1996 Dodge Ram SLT 5.9 from North America

Summary:

Drives like a WWII tank! (eats gas and leaks oil!)

Faults:

Dash panels were bad from the dealer.

Auto door locks would spin, not lock - it took two different dealers to fix, and one tried to play it off as a feature. (Atlas Dodge - Costa Mesa)

Transmission replaced at 35,000 - I drive about 4 miles a day to-from work, no real off road or long trips.

Cat. converter replaced twice.

AM/FM radio replaced twice - and it's happened again... only the FM cuts out.

All but one seal has split and started to leak.

Serpentine belt showed cracks at 12,000.

Drivers side mirror won't stay still - (wobbles back and forth) - and the dealer can't repair it.

Master brake cylinder had to be replaced at 45,000.

Battery went dead at 15,000 - dealer replaced it, then the new one leaked acid, which ate through the cruise control vacuum line - caused the venting system to go haywire. They replaced the battery a third time, and 'rigged' the vacuum line. I had to fight them to replace the line and not just 'duct' it.

General Comments:

It was nice to drive at first, but the truck has turned into a real headache, so in March away I go to the Ford dealer to trade this for a Focus.

I looked at the 2001 Ram's, but I don't want the hassle... if consumer reports had rated them higher, perhaps I would have thought about it as another purchase.

I will miss the hauling capability, but the wife's Passat wagon should do the trick for all that stuff.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th February, 2001

11th Feb 2001, 12:25

I can understand your frustration, but on the plus side sometimes you can get a lemon in a bunch of peaches!! It does not mean they are all bad. I happen to love the Dodge trucks and have had nothing but luck with them. I have had Toyotas, I have had Chevy's and even had a GMC pickup, and will keep buying Dodge. They are the most aggressive looking, impressive driving and reliable in starting (at least in my experience)!!

5th Sep 2001, 03:26

You traded the truck in on a Ford Focus and you are thinking that was an improvement? Oh, and the battery is not even built or designed by Chrysler/Dodge or built by them so it has no relevance. As for the trade, whatever.

10th Jan 2002, 20:34

I like my 94 2500 V10 Ram, but I would like it a lot more if my radio worked!!

Please advise on how to troubleshoot these stereo cliches.

14th Sep 2011, 21:34

You going from a Dodge to a Ford is a HUGE down grade. Dodge is the only way to go. I know a car salesman, and he even says Ford is junk; he recommends Dodge or GM. He has more Ford in the garage than any other.

1996 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 5.2L V8 from North America

Summary:

I'd buy another one in a heartbeat

Faults:

Nothing so far <Knock wood>.

Just routine maintenance.

General Comments:

This truck has been very solid. No real complaints other than the cruise control buttons should be illuminated.

I use it for towing my travel trailer, and we went over 8,000km this past summer in complete comfort with no issues.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th January, 2001

1996 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 5.9 gas from North America

Summary:

Nice truck, lots of problems, too bad for me!

Faults:

Most of the problems have meant going to the dealer to fix the recalls properly.

Transmission was repaired and they had my truck for a week.

Steering box leaks, I'll have to fix, but they must have seen the problem but failed to tell me. It's things like that. It's not the feeling I was looking for when I bought.

You need a good dealer, it doesn't matter what truck you buy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th December, 2000

25th Feb 2004, 21:03

If you think your story is bad listen to this one. I purchased a 99 dodge ram diesel 2500 series it only has 38000 miles on it. here goes 1 transmission. injector pump transfer pump. and now the pump in the fuel tank.1100 dollars for this one. I called the company rep. he says too bad no help. no wonder people are looking offshore for products. plus I work.