Dodge RAM 1500 Generation 2 (2003–2011)

Dodge RAM 1500 Generation 2 (2003–2011) — production years, market prices by model year, NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, and live listings for sale on VehiSales.

Dodge RAM 1500 — body generations

Vehicles within one generation share the same platform and body style.

Engines used in the RAM 1500

Engine families this model shipped with, by NHTSA VIN build data — each links to every model that shares it.

About this generation

In development from 1996 (styling by Cliff Wilkins finalized in 1998), the third-generation Dodge Ram debuted on February 7, 2001, at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show. Production later began for the 2002 model year on 1500 models, and 2003 on 2500 and 3500 models. This major update included an all-new frame, suspension, powertrains, interiors, and sheet metal. The crew cab models for this generation were actually Quad Cab trucks that had conventional-opening rear doors.

The four-wheel-drive light trucks (1500 series) remove their beam axles in favor of an independent front suspension, but the 2500 and 3500 series retained the live axles for maximum longevity and durability; rear-wheel-drive 2500 and 3500 trucks had class-exclusive rack-and-pinion steering for their independent front suspension (the 1500 also received rack-and-pinion steering for the first time). This body style drew heavily from the previous generation.

The redesigned trucks bolstered sales, with 400,000 sold during 2001–2002 and nearly 450,000 sold during 2002–2003, a new high point for the Ram name. At the same time, both Ford and GM trucks were increasing in sales from a 2001 peak of over 850,000 to the 900,000 range. However, with 400,543 Rams sold that year, the total did not keep up with the eleventh-generation F-150 in 2004. The entire lineup was updated for the 2006 model year.

One notable addition was the "Mega Cab," featuring a cargo box and of extra cab space, allowing seating for six with rear recliners. A full-screen-mapping in-dash navigation system became an option, and the front fascia was modernized. For 2006, the steering wheel design was changed to the same as seen in the Dodge Dakota and Dodge Durango. The Bluetooth Uconnect radio was now available as an option, and a facelift was given to all Ram models.

SIRIUS Satellite Radio was available, as well as a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones. The high-performance SRT-10 was discontinued after the 2006 model year. For 2007, the taillights were slightly revised. For 2008, the RAM 1500 emblems on the front doors were replaced with RAM emblems. For 2007, a 3500 Chassis Cab model was introduced with industry-standard rear frame width and wiring to accommodate outfitters.

Three wheelbases were offered: 144" and 168" on regular cabs and 164" on Quad Cabs. In addition to the V8, a Cummins diesel rated at and was available. Automatic transmissions used were the 545RFE with the and the AS68RC with the . The G56 transmission was the only manual transmission offered. Regardless of drivetrain, the Chassis Cab models featured a solid coil-sprung front axle, recirculating ball steering, and the same frame.

For 2008, Dodge introduced two more Chassis Cab models, the all-new 4500 and 5500 (to compete with Ford's F-450/F-550). These were Class 4 and Class 5 trucks with a gross weight rating of, respectively. Both trucks came equipped with the same version of the Cummins diesel as the 3500 chassis-cab model. Sterling, who worked with Dodge in development, had their own version, called the Sterling Bullet with a unique grille.

Sterling is a division of Freightliner Trucks which, like Dodge, was owned by the former DaimlerChrysler. Sterling Trucks was licensed to sell Dodge Ram 4500 series trucks as the Sterling Bullet. When the Sterling brand was phased out by Chrysler Corporation, the Bullet was discontinued. Models built after January 1, 2007, offered a new 6.7 L Cummins turbo diesel introduced as an option in 2500/3500 models replacing the 5.9 L.

It produces. Unlike the 5.9 L, which was backed by the 4-speed 48RE transmission, the 6.7 L was equipped with the new 6-speed 68RFE transmission. 2005 was the last year for the first version of the Hemi V8. 2006 half-ton models offered the Multi-Displacement System Hemi V8 engine that also became available in Chrysler and Dodge sedans.

Source: Wikipedia — Ram pickup — Third generation (2002; DR/DH/D1/DC/DM), CC BY-SA.

Recalls & complaints by year (NHTSA)

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.