Crashing Through the Confusion Surrounding Used Ram 1500 Trucks

There are few things better than a Ram 1500 pickup truck. Whether you are planning to use it for business or pleasure, or maybe a combination of both, this is one truck that is rugged, versatile, and dependable. They also stand up to whatever we do to them, which is why they are such a great value when you buy a used Ram 1500. We also know that the best used Ram Dealership in Southern California is Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram FIAT in Costa Mesa, California. We are committed to helping you find the used vehicle that is right for you, including a used Ram 1500. Come in today to see our extensive inventory and drive out in a used truck that you are sure to love.

The only thing is that there has always been a little confusion surrounding this great truck. Some of this has to do with the name change when Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, now known as Stellantis, decided to make Ram a separate division in 2010. That’s why these trucks were called Dodge Ram 1500 up until the 2011 model year. Some folks still call them Dodge Ram, even if it has been a decade since the name change. But one thing we truck enthusiasts aren’t confused about is just how good a value you will find in a used Ram 1500 truck.

Much Ado About Cab Styles

The Ram 1500 first rolled off the assembly lines in 1980 under the name Dodge Ram. This started the trend of offering the truck in a choice of rear-wheel and four-wheel drive with a choice of three different cab configurations. The regular cab is a two-door model with one row of seats. It is often the most utilitarian model in the lineup, designed primarily for work uses. The Club Cab has two full-size and two half-size doors with two rows of seats. It is similar to the extended cab offered by other automakers. Finally, the Crew Cab has four full-size doors with two full rows of seats. The second row of seats in the Crew Cab tends to have more legroom than those in the Club Cab.

Dodge decided to start the confusion with this brand of truck when the second generation models were introduced in time for the 1994 model year. While it continued to produce the regular cab and Club Cab models, Dodge decided to change the name of the Crew Cab to the Quad Cab on the Ram 1500. Dodge compounded this confusion by changing the Club Cab to the Quad Cab on the third-generation Dodge Ram 1500 and calling the extended cab a Mega Cab. Fortunately, this would all become more consistent with the fourth generation of the Ram 1500, introduced in 2010.

Starting with the fourth generation of the Ram 1500, the automaker standardized the naming of its cab configurations. For the fourth and fifth generation of Ram trucks, the extended cab type is called a Quad Cab, and the crew cab style is referred to as a Crew Cab. Also, starting in 2011, Ram would be a separate division, and all the trucks would be called Ram 1500, not Dodge Ram 1500.

The Fourth Generation Ram 1500 and the Three Engine Options

The fourth-generation Ram 1500 not only ended up the cab style name confusion; it also ushered in an era of full-size trucks with improved capabilities and a more aggressive appearance. Ram 1500 trucks really began to stand out from the crowd with the fourth generation. This generation also began a tradition of offering three great powertrains, which was only broken for one year.

The base engine on the 2009 Ram 1500 is a 3.7-liter V6 that can provide 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque. This is the most fuel efficient of the three engines, giving you about 14 miles per gallon in the city and 20 miles per gallon on the highway. There is also a 4.7-liter V8 with 310 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that produces 390 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is the most powerful engine in the lineup, making the 2009 Ram 1500 capable of towing up to 8,400 pounds. This would be boosted with the 2011 model to 10,050 pounds of maximum towing by adding more horsepower to the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine.

Another change would come with the 2013 Ram 1500, with the 3.7-liter V6 being replaced by a slightly smaller but more efficient 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that provides 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. It is not only more powerful than the previous 6-cylinder engine, but also more fuel efficient, capable of an estimated 17 miles per gallon in city driving and 25 miles per gallon on the highway. Ram decided to add a diesel engine option to the used Ram 1500 for the 2014 model year, a tradition that would continue for all years except the 2019 model. This is a 3.0-liter TurboDiesel V6 that produces 240 horsepower and generates up to 420 lb-ft of torque. This TurboDiesel V6 would continue to be one of the three engines on the Ram 1500, together with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, up until the introduction of the fifth-generation Ram 1500 in 2019.

A Little More Confusion With the Fifth Generation Ram 1500

When Ram decided to make a major change to the Ram 1500, ushering in the fifth generation, it also made the decision to continue to manufacture the fourth generation truck under the new name the Ram 1500 Classic. Therefore, if you are looking for a fifth generation Ram 1500, you will need to make sure that any model built from 2019 and after doesn’t say “Classic” since this will have the model specifications of the fourth generation.

There were two major changes with the fifth generation other than the appearance and trim levels. First, the fifth generation Ram 1500 discontinued offering the truck with a regular cab, so it only is available with a Crew Cab or Quad Cab. Only the Ram 1500 Classic is built with a regular cab option.

Second, the engines were upgraded for the new generation. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 still produces 305 horsepower and generates 269 lb-ft of torque, but it has improved fuel economy. Drivers with a rear-wheel drive 2019 Ram 1500 can get 20 miles per gallon in city driving and 25 miles per gallon on the highway. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 also offers an improved fuel economy of 17 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway. This is the result of adding an eTorque mild-hybrid system to the engine. It also makes overall engine performance smoother. Finally, both gas engines feature auto stop/start, which can reduce fuel usage and vehicle emissions. The 3.0-liter turbocharged EcoDiesel was re-introduced for the 2020 Ram 1500. It now produces 260 horsepower and generates 480 lb-ft of torque.

Interestingly enough, the Ram 1500 Classic has the same two gas engines as the fifth-generation Ram 1500 but does not offer a turbo-diesel engine option. Furthermore, the fifth generation Ram 1500 is more capable than the Ram 1500 Classic. The fifth generation Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 pounds and carry up to 2,300 pounds in its payload bed. The maximum towing capacity on the Ram 1500 Classic is 10,610 pounds, and it tops out at 1,930 pounds of cargo in the payload bed.

No Confusion About Quality

Whichever model, engine option, cab configuration, and model year you choose, you are going to be getting a great truck when you buy a used Ram 1500. That’s because they are truly built Ram Tough, capable of doing the job, whether you are towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, or just picking the kids up from school. If you are still a little confused, let our friendly sales staff clear up the confusion and get you behind the wheel of a great used Ram 1500 truck. Contact us today to set up a test drive.