RAM 1500 (4th Gen)
09-18 · RAM 1500
The 4th gen RAM gained the best interior in its class and a properly modern Hemi, but the 8-speed transmission introduced mid-cycle has a documented judder issue that Chrysler settled a class action over.
Score breakdown
Our take
What it really is
Chrysler's most capable RAM 1500 generation until the 5th gen. The 5.7L Hemi makes 395hp with MDS cylinder deactivation. The coil-spring rear suspension (unique in the class) provides the best ride quality of any full-size truck. Standard ESC. The 8-speed automatic introduced in 2013 had juddering/shuddering issues. Chrysler extended warranty coverage on many affected units.
Why it's on this list
The best-riding full-size truck at this price tier. 395hp Hemi, coil-spring rear, and a genuinely comfortable interior at $18k–$28k. For a buyer who uses a truck primarily as a daily driver with occasional hauling, the RAM ride quality is genuinely superior.
The honest trade-offs
The 8-speed torque converter judder on 13-17 models is well-documented, verify the extended warranty was applied and symptoms are absent. Hemi MDS (cylinder deactivation) can cause issues, listen at idle. Fuel economy in mid-teens. FCA electrical quality is below Ford and GM equivalents.
What to buy and what to avoid
15-18 Big Horn or Laramie with 5.7L Hemi. Verify 8-speed judder fix was applied. Listen for Hemi tick (common, usually not serious) and MDS issues. Avoid the 3.0L EcoDiesel (high repair costs on early examples).
Annual cost of ownership
Key specs
Safety
Rust vulnerability
Reliability data
Repairability
References
Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.
- [1]datasetRepairPal
Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.
- [2]governmentNHTSA Crash Test Ratings
Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.
- [3]governmentNHTSA Technical Service Bulletins
Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.
- [4]datasetIIHS Safety Ratings
Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.
- [5]governmentEPA Fuel Economy Guide
Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.
- [6]forum threadCarComplaints
Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.
- [7]datasetiSeeCars Long-Term Reliability
Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.
- [8]publicationBankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates
Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.
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.
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CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.
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