1996 Dodge Ram Pickup Lariat SLT Club Cab 5.2

Summary:

Great looks, poor quality and performance

Faults:

Transmission would hold second gear until red-line. Had to feather the throttle to get it to shift up to third.

Rear axle had a huge amount of roaring, always felt loose.

Radio would cut on and off whenever it wanted to.

Horn worked whenever it felt like it, then eventually quit altogether.

Headliner was coming apart as were the seats.

The air conditioning would leak inside the cab at times.

The rear brake line rusted in two. (That was fun!)

One of the straps holding the fuel tank also rusted in two. (I live in the southern US)

All of this happened from 97,000 miles to 122,000 miles.

General Comments:

Love the look of the truck, the design is right on the mark.

The interior is quite comfortable, never did like the cup holder up so high on the dash.

I expected better towing performance from this particular truck. I had a similar Ford with a smaller engine that would pull better.

This is my 3rd vehicle built by Dodge (1993-1996), and all of them had transmission problems. I know the newer ones are supposed to be better, but bitten three times has put me off on their products.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th September, 2005

1996 Dodge Ram Pickup Ram Indy 5.9

Summary:

Great truck I get a lot of looks

Faults:

When I first bought the truck I had to replace the 02 sensors, that's it the truck has 130,000 miles on it and it runs like a champ.

General Comments:

Looks awesome.

Sounds great.

Is really quick off the line.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th August, 2005

1996 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 5.9L Magnum V8

Summary:

Incredible truck, great engine, nice transmission, very durable and reliable, great to own

Faults:

When I purchased it, I noticed a peculiar noise from the back-right wheel. Asked the Used Car salesman about it, he had his son (a mechanic) check it out, and had the bearing replaced free of charge, despite my As-Is purchase of the truck from him. No more noise.

A few days later, I had trouble starting it. The problem turned out to be the battery. I bought a new one, and I let my friend put the new battery in, which turned out to be a mistake... he got the connections' charges backwards... This, naturally, caused a bit of trouble. At first I was told by a mechanic (when I described the problem) that the reverse charge may have damaged the alternator. Fortunately, it turned out to be as simple as replacing the fuse, and cost me somewhere around $0.50.

Muffler is rusty and will be replaced soon.

Bad battery connectors, replaced at $1 apiece.

No engine problems.

No major transmission problems, except for about 3-4 minutes after starting, it sometimes has difficulty staying in gear. Easily remedied by warming up truck for about 3 minutes before leaving, or simply driving slowly for a minute or two.

General Comments:

Overall, this is an extraordinary vehicle.

It is my first vehicle (although I have driven several trucks and cars, ranging from a 1988 Dodge Dakota 4 cylinder, and a 1999 Ford F-150, to a 2001 Honda Civic, and a 2000 Mazda 626.) but is better than I could have ever hoped. Even at 146453 miles it shifts smoothly (after that initial few minutes), starts every time I crank it now that it has a working battery and battery connectors, and has that oh-so-sweet rumble the 5.9L Magnum V8 gives it (generates 230 horsepower and 330 ft-lbs of torque).

Handling is light and accurate, surprising for such a heavy vehicle, although at higher speeds (50mph+) there is a noticeable "dead-spot" in the steering, but this is easily managed, and causes no actual difficulties.

The engine offers a substantial amount of torque to throw around, and while it's no sports car, it certainly doesn't crawl to the 60mph mark. Hauls without difficulty or strain.

The truck has a surprisingly small amount of body roll, even with hard turning it only leans very slightly.

In 1996, it had the highest ratings in horsepower, torque, towing capacity, and payload in its class, and won some awards from J.D. Powers and Associates. Today, it is still a wonderful truck to own.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th May, 2005

16th Oct 2008, 00:19

I've had my truck for over 12 years with 124,000 miles on it, and it still keeps on rolling. I was the second owner when it only had 26,000 back then. I've only had to replace the transmission (note, Dodges don't have the best transmission), the rear bearings, shocks, brakes, and tires. I figure that I still have eighty plus thousands miles left to go before I replace the engine and transmission.

I love my truck, and I wouldn't replace it with another.

27th Mar 2011, 12:17

I purchased my 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 ext cab short bed new.

At 25k I had to service the transmission for the first time (replacement of a melted seal). My understanding is the valve body added for the overdrive was contributing to overheating. A transmission cooler is suggested.

At 60k I had to have the transmission rebuilt (slipping).

The truck ran real strong for 50k more miles until the cat converter failed and the cylinder head cracked. At that time the truck was 14 years old with 105k. This was my fault and not the 360 engine's. I ignored the power loss because it was so gradual.

I have a fresh 360 in her now, and she runs real strong. I'm amazed by the places I have been able to take this truck. It is the absolute best snow vehicle I have ever owned. I can drive in snow up over my hubs, and it will pull me up hill.

Girls at drive through windows still comment about the good looks of my truck (Dodge Moss Green), and the guys tell me she is a classic with that big rig look.

I've had to replace the brake line to the rear and my front axle u-joints. The headlamp switch failed failed at about 80k.

I love my Dodge Ram. Four wheel donuts in the field are fun. She has even caught a little air. Accept no substitutes!