2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
Crash Test
Not Tested
Source NHTSA
MPG (up to)
City / HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
250 -345
Seats
3 -6
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Michael W
Keep it maintained, and it will take care of you. Use good gas, keep proper air pressure in the tires, and regular oil changes.
My truck is old but have had very minimal repairs ever!
accountCircle Claire R
Great working truck, reasonable for everyday use!
This vehicle has Great power, and it has great height even at stock level. The cab is large and comfortable, middle console is large and efficient for storing things as well. Added an aftermarket tool box to bed which works great for jobs. Does shorten the bed length obviously
accountCircle Carrie E
It has had regular maintenance. The tires are new. It is diesel. It gets good mpg. It pulls really well
It has held up great. It is easy for my husband to work on. Good truck
accountCircle Jt D
Rugged truck, handles any light duty truck duties with ease.
Rides like a typical truck, somewhat rough, but bearable for sure for your average buyer. Mileage is not great but power and reliability is good. Tows and hauls well. Many experience similar problems with the transmission, but overall drive train is very dependable once the transmission kinks are worked out. As far as the interior goes, it has enough space, but back lacks a bit for the passengers if driving a quad cab. Dash will crack, but the rest holds up fine.
accountCircle Bradley D
2003 Dodge RAM 2500 24v Cummins.
After many years of owning a truck, I decided to buy my first 3/4 ton pickup. I use it for multiple thing, work, camping, home projects and also just daily driving. I thought very carefully about buying a truck before settling on the Dodge RAM, with a 24 valve Cummins engine. It gives me the most bang for my buck when it comes to horsepower and pulling ability while also pulling whatever it is behind it at a affordable rate. Features I like power, ease of use, power seats and windows. Some issues I have had the front end sometimes floats and is not straight as could be, it does take 3 gallons of oil every oil change, but does run between 5 and 7 thousand miles. Overall I think my choice for my truck was a good one and have been pleased with the overall experience of it.
accountCircle Amanda G
Really cool truck love the details.
I haven't had any major issues since I bought my vehicle. Definitely love the cosmetic details with it also.
accountCircle Carin M
It's a big vehicle. Has a blind spot in the rear and can easily damage tailgate and bumper.
I enjoy driving the truck. It handles well. I have had very few issues with the engine. Down side is the gas mileage. Besides using the truck for main transportation we haul a 22 foot trailer for camping.
accountCircle Amber W
It is 15 years old and performs like it was brand new.
I like the space in my cab.. I like that it does everything I need it to do... I do not like the cost of registration.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Bryan Graves B
Cost too much to upkeep..
Too many to list plus fuel leak from all 6 injectors which I just replaced about 2 years ago and can't afford to fix again,, tires are too expensive my window doesn't work and parts all cost a lot.. I used to love it but after dumping about 15,000 into it during the last 5 years it's really just a headache at this point..
accountCircle Ron H
Don't buy one. Very cheap product
The dashboard cracked and fell apart 4 years after I bought it new. Has a squeak I can't get rid of. Fan motor and the defrost box were defective within 2 years. This all happened with less that 10,000 miles on it. No issues with the drivetrain
accountCircle Pamela W
Great setup but poor cruise control
My truck is pretty reliable. I love the room and space, as well as the setup of the interior. The cruise control is temperamental.
accountCircle Daniel S
It's not little, and the ride is a bit ruff, but it pulls very well
It's very dependable, ants has great diesel mileage
accountCircle Brenda R
Diesel-good mileage-good towing ability and hauling ability.
Have had maintenance problems with it since I have owned it. Have spent 600-1000 in repairs each year since I bought it. It does get good mileage for a truck and a lot of the newer diesels don't get as good mileage.
accountCircle Olga G
Impressive Truck you didn't know you wanted
Reliable, it's very comfortable and strong. Does not break down and rides smoothly. I really like the higher wheel suspension, which makes driving more comfortable. I would recommend this vehicle to someone who wants a reliable truck. This a great vehicle.
accountCircle Howard
2003 Dodge Ram 2500
Bought one new in 2003. 5.7 Hemi with 6 speed standard transmission. Ran great with plenty of towing power. Ball joints went bad as soon as warranty expired as did the abs pump. Still had brakes just not anti- lock. Replaced tie rod ends a year or so later. Cruise control stopped working the 2nd time ball joints were replaced. Wheel wells rusted out after 10-12 years and now won’t pass WV inspection laws. Gas tank straps rusted through. The good news is that the original battery lasted 16 years before it finally wore out.
accountCircle Charlie B
My truck is a beast. That drinks too much gas.
My truck is currently in the shop being worked on. List of problems are radio not working, alternator problems, blinker problem, muffler problems, oil change, and check engine light.

Dodge Ram 2500 Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
ST
250-345 HP 6 Seats
car
SLT
250-345 HP 3 Seats
Photos may not match model

2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Owner Reviews

4.14
36 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 44%
4 stars 33%
3 stars 17%
2 stars 3%
1 star 3%
accountCircle Wesley B on March 22, 2021
2003 dodge 2500 six speed diesel, lifted.
I have had to spend quite a bit of money on issues with the truck, but it is an older truck and figured I'd have a few expenses. The truck is lifted six inches and rides a bit rough. Have had to replace the clutch, suspension bushings, tires, electrical lines and a few other things. It is my dream truck so the time and money I have spent on the truck is a labor of love. The long bed comes in very handy when out camping, as I am a tall man and can actually stretch out in the bed.
accountCircle Howard on January 21, 2021
2003 Dodge Ram 2500
Bought one new in 2003. 5.7 Hemi with 6 speed standard transmission. Ran great with plenty of towing power. Ball joints went bad as soon as warranty expired as did the abs pump. Still had brakes just not anti- lock. Replaced tie rod ends a year or so later. Cruise control stopped working the 2nd time ball joints were replaced. Wheel wells rusted out after 10-12 years and now won’t pass WV inspection laws. Gas tank straps rusted through. The good news is that the original battery lasted 16 years before it finally wore out.
View All Reviews (36) chevronRightAlternative

Ranks #14 Full Size Pickup Trucks by Owners

The 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 has an average owner rating of 4.23 out of 5 which ranks it #14 of 19 other Full Size Pickup Trucks.

1
car
2003 GMC Sierra 2500
5
2
car
2003 Dodge Ram 3500
4.67
14
car
2003 Dodge Ram 2500
4.11

Is The 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 A Good Car?

This truck has been the best investment I ever owned. It was expensive when we first purchased it but with all the uses it has pretty much paid for itself . We've not had many issues with repairs all... Read More
Ayesha K.

How Reliable Is The 2003 Dodge Ram 2500?

It is a very reliable truck. It doesn't have any issues beside normal maintenance. We have not had any major issue with it in the 16 years that we have owned it.
Carol E.

Is The 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 A Good Value?

When we purchased the truck it cost 40 thousands. I feel that it was well worth the price. A lower price would of been much better but I think it was a good value
Anastasia S.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2003 dodge ram 2500 lug pattern?

Answer: The 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 has a lug pattern of 8 X6.5. This will be on a standard size set of rims, at 16 inches. If You need to replace these tires, You can find them at any automotive car parts location that...

What's the 2003 dodge ram 2500 5.7 Hemi oil type?

Answer: The 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 5.7 Hemi recommended oil type iS5w-30. It requireS7 quarts of oil when changing the oil. It is recommended to change Your oil every 3,000-5,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first....
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Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test
(Not Rated)
*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test
(Not Tested)
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety