1996 Dodge Ram 1500 5.2C V8 318 from North America

Summary:

In my opinion, it's the best truck out there.

Faults:

There was a recall on the transmission. I brought it to the dealer, it was repaired and I haven't had another problem with the transmission.

The brakes are the worst I've ever experienced. They did have to be replaced right after I bought it, but that's a repair required on any vehicle. Problem with them is that they do not stop the truck if you have to brake hard.

My engine is leaking water from somewhere and the leak cannot be located. It is believed to be the thermostat seal and/or the water pump (hey, after 114,000 miles, I guess you're going to have to replace some parts)

General Comments:

Excellent! Wow! I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

Aside from the recall on the transmission and the current leak, I have had absolutely no problems with this truck aside from normal wear and tear. How can you beat 114,000 miles with absolutely no engine repairs or replacements?

All of the electronics, windows, mirrors, etc., have given me no problems. My husband just bought a 2001 Chevy Silverado and has already had to have the window mechanism replaced due to faulty wiring.

This truck has been driven multiple times from Georgia to Florida and from Georgia to Ohio. It's not the smoothest ride, but it is a lot smoother than my husband's previous truck, a 1995 Ford F150. It drives like a truck should. It's got excellent power. Each time I drive it, I fall more in love with it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th July, 2002

5th Jan 2004, 13:40

Just wanted to let you know that it probably is the water pump that is leaking I also had the problem and it is not that hard of a fix.

Kelly.

17th Aug 2004, 22:27

Wow, I have a 1996 dodge ram, when did they recall the transmission? Is there someway I can participate on that?

I just baby it; don't push it until it slips into the proper gear.

Also, did you know of any instructions on how to replace the water pump?

Thanks,

Cathy S.

20th Oct 2004, 14:22

My 96 Dodge Ram had a water leak. After having the water pump replaced there was still a small leak. It turned out to be a small hose that is very hard to locate. It's underneath the a/c compressor. The compressor had to be taken off to replace the hose. Since then, no leak.

GW.

2nd May 2005, 20:47

Does anyone know how to replace the back window "sliding glass" on one of these things.

9th May 2008, 17:43

I just bought a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie SLT 4x4 and it's a really nice truck. Haven't had any problems and it has 179,000 miles on it. The 4 wheel drive did quit on me, but it was just a vacuum hose.

9th Nov 2017, 21:40

I will be looking at a 97 Ram 1500 4x4 regular cab next week. It has 140k miles.

In reply to 9th Nov 2017, 21:40

10th Nov 2017, 12:51

Does it come with a beach towel to put on top of the dash?

1996 Dodge Ram SLT Sport 5.9 / 360 from North America

Summary:

The first and last truck I'll ever own, and I'm only 40

Faults:

Shield on the gas tank rattles.

General Comments:

Awesome off road.

Loads of power.

No major problems even though I beat it daily.

Fastest truck I've ever been in.

Lots of gas, but who buys a truck for fuel economy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th June, 2002

1996 Dodge Ram 3500 One ton service truck 5.9 V-8 gas from North America

Summary:

A good looking, expensive paperweight

Faults:

Transmissions (all six of them) have lasted 10,000 miles each.

Fuel mileage is pathetic (5-6 mpg).

Will not stay aligned.

Plagued with electrical demons.

General Comments:

This is my municipally-owned work truck. It has had regular preventive maintenance (every 3,000 miles) and has never towed anything. The truck has 62,000 miles and is currently on transmission #6. I personally do not deal with the dealer so cannot speak as to that experience. Recently, it has started to act as though tranny #7 might be in order. This truck has a twin in our fleet that is on tranny #3 with 33,000 miles. The vehicle is not abused, but runs pretty much 10 hours straight 4 days a week. It is used in the metro Phoenix area so I will give it some slack due to the heat factor, but I don't hear of other vehicles eating up trannys like this.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th December, 2001

2nd Jan 2009, 00:31

This man speaks the truth about Dodge trucks!