The Dodge Ram 1500 has just surpassed the Silverado in sales and is one of the most enduring members of the half-ton truck sector. Similar to other long-standing trucks, the Ram 1500 underwent a number of revisions and name changes before becoming the vehicle we know today. Unsure about what each generation has to offer? Read on for a breakdown of the changes and upgrades for each year.
1st Generation: 1981-1993
These first-generation trucks were available in two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations, with a choice of long truck beds (8 feet long) or short truck beds (6.5 feet long), as well as short, extended, and crew cab variants. The Ram 150 offered three different engine options: a 3.7-liter slant-six with 95 horsepower, a 5.2-liter V8 with 140 horsepower, and a 5.9-liter V8 with 170 horsepower. Three-speed automatic, four-speed automatic, four-speed manual, or five-speed manual transmissions were available as options. The initial Ram models were simply facelifted D Series trucks, and the dashboard, bench seat, and gauge cluster were also upgraded. Air conditioning, power locks, power windows, a ram hood ornament, and an AM/FM radio with a cassette player were additional features available in the first-generation Rams.
2nd Generation: 1994-2001
Dodge added the "1500" designation to the second-generation Ram, which is also thought to be the most well-known and identifiable of the Dodge Ram models. The 3.9-liter V6 produced 175 horsepower, the 5.2-liter V8 provided 230 horsepower, and the 5.9-liter V8 produced 230 horsepower. These engines were now available with multi-port fuel injection, updated intakes, and manifolds.
For the second generation, the larger 2500 and 3500 Ram models received a new 8.0-liter V10 engine as well as the Cummins turbo diesel. A four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission are now the only options after the three-speed automatic transmission was eliminated. Work Special was the most basic trim level and was better suited for fleet purposes. Other trim levels included the LT, ST, and SLT. With features like power windows, power locks, an AM/FM stereo with a tape player, and air conditioning, the top-of-the-line SLT acquired a more car-like and cozy interior. For 1998, a mid-cycle refresh added a quad-cab with suicide doors for simpler rear-seat access, two airbags, OBD II, and other minor external cosmetic modifications.
3rd Generation: 2002-2008
Although it didn't significantly differ from the previous generation, the third-generation Dodge Ram 1500 featured smoother lines and edges than its predecessor and was available in heavy-duty Ram 2500 and 3500 variants.Despite this development in design, the Dodge Ram pickup's underpinnings and interior underwent considerable alterations, including an entirely new structure, suspension, and engine choices. The first full-size vehicle to have side curtain airbags was this Ram, which was also provided as an option. A live axle was replaced by an independent suspension in four-wheel-drive instances, but two- and four-wheel-drive remained an option. The single cab was still available, but the extended cab was upgraded to a real four-door quad cab. The 3.7-liter V6 engine from the prior model was kept but now generated 215 horsepower. The 5.2-liter V8 was replaced by a 4.7-liter V8, which was capable of producing 235 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. In place of the venerable 5.9-liter mammoth V8, a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 345 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque was installed. A four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission were available.
4th Generation: 2009-2018
In 2009, the fourth-generation Ram 1500 was unveiled as the Dodge Ram, and for the next model year, it underwent a considerable facelift. The single cab or quad cab form continues to be available with two and four-wheel drive choices. Depending on the cab type chosen, a short 5.7-foot, 6.25-foot, or long 8-foot bed configuration is available. There were three different engine choices: a 3.7-liter V6 with 215 horsepower, a 4.7-liter V8 with 310 horsepower, or a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 390 horsepower. Chrysler's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 replaced the 3.7-liter V6 for 2013, and the Hemi V8's output was raised to 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. 2014 saw the end of the 4.7-liter V8, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel was added as a replacement until 2017.
5th Generation: 2019-Present
For the 2019 model year, the Ram 1500 received another generational change and underwent a complete redesign. For this generation, both the normal cab and the standard manual transmission were eliminated. Ram rebranded the regular cab the Ram Classic and offered it as a separate, less expensive vehicle. The 5.7-foot or 6.4-foot truck bed options were available with the extended and quad-cab (four complete doors) models. The vehicle's styling was once more revised with smoother lines and greater ventilation, although it was still clear that it was a Ram pickup. There are two engine options for these fifth-generation Ram 1500s: a 3.6-liter V6 or a 5.7-liter V8; both are available with a mild-hybrid eTorque system and include an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. There are two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive (4WD) options available.The latest technology and security features, such as cylinder deactivation technology, heated side mirrors, push-button start, an automatic parking brake, and a rearview camera, were also included on new Ram 1500 models. Adaptive cruise control, a class-leading 12-inch infotainment screen, hill-descent control, and heated seats are available features.
Conclusion
The Ram 1500 has a lot to offer for every year it has been in the market. Now that you have a better idea of what each generation has to offer, you can decide which Ram 1500 suits your needs best. Come take a look today.