1996 Dodge Ram SLT review from North America

Dash panels were bad from the dealer.

Auto door locks would spin, not lock - it took two different dealers to fix, and one tried to play it off as a feature. (Atlas Dodge - Costa Mesa)

Transmission replaced at 35,000 - I drive about 4 miles a day to-from work, no real off road or long trips.

Cat. converter replaced twice.

AM/FM radio replaced twice - and it's happened again... only the FM cuts out.

All but one seal has split and started to leak.

Serpentine belt showed cracks at 12,000.

Drivers side mirror won't stay still - (wobbles back and forth) - and the dealer can't repair it.

Master brake cylinder had to be replaced at 45,000.

Battery went dead at 15,000 - dealer replaced it, then the new one leaked acid, which ate through the cruise control vacuum line - caused the venting system to go haywire. They replaced the battery a third time, and 'rigged' the vacuum line. I had to fight them to replace the line and not just 'duct' it.

It was nice to drive at first, but the truck has turned into a real headache, so in March away I go to the Ford dealer to trade this for a Focus.

I looked at the 2001 Ram's, but I don't want the hassle... if consumer reports had rated them higher, perhaps I would have thought about it as another purchase.

I will miss the hauling capability, but the wife's Passat wagon should do the trick for all that stuff.