2005 Dodge RAM 1500 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Expert review
The Dodge Ram 1500 is good-looking and a solid performer.
The Dodge Ram is one of the most recognizable vehicles on the road today, and it certainly has notable exterior styling, thanks to its crosshairs-style grille and the bulbous hood that rests on top of bulging fenders. The Ram's styling has been in place since the early 1990s, and the 2002 redesign kept the majority of the style in place. It's an excellent truck with plenty of virtues to draw in truck buyers, but the full-size segment has heated up to the point that it’s hard to find a bad apple.
out of 10 expert review
Look & feel
Now three years into its third generation, the Dodge Ram 1500 is due for a facelift soon. Even so, it’s got the looks, refinement, and comfort to keep up with the best offerings from its fellow Big Three competition at Ford and Chevy.
The Ram 1500 became a sales success for Dodge after its redesign for the 2002 model year, and the numbers remain strong today. That update brought independent front suspension for four-wheel-drive (4WD) models and an all-new frame.
For 2005, the Ram also joins the realm of high-performance trucks with its SRT-10 model, available in both Quad Cab and Regular Cab configurations. With impressive power on tap from its Viper-sourced V10, the SRT-10 runs and sounds like something that has no business being off a racetrack.
Dodge sells the Ram with two cab configurations and two bed lengths: Regular Cab or Quad Cab (crew cab), and either a 6’3” bed or an 8-foot bed. Three trims join the hi-po SRT-10 in the Ram lineup for 2005: ST, SLT, and Laramie. Standard features include air conditioning and a tilt steering wheel. Cruise control is added on the Dodge Ram 1500 SLT, and a sunroof and Bluetooth connectivity are also available on some models.
The Ram 1500 is aimed at new car buyers who want a full-size pickup truck with plenty of cabin space and capability. It competes with the Ford F-150, the Chevrolet Silverado, the GMC Sierra, and, to a lesser degree, the Toyota Tundra.
The most recent trucks have a smoother, more streamlined appearance, but they do retain a brawny stance. The large hood slopes down to the fenders on either side, while a swept-back cab shape gives the Ram a sleek, modern appearance.
Inside, the Ram’s materials and build quality are good overall, but fake wood and cheap-feeling plastics make themselves known in ways too numerous to list here. The standard bench-style front seat is split 40/20/40, and the large fold-down armrest is big enough to hold large books, purses, and even laptop computers.
The Ram’s dash is clean, though Dodge could have chosen a better colour combination for its gauge cluster. White gauges with blue-turquoise text look clever in bright daylight, but things get washed out in lower light conditions before headlights are needed. Everything else in the dash has been designed with usability in mind, and most controls are large enough to be used with gloves on. The centre dash area has a large folding panel that reveals adjustable cupholders, and a cubby below the climate controls is large enough for a wallet or mobile phone.
Performance
In its most basic form, the Ram 1500’s 3.7-litre V6 powertrain provides enough power for anyone not needing to tow large loads, though it will leave many buyers wanting for more “grunt." The engine is responsive and smooth, and it pairs well with the standard six-speed manual gearbox.
Step up a level to the most popular engine, the 4.7-litre V8, and you get 240 horsepower and a delightful big-engine sound. The V8 is refined and smooth under load, and it's extremely responsive when paired with the optional five-speed automatic transmission.
The 5.7-litre Hemi V8 is a new engine, shared with other vehicles in the Chrysler and Jeep brands, and it makes the Ram sound like a true muscle car. This engine makes 345 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque and comes paired with a new five-speed automatic gearbox. Any hint of urgency from the driver creates a wondrous sound and acceleration that's particularly impressive from a truck. That’s on top of the fact that the Hemi can increase the Ram’s towing capacity to 4,173 kilograms (9,200 pounds) while returning 13 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway with rear-wheel drive (RWD). Four-wheel drive (4WD) is also available in most configurations. Off-road performance gets a boost from the Hemi, too, as the extra torque and power are helpful in the mud.
The SRT-10 is where the specs heat up considerably. The Viper-sourced 8.3-litre V10 won’t win any fuel economy competitions, but it’ll help the Ram scorch its back tires in nearly any situation. At higher RPMs, the SRT-10 screams every bit as convincingly as a Viper at full throttle. The truck is perfectly happy cruising around town doing errand duty, but a quick romp on the throttle quickly changes its demeanor into a fire-breathing dragon of a pickup. All of that was good enough for The Guinness Book of World Records to name the SRT-10 the world’s fastest pickup.
The Dodge Ram pickup’s ride quality is controlled and pleasant, but it’s a big truck and absolutely feels that way, especially on narrow roads or on crowded city streets. The long wheelbase makes for a great truck but doesn’t do the Ram any favours in terms of maneuverability. Dodge uses hydroforming to shape the frame, blasting ultra-high-pressure water into the metal to shape it rather than using welded pieces. That creates a much more rigid frame that contributes greatly to the Ram’s nice ride quality.
Fuel economy, depending on the engine, can be either decent or abysmal, with not much in between. The six-cylinder engine is good for 13.7 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 10.0 on the highway with the manual transmission. The 4.7-litre engine delivers 16.8 L/100 km city and 11.6 highway. The 5.7-litre engine is rated at 19.6 L/100 km city, 13.6 highway. Opting for the automatic transmission or 4WD will lift these figures commensurately. If you’re curious, the SRT-10 burns 25.0 L/100 km city and 14.8 highway with the manual transmission and 26.1/17.6 with the automatic.
Form & function
While it lags behind its American competition in sales, the Ram is every bit as usable for the “truck stuff," and its tidy ride may make it more usable for many buyers. The V6 is smooth and economical but lacks the towing and payload capacities to make it a real contender in the full-size truck world.
The 5.7-litre Hemi V8 will likely represent a sweet spot for most buyers, as it brings formidable towing capabilities to the table, along with healthy acceleration and a muscular sound.
We can’t gloss over the fact that the Ram 1500 is well-mannered and an all-around great vehicle for most situations. It’s every bit as at home in an upscale mall parking lot as it is towing a boat to the lake. That combines well with the fact that the Ram 1500’s expansive interior makes it a viable alternative for families that might otherwise buy an SUV.
Safety
The Dodge Ram earned a "Good rating" for its moderate overlap front crashworthiness from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but only managed an "Acceptable" rating for its head restraints and seats.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet performed crash tests on the 2005 Ram 1500 as of this writing.
Standard equipment includes dual front impact airbags, side-impact bars, rear-wheel anti-lock brakes, disc brakes (though some models have rear drum brakes), and a passenger cancellable airbag.
Cost-effectiveness
Trucks can be deceiving in their pricing: Often, the base models appear to be a great deal, but the price quickly rises as you start to add useful options.
The Ram 1500 ST starts at just under $26,000, and while that’s a phenomenal price for a full-size pickup truck, it’s largely a work truck with few amenities. Moving up to the top Laramie trim adds a little over $10,000 to the base model’s price tag, but it also adds a Hemi engine and all sorts of features. The SRT-10 is just bonkers and is probably worth whatever Dodge’s charging for them these days.
Fuel economy, while not the worst in the world, is not the Dodge Ram’s selling point. In fact, it may be a painful pill to swallow for many buyers who just want a decent pickup truck without having to stop at the pump every two days.
Note: Images show a US model.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2005 Dodge RAM 1500 generally express satisfaction with their trucks. Many appreciate the strong performance, powerful HEMI engine and towing capacity, as well as the truck's bold appearance. Comfort and spacious interiors are also frequently mentioned positive points. On the other hand, some owners pointed out issues with build quality, cheap interior materials, and noticeable fuel consumption, suggesting that while the truck is powerful and fun to drive, it might come at a cost in terms of reliability and fuel economy."
I am 49 years old and have owned quite a few trucks over the years but this one is the sharpest so far.
June 8, 2007Fast & Fun to drive. Setup for shows only, this truck turns heads and wins multiple awards every year. This is a truck that will never loose its appeal. There may never be SRT-10 Ram trucks made again. It's a keeper!
April 10, 20144 Low on these trucks will get you out of anything, especially if you have the 5.7 Hemi or large engine. They are roomy, durable, and stylish. I've been in an accident at 80 miles an hour with this truck and the frame didnt even bend. I walked away without a scratch. These are TOUGH
July 14, 2008What owners say
I am 49 years old and have owned quite a few trucks over the years but this one is the sharpest so far.
June 8, 2007Fast & Fun to drive. Setup for shows only, this truck turns heads and wins multiple awards every year. This is a truck that will never loose its appeal. There may never be SRT-10 Ram trucks made again. It's a keeper!
April 10, 20144 Low on these trucks will get you out of anything, especially if you have the 5.7 Hemi or large engine. They are roomy, durable, and stylish. I've been in an accident at 80 miles an hour with this truck and the frame didnt even bend. I walked away without a scratch. These are TOUGH
July 14, 2008the truck is a great piece of machine, the engine is super strong and the style of the truck is just breath taking.. The look is like a normal older dodge with a mean look to it. the style just rolls nothing about the truck makes you confused or something that just shouldn't be there.
March 21, 2015I bought the truck new in 2005, used it as my primary transportation for over 89,000 miles. Outside of a few tires and oil changes this vehicle never cost me a dime in maintenance. Never let me down, never broke down and never failed to start.
June 30, 2014Love this truck,all the bells & whistles a man needs with more power and towing capacity that most will ever want or need. And never been stuck in mud in Louisiana or low country of Carolina. Great truck great buy
May 20, 2012Great riding truck. Much better MPG than the EPA ratings. I get between 19 and 24MPG highway depending on how much up and down driving there is. Fully loaded towing the Volare' the mileage is more like 15MPG. Only a small bit of trouble going up steep grades fully loaded and towing the Volare'. It regulary averages 17MPG combining highway, city and heavy traffic in the DC area. Had no trouble getting to work, 25 miles away, in the recent snow storms. We use the RAM as our family vehicle and is our vehicle of choice for road trips. There is room for us, our stuff, our big dog (great dane/black lab mix) and plenty of extras.
July 4, 2011This has been a great truck. I bought it in 2006 with 9k miles. Powerful, roomy interior, smooth ride, zero maintenance issues. I would like better gas mileage, but really wouldn't expect it in a full size truck - especially one equipped with a Hemi V8. I would definitely recommend this truck.
October 20, 2008I test drove this vehicle at a dealership. The interior was roomy and it had a relaxing feel. I liked the steering wheel controls, but they didn't feel very solid - almost like they were going to break with everyday usage. I liked the styling of the vehicle and the wheel and tire package.
July 30, 2007I love this truck! It Is super reliable and great during rough weather. It has never had any major mechanical issues. I think in part to keeping great synthetics running through it. Massive power when needed; remember its a Hemi!
July 6, 2014Trims & specs
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $24,940 | Seating 3 |
Engine 4.7L 235 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $31,815 | Seating 6 |
Engine 4.7L 235 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $25,560 | Seating 3 |
Engine 4.7L 235 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 14 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $32,095 | Seating 6 |
Engine 4.7L 235 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $25,900 | Seating 3 |
Engine 4.7L 235 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 14 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $21,455 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.7L 215 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $21,740 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.7L 215 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $28,325 | Seating 6 |
Engine 4.7L 235 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $28,605 | Seating 6 |
Engine 4.7L 235 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $35,145 | Seating 6 |
Engine 4.7L 235 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 14 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $46,625 | Seating 2 |
Engine 8.3L 500 hp V10 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 11 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $35,475 | Seating 6 |
Engine 4.7L 235 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 14 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $51,710 | Seating 4 |
Engine 8.3L 500 hp V10 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 9 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $28,075 | Seating 3 |
Engine 4.7L 235 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 14 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $28,415 | Seating 3 |
Engine 4.7L 235 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 14 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $31,395 | Seating 6 |
Engine 4.7L 235 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 14 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $31,725 | Seating 6 |
Engine 4.7L 235 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 14 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $29,840 | Seating 6 |
Engine 4.7L 235 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 14 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $28,760 | Seating 3 |
Engine 4.7L 235 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $26,590 | Seating 6 |
Engine 4.7L 235 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $29,510 | Seating 6 |
Engine 4.7L 235 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 14 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $32,520 | Seating 3 |
Engine 4.7L 235 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 14 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $24,655 | Seating 3 |
Engine 4.7L 235 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $29,045 | Seating 3 |
Engine 4.7L 235 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $32,180 | Seating 3 |
Engine 4.7L 235 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 14 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $25,525 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.7L 215 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
