1990-1993 Dodge Ram Pickup: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1993 Dodge Ram Pickup
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1990-1993 Dodge Ram Pickup ▼
- Price Range: $600 - $1,900
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1993 Dodge Ram Pickup and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Passenger and cargo room
- Acceleration (V8)
- Trailer-towing capability
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Acceleration (V6)
Vehicle Highlights
Full-size, regular-cab Dodge pickups came in two sizes: 115-inch wheelbase with a 6.5-foot cargo bed, and 131-inch with an 8-foot bed. Club Cab models, that were added for 1990 to match Ford and GM rivals, rode a 133-inch wheelbase with the short bed, or 149-inch with the long cargo bed. Two-wheel-drive Rams got a "D" prefix, while 4WD Rams wore a "W" badge. Ram trucks came in three series, which designate payload: 150-series (1/2-ton), 250-series (3/4-ton), and 350-series (1-ton). Regular-cab 150 and 250 models could have the 115- or 131-inch wheelbase, whereas all 350 series regular-cab pickups rode a 131-inch wheelbase. Base engine was a 3.9-liter V6, but most models could get 5.2- or 5.9-liter V8s instead. An optional turbodiesel inline 6-cylinder engine and standard rear antilock brakes had arrived for 1989. Regular-cab trucks came only with a 3-place bench seat. Club Cabs had a standard split-back front bench and side-facing folding rear jump seats.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Dodge Ram D150 5.9-liter ext. cab Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 1 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 32 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1993 Dodge Ram Pickup. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1993 Dodge Ram Pickup.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Dodge Ram:
A new rear step bumper boosted towing capacity from 3000 to 5000 pounds. Rams wore a new grille with thicker bars and a boldly stamped "Dodge" badge, but the ram's head hood ornament was gone. At mid-year, the Cummins Turbodiesel engine added an intercooler.
1992 Dodge Ram:
Gasoline V6 and V8 engines gained power, adopting a "Magnum" designation. The V6 leaped from 125 to 180 horsepower, while the 5.2-liter V8 went from 170 to 230 horsepower.
1993 Dodge Ram:
The 5.9-liter gasoline V8 got multi-point fuel injection, jumping from 190 to 230 horsepower and from 292 to 325 pound-feet of torque.
Our road test for the 1990-1993 Dodge Ram Pickup includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1993 Dodge Ram Pickup and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1993 Dodge Ram Pickup is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Long on function if short on frills, Dodge full-size pickups are basic and durable trucks, best suited for serious work. You get plenty of passenger and cargo space, strong towing and payload capacities, but unimpressive fuel mileage. When new, these dated Dodge pickups were outsold handily by newer designs from Ford and General Motors. The Ram's standard V6 lacks vigor for other than light-duty chores, though later versions are a bit stronger. Each V8 delivers plenty of torque for moving heavy loads, without using too much more gas than a V6 engine. For serious heavy-duty hauling, the brawny Cummins Turbodiesel is your best bet, delivering monumental torque output below 2000 rpm. That translates to a towing capacity as high as 11,900 pounds. Long-wheelbase 250- and 350-series Ram pickups are the best choices for handling challenging loads, with payloads comparable to Ford and GM full-size trucks. All cargo beds are 70 inches wide between walls, and 51 inches between rear wheels, giving room for cargo that's 4 feet wide, flat on the floor.
Value for the Money
If you need a truck for hard work, look for a Ram. But if leisure activities are your prime consideration, or you prefer a dual-usage vehicle, consider Ford and GM pickups first.
If you need a truck for hard work, look for a Ram. But if leisure activities are your prime consideration, or you prefer a dual-usage vehicle, consider Ford and GM pickups first.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Dodge Ram D150 5.9-liter ext. cab Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 1 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 32 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Dodge Ram includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Dodge Ram .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
The A/C evaporator freezes up because the compressor does not cycle off causing a lack of cooling. (1991-93)
Engine misfire:
Intermittent power loss, delayed start, no-start, and stalling when starting from a stop may be due to inadequate fuel pressure requiring a pump module with larger filter. (1991-93)
Engine misfire:
A faulty idle air control motor causes erratic idle, stalling after hot soak or during low speed deceleration. (1992-93)
Engine noise:
A lifter noise on 3.9-liter engines, is corrected by replacing the timing chain and sprockets with a double-roller chain. (1992-93)
Fuel gauge:
The fuel gauge reads lower than actual fuel level. The in-tank module must be replaced. (1991-93)
Transmission leak:
Transmission fluid leaks from the O-ring on the speed sensor. (1993)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $495 |
| Alternator | $300 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $795 |
| Brakes | $320 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $720 |
| Exhaust System | $265 |
| Radiator | $685 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $305 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $190 |
Our price chart for this generation Dodge Ram details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1993 | |||
| Ram D150 | $1,300-2,500 | $800-1,600 | $200-300 |
| Ram D250/350 | $1,700-2,800 | $1,100-1,900 | $300-400 |
| 1992 | |||
| Ram D150 | $1,200-2,300 | $700-1,400 | $100-300 |
| Ram D250/350 | $1,500-2,600 | $1,000-1,700 | $200-300 |
| 1991 | |||
| Ram D150 | $1,100-1,900 | $700-1,200 | $100-200 |
| Ram D250/350 | $1,400-2,400 | $900-1,500 | $200-300 |
| 1990 | |||
| Ram D150 | $1,000-1,800 | $600-1,100 | $100-200 |
| Ram D250/350 | $1,300-2,200 | $800-1,400 | $200-300 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Dodge Ram include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | ext. cab long bed | ext. cab short bed | reg. cab long bed | reg. cab short bed |
| Wheelbase, in. | 149.0 | 133.0 | 131.0 | 115.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 237.9 | 211.8 | 219.9 | 199.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 79.5 | 79.5 | 79.5 | 79.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 69.8 | 68.9 | 69.0 | 70.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4229 | 4220 | 3831 | 3732 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 4563 | 1935 | 5400 | 2251 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 30.0 | 30.0 | 22.0 | 22.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.5 | 40.5 | 40.5 | 40.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 39.4 | 39.4 | 39.4 | 39.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.4 | 40.4 | -- | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | -- | -- | -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Regular-cab 150/250 trucks got a standard 3.9-liter V6 engine that produced 125 horsepower. A 170-horsepower, 5.2-liter V8 was standard on Club Cab models and the W250, and optional on most others. A 190-horsepower, 5.9-liter gasoline V8 went into 350-series Rams, and was optional in other models. The V6 and smaller V8 gained considerable horsepower in 1992, while the 5.9-liter V8 got its power hike a year later, each adopting a "Magnum" designation. The Cummins Turbodiesel six was optional in regular-cab 350-series trucks and in 250-series trucks rated above 8500-pound gross vehicle weight. Four-speed manual gearboxes were standard on 2WD regular-cab Rams with gasoline engines, on 4WD models sold outside California, and on Club Cabs. A 5-speed was available on 2WD V6 models, and standard with the Turbodiesel. Three-speed automatic was optional with sixes. A 4-speed automatic was available on 4WD gas models and 2WD models with V8s. After 1991, all manual gearboxes were 5-speed. On-demand, part-time 4WD is not for use on dry pavement, but standard automatic locking front hubs permit shift-on-the-fly between 2WD and 4WD High at up to 55 mph.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 3.9 / 239 | 125-180 | 195-220 | 5-speed manual: 15/19 3-speed automatic: 15/17 4-speed automatic: 15/20 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.2 / 318 | 170-230 | 260-280 | 5-speed manual: 13/17 3-speed automatic: 13/16 4-speed automatic: 13/17 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: 14.7 |
| ohv V8 | 5.9 / 360 | 190-230 | 292-325 | 4-speed manual: 10/14 5-speed manual: 11/15 4-speed automatic: 12/16 |
4-speed manual: -- 5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 13.2 |
| Turbodiesel ohv I6 | 5.9 / 360 | 160 | 400 | 5-speed manual: -- | 5-speed manual: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: Mexico, USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Dodge Ram include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1993 Ram 1500 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1993 Dodge Ram Pickup directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990 with 6-foot box, EFI, and no rear bumper:
In rear-end collision, crossmember could contact fuel line.
1991:
Premium steering wheel can crack and separate from hub.
1992:
On some vehicles, parking brake might not fully engage.
1993:
Antilock braking might be inoperative when hard pedal effort is applied.
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