2008 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Review
2008 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Review
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Used Ram Pickup 2500 for sale
Appraise This CarDodge Ram Pickup 2500 model years
Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 types
- Quad Cab
- Mega Cab
- Regular Cab
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful engine lineup, jumbo-sized Mega Cab body style, compliant highway ride, many standard and optional features.
Cons
- Bed configurations aren't ideal, cramped rear seat in Quad Cab.
What’s new
Other than some minor trim level and feature adjustments, the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 is unchanged.
Edmunds says
The heavy-duty 2008 Dodge Ram 2500's powerful engine lineup and functional interior make it a solid choice for hard-core truck users.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 ST 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
Not EPA tested for Ram Pickup 2500 ST
Ram Pickup 2500 ST
vs
$250/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
If you believe the commercials, trucks can do anything. They can bring a 30,000-pound C-123 cargo plane to a stop after dropping out of its tail. They can drive around our country accompanied by the incessant playback of John Mellencamp music. The 2008 Dodge Ram is apparently capable of withstanding an incessant pounding from a 13-foot-tall Rock-'Em Sock-'Em robot. Although these are obvious exaggerations, they demonstrate what full-size heavy-duty trucks are meant to convey: all-American macho machines that are indestructible. With its big-rig styling and workhorse capabilities, the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 personifies this image.
Only three automakers offer heavy-duty trucks, and the Dodge is the elder statesman of the group, having been introduced in 2003. An interior redesign a few years ago maintained the truck's freshness, while a new 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel debuted last year that seriously upped the Ram 2500's towing and hauling potential. Packing 350 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, the big six-cylinder diesel helps this Ram tow up to 13,350 pounds.
The Ram 2500 is, of course, available in two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive configurations, with the latter being controlled electronically on all but the lowest trim level. The four-wheel-drive 2500 has a solid front axle and recirculating-ball steering setup, while the two-wheel-drive model gets an independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.
For heavy-duty truck buyers looking for an off-road-capable truck without any aftermarket modifications, Dodge offers the Ram Power Wagon. This big boy comes with electric driver-controlled locking front and rear differentials, an electronic disconnecting front antiroll bar, 33-inch off-road tires, a 12,000-pound winch and unique suspension tuning.
Against the Ford F-250 and Chevy Silverado 2500, the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 is definitely worthy of consideration. Its Rock-'Em Sock-'Em styling makes it arguably the manliest of this most manly truck category, while its Mega Cab model should appeal to those who need a maximum amount of passenger space. However, bed capacity is one area where the Ram suffers. The standard bed is shorter than expected, while the Mega Cab's truncated bed could potentially limit fifth-wheel trailering applications. Other than that, the 2008 Ram 2500 should meet the needs of anyone seeking an all-American macho machine.
Performance & mpg
The Ram 2500 is available with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive and comes standard with a 5.7-liter V8 engine that makes 345 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque. For the V8, a six-speed manual transmission is standard and a five-speed automatic is optional. The latter comes standard with the Laramie trim. Most buyers, however, go for the optional diesel-fueled 6.7-liter turbocharged inline-6 that produces 350 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. This mighty diesel engine can be paired to six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. For the diesel, Dodge also includes an exhaust brake. An unusual feature for a from-the-factory pickup, an exhaust brake provides additional stability and braking power when towing very heavy loads. The big Cummins is also the first diesel engine in the truck market to meet the more stringent 2010 federal emissions requirements.
Safety
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard on the heavy-duty Ram 2500, and side curtain airbags are optional. Optional on the SLT and standard on the Laramie are power-adjustable pedals. No crash tests have been performed on the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500, but in government crash tests, the lighter Ram 1500 earned five out of five stars for its protection of front occupants in head-on collisions. Frontal-offset collision testing performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety similarly resulted in a top rating of "Good."
Driving
Although it's built to take on the most demanding tasks, the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 is still a surprisingly comfortable truck for daily use. Its steering is light and its turning circle is smaller than that of other heavy-duty trucks. Ride quality is also respectably supple and is nearly as comfortable as most half-tons. The V8 is a competent all-around engine, but for serious towing and hauling (plus decent fuel economy), the 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel is essential.
Interior
The 2008 Ram's cabin features white-faced gauges, simple twist-knob climate controls and a huge center armrest/bin. Although it is a straightforward, user-friendly design, materials quality could be a bit better. Crew cabs can seat up to six people and the rear seats fold up to reveal a flat load floor for carrying large items inside. Unfortunately, rear seating in Quad Cabs is noticeably more cramped than in competitors' crew-cab trucks. The Mega Cab more than compensates by expanding legroom by nearly a foot and offering a comfy, reclining backseat. If carrying passengers in comfort is a priority equal to pickup utility, it's hard to do better than a Ram 2500 Mega Cab model.
2008 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 models
The 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 3/4-ton pickup is available in three cab styles: regular, Quad Cab (crew cab) and Mega Cab (a jumbo crew cab). The regular cabs come with a long bed only, while the Quad Cab has either a short or long cargo bed. The Mega Cab rides on the same wheelbase as the Quad Cab long bed but pairs an even bigger cabin with the short bed. The regular cab comes in ST or SLT trims; the Quad Cab in ST, SLT or Laramie trims; and the Mega Cab in SXT or Laramie only.
The Ram ST is pretty bare-bones, offering little more than17-inch wheels, vinyl upholstery, 40/20/40 front bench seat, air-conditioning and a CD player. The SLT adds alloy wheels, cruise control, cloth upholstery, power accessories and keyless entry. The SXT is equipped similarly, but comes only with the Mega Cab. The luxurious Laramie comes with standard upgrades like dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seating, a power driver seat, upgraded speakers and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. Options on the upper trims include niceties like a sunroof, power-adjustable pedals, front bucket seats, Bluetooth, navigation system, satellite radio, an upgraded stereo and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
For 4x4 regular cabs and Quad Cabs, Dodge also offers the Power Wagon trim. This Ram is highly specialized for off-road duty with its raised suspension, front and rear differential locks, electronically disengaging front stabilizer bar, 33-inch tires, 12,000-pound winch and full skid plates.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500.
5 star(37%)
4 star(27%)
3 star(21%)
2 star(13%)
1 star(2%)
48 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Love my truck
Eddie F., 10/28/2009
2008 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Laramie 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 5A)
This is my first diesel. Before I go on, I somebody on Cummins Forum wrote all 6.7 owners should delete the DPF and the exhaust gas recirculator and love their truck 364 days a year and hate it the one day all that stuff has to go on to pass inspection. Yeah, It's been to the dealer for a check engine light twice, the turbo's been cleaned out. Here's what I learned: Do NOT use fuel … additive regularly even if it is ULSD / DPF safe(maybe for very cold weather), do not make many short trips without long ones in between, take a long drive at a respectable speed (at least 50mph for 50 miles will clean out the dirty end of things), avoid stop & go traffic, and don't stomp on it all the time.
2.75 out of 5 stars
1st time Dodge owner, never again
peteg, 10/18/2010
2008 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Laramie 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 5A)
I bought this truck after my Superduty was stolen. I have 31m500 miles on the truck. I have alignment problems from day one and they still remain. The dealer changed all front end parts including: steering box, tie rod, ball joints. I am on my second set of tires. The check engine light comes on often and I have replaced one turbo. I could go on and on. I can't wait until I can … afford another Superduty! Seriously.
2.75 out of 5 stars
So many problems, so few miles
Farmer's Wife, 07/13/2010
2008 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 SLT 4dr Quad Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6M)
We have had nothing but trouble from our Ram 2500. Bought new in 2009. At 15k miles, the DPF clogged and backed up into/burned up the turbo. 8 months later Dodge did a recall. Apparently, the computer doesn't tell the DPF to regenerate. At 27k miles, the water pump leaked (spewed may be a better word) and the head gasket blew before we could get it to a safe place to pull over. The … engine brake doesn't work all the time. The truck has spent 2 and a half of the 15 months we've had it, in the shop!
4.13 out of 5 stars
"first timer here"
dieselvirgin, 03/09/2009
2008 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 SLT 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6M)
So far have to say, I don't think I will be driving another gas truck. I love my new dodge ram 2500 crew cab 6.7L diesel. Runs great right off the lot, tons of power. I can't wait to hook up my trailer and head for the mountains. No "break in" period...kid in a candy store!
2008 Ram Pickup 2500 Highlights
Quad Cab
ST
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $29,655 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Seating | 6 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 13,400 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Ram Pickup 2500 include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
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