1997 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 5.2L V8
Summary:
Good looking truck, but some issues
Faults:
Oh the Dodge steering problems (damn R&P steering):
Front axle & wheel assy $800.
Power steering pump & link $600.
Hood latch broken & A/C (needs to be fixed).
Brake line rusted $150.
Since I put only 20k+ since I owned the truck, it's a little costly. Dodge should have had a recall on the steering issues.
General Comments:
I use it on weekends mostly, hauling not towing so far. I think the 5.2L V8 is adequate, but the diesel or 5.9L V8 is a better choice for the truck.
The common rust on the bottom of the doors, a little on the bumper etc. not great at the pump 12-13 / 16-17 or so.
Hauls nicely with a load in the bed.
The 4x4 is not as good as the Ford I used to own.
Nice looking truck blue/silver bottom SLT version. The Ford had more rust problems than this one, and the A/C doesn't work, but probably won't fix it.
I bought it for 2200; needed a front bumper/cowl and some banging to get the metal right in front (previous owner hit a bollard). Was damaged when I got it.
I recommend it, but note the steering issues, and some have had tranny issues too (no problem yet at 187,000) b-grade.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th January, 2011
23rd Feb 2010, 10:12
OK it's a pickup truck. "Handles like a "Cinder block"? Pickup trucks are built to at least somewhat haul things, not corner down a twisty road like a Ferrari or drag race. Problem with pickup trucks today is they are too soft and built for yuppies, and can't handle a beating or abuse like the older ones. Did you honestly expect it to ride like a Cadillac?
And the truck had well over 100,000 miles on it when you bought it. No vehicle will run forever and will have some maintenance issues, especially if it's driven hard.
As far as being a gas guzzler, the thing weighs over 2 tons, and has a V8. You didn't even specify whether it was a 4 -wheel drive or not. My 1998 GMC Sierra 4X4 has a 5.7/350 and gets maybe 17/18 MPG highway on a good day. That is about the norm for a vehicle this size from this era. You should give exact numbers instead of just bashing the vehicle.
As far as slow, I doubt you're old enough to know the meaning of the word slow as far as pickups go. Drive a 4.1 liter (250) 6 cylinder in a GMC/Chevy built between 1950 and 1984, or an old Dodge pickup with a 227 Slant 6. That would be slow. The 5.2/318 was not designed to drag race, It was an upgrade from the standard V6 that year.
But hey, guess what. These old pickups hauled stuff just as well as the new ones do, and can handle a lot more abuse in my opinion. I suggest you do a little more research the next time you buy a vehicle, otherwise stick to Toyota and Honda if you want to beat on a vehicle and still get good fuel mileage.
This review needs to be more specific.