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RAM 1500 (2nd Gen)

94-01 · RAM 1500

59out of 100

The 2nd gen RAM is the old-school Mopar truck, Magnum V8, simple enough to fix in a driveway, and priced under $5k, but frame rust is the single inspection item that ends deals.

Score breakdown

55/ 100Reliability×2.536/ 100True Annual Cost×2.060/ 100Safety×1.565/ 100Practicality×3.0100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

Chrysler's bold cab-forward truck that changed the segment aesthetically. The 5.9L Magnum V8 is a pushrod engine, simple, chain-driven (via gears), and fixable by anyone. No ESC, NHTSA 3-star, IIHS Marginal, 30% rollover risk. This is an old truck that requires old-truck expectations.

Why it's on this list

Under $5k for a running 5.9L example. For a buyer who needs a work truck on a very tight budget and will do their own maintenance, the 2nd gen RAM is a known quantity.

The honest trade-offs

Frame rust is the #1 concern. MANDATORY undercarriage inspection in salt belt states. No ESC, 3-star NHTSA. 12 MPG combined. Electrical issues common. This is a pre-modern-safety vehicle. Treat it accordingly.

What to buy and what to avoid

1998-2001 with 5.9L Magnum and 4WD. Inspect frame rails, a rusted frame is an immediate pass. Clean southern or western examples at $4k–$6k are the only sensible buy.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$3,520 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$694 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$227 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$1,960 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,500 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$4,941 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$4,461 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
12[5]
MPG city / hwy
11 / 16[5]
Engine
5.9L Magnum V8
Horsepower
245 hp
Torque
335 lb-ft
Seats
3
Cargo max
0 cu ft
Stock tires
265/75R16
Body
Truck
Rear seats
One-piece fold

Safety

NHTSA overall
3/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
30%[2]
IIHS rating
Marginal[4]
ESC standard
No

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
High
Frame rust risk
High

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$694 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
3/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.6[1]
Severe issue probability
17%[1]
250k-mile survival
30%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$20 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
10/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.

Before you buy

Looking to buy a RAM 1500?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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