Hello. Considering buying a 2002-2008 1500 quad cab 4x4.

- I prefer a truck that sits higher than others on the road
- I like the size of a full size. I know that if I buy a mid size, I'll regret it and don't want to waste money on lifting it...
- My other car is a VW TDI so fuel economy isn't really a problem...

Should I get a Ram?
Are 2002-2008 1500s reliable?
What is the most reliable engine?
Difference in mpgs with the 4.7 and 5.7 ?
Good transmissions?

Thanks!

 

I don't see any real advantages to owning a Ram.
Ram strengths, as you mentioned, higher ground clearance is a + Hemi engine is also a plus, even with 16 spark plugs, I do like the hemi engine, your not going to save flue with the 4.7.

2002 to 2008 is a real crap shoot as your getting a used truck, dodge, ford, ect are going to have age related issues that's not worth gambeling on, no matter the brand, thiers a post in the 3rd gen section on common issues relating to the dodge Ram.

 

I hands down absolutely love my truck. Ive invested in it and it has never let me know. I always do maintenance and keep it up but remember, maintenance isnt what you do when things break, its what you do BEFORE it breaks.

 

Best 3rd Gen Ram 1500 by far is an 05 4x4 with the 5.7. Everything about these trucks as well as any other vehicle is only as reliable as you maintain it. Keep the maintenance up to check and you can get well over 200k out of these trucks

 

I would agree with 08hemi, I prefer the 05 4x4 hemis. the 03's and 04's have weak valve spring issues, and the 06-08's have the mds which I don't like. Im sure others would give you a different opinion, I know some like what they think of as the extra trim on the 06-08's, so it all depends on what you are looking for. Not really sure what cyclone is saying, I mean if you are looking at getting a used truck, a ram is a great way to go. With proper maintenance they will easily last 200,000 plus. Oh and I would also second (or third) getting the hemi, not the 4.7, 4.7 doesn't save any fuel, 5.7 is more fun and the 4.7 can give you real problems if you ever let it overheat. Just my 2 cents.

Oh and the tranny's are pretty reliable. Some people don't like the shift schedules, but a programmer fixes that and a tranny pressure booster gives you a nice firm shift. I don't think i've seen more than maybe one or two threads the year plus i've been a member here with a confirmed tranny issue. They do pretty well.

 

Thanks for the replies. I'll be looking for a 05'+ 1500 4x4 HEMI. I don't mind MDS.

Can't wait!

 

If you don't see any real advantages, then obviously you don't like your truck.

 

my 05 has never been in the shop, great truck

 

well to be getting an unbiased opinion you really cant come onto a dodge forum asking about the trucks related in the forums. Ifs it not a ram, they dont like it. So obviously youll get rave reviews here. Ask people here about a f-150 and they will **** on it.

Any truck with proper maintanence will last you a long time.

as for hemis, poor mpg, but you dont mind that, i have friends with f150s that out mile me at every rpm. But ill take them at any rpm. Its all in what you want.

I like my truck and i like other models for other reasons. the biggest thing for me about rams in the looks and v8 power. If some other features interested me more, I would own a ford.

 

Its a hemi engine with a 6sp man and 4 wheels, its a dodge that pressents design flaws in the solid axle front end that are still sold today in the new HD trucks.

As mopar parts go in the garbage and I replace with aftermarket parts, I truly love like my truck, its the dodge name plate that on more than one ocassion reminds me never be loyal to a brand.

Aside from the hemi, dodge did not set it a higher standard in the 3rd gen trucks, thier nuts and bolts that break like any othier barnd.