Dodge Ram 1500

Name: 2003 Dodge Ram 1500
Brand: Dodge

EPA MPG: 15 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 15 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

While this version of the Ram is better than one it replaced, it breaks no new ground. The truck has a punishing ride, a noisy cabin, and a tight rear seat. It's tough to climb in or out, and the V8 gulps fuel without delivering much performance. Its 75-inch bed length, however is a nice feature.

2003 Pickup Trucks Reliability

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Dodge Ram 1500

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2003

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2007

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Dodge vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Dodge vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Dodge vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

2003 Full-sized pickup trucks Ratings

2003 Dodge Ram 1500

$3,475 - $6,350

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Chevrolet Avalanche

$3,650 - $6,075

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

$3,450 - $8,575

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Dodge Ram 2500

$3,700 - $9,000

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Dodge Ram 3500

$5,725 - $10,375

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Ford F-150

$3,500 - $13,225

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Ford F-250

$3,475 - $7,750

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Ford F-350

$3,550 - $8,800

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 GMC Sierra 1500

$3,625 - $7,650

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 GMC Sierra 3500HD

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Toyota Tundra

$4,650 - $7,150

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

regular cab

crew cab

3 front, 3 rear

4WD, Rear

3.7-liter V6 (215 hp)
4.7-liter V8 (240 hp)
5.7-liter V8 (345 hp)
8.3-liter V10 (500 hp)

5-speed manual
5-speed automatic
4-speed automatic
6-speed manual

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2009-2012

2009 Redesign Year

The 2009 redesign brought the Ram up-to-date with a coil-spring rear suspension, which improved ride and handling significantly. This made the pickup fully competitive in the marketplace. Fuel economy for the 5.7-liter V8 was improved and cabin quiet approached that of a luxury car's. If towing is important to you, be aware that models with the 20-inch wheel option sacrifice 1,000 pounds of rated capacity. Ram became a separate brand in 2011.

2002-2008

2002 Redesign Year

The Ram's aggressive styling, spacious cabin and voluminous cargo bed are pluses; but ponderous handling, poor fuel economy, and subpar braking limit this big pickup's appeal. Engines include a hopelessly overmatched V6, two V8s, and from 2004 to 2006 a powerful V10. The popular 4.7-liter V8 is weak and thirsty. A powerful 5.7-liter Hemi V8 was offered beginning in 2003. A longer-cab four-door debuted in 2006. After Dodge reworked the suspension system for 2006, our tested 2007 model had a better ride than previous models.

1995-2001

1995 Redesign Year

The Ram's cabin is roomy and the cargo bed voluminous, but ponderous handling, poor fuel economy, and subpar braking performance limit this big pickup's appeal. Engines include a hopelessly overmatched V6, an inline-6 turbodiesel, two V8s, and a powerful V10. The popular 5.2-liter V8 is weak and thirsty. A new-for-1998 four-door Quad Cab model brought improved rear access.