I have an 04 and it has never given me a major problem. It depends who you ask, but you really can't go wrong with any year. They all have great records.

 

i say 02, cause it has the 5.9L

 

06, and not because i have one.

Here's why:

New front end (doesn't look stoned like 02-05)
MDS can be turned off
No ugly 07-08 spaceship tail lights
New dash looks better (wish they came in black, but i'll eventually get it all painted)
Trans Options

 

I would go with the 05. Lots of tuning options and I have never really liked the newer style headlights that came on the later years. 04 and 03 don't have the same tuning availability as the 05.

 

05!!!

 

Your vote is biased

 

Im voting 05 also..but im not biased

 

The last year of old technology is always better than the first year of new, that's why i drive an 08 and not an 02! ha ha, I'm very happy with my 08 and I don't think the front ends are as weak as people like to say but I wish I would've gotten my interior options, I mean I have power windows and heated power mirrors but they could throw a $3 mirror in the stinkin passenger sunvisor? Or the fact i got the tow package with a class 4 hitch and 3.92 gears but no frickin tow mirrors? Plus, why not a cup holder in the center console? ford did it!

I guess my point is they're good trucks, whatever year you buy >>(08)<< just make sure it was well maintained and has the small things that you want. BTW I love my Mexihemi!

 

Hey, I have an 05. I had no idea it was so popular!


Lolol

 

choosing a 5.9L over a 5.7L? your crazy. i'm sure if you could do it over again you would want the 5.7L. it's got 100hp more than a 5.9L and gets better MPG's too.

Guys who have level kits on the front suspesnions of their 4wd IFS trucks are the one's who have the issu'es. The issue's are clunk noises. Other than that, it depends on how you drive and take care of them.

I have a mirror in my passenger side visor?
I also opted for the tow package and 3:92 gears and have no tow mirrors, BUT, it's because tow mirrors are still an option at that point. Nothing that i tow do I need extended mirrors for. If the truck came with tow mirrors, i would have replaced them with smaller normal one's because driving around town with those things sticking way out is a PIA. The Ram is wide and the stock mirrors stick out a ways already. Unless you are towing a very large boat, camper or an enclosed trailer that has the wheels tucked, then would you need extended mirrors, but that's not everyone out there.

Ohh, I've got cupholders in my center console area. It's the folding tray under the radio/ heater control.s There are 2 cup holders there along with an ashtray/coin holder.

Not buying a vehicle because you don't like the taillights??? That's more of opinion and tailights can be swapped out for early years without much effort or money.
As far as the Dash. Rams have a dash cracking problem so I'm sure that is the reason for light colored dashes. Black would generate lots of heat, black causes tons of glare, and will crack much sooner.

trans. option???? it's only a matter of time and everyone will have trans options. maybe not 03/04, but everyone else! SC is right around the corner from releasing their Beta version...


Lots of biased opinions here along with some good info. If your not a modder, then it really doesn't matter what year you choose. They are all similar and you should really get out and check out a truck from each year if possible and then go from there. Choose based on style first. Then go for goodies/comfort. You don't want a 5.9L... get a 5.7L. Even the newer 4.7L have more power than the old 5.9L's.