how good is the ram V-6 3.6 liter engine ?

The pentastar engines are very reliable, your hill climb and acceleration should be as competitive as any other V6 truck. If you are carrying a heavy load, obviously expect more 'oomph' needed and lower MPG

I have a v6 Pentastar in my Ram 1500, and I live in the Oregon Coastal Range (translation: tons of mountain roads.) In spite of it being the smallest engine you can get in a Ram truck, it has no problems with acceleration and power in twisty, fairly steep mountain roads. Mileage? Excellent - I average 24mpg unladen (I live rural though, with the nearest traffic light 30 miles away.) Towing? As long as you stick to the guidelines (4500 lbs with the 3.21 gearset, 7500 lbs with the 3.92 gearset), you should have zero problems whatsoever - just expect to lose a lot of mpg (which would be the case no matter what engine you had.)

Was wary of Dodge in general due to issues in the 80's and 90's. Had a 2004 Ford f150 that was great until about 90,000 miles (5.4 v8) and cam phasers created a nightmare. Traded for a 2006 Chevy Silverado with 112,000 miles when purchased. It had the 5.3 liter v8 and was awesome, but the brakes and body rusted out and I had to make my first "new truck" purchase. Only could afford the Ram 1500 with the v6 because it was thousands less than Ford and Chevy entry level trucks (great incentives at the time on Rams). I know those trucks are obviously older, but the Ram v6 with the 8 speed transmission is light years ahead of those v8's in power delivery and smoothness. The F150 (all trucks listed were 4x4, the f150 and Ram were extend cab, the Silverado a Z71 crew cab) got me about 16mpg, the Silverado about 18mpg and the Ram about 22mpg in the same driving loops. The newer Ford and Chevy entry level trucks may be great, but the engine problems with Ford across the board, and the Rust issues with Chevy sent me to Ram. Mine is a 2018 Express model and it's my favorite truck ever. Best riding, smoothest shifting, and best MPG of them all. Yes it's newer, but I bought my brand new 2018 Ram for $28,000 plus tax. Couldn't get a used entry level Silverado or F150 used for that price, and I looked for over a month. Great stereo, great 4x4 that I've had to use multiple times in snow and mud, and more comfortable seats than the older f150 and Silverado. There seriously is nothing I don't like about this truck.

I would just echo what 11cecil says above. I have a 2017 Ram crew cab 4x4 with the V6 Pentastar and it is very comfortable, plenty of power, great gas mileage, great stereo. Just a fantastic truck.

I own a 2013 Ram 1500 with the V6 Pentastar engine for my business, and one of my guys puts about 30K/year on this truck. He consistently gets about 25 mpg and the truck has plenty of power. Once in awhile we tow an empty 24' enclosed trailer (about 3400 lbs) and it pulls it no problem. We have 166K miles on it and it still runs strong - I will buy another one when its time. It is the best normally aspirated V6 on the truck market.

I had a 1998 Ram with the 360. I know its not a newer model year. I could not afford the multiple repairs keep it running. I had to get a different vehicle. It was 6 years old with 68k miles on it. The next car we bought was a different brand. This vehicle lasted 14 years and 266k. Never buying another dodge.

Bought a 2018 Express last year. The truck has been perfect. Power is exceptional for a v6. I will never again buy a half ton with a v8. My friends are amazed. I pull a bass boat a lot and it does a great job. 17 mpg pulling the boat, 22 normal. 23000 miles so far. Paid 27900 brand new, 4x4 quad cab. No regrets.

I have an18 express. I have put 160000 miles on it with no problems but replaced windshield wiper motor. Would nevergo back to a hemi or the 2500 & 3500 diesel unless I had to tow over 7000 lbs. I do courier work in Florida and Georgia. Love this truck.

I have a 2014 Ram Tradesman Crew Cab with a 3.6 Liter Gas engine. I has tone through a radiator, cap, hoses, 6 spark plugs, 2 ignition coils. Then a Starter; then a radiator cooling fan. Then the engine "died" - blown cylinder and/or gaskets. Engine being replaced with rebuilt. Complete Lemon from Drive Time in Glendale. AVOID.

I have a 2018 express with 3.6. I have 56000 on it and love the truck any one else have a lifter tick on start up ,does it most of the time but not always. Dealership said it's normal but it didn't do it when it was brand new

allenlove. it could be exhaust manifold leak that goes away after heating up the engine .