Pre-Owned: 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 2500/3500

Dodge's previous generation of full-size trucks was a massive departure from its predecessors, which labored for 22 years with function-over-form upright styling. With a new big-rig look--including a raised center hood and prominent front fenders--the new Rams were striking then and remain pleasing to the eye today.

Thirteen years ago, Dodge took a gamble, replacing all the trucks in the series at once. The 1500 half-ton, 2500 three-quarter-ton, and 3500 one-ton models shared virtually all body panels, interiors, and running gear. (That Dodge gave the 2500/3500 its own chassis and bodywork in 2003 is a departure.)

As with most full-size trucks, the engine, transmission, and drive choices were plentiful. While the 1500 could be ordered with the wheezy 3.9-liter V-6, the 2500 came standard with a 5.2-liter (318-cubic-inch) pushrod V-8, rated at 220 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Optional on the 2500 and standard on the 3500 was the 5.9-liter (360-cubic-inch) V-8 rated for 230 horsepower and a useful 330 pound-feet of torque. Because mileage estimates between the 5.2- and 5.9-liter engines are so close, we recommend the 360.

For the towing inclined, two more engines are attractive. The Cummins-built 5.9-liter inline-six turbodiesel makes a mere 160 horsepower (it would be boosted to 215 in 2001 models) but a Winnebago-tugging 420 pound-feet of torque. The other option was a cast-iron version of the Viper engine, all 8.0 liters and 10 cylinders; it makes 300 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. Amazingly, every engine was available with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. (Later diesels would have a six-speed trans.) Two- or four-wheel drive was available, the latter only in part-time guise.

Dodge launched the line with the regular-cab truck, but late in 1994 the first Club Cab arrived, still a two-door but with a fairly roomy second-row rear seat. By then, access doors began to appear in competitors' trucks, so Dodge changed the name to Quad Cab in 1998, adding two rear-hinged doors and moving the shoulder-belt anchors to the seat frames for the driver and front passenger. For most of the model run, any cab could be had with a 6.5-foot short bed or an eight-foot long bed. Dodge trimmed the line slightly in the last couple of years, as it launched the new 1500 in 2002 and prepared for the new 2500/3500 twins in 2003.

This period in Dodge's history wasn't exactly trouble-free, and 1994-2002 Rams had a number of teething issues. The list of service bulletins and recalls from this generation could paper a small bathroom. The turbodiesel in particular had a raft of transmission problems, and all versions of the Ram are hard on brakes--early disc-rotor warping and frequent pad replacement are common complaints. In 1998, there was a recall for weak brake-rotor material that could lead to a hub fracture. Owners also berate the V-10 for having poor mileage, but isn't that to be expected?

It appears the later models benefited from Dodge's gradual improvements in manufacturing and quality control, so find the lowest-mileage, latest-model iteration you can afford. If you're contemplating hauling big trailers, pay particular attention to the condition of the engine and transmission--especially the automatic--before you sign the check.