Ever since the second generation Dodge Ram debuted in 1994 and was popularized by the movie Twister, it’s been a run-away sales success. The new fifth generation Rams explode expectations of what a full-size truck can be, in both gas and diesel form. Right now, Ram is pushing a number of incentives to move remaining models. You just might be able to get an amazing price on a brand new truck.
Americans well-read in their automotive history might have a hard time conjuring the most recent name of America’s formerly third-largest automaker on command. Indeed, there have been many mergers, un-mergers, and acquisitions related to what was once Lee Iacocca’s Chrysler. Chrysler Corporation itself no longer exists, nor do companies such as “Daimler-Chrysler” or “Fiat-Chrysler.” Chryslers, Dodges, and Rams are now manufactured by “Stellantis,” an international conglomerate headquartered in The Netherlands, combining automakers Fiat Chrysler Automotive and the French PSA Group, which owns Peugeot, Critroen, Opel, and Vauxhall. Further confounding the identity of America’s cheapest full size truck is the fact it is no longer called the “Dodge Ram.” Since 2011, America’s third best selling truck brand has just been “Ram.”
The fifth generation Ram now starts at $37,905 for the 1500 Tradesman 4×2 model, which includes four real doors (not an extended cab) and the 305 hp Pentastar V6, bumping up to $41,755 msrp for 4×4. Indeed, there is no Ram regular cab model, so you will always get a back seat. The Ram 1500 Big Horn starts at $43,320 msrp in 4×2 guise, and is one of the more popular Rams on the road today. Offered in eight exterior colors, the optional 5.7L V8 Hemi runs $2,995, and 4×4 steps up starting prices to $47,170. Big Horn offers an LED trailer hitch light, leather wrapped steering wheel, chrome grille and bumpers, navigation screen, 18 inch aluminum wheels, and a host of interior options. Stepping up to Laramie adds heated and ventilated leather 10-way power seats and dual zone automatic climate control, and a 9 speaker Alpine premium audio system.
Luxury Ram trims include the Limited and Limited Longhorn, which are basically Rolls Royce pickup trucks, with interiors dripping in real wood, leather, and metal trim; a 2500 Limited Crew Cab 4×4 8-foot long bed starts at $87,765 msrp. A 19-speaker Harmon Kardon premium audio system is sure to be heard from the next city, and there is an available four corner active air level suspension, available 22 inch wheels, heads up display, and a 12 inch digital cluster. Other trims available in between include the sport-trim Rebel, the two-tone Power Wagon, and the Raptor R fighter, the 702 hp Ram 1500 TRX.
Ram has a trick in its back pocket if you want to get a full size truck for cheap. Automakers such as Nissan have long employed this tactic in markets such as Mexico, and automakers are now bringing the strategy to the United States, and it is this: taking the previous generation and continuing to sell it for a discounted price. Automakers employing this strategy of late in the USA include Nissan with its Rogue Sport and Jeep with its Grand Cherokee WK. You can still buy a brand-spanking-new fourth generation Ram, currently being called Ram Classic, starting at $31,735 msrp. The more stylish Warlock trim starts at $41,985 msrp with the Pentastar V6 engine, or upgrade to a 5.7L V8 Hemi for $2,495 more.
Ram’s full-size 1500 Classic is the previous iteration of the Ram 1500. It is still a brand-new truck, with all new parts, manufactured in both Michigan and Coahuila, Mexico. Its msrp starts at $31,735, handily undercutting the newer Ram 1500 ($37,905 msrp) and other full size work trucks (F-150 XL at $33,835 in short bed/short cab). Per Car and Driver, the newest Ram does not come in regular cab, only the Ram Classic.
The HEMI Ram Classic is no slouch when it comes to performance, able to tow a maximum 10,620 pounds, giving full size trucks from General Motors a run for their money. Ram Classic with the V8 also has a 1,930 max payload capacity, and bed size can stretch as long as eight feet in the Ram Classic Tradesman regular cab. A five-link coil rear suspension works with electronic stability control and a roll mitigation system to keep wheel lift to a minimum and the truck centered on the road. Other standard features on the Ram 1500 Classic include a rear back up camera, 40/20/40 split-bench seating, 5-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an air filtration and air conditioning system.
Ram has been facing sales declines in 2024, according to the Wall Street Journal. Right now Stellantis is offering hefty cash allowances on select Ram 1500‘s with V6 engines, sometimes with no monthly payments for 60-90 days. You can also get cash allowance on select Ram 1500 Big Horn and Ram 1500 Laramie, as well as on Ram 1500 Classic. Basically, any Ram you want can probably be found at a great price, so check your local Ram dealer for current offers.
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