1 of 5 COMPARE: Silverado, F-150

Willits, CA  Dodge Ram 2500 Extended Cab 1998, Green diesel, standard transmission

EW has a Dodge Ram 2500 diesel with a standard transmision. He ordered the vehicle from the factory, as there are probably very few standard transmission trucks on the road. The diesel was necessary as EW has towed over 6,500 lbs. a load not every truck could handle. The truck received high marks, but "strongly agree" ratings were reserved for highway handling and passing. Surprisingly, EW rated the Ram "strongly agree" for hill climbing, an admirable rating for a diesel. The turbocharger helps. However, accelration was rated only an "agree". The ride received good marks but it is a truck. Dodge's assembly is good, fit and finish and interior wear rated well. Transmission and braking also received good scores, but not the best. EW recommends the anti lock brake option. The truck has 26,000 miles and has been trouble-free. Overall, Dodge's Ram rated very well.

Overall Rating:

GREEN LIGHT MEANS GO!

 2 of 5

Willits, CA  Dodge Ram 2500 QuadCab 2000, Green diesel, standard transmission, ABS, Long Bed

This is EW's second contribution. His first is the Dodge Ram 2500 diesel listed here. He bought a new Dodge Ram because he needed the four wheel drive option. He got the diesel again because of the mileage. Dodge has improved the Ram over the '98 model. In fact, EW's enthusiasm for his new truck shows as he states the "suspension is significantly improved." EW did order the heavy duty springs. He is pleased with the ease of the shift-on-the-fly 4 wheel drive. The Quad Cab is also a big improvement providing much easier access to the rear seat. EW recommends two options, the heavy duty springs and the trailer tow package. The vehicle rated very well. It received the highest or second highest marks in every category. The best ratings were reserved for highway handling, hill climbing, stopping distance and size. The solid score for hill climbing is surprising for a diesel but shows what can be done with a diesel's torque.

Overall Rating:

GREEN LIGHT MEANS GO!

 3 of 5 COMPARE: Silverado, F-150

Fritch, TX  Dodge Ram 1500 1997, Black 42,500 Magnum V-8, Auto, A/C, PW, extended cab, bed linder, SWB, anti-theft

JT's has the V-8 1500. A large displacement engine that, according to JT, really does not provide enough power. He notes that his truck does not have adequate acceleration. He gave low marks for highway acceleration, hill climbing and passing. This is really the only category that JT gave his Ram poor marks. He noted that his Ram handles very well. The ride is excellent for a truck. Moreover, the truck stops well and the transmission shifts smoothly. JT's Ram has been trouble-free. However, he does note that interior wear is below average. Overall, JT recommends his truck and gave it strong scores.

Overall Rating:

GREEN LIGHT MEANS GO!

 4 of 5

Fremont, CA  Dodge Ram 2500 1995, Blue 58,000 Diesel Laredo SL Package

" [The Ram] pulls well as a tow vehicle but read below. It is comfortable and fairly reliable."

Trouble free: no

"As shipped from the factory the engine was underpowered and it took 3 calls to Detroit to admit it. Once they did, they fixed it- My guess is that the engine was purposely detuned to avoid the risk of the high torque engine damaging the auto transmission.
The transmission is a good one for cars with a lot of good history starting out as the original Torque flite 727. Unfortunately, all auto trans are revolution driven and a diesel is low rev engine. My trans has shifted jerkily for the last 15K miles- I am sure there is a rebuild coming soon. If you are a home mechanic, the diesel is frustrating to work on- it seems certain components that need regular service (gas filter in particular) were designed for inconvenient service."

Overall Rating:

GREEN LIGHT MEANS GO!

 5 of 5 COMPARE: Silverado, F-150

Owatonna MN  1998 Dodge 2500 Black 23,000 Diesel, 4WD

"This is a diesel. Had a V-10 B4. The V-10 was quicker, but got 10 mphg. I have seen [on my truck] 20 mpg and consistantly gets 17 mpg, 16 mpg towing a car on a trailer. Have to learn to live with that diesel smell thought.

Trouble-free: No

Cruise control problems and minor fuel tank leak.

Overall Rating:

GREEN LIGHT MEANS GO!