While Chrysler has decided to give Ram its very own division, it seems impossible not to think of the Ram 1500 as a Dodge. After all, you’ll still buy your 2012 Ram at a Dodge dealer, and it remains one of Dodge’s most successful models. Whether or not you call it a 2012 Dodge Ram or just a Ram, though, this rugged pickup truck is a winner with a lot of truck buyers.
Key Features
Want to have your entire music collection available to you whenever you head out in your truck? Thanks to the 2012 Dodge Ram’s Uconnect GPS system and hard drive, you don’t have to carry a bunch of CDs with you. In fact, you can download all of your favorite music to your truck’s hard drive and have it anywhere you go.
If you get the Crew Cab version of the Ram, you’ll also get a RamBox, a large, lockable box where you can store valuable items when you’re away from your truck.
Changes for 2012
No major changes occurred in 2012 for the Ram, but the stereo system got a significant upgrade, and the manufacturer included more storage, dividing, and extension options for the bed.
What We Like
We like that the 2012 Ram is both rugged and civilized. You can take it to job sites and haul a lot of cargo in it, but you can also drive around town respectably and enjoy a plush ride, too.
What Concerns Us
Rams don’t have the best resale values on the market, and they’re not best in class for fuel economy, either. If you’re more worried about buying a truck that will do the job and last you a long time than you are about gas mileage or resale value, these aren’t things you’ll be worried about.
Available Models
The 2012 Dodge Ram offers a few different options. You can get it in regular, crew, or quad cab, and you can also choose between the 1500, 2500, and 3500, depending on your needs. The 1500 is good for most people who want a half-ton truck that will do the job, but the 2500 and 3500 are great if you need a heavy-duty truck.
You’ll have a number of choices of engines in each model to meet your power and torque needs. The 1500 comes with your choice of a 3.7-liter V6, 4.7-liter V8, or the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Each of these vehicles is rated at 14/20 MPG (city/highway) in the two-wheel drive option, so fuel efficiency is actually very good for a truck of this size.
Major Recalls
A few of the 2012 Dodge Ram models (1500, 2500, and 3500) have been recalled because the wiring harness for the steering wheel may rub against the retainer spring for the driver-side airbag.
Common Issues
There have been relatively few issues with the 2012 Dodge Ram, but those that have been reported include jerking transmissions and noise when accelerating or decelerating.
