1997 Dodge Pickup 1500 Sport review from North America
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The truck wanders on the freeway badly.
Both front brake calipers completely covered with rust.
Left caliper froze up, destroying the rotor.
Rear factory painted bumper developed rust cancer under the paint. Note: The backside exposed surface has no rust.
One seat does not tilt forward.
Heat shield on exhaust came loose.
General comments?
My previous truck was a 1984 Dodge Power Ram. I drove it for 19 years. It has 276'000 miles on it. The only engine work was removing and shot pinging the carbon choked intake manifold. It still runs and I still drive it. I don't think this 1997 Dodge will get half that mileage.
The steering is terrible. I replaced the steering shaft with a aftermarket H.D.one. That improved it greatly. It still wanders all over the road on freeways.
Although the body panels are rust free, there is a lot of rust on the under side components, drive train. and engine parts. My previously mentioned truck has no rust on it.
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  | 1999 - Pickup 1500 SLT 4x4 5.9L A real truck capable of real truck work |
| I was good when it was covered by a warranty |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.2 liter/ 318 cu.in. Manual |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 22000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 64000 miles |
| Previous car | Dodge Pickup |
| Date of Entry | 30th May, 2003 |