Our last video showcased Jeep’s brand-new pickup truck. Today at LCR we’ll show you another pickup truck: the #RAM #1500 #Classic. This is really the best deal in a truck you can get right now, and in this Report, we’ll show you why! We’ll cover all the features of the exterior and interior of the RAM 1500 Classic, plus the technical specifications and overall driving experience.
When RAM came out with their new 1500, they kept producing the previous model alongside the new one, renaming it the 1500 Classic. The iconic styling still looks good today and some people even prefer this design over the new one because of its more aggressive and powerful looks. But the most attractive thing about this truck is its price. RAM was able put together a very attractive package for a price that’s much lower than the newest generation, making the 1500 Classic the best truck deal out there.
So, exactly what makes this such a great deal? First off, it’s freaking solid! Body on frame construction, V8 power, rear-wheel drive, seating for 6, steel bumpers and quad headlamps make it the last class of vehicles built according to the American tradition.
Let’s start with the engine. This truck is powered by Chrysler’s legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V8, known for loads of torque, smooth operation and reliability. The HEMI is paired to an evenly smooth 8-speed automatic transmission, which is operated with this electronic gear selector dial that was only available in the higher trims of the previous gen RAM. This dial features auto-shift to park when you turn off the engine. It also automatically puts the truck into park when a door is opened while the truck is standing still. It is a unique feature in this price range.
Having the gear selector on the dash makes for a clean area around the steering wheel with just a single stalk to the left of the wheel. This stalk operates the blinkers, high beams and wipers.
The 5.7-liter V8 produces 395 horsepower and 410 lb. ft. of torque. The available V6 EcoDiesel produces 10 lb. ft. more torque, but only 240 horsepower, which makes the gas powered V8 our engine of choice for this truck. Towing capacity for the crew cab V8 is an impressive 10,390 lbs, which is 1200 lbs. more than the diesel can tow. Rated fuel economy is 15 MPG city and 22 mpg highway. Our combined mileage was 20 mpg, probably thanks to the HEMI’s automatic cylinder deactivation which deactivates half of the cylinders when it doesn’t need the extra power. Overall, these are impressive numbers for a light duty truck.
With the Tradesman package that this RAM 1500 Classic is equipped with, you’re not buying a basic truck either. The bright white clearcoat finished body is complemented with chrome finished bumpers and grille, 20” chrome wheels and dual chrome exhaust. The truck also comes with premium carpeting and an upgraded sound system with 5-inch touchscreen and 6 speakers. More on this infotainment system later, but I can tell you right now it sounds very good and powerful.
The rear seats have privacy glass which is great for adventures at the drive-in movie theatre. The wide center armrest can be lifted up to reveal a third front seat. We don’t know why the front has three cupholders because you can never use them with a third front passenger. A great attention to detail is the tiny dome light that shines a dim light on the cupholders at night. It’s just bright enough to see what you’re doing so it doesn’t distract your view during nighttime. Other handy illumination is in the bed of the truck, which assists with loading and unloading at night. The bed comes standard with spray-in bedliner, which we think is really a must-have for any pickup truck.
That truck bed doesn’t take away from the passenger space. The 1500 Classic Crew Cab is a massive truck and that translates into royal amounts of room for each passenger, both front and back. Realize that I am 6 foot 8 tall and you know how cavernous this interior is. The large rear doors with child locks provide easy access for all occupants. More easy access comes from the grab handles on both A-pillars. The front seats and steering wheel are manually adjustable and are surprisingly comfortable.
Now, obviously a pickup truck provides a lot of practicality as-is. But with this RAM it goes beyond just having a bed. The cabin is full of storage spaces, some of them cleverly hidden. In the front you’ll find small storage compartments in the dashboard, for example to keep your keys, and there’s a storage shelf hidden underneath, as well as under the center armrest. You’ll find more bins in front of the seats and there are generous door pockets. Some really cool hidden storage bins are underneath the carpet in the rear passenger area. These removable bins are perfect to fill with ice to keep some ice-cold drinks. For example, for when you need to shoot a video about a RAM 1500 Classic in 90-degree weather.