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2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Full Review
Date Published: 2/21/08
2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Review
Available all-wheel drive and a navigation system highlight 2004 additions to Dodge's full-size pickup. This report covers the half-ton Ram 1500 models, which offer two body styles: a 2-dr regular cab and the Quad Cab 4-dr crew cab. Both come in ST and uplevel SLT trim with cargo beds of 6.3 ft or 8 ft. A 40/20/40 split bench is the only front seat. Quad Cabs have a folding 3-passenger rear bench. The base engine is a 3.7-liter V6. V8s of 4.7 and 5.7 liters are available, the latter called the Hemi. It comes only with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The V6 and 4.7 V8 offer manual transmission or a 4- or 5-speed automatic, respectively. Automatics include a tow/haul mode that alters shift points with heavy loads. All Rams are available with rear-wheel drive or 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement. AWD is newly optional for SLT models and, like Ram's 4WD, includes low-range gearing. Four-wheel disc brakes with rear ABS are standard; 4-wheel ABS is optional, as are curtain side airbags. SLT models offer power-adjustable pedals. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard, 20s optional. For '04, SLT models offer navigation radio, which provides directions via audio prompts and also a small map screen as part of the radio faceplate. Also newly available is Dodge's UConnect, which uses the audio system as a hands-free, wireless link to any cell phone in the vehicle. Added midyear was the high-performance SRT-10, featuring the Dodge Viper's V10 engine, plus a 6-speed manual transmission, sport suspension, 22-inch wheels, and special trim.
News
Sources say light-duty Rams will be freshened for 2005, but have no more to say at the moment. We'd expect modest styling changes and perhaps wider availability of AWD.
2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Road Test
Pros Cons
Instruments/controls Fuel economy
Trailer-towing capability Ride w/20-inch wheels
Available all-wheel drive
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

Reg cab 2WD, V6 man. Reg cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 man. Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 4WD, 5.7 V8 auto. Class Average
3 5 4 4 4.6

V6 labors under a heavy load, when passing, or climbing hills. The 4.7 V8 has ample power: Test 2WD 4.7 regular cab with manual transmission did 8.8 sec 0-60 mph. Test 4WD 5.7 Quad Cab did 9.5 sec, but is best choice for heavy hauling or towing. Maximum towing capacity: 3750 lb with V6, 7700 with 4.7 V8, 9200 with 5.7. SRT-10 has abundant power.
Fuel Economy

Reg cab 2WD, V6 man. Reg cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 man. Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 4WD, 5.7 V8 auto. Class Average
3 3 2 2 2.3

With 4.7 V8, test 4WD automatic-transmission Quad Cabs averaged 12.6 mpg, test 2WD manual-transmission regular cab 14.1. Extended-use-test 4WD Quad Cab with 5.7 averaged 12.7 mpg during its 7540-mi. test. Expect overworked V6 to average around 15 mpg. Dodge recommends 89 octane or higher for 5.7, regular-grade fuel for the others. No opportunity yet to measure SRT-10.
Ride Quality

Reg cab 2WD, V6 man. Reg cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 man. Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 4WD, 5.7 V8 auto. Class Average
4 4 4 4 3.9

No full-size pickup rides smoothly, but Ram with 17-inch wheels is competitive in class despite mild bounding over dips and crests and some jiggle on bumpy pavement. Available 20-inch wheels and SRT-10's 22s turn ride uncomfortably busy, with abrupt vertical motions on even slightly rippled surfaces.
Steering/Handling/Braking

Reg cab 2WD, V6 man. Reg cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 man. Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 4WD, 5.7 V8 auto. Class Average
3 3 3 3 3.4

Good for a full-size pickup. Body lean fairly well-controlled. Grip adequate. Steering provides good road feel. Newly available AWD an important advance for confidence and control on surfaces not quite slick enough to engage base 4WD system. Standard 4-wheel disc brakes perform well in routine use, though some testers complain of poor pedal modulation. Dodge should make 4-wheel ABS standard. SRT-10 better on all counts--less body lean, better grip, more-precise steering, stronger brakes.
Quietness

Reg cab 2WD, V6 man. Reg cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 man. Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 4WD, 5.7 V8 auto. Class Average
4 5 5 4 4.5

Modest highway wind and tire noise make Ram impressively hushed for a truck. But V6 raucous when worked hard, which it often needs to be. The 5.7 V8 roars loudly under acceleration and is noticed even at cruise. The 4.7 V8 is quieter under most conditions. Wind and tire noise barely audible above rumbling V10 in SRT-10.
Controls

Reg cab 2WD, V6 man. Reg cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 man. Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 4WD, 5.7 V8 auto. Class Average
6 6 6 6 6.6

Simple, mostly handy layout, though most drivers must stretch to reach climate, audio, and dashboard-mounted 4WD controls. High nose hides view of nearby objects, hampering sense of control in tight spaces. Dashtop vents cast distracting windshield reflections. New navigation radio's screen too small to do much good; system's audio directions far more useful. Cabin decor ranges from rubber floor covering and vinyl seats in Work Special to leather upholstery in Laramie; materials quality competitive with domestic rivals. SRT-10 has gauges and styling touches that add to performance feel. Test models rattle-free.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Reg cab 2WD, V6 man. Reg cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 man. Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 4WD, 5.7 V8 auto. Class Average
7 7 8 8 8.3

Spacious even for big adults, though the lankiest may want more seat travel in regular cabs. SRT-10's bucket seats add side bolstering to keep passengers from sliding around in fast turns. Center floor hump eats into passenger foot room. Seat too flat for ideal support. Power-adjustable pedals improve comfort and help shorter drivers sit a safe distance from steering-wheel airbag. Doors are heavy, and 4x4s have extremely high step-up.
Room/Comfort (rear)

Reg cab 2WD, V6 man. Reg cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 man. Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 4WD, 5.7 V8 auto. Class Average
0 0 6 6 4.5

Quad Cab has good head room but can cramp legs with front seats more than halfway back; backrest comfortably reclined. Cabin wide enough for three, though floor hump limits center rider's foot space. Rear doors open nearly 90 degrees, but larger portals would help entry/exit.
Cargo Room

Reg cab 2WD, V6 man. Reg cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 man. Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 4WD, 5.7 V8 auto. Class Average
2 2 6 6 4.7

Generous storage behind regular-cab seat, where standard plastic storage tray is handy. Quad Cab rear-seat cushion folds to expose storage bins or clever available fold-out steel load floor.
Value within Class

Reg cab 2WD, V6 man. Reg cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 man. Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 4WD, 5.7 V8 auto. Class Average
6 6 8 8 7.1

Ram's "big-rig" styling shouts for attention, but its performance, comfort, and solidity earn it our recommendation. With body styles and equipment to meet most every need, plus the praiseworthy addition of available AWD, Ram merits serious consideration. SRT-10 is the performance leader in the hot-rod pickup market.
Total Score

Reg cab 2WD, V6 man. Reg cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 man. Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 4WD, 5.7 V8 auto. Class Average
38 41 52 51 49.9
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score
38
Average Score
49
High Score
62
2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/30/2004
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD ST regular cab, short bed $19,855 $17,655 $850
2WD ST regular cab, long bed $20,140 $17,900 $850
4WD ST regular cab, short bed $23,960 $21,236 $850
4WD ST regular cab, long bed $24,300 $21,528 $850
2WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $24,015 $21,283 $850
2WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, long bed $25,080 $22,199 $850
4WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $28,000 $24,735 $850
4WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, long bed $28,330 $25,019 $850
2WD SLT regular cab, short bed $23,055 $20,407 $850
2WD SLT regular cab, long bed $23,340 $20,652 $850
2WD SRT-10 regular cab, short bed $23,055 $20,407 $850
4WD SLT regular cab, short bed $26,475 $23,399 $850
4WD SLT regular cab, long bed $26,815 $23,691 $850
2WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $26,815 $23,691 $850
2WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, long bed $27,095 $23,932 $850
4WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $29,885 $26,356 $850
4WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, long bed $30,215 $26,640 $850
Price note: SRT-10 requires SRT-10 Quick Order Pkg.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
ST
Powertrain
3.7-liter V6 engine (regular cab, Quad Cab short bed), 4.7-liter V8 engine (Quad Cab long bed), 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes, rear antilock brakes, dual front airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, split bench seat, cupholders, folding rear seat (Quad Cab), front-hinged rear doors (Quad Cab), AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, cargo-box light, variable-intermittent wipers, black vinyl floor covering.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bright front and rear bumpers, 4-wire trailer harness.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, P245/70R17 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 4.7-liter V8 engine.
SLT/SRT-10 add to ST:
Powertrain
4.7-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, cloth upholstery, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, trip computer, passenger-side visor mirror, carpeting, floormats.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Chrome steel wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Work Special Group
ST (credit)
$-400
$-352
Gray bumpers and grille, gray steel wheels.
Value Group ANG
2WD ST regular cab, 4WD ST regular cab
$1,955
$1,720
4WD ST regular cab w/4.7-liter V8 automatic
$2,005
$1,764
Front and rear antilock brakes, cruise control, cloth upholstery, AM/FM/CD player, sliding rear window, carpeting, bodyside moldings, special axle ratio (4WD 4.7-liter V8 automatic), P265/70R17 tires, chrome steel wheels.
Value Group ALR
ST Quad Cab
$2,200
$1,936
Front and rear antilock brakes, cruise control, cloth upholstery, AM/FM/CD player, sliding rear window, bodyside moldings, P265/70R17 tires, chrome steel wheels.
Laramie Quick Order Pkg. 24/26J
SLT regular cab
$2,935
$2,583
SLT Quad Cab
$2,820
$2,482
Front and rear antilock brakes, power-adjustable pedals, leather upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, split folding rear seat (Quad Cab), fold-flat load storage (Quad Cab), leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, satin-silver instrument panel, ashtray and dome lights, theft-deterrent system w/alarm, underhood light, fog lights, unique grille, bodyside moldings, P265/70R17 white-letter tires. Requires automatic transmission. NA w/all-wheel-drive transfer case.
Laramie Quick Order Pkg. 24/26H
2WD SLT regular cab
$4,150
$3,652
4WD SLT regular Cab
$4,300
$3,784
2WD SLT Quad Cab
$4,435
$3,903
4WD SLT Quad Cab
$4,845
$4,264
Laramie Quick Order Pkg. 24/26J plus electric part-time 4-wheel-drive transfer case (4WD), dual-zone manual climate controls, steering-wheel radio controls, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, sliding rear window, unique grille. Requires automatic transmission.
SRT-10 Quick Order Pkg.
SRT-10
$22,235
$19,988
Laramie Quick Order Pkg. plus 8.3-liter V10 engine, 6-speed manual transmission, upgraded brakes, limited-slip differential, performance axle ratio, dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather/suede upholstery, heated front seats, trip computer, unique interior and exterior trim, rear spoiler, dual exhaust, heavy-duty engine cooling, performance suspension, P305/40R22 tires, alloy wheels.
Quad Cab Value Group ALE
SLT Quad Cab
$870
$766
AM/FM/cassette/CD player, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, fog lights, hood protector, P265/70R17 tires.
Sport Appearance Group
SLT
$595
$524
SLT w/Laramie
$395
$348
Color-keyed bumpers and grille, fog lights, bodyside moldings, machined alloy wheels.
Big Horn Value Group AL9
SLT Quad Cab
$900
$792
SLT Quad Cab w/leather upholstery
$855
$752
Leather-wrapped steering w/radio controls, AM/FM/cassette/CD player. NA w/Laramie Quick Order Pkgs.
SXT Value Group ALE
SLT Quad Cab
$870
$766
SLT Quad Cab w/leather upholstery
$825
$726
Leather-wrapped steering w/radio controls, AM/FM/cassette/CD player. NA w/Laramie Quick Order Pkgs.
Light Group
SLT
$175
$154
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, ashtray and dome lights, underhood light.
Off-Road Group
4WD SLT
$1,405
$1,236
Limited-slip differential w/special axle ratio, heavy-duty engine cooling, fog lights, skid plates, front tow hooks, P275/70R17 all-terrain white-letter tires, cast alloy wheels. NA w/Laramie Quick Order Pkg.
Trailer Tow Group
automatic transmission
$465
$409
manual transmission
$335
$295
Class IV trailer-hitch receiver, 7-wire trailer harness, adapter plug, heavy-duty engine cooling and battery, transmission-oil cooler (automatic).
Powertrain
4.7-liter V8 engine
2WD ST regular cab, 2WD ST Quad Cab short bed
$785
$691
5.7-liter V8 Hemi engine
2WD ST regular cab, 2WD ST Quad Cab short bed
$1,780
$1,566
SLT, 2WD ST Quad Cab long bed, 4WD ST
$995
$876
Requires 5-speed automatic transmission, front and rear antilock brakes.
4-speed automatic transmission
SLT/SRT-10, ST
$1,095
$964
Requires 3.7-liter V6 engine.
5-speed automatic transmission
SLT/SRT-10, ST
$1,170
$1,030
Requires 4.7-liter or 5.7-liter V8 engine.
Limited-slip differential
ST, SLT
$285
$251
Special axle ratio
SLT/SRT-10, ST
$50
$44
Std. 4WD Quad Cab long bed. NA SRT-10.
All-wheel-drive transfer case
4WD SLT
$545
$480
4WD SLT w/Pkg. 24/26H
$395
$348
Requires automatic transmission.
Electric part-time 4-wheel-drive transfer case
4WD SLT
$150
$132
Safety
Curtain side airbags
regular cab
$390
$343
Quad Cab
$490
$431
Front and rear antilock brakes
ST, SLT
$495
$436
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
SLT
$1,725
$1,518
SLT w/Pkg. 24/26H, SRT-10
$775
$682
SLT w/Pkg. 24/26J
$1,075
$946
Includes Infinity AM/FM/CD player.
Power-adjustable pedals
SLT
$120
$106
Cloth upholstery
ST
$110
$97
Premium cloth split bench seat
SLT regular cab
$405
$356
SLT Quad Cab
$455
$400
Includes 6-way power driver seat, center-cushion storage.
Leather upholstery
SLT Quad Cab
$1,425
$1,254
Includes 6-way power driver seat, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, center-cushion storage, split folding rear seat, fold-flat load storage.
Heated front seat
SLT
$140
$123
Requires Laramie Pkg.
Fold-flat load storage
SLT Quad Cab
$100
$88
UConnect
SLT
$325
$286
SLT w/Light Group or Laramie Group, SRT-10
$275
$242
Hands-free cellular-telephone connection. Includes automatic day/night rearview mirror.
AM/FM/CD player
ST
$125
$110
Infinity AM/FM/cassette/CD player
SLT
$750
$660
SLT w/Pkg. 24/26H (credit)
$-200
$-176
SLT w/Pkg. 24/26J
$100
$88
Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
SLT
$950
$836
SLT w/Pkg. 24/26J
$300
$264
Steering-wheel radio controls
SLT
$75
$66
Requires optional radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
SLT
$45
$40
Cruise control
ST
$250
$220
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
SLT
$50
$44
Rear defogger
SLT
$210
$185
SLT w/Pkg. 24/26H
$70
$62
NA w/sliding rear window.
Carpeting
ST
$110
$97
Includes floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
SLT
$140
$123
Security Group
SLT
$225
$198
Theft-deterrent system w/alarm.
Trailer-tow mirrors
ST
$100
$88
Power trailer-tow mirrors
SLT
$80
$70
Sliding rear window
SLT/SRT-10, ST
$140
$123
Bedliner
SLT/SRT-10, ST
$245
$165
Side steps
SLT w/Pkg. 24/26J
$450
$306
Two-tone paint
SLT/SRT-10, ST
$225
$198
NA w/Work Group.
Bodyside moldings
SLT/SRT-10, ST
$75
$66
Front hood protector
SLT/SRT-10, ST
$90
$63
34-gallon fuel tank
Quad Cab
$55
$48
Special paint
SLT/SRT-10, ST
$150
$132
Engine-block heater
SLT/SRT-10, ST
$90
$79
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Protection Group
4WD
$140
$123
Skid plates, front tow hooks.
Heavy-duty cooling
SLT/SRT-10, ST
$70
$62
Requires automatic transmission. Requires V8 engine. Std. SRT-10.
Front tow hooks
2WD
$50
$44
NA w/3.7-liter V6 engine. NA SRT-10.
Chrome steel wheels
ST
$500
$440
Machined alloy wheels
SLT
$100
$88
Chrome alloy wheels
SLT
$1,350
$1,188
SLT w/Sport Appearance Group
$1,250
$1,100
SLT regular cab w/Laramie
$1,175
$990
SLT regular cab w/Sport Appearance Group and Laramie
$1,025
$902
SLT Quad Cab w/Sport Appearance Group and Laramie
$975
$858
SLT Quad Cab w/Laramie
$1,125
$990
Includes 275/55R20 tires. Requires limited-slip differential, special axle ratio. NA long bed.
Polished alloy wheels
SLT
$995
$876
SLT regular cab w/Sport Appearance Group
$895
$788
Includes P275/55R20 tires. Requires limited-slip differential. NA w/Laramie Quick Order Pkg. NA long bed.
P265/70R17 on/off-road tires
4WD ST
$225
$198
4WD ST w/Value Group
$95
$84
2WD SLT
$130
$114
P265/70R17 white-letter tires
SLT
$225
$198
P265/70R17 on/off-road white-letter tires