Today, Ram is its own dedicated truck brand, but from the late 1980s to the late 2000s, the Ram 1500 was organized under the Dodge brand name. It offered big-truck styling, backed by capable diesel engines and (eventually) powerful gas engines. Over the course of three generations, the Dodge Ram evolved from glorified farm equipment to one of the most comfortable trucks on the market. By the time Ram was spun off, the 1500 was setting the bar for ride quality and interior comfort in a full-size light-duty pickup truck.

Generations: Three

• Dodge Ram 1500 1st Generation
• Dodge Ram 1500 Duty 2nd Generation
• Dodge Ram 1500 Duty 3rd Generation

Pros: Multiple spacious cab options, comfortable ride quality, fully modern truck by the end of its run
Cons: Unreliable engines in some years, not always as capable as rivals, braking issues in some years.

Dodge Ram 1500 Third Generation (2002-2009)

For the 2002 to 2009 generation of the Dodge Ram 1500, the “Big-Rig” styling continued on an all-new frame and chassis. Live front axles were replaced with an independent front suspension. This was a first major step toward the road-compliant Ram we have today. The cabin used a lot of hard plastics, but generally had a contemporary dash design. Engine options included a gas V6 and two gas V8 engines. The 215-horsepower 3.7-liter Magnum and 235-horsepower Magnum 4.7-liter V8 engines have been widely derided by journalists and owners alike. The 5.9-liter V8 made just 245 horsepower, but thankfully it was replaced with a 345-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Compared to modern trucks, the smaller V8 has abysmal fuel economy. If you are looking for decent fuel efficiency and power, look to the 5.7-liter V8. Some models also come with all-terrain tires, upgraded skid plates, and an electronic-locking limited-slip differential, adding to the Ram’s off-road capability.

2006 saw some significant changes to the Dodge Ram 1500. The biggest one was the introduction of the Mega Cab. It added another 20 inches to the cabin, raising the bar for interior space in a truck. In addition, the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 now offered optional navigation. Other options include satellite radio, a sunroof, an upgraded sound system and Bluetooth connectivity.

The 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 shows how full-size pickups can effectively play dual roles. It is durable and capable for the worksite, but also comfortable and convenient for everywhere you go the rest of the week. The MegaCab has tons of room, the truck handles well, and the V8 engine offerings provide plenty of power for work-truck duties or simply for getting up to highway speeds.

For 2007, standard equipment includes power windows, power locks, air conditioning dual-zone climate settings. You can opt for a number of upgrades on various trims and packages, including heated seats, leather upholstery, a navigation system, DVD entertainment system, and a CD changer. It offers a 6-foot bed and an 8-foot bed as options. Both are available with a bed liner.

Big changes came in the 2009 model year in the form of a new grille design, new headlight assembly design, updated instrumentation, and revised controls. You can also get it with upgraded interior upholstery, including attractive two-tone designs. It all brings together the Dodge Ram 1500 as a comfortable truck that can also perform serious work duties.

The newly integrated multi-link coil spring rear suspension improves handling significantly without detracting from the Ram 1500’s capabilities in payload delivery (up to an estimated 1,840 lbs) and towing capacity (estimated to be 9,199 lbs). An independent front suspension and a front stabilizer bar all help ensure the Dodge Ram 1500 is refined and easier to control on the road than most pickups that have come before it.

Trims on this 2009 model include Laramie, SLT, ST, Sport, and TRX. In addition to these trims, there are a number of options, including a Class IV trailer tow package, parking sensors, a backup camera, heated and cooled seats, and an Alpine premium stereo system. Other options include remote start, a pretty rudimentary Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system, and a rear seat DVD entertainment system. You could also get the Ram Box cargo management system.

Standard safety features include four-wheel ABS disc brakes, front-and-side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, trailer swap control, and hill start assist.

For this span of the Dodge Ram 1500, owners have noted issues with build quality, and braking. Many of these problems had been addressed for the 2009 model. Noted high points for these years include power, styling, and acceleration (with the V8 engine), as well as improved handling. Other highlights include the spaciousness of the cabin and the long list of available comfort features.

Dodge Ram 1500 Second Generation (1994-2001)

The second-generation Ram 1500 was a game-gamer for Dodge, highlighted by its “Big-Rig” styling. Engines were largely carried over from the previous generation. A number of updates came in 1997, including the introduction of the Quad Cab, which was an extended cab with rear-hinged clamshell doors. You could still get the 2-door Club Cab until the end of this production run. Other updates included a digital odometer, dual airbags, and fold-out towing mirrors that were made of plastic.

The base powertrain throughout this generation was the 3.9-liter Magnum V6 engine, putting out 175 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. During this time, Dodge also offered a 5.2-liter V8 that put out 230 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could also select a 5.9-liter Magnum V8 that made 230 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque when new. In 1998, output was upgraded to 245 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque.

The feature sets in these early trucks were pretty sparse and included an AM/FM stereo with a tape deck. Power locks were optional, as was an Infinity CD audio system starting in 1995. In 1996, an electronically controlled automatic transmission was introduced, as was ODB-II (On Board Diagnostics). This feature makes it possible for modern devices to analyze the Ram 1500 for issues.

Dodge Ram 1500 First Generation (1980-1993)

In the 1980s, trucks were far different beasts. They may occasionally have to take kids to school, but they were really all about the work site. This really didn’t change until the turn of the Century. This original Dodge Ram 1500 actually featured a little ram hood ornament and was offered in single cab, extended cab, and crew cab configurations.

The first generation of the Dodge Ram dates far back enough that it was offered with Chrysler’s venerable slant-6. Other engines included a gas V8 and a Cummins diesel inline-6. The 3.7-liter slant-6 made just 95 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque when new. It was replaced with a 3.9-liter V6 in 1988, making 125 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This was again replaced in 1992 with a 3.9-liter Magnum V6. It made 175 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque.

If you wanted V8 power, the initial offering was a 5.2-liter V8, putting out 140 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. In 1988, output was upgraded to 170 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It was replaced with a Magnum 5.2-liter V8 that put out 230 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.

Dodge also offered a larger 5.9-liter V8 as far back as 1981. When new, it made 175 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Output was boosted to 190 horsepower and 292 pound-feet of torque in 1989. In 1993, it was replaced with a 5.9-liter Magnum V8 making 230 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. During this whole span, Dodge offered the Cummins inline-6-cylinder diesel engine was making 160 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.