1996 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 SLT 5.9
Summary:
I trust the truck, not the technicians, dealers or factory reps
Faults:
Rear sliding window leaks, not noticeable unless the carpet is lifted, many owners don't realize it, very common, but don't expect your dealer to tip you off !!!
Bad catalytic converter.
Bad transmission.
Bad FM reception.
Poor speakers.
Seat sliders don't work.
Cruise control switches intermittent.
General Comments:
Repairs under warranty were always a hassle, dealer technicians almost always caused new problems and/or didn't fix what they were trying to fix.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 13th July, 2000
1st Jul 2001, 17:35
My 95 Dodge, 61000 miles, shows rust under the left front door, Also the exhaust rattles and the rear bumper is peeling!
Other than those and several recalls, the truck's been fine. I'll look under my carpet to see if the slider has been leaking.
Phil.
23rd Nov 2002, 19:13
Prettiest truck in town! The fm went out on the stock stereo, so had to replace that with another. I have had 3recalls done on the truck so far with no trouble. Now my 4x4 dashlight stays on when I know its in 2 wheel drive!All in all its been a good truck and without a doubt will buy another one.
9th Jun 2003, 19:47
1996 Ram 1500 SLT 140,000 kilometers.
Only thing that died so far is the radiator.
(Do yourself a favour, no matter what vehicle you own, if your radiator dies, buy a custom built one from a true radiator shop. Many vehicle manufacturer use plastic/aluminum radiators. A decent custom aluminum radiator that will never leak is close to same price.)
F.Y.I. Warning: the main reason that transmission problems occur with these trucks is that mechanics use the wrong fluid. don't use anything, but fluid designed for these transmissions.
21st Jan 2001, 12:47
I had the exact same problems as you. I finally took my 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 into the dealer with 1 day left on the warranty, the rear slider must have leaked from day one, when I lifted the carpet I thought I'd pass out due to the rotting, moldy smell, it took them a week to reseal and test it.
I had my stock Cassette AM/FM radio replaced due to bad FM reception, the second deck sounded just as bad, SOLUTION, spent $1500 on a professionally installed system, removed the crappy stock stereo.
Automatic transmission had some problems shifting, took it to a tranny shop, they changed the fluid and seals and luckily it's been fine.
Overall I don't think I would of had these problems with my old Toyota 4X4, I beated the crap out of that truck and it never failed me. My doors on the Dodge freeze up sometimes and won't open.
Overall I'm happy with the truck so far, but sometimes I dream about that little Toyota with 300,000km of wear and tear with NO MAJOR PROBLEMS.