2008 Dodge Ram 1500 [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 40 Ram-1500 reviews and test drives.
Dodge Ram 1500 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 ranks 6 out of 7 Full Size Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 40 published reviews and test drives of the Dodge Ram 1500, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Ram 1500 delivers a traditional big-truck ride with power and interior space to spare. But it doesn't have the fuel economy, safety features or maneuverability of other full-size pickups.
First debuting in 1981, the current Dodge Ram 1500 is a powerful off-road vehicle that provides a comfortable everyday ride with plenty of big-truck attitude. The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 is an updated version from the third generation, which began in 2003 with a major overhaul. For 2008, the 1500 gets a more powerful 4.7-liter V8 to replace its previous mid-level engine. Dodge has announced a 2009 redesign that will include improved towing and payload capacities, an improved Hemi engine, and interior changes.
Starting in 2005, the Ram became available in an even larger version built on the Ram 2500 platform -- a four-door Mega Cab, which features a 76.3-inch cargo box and 21.6 extra cubic feet of cab space. The Mega Cab is especially well liked, and is described by USA Today as "a smooth, powerful, comfortable, prince of a pickup with limousine-like passenger space best suited to those who are big-truck friendly and don't need class-leading payload ratings."
But overall, the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 trails most of its class and is considered merely acceptable. Car and Driver says: "We weren't smitten by the Ram. Its body is jiggly over the rough, the steering is slack on center, the interior is Kmart shiny plastic, and climbing up to the lofty cab is work."
The Ram 1500 comes in several trims and sizes. The model with the smallest cabin, the two-door Regular Cab, is available in ST, SLT, Sport and TRX4 Off-Road trims. The next size up, the four-door Quad Cab, is also available in the ultra-luxury Laramie trim. The largest 1500, the Mega Cab, is only available in the SLT and Laramie trims. Powertrain choices and box sizes vary by trim. If you're looking for a full-size pickup, also check out the Chevy Silverado or the GMC Sierra.
- "The cathedral of all pickup trucks; a steel Mecca for those who worship big numbers." -- PickupTruck.com
- "Does not lack machismo. These are great big trucks with all that implies -- good for work but not much fun for play." -- Car and Driver
- "The Mega Cab is certainly convenient, but I expect most of these will go to fleets and construction companies that need to carry manpower plus material. For a family, it's just too much truck." -- Arizona Republic
- "Too bad the not-so-nice list is almost as big as the truck itself. Let's start with the price. … Then there's the ride, which is bumpy, and the diesel engine, which is loud and slow. Finally, this vehicle's size makes it a tight fit on many roads and nearly impossible to maneuver easily in parking lots." -- San Jose Mercury News
Ram-1500 Performance - 6.8 (Mediocre)
Reviewers describe the Dodge Ram 1500 has having impressive power, but note its large dimensions and truck-like ride are not for everyone. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says the Mega Cab "tracks true down the highway, with few steering corrections needed," but warns, "As with any large pickup with load-carrying leaf springs in back, however, the ride gets bouncy on rough roads." Our full Performance Review offers a more in-depth analysis of the Ram's ride quality and engine power, plus its towing and hauling capacity. continue
Ram-1500 Exterior - 8.6 (Very Good)
To some, the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500's macho and bold exterior is its strongest selling point. The Detroit News says "it's got the demeanor of a monster truck." Automotive.com adds, "Arguably, the Ram is the best-looking truck on the market. Its styling is bold and handsome, even more so in its latest incarnation." Click through our Dodge Ram Photo Gallery for front, side and rear views of the mammoth truck, or continue with our full Exterior Review to read about the size differences between cabs. continue
Ram-1500 Interior - 7.8 (Good)
The 2008 Ram 1500's three-seat (six-seat-optional) interior is comfortable and relatively refined, and its Mega Cab version is especially spacious. Check out the Dodge Ram Photo Gallery to see the Ram's front seat room, instrument panel and steering wheel, or continue with the full Interior Review to read how the Ram cabin is 20 percent quieter than pre-2005 models. continue
Ram-1500 Safety - NA
The 2008 Dodge Ram does very well in government crash tests, but critics are generally disappointed with the lack of standard safety features. The Detroit News comments, "In terms of safety, Dodge apparently is convinced that the key is size and not equipment." Continue with our Safety Review for details on the Ram's safety scores and available features. continue
Ram-1500 Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Check out our full Reliability Review for more on Dodge's reliability. continue
