2003 Dodge Ram Review: A Once-Impressive Full-Size Truck That’s at Least a Decade Past its Prime

If you’ve always wanted to drive a Ram, look for a newer model. The 2003 Dodge Ram’s best days are behind it. Even if you can find one with stable suspension and no rust in the frame, it’s only a matter of time before the transmission gives out.

Is the 2003 Dodge Ram a Good Used Truck?

• Overall Rating 4/10 – Of the three leading full-size trucks, the 2003 Dodge Ram has aged worse than the Silverado or the F-Series, with rust and chipping plastic taking a toll on the vehicle’s structure.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 6/10 – The interior is roomy, the seats are comfy, and the bed is big enough for any basic hauling job. But, suspension problems and bumpy roads may have you losing half your cargo on the way there.
• Reliability 3/10 – After twenty years on the road and 12 recalls, the 2003 Dodge Ram is a breakdown waiting to happen.
• Safety 7/10 – You won’t feel unsafe in a 2003 Dodge Ram, and the truck scored well in IIHS crash tests. But don’t expect modern safety tech like lane keep assist and rearview cameras.
• Gas Mileage 3/10 – The lightest model gets about 16/21 miles to the gallon, city highway, while the Laramie gets a scant 14/19, which is pretty bad even for a 2003 full-size.
• Value 4/10 – If you must buy a twenty year old full-size truck, the F-150 has higher towing capacity and can be found at a lower price.

What Do Critics Say About the 2003 Dodge Ram?

• Consumer Reports stated that while the 2003 was an improvement over the 2002, it’s still a gas guzzler with a noisy cabin and a tight backseat.
• Edmunds praised the spacious cabs and tight cornering, but they felt that the top-tier V8 engine was a little underwhelming, and the gas mileage is pretty weak even for a 2003 full-size.
• Kelley Blue Book users give the Ram an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5. They praise the truck’s handling and towing capabilities, but note that there are some reliability issues that may pop up when buying used.

What Common Problems Does the 2003 Dodge Ram Have?

There are some serious structural issues with the 2003 Ram, with one driver reporting that a passenger cut their hand on a splintered piece of dashboard plastic. Others have reported the frame being almost totally rusted through.

Suspension problems are becoming more common as the truck gets older, with drivers reporting that the vehicle may rock violently from side to side after hitting curbs or while going down bumpy roads.

Airbags have been the truck’s biggest problem to date, with around one third of the Ram’s 1,343 driver complaints being for airbag issues, with a major recall on file and two investigations still open at present.

In total the 2003 Dodge Ram has 12 recalls on file, which isn’t bad for such an old truck, but add that to the vehicle’s age and you can expect a lot of issues down the line.

How Long Will the 2003 Dodge Ram Last?

RepairPal report that you may wind up spending around $2,590 on a new cylinder head every 100,000 miles or so. So, if the previous owner didn’t get this taken care of recently, it might not be long before another one blows.

With excellent maintenance, you shouldn’t be surprised to see a 2003 Dodge Ram hit 300,000 miles. But, there’s no telling how well the previous owner kept the truck, so keep your expectations realistic and see if you can reach 200,000 before it gets too expensive to keep repairing.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is is as basic as it gets, even for a 2003 work truck. In the higher trim level you get a CD player and a cigar lighter for your power outlet.

Safety technology is likewise pretty bare bones. The anti-lock brake system is the most high-tech safety feature on board the 2003 Ram.

Is the 2003 Dodge Ram a Good Value?

The 2003 Dodge Ram is a bit of a clunker. At the low end you’re going to be spending at least $4,434, and that’s if you can get a good deal. Given the numerous mechanical issues and the truck’s age, that’s just not a great value.

What are the Different Models of the 2003 Dodge Ram?

The 2003 Dodge Ram comes in two basic trim levels.

The ST, an entry-level trim featuring:

• Vinyl split bench seating
• Manual air conditioning
• Manual windows and door locks
• AM/FM with cassette and CD player
• 4-pin trailer tow wiring
• Power rack and pinion steering

The SLT, or Laramie, the higher-end trim level, adds:

• Cloth split bench seating
• Floor carpeting and mats
• Power windows and locks

What Engines Come In the 2003 Dodge Ram?

• The base engine is a 3.7L V6 delivering 215 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque. That’ll get you up to up to 3,750 pounds of towing power. This one comes packed into the base SL trim level.
• The SLT/Laramie features a 4.7L V8 engine producing 240 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque for a maximum of 8,650 pounds of towing power. Both engines are paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

What Colors Does the 2003 Dodge Ram Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2003 Dodge Ram?

There are no complaints when it comes to interior cab space. The three-seat Regular cab can get a little crowded if you’re packing the whole family in, but it should seat two adults no problem, while the Crew and Quad can comfortably haul the whole team.

The ride can be a bit bumpy, so check it out on the test drive. Try some tight corners and gravel roads and see how it feels.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2003 Dodge Ram Have?

You’ve got plenty of room in the back of a 2003 Dodge Ram. There’s a 6-foot-3-inch Standard bed, and an 8-foot Long bed. Both are 66.4 inches wide and 21.4 inches deep, so whether you’re carrying a stack of lumber or hauling the dirtbike down to the track, you’ve got the space for it.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The 2003 Dodge Ram was the second year in the 3rd Generation for the truck. The third-gen stretches from the 2002 to 2007 model years.

2002: The 2002 edition was a from-the-ground-up redesign, with a whole new frame, powertrain, suspension system, and cab. The modern Ram look really started here.

2003: Dodge swapped out the AAM axles with Dana Corp axles for 2003, resulting in a sturdier build overall.

2004: 2004 saw the addition of a Hemi V8 engine to the Dodge Ram lineup.

2005: Dodge swapped out the 5-speed manual transmissions for 6-speeds in the 2005 lineup.

2006: The Ram got a dramatic redesign in 2006 with a brand new frame, sturdier front suspension, and the introduction of the Mega Cab.

2007: Dodge added E85 flex-fuel capability to the 4.7L V8, and the seat trim is more stain-resistant.

How Does the 2003 Dodge Ram Compare to the Competition?

The F-Series, Silverado, and Dodge Ram came in first, second, and third respectively for most sales in 2003. And that’s about the order they should be ranked, too.

For the 2003 model, the F-150 generated about a third as many complaints as the Ram, and it’s cheaper, too, with prices starting in the $2,000-$3,000 range.

The 2003 Chevrolet Silverado has racked up a few more complaints and recalls than the Dodge Ram, but you’ll more creature comforts on board, like actual power outlets.

Finally, both the Silverado and the F-150 outclass the Ram for towing power. For many drivers, that may be the end of the conversation right there.

Do Owners Recommend the 2003 Dodge Ram?