1998 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 4x4 review from North America
"Very good 4x4 truck"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Major:
- Valve seat/seal (1) & fuel injectors (8) @ 218k miles
- Alternator @ 227k miles
- Fuel pump @ 249k miles
- AC compressor @ 257k miles
- LF ball joint @ 251k miles
- RF wheel bearing @ 263k miles.
Minor:
- Window switches < 210k miles
- Power seat switch < 210k miles.
**Before I got it:
- Trans rebuild (130k miles?)
- Rear-end rebuild
*** Note that previous owner used it for logging (hauling timber off road most of the time!!!)
General comments?
Very reliable as I consider the repair items normal for its age. Starts instantly and immediately is ready to go - no waiting for warm-up like the Jetta or my old Pathfinder. More like my wife's Accord.
More reliable than my 2002 VW Jetta 1.8T.
Likes:
- Very good off-road (really OFF road - not simply just off pavement). Very good 4x4 truck. Solid axle is a help here, I believe.
- Radio/CD/cassette is quite good.
- Fold-down center seat console is great.
Dislikes:
- Brakes are mushy and weak.
- ABS does not disengage when in 4x4 which I do not like.
- AC not great - it's okay.
Recommended reviews
| Nice truck, but expensive |
|
| 1997 - Ram 3500 5.9 liter cummins diesel Will not buy another |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1998 |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.9L V8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 210000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 265000 miles |
| Previous car | Nissan Pathfinder |
| Date of Entry | 24th November, 2008 |