2001 Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500: Road Test
2001 Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500 ▼
- MSRP: $15,285 - $28,765
- Invoice: $14,184 - $25,393
Explore
Features & Specifications
Related to Dodge Ram
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500 includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500 help you decide if a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500 is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| 3500 ext. cab, 8.0 V10 | 2500 reg. cab, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3.9 |
V6 is too weak. Either V8 is more than adequate, but 5.9 is the better choice for heavy hauling and towing. V10 and diesel have enough power for even the toughest jobs.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 3500 ext. cab, 8.0 V10 | 2500 reg. cab, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 2 |
Averaged 12.4-14.4 mpg in our tests with 5.9 V8 and 4WD. The V6 and 5.2 V8 have to work harder and thus aren't likely to be much thriftier. V10 and diesel rarely get more than 10 mpg; we averaged 8.2 mpg with one V10.
RIDE QUALITY
| 3500 ext. cab, 8.0 V10 | 2500 reg. cab, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.2 |
Not as good as newer-design Ford and General Motors rivals. Even long-wheelbase Rams suffer "freeway hop" and tend to ride over bumps rather than absorb them.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 3500 ext. cab, 8.0 V10 | 2500 reg. cab, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3 |
Acceptable handling, but competition is better. Steering is less precise, too--demands lots of course-correcting at highway speeds. Standard rear ABS on 1500s doesn't prevent sudden lockup in hard stops without a load; optional 4-wheel ABS is worth the money.
QUIETNESS
| 3500 ext. cab, 8.0 V10 | 2500 reg. cab, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 3.5 |
Newer-design Ford and GM trucks are superior, particularly in road and wind noise isolation. Turbodiesel is much louder than competitors' diesels, making a constant racket that becomes nearly deafening under full throttle.
CONTROLS
| 3500 ext. cab, 8.0 V10 | 2500 reg. cab, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 |
Clear and handy, except for hard-to-reach transfer-case floor lever on 4x4s; Ford and GM offer convenient pushbutton operation. Interior materials and painted-on instrument markings shout low-budget, but workmanship is truck-tough.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 3500 ext. cab, 8.0 V10 | 2500 reg. cab, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.7 |
Ample head space and leg room, plus enough shoulder width for three burly adults.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 3500 ext. cab, 8.0 V10 | 2500 reg. cab, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 0 | 3.7 |
Quad Cab no substitute for true 4-dr. crew cab, though its back doors greatly assist aft-cabin access. Still, seat is hard, upright, and cramped, and front seatbacks block rear inside door handles, complicating entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 3500 ext. cab, 8.0 V10 | 2500 reg. cab, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 2 | 4.1 |
Regular cab has more behind-seat space than other domestics. Quad Cab's rear seat folds to reveal handy covered plastic storage bins and nets.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 3500 ext. cab, 8.0 V10 | 2500 reg. cab, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 7.5 |
Popular because of its big-rig styling, Ram earns our recommendation for its functional design and competitive prices, though lack of a crew cab hurts.
Total Score
| 3500 ext. cab, 8.0 V10 | 2500 reg. cab, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 35 | 44.6 |
Total Score: 40
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
Next Step: Get a price quote from your local dealer ►
