1997 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT review from North America

Brakes: The have been a constant problem since the truck was new. The calipers seized once, the rear drums warp constantly, and have been replaced three times. Brakes seize and lock if the truck has sat for a period of time (4 days plus) and when we make the first few applications the truck skids.

Steering column: The steering hub scraped when turning, had the bearings replace twice in the column.

Transmission: Had to rebuild the transmission at 34,000 KM, ($1600 CAD) torque converter locked up, and fried a solenoid in the tranny.

Transfer case: The transfer case whines, and the seals leak at least once a year, requiring new seals.

Paint: The black paint has chipped and faded severely through the years. This truck is waxed twice yearly without fail, and we are in the north west (not a lot of sun here).

Performance: Whopping 145 Horsepower from a 360 cubic inch motor is laughable (what were they thinking when they built this one?), scooters have more power. I agree the torque is impressive, but the overall performance is bad. Truck gets absoultely pathetic gas mileage (12 city, 15 highway) and the cost of gas being 1.02 /litre, you do the math!

This truck has been reliable, but it is not a pleasure in the least. Its plastic unrefined interior, to its faiding paint does not impress anyone anymore. I think when it was new and up to two years old it turned a lot of heads, but it quickly lost its luster. I too was impressed with the torque for off roading, but after a few transmission problems it was not nearly worth the cost ($33,000 CAD)

My friends drive chevys, and I used to own one too. I think Dodge is chevys best advertisement, I wouldn't own another Dodge if it was given to me.