2009-2018)
To help keep things competitive, the Ram came with a variety of new features to help elevate the experience of the truck, both inside, and out. The new changes were a new four-door cab style offering, new suspension, a new Hemi engine option, and the Rambox. The Rambox was a new way to store things inside the bed's walls, with later models having it tied to the remote keyless system.
2010 is when Ram decided to split from Dodge, with the first Ram year being in 2013. The Ram came with three bed lengths in this generation, coming in at 5.5-feet, 6.3-feet, and 8-feet. You could also find regular cabs, quad cabs, and an all-new crew cab.
The refresh that brought the first true Ram truck into the market saw any “DODGE” reference now being replaced with “RAM”. To help celebrate, the Ram now came with a new high-end trim. This was the Laramie Longhorn Limited.
While the Ram saw a few changes from 2013 to 2016, the biggest one is the new Rebel trim that was added in 2016. This trim came with an off-road suspension that was 1-inch higher, also coming with larger tires to match the rugged look of the truck.
A few special editions also came out this generation, but they may be harder to find, but they're still worth noting. The first two were only sold in Texas, but if you were to find one in Florida, you'd have something special on your hands. These two were the Lone Star Silver, and Lone Star Yellow editions. The last edition you can find was available nationwide. This was the Night Edition. It came with black-finished emblems, twenty-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, front grille, door handles, and emblems.
Fifth Generation (2019-Present)
This generation saw eTorque tech added to the truck. This allowed for greater short-term torque, increasing the output by 130 lb-ft. The truck also came with a new 12-inch touchscreen, making it the largest in its class.
While some manufacturers will boast that their vehicle has electric tech under the hood, Ram decided it wasn't necessary to advertise it on the body of the truck. Car and Driver noted that “the eTorque system mostly operates silently in the background, like a clandestine operative on a quest to save fuel.” Making this truck not only a workhorse that's perfect for handymen, but also a surprisingly decent daily driver.
This generation also gained greater capabilities. This was thanks to an increased payload capacity to 2,300-pounds, and a towing capacity upgrade to 12,750-pounds. This generation also lost 225-pounds in the redesign.
Throughout the years, the Ram has been through changes, but one thing remained true, and that is how reliable the truck is. If you're wanting to get one, there's no better place than with us here at Alan Jay. Come see us today!