1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 4x4 Sport review from North America
"Transmission is gone at 53,000 miles"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The rear window leaked during heavy rains.
The big fault is the transmission. No mechanical problems to speak of until in went at 53,000 miles. The cost to replace is $3000.
General comments?
I really loved my ram up until about two weeks ago. After 53,000 miles of trouble-free ownership I paid a hefty price.
I purchased my 1997 Ram with the intention of keeping it until the wheels fell off. I love the styling and overall performance... until now. I now have to replace a transmission. I do use my truck as a truck. It is used on the farm in central Kentucky. It has scratches on it and its rarely clean, but it is ALWAYS maintained. I depend on it to run the farm. It tows a load about once a month, usually no heavier than a 18 foot boat (less than 3500 lbs). I always tow with overdrive off and had the tranmission serviced at 41000 miles. I was driving a completely empty truck when the transmission went out. My concern is it seems the comments about transmissions are very similar in symptoms and mileage. So now I wonder, what gives with Dodge trucks? No transmission should be dead after only 53,000 miles.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.2 (318ci) V8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 8000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 53000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Truck |
| Date of Entry | 5th August, 2002 |