2014 Ram Trucks 1500 Outdoorsman 5.7 Hemi

Summary:

Awesome truck, some things could be better, but can live with them and would definitely buy again

Faults:

Absolutely nothing. Have had a couple of recalls to recalibrate the airbag sensors and adjust a wiring harness location, and some optional software updates. Other than that I have never needed it serviced beyond the basic maintenance.

General Comments:

I love this truck. It has been extremely reliable and I have never worried about getting stranded driving it long distances. It's taken my wife and I to 25 states in the last 18 months. The most recent trip included towing a 7000 lb cargo trailer from Chicago to Austin and back (return trip was empty trailer at 2300 lb) which it did without any problems even on Oklahoma's god awful roads.

The truck has plenty of power, the seats are extremely comfortable for long distance driving, the highway fuel economy is 20 MPG, interior and exterior styling is top notch, there's really not much to complain about. The only 3 downsides are city fuel economy of 12-13 MPG, which is much lower than the EPA rated 15 MPG, the soft rear suspension, and the low seating position. They put a really soft suspension to give it a smooth ride, but now the truck struggles to do work, and the rear end sags a lot under loads that it should be able to handle. I've considered getting aftermarket air-bag spring assists. And the dash is set too high in the cab, I'm short at 5'8" and have the seat height adjustment maxed out just to see out over the hood the way I'd like.

I do think they should have done something differently regarding the transmission tunnel hump in the cab, there is a huge space for the transfer case that eats into the area in the passenger footwell and restricts your ability to move around and get more comfortable during a long trip.

I like the upgraded dashboard option, it's large and can be set up to give you all the information you'd want (coolant, oil and transmission temps, tire pressures, oil life, odometers, fuel economy, etc...). The auto-dimming mirrors are a must have too, they work really well. Backup camera is very useful in tight quarters, but parking sensors are annoying. I leave them turned off otherwise they beep constantly entering/exiting my garage, in the drive thru, in front of a pedestrian crosswalk, pretty much anywhere that something passes within 8 feet of the bumper.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st July, 2016

2012 Ram Trucks 1500 5.7 liter Hemi

Summary:

Great truck, couldn't be a better choice for me

Faults:

Nothing in the past 6 months.

General Comments:

Great truck! Plenty of power, very comfortable ride. Decent fuel mileage.

I bought this truck due to the previous winter we had in the mid west. My Camaro didn't do so well in the snow and thought I needed a 4X4, so I traded in my Camaro for a 2012 Ram 1500 Express Quad Cab. I have no regrets as this truck does almost everything well.

Fuel economy would be better if I would stay off the accelerator, but I like the power.

Also I am a Mopar fan, so that really helped my choice.

Awesome Cherry Red Pearl paint.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th September, 2014

2013 Ram Trucks 1500 Outdoorsman 5.7L HEMI V8

Summary:

Nice truck!

Faults:

Nothing at all.

General Comments:

I traded in my 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited for a 2013 Ram 1500 last year, as I wanted more cargo capability. I ended up getting the Outdoorsman trim, as it came with the options that I wanted like heated seats, heated steering wheel and 8.4" touchscreen with Nav. I also like the nice rubber mats that are easy to clean, especially when I get all of the Wisconsin winter salt all over them.

The performance is great, the ride is very comfortable, and the information screens are all convenient and easy to use.

The traction control system is excellent; I didn't have to use the 4 wheel drive unless I was going through deep snow.

I don't know what sound system is used in the Outdoorsman trim, but people are surprised that it's a stock system as it sounds very nice.

Very happy with this truck!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 28th May, 2014