I was going to do a review when I first got the truck, but there are several fine examples here, and there wasn't much to add, so I waited to do a "long-term" review.
I purchased the truck in June 2003. This is my third Dodge, and I was waiting to see if Dodge would throw the Hemi into the 1500 series, well, my patience paid off (for once). I got the 1500 in a Quad Cab Short Bed configuration, with 4 wheel drive, Sport Appearance Package, 20" rims, and Infinity audio system. I'll break down my Initial and Long Term observations.
Overall:
Since the introduction of the 2nd generation Rams (94+) they've had a "love it or hate it" style about them. Some loved the new "Semi-Truck" look, others just turned and ran.
With the introduction of the 3rd generation (02+), Dodge both "softened" the look (sloping windshield, smoother curves), and made it even more "in your face" (larger grill area, and the truck appears larger overall). I've been a fan of the look from the get-go, and never tire of looking at the truck.
Fit & Finish:
Greatly improved over previous models. wind noise reduced, no more uneven gaps at door and hood seams. And, thus far, no leaks or "mystery rattles" that seemed to plague my previous two Rams.
Paint quality, while an better than days gone by, could still use some improvement. It may be that this is my first brand new truck, but the paint still seems to chip/scratch easily. There aren't any defects, which I noticed on many older Rams (not just mine)
Driveline:
What can I say about the Hemi that hasn't already been said. Both of my older trucks had 5.9's, which I thought had plenty of power....until I got the Hemi. The lighter weight coupled with almost 50% more power makes me smile faster than one can say "Magnum". This truck is my definition of Sport Utility...Go run 15.3's in the 1/4 mile on weekends (all in the name of research of course), then haul a load of lumber the next day. The only downside to the exhaust rumble and Hemi badges is every red light you stop at, there is someone wanting to race you (gets old after awhile...even after seeing their faces after being beaten by a TRUCK).
I switched to synthetic at 1000 miles, and the motor runs like a champ. I've had zero oil consumption between oil changes, and mileage continues to improve (although it's still pretty dismal...see "Cons"). There have been a number of people on message boards complaining of the "Hemi Tick", and Mine has it as well, but it's not all that noticeable (doesn't seem to be any louder than other cars fuel injector ticks).
The tranny shifts nicely...sometimes a little too nicely. There is a "Torque Management System" which reduces power slightly between shifts. Going through the gears is as smooth as can be, which is a benefit while towing, and around the town cruising,and probably adds years to the life of the tranny, But there are times when I'd love to feel a nice solid shift while laying into the throttle (with 345HP/375lb-ft TQ, the right foot seems to get real heavy at times :)
The 20" rims adds 3.92 gears, and my truck came with the limited slip, which has performed flawlessy thus far. Just the right gearing to keep the truck at a happy RPM range while cruising, and posi-traction when it gets sloppy out.
Interior:
I sat inside trucks from all of the "Big Three" as well as Nissan and Toyota, and the Ram feels to be the roomiest. I'm a little over six foot, and headroom/legroom has always been an issue. In the Dodge, I can find a comfortable position with the seats less than halfway back. The cloth seats are just firm enough for great support, yet has enough "give" that long trips are made without discomfort (My longest thus far is 7 hours, with only restroom/fuel breaks).
I've become spoiled with Dodges center "arm-rest" cavern, and there is room to seat six adults in comfort.After 18 months, the seats are still as comfortable as the day I drove off the lot. The driver seat has an available six way electric seat with lumbar (and heat, which I should've gotten).
There is also an adjustable pedal option (which I didn't get, but my Uncle did in his 04) to further fine-tune your comfort zone.
Complimenting the exteriors sportiness is white-faced gauges inside. While looking good, it also makes them very easy to read. There is a trip odometer, which can also be used to show an hourmeter (through a sequence at startup) as well as and trouble codes (also through a sequence at startup...both of which are easy to execute). Part of my options package included an overhead "information center", which shows compass and temp, elapsed time, avg economy, "distance to empty", and a second tripodometer.
The Infinity stereo is one of the better factory offerings that I've heard, but the front door speakers should be redesigned. The fabric covering the speakers (which are essentially the woofers) causes an annoying buzz that sounds like a blown speaker (Dodge has released a TSB on this, so I guess my situation is not unique). I went through three trips to the dealer before replacing them with aftermarket Infinity's, and it now sounds like it should.
Interior storage is abundant, bordering on limitless. There's the storage inside the armrest (which includes a 12v power port), a compartment under the center front seat, and two seperate compartments arranged 60/40 under the rear seats. Also available is a fold-out floor in the rear when you flip the rear seats up, which I have found very usefull. Adding to the storage (albeit to a lesser degree) is a nook under the HVAC system and a large glovebox.
Other nice touches include heated power mirrors, which clear ice off in a jiffy, a hook molded into the dash for a trashbag, and another 12v port by the floor. Also worth noting is the headlights stay on for a brief period after turning off the truck, giving you a lighted path into the house, and, if you forget to turn off the lights altogether, a battery saving function cuts off power after 15 minutes.
Suspension:
I've owned old-school, straight-front-axle trucks all my life (all being 3/4 ton as well). In fact, I almost considered not getting the 1500 due to the independant front suspension. After 18 months, I can say I made the right decision. The truck rides like a dream, and hugs curves like a dream (owing in part, the IFS and the fairly wide 275/60/20's). The truck still tracks straight as an arrow, and tire wear has been even.
I can't comment much on the rear suspension, as I had a Leer 100XQ cap installed a month after buying the truck. With the added 250lbs, I feel like I'm driving a car.
Towing is a breeze. I frequently tow a camper or race car, and I have yet to run into any problems. Grades are taken with ease, no sway, and the massive front/rear disc brakes handle stopping chores with ease.
Maintenance/Repair:
Thus far, the only costs I've put out is oil and filters, and gas (lots of gas).
Covered under warranty, I've had the front door speakers replaced three times, the front rotor replaced (under a TSB for warping), a malfunctioning LED display on the speedo (the odometer), and a right front fog light which suffered a thermal crack.
I use a Five-Star Dealership, which I think makes a big difference in the level of customer care I receive. Problems are addressed quickly, and the one time I left the truck overnite, they washed it and filled my gas tank. I have heard the horror stories about Dodge and some of it's dealerships, but I have yet to witness it firsthand.
Also on the subject of warranties, Dodge is one of the few to carry bumper to bumper 3/36 and drivetrain 7/70 coverage.
All in all, I am extremely satisfied with my Ram to this point. Great looks, Great power, and a Great warranty, all at a very reasonable price.
See you at the 24,000 mark!
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