The 2004 Dodge Ram is perhaps the most affordable way to get behind the wheel of a 2004 full-size pickup, but only if you’re looking for a stripped-down work truck with nothing on it. At the high end it’s a bit overpriced, and there’s no mid-range model for the daily-driver crowd.
Is the 2004 Dodge Ram a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – If you want a basic nuts-and-bolts truck for hauling horse trailers and construction supplies, the 2004 Ram is hard to beat for the price. If you want a full-size truck for literally anything else, the Silverado and F-150 leave the Ram in the dust for the 2004 model year.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – The interior is spacious and the bed will haul anything you want to take with you, but the ride is pretty stiff and interior conveniences are limited.
- Reliability 7/10 – The engine and transmission are built to last, but you better keep a couple thousand bucks on hand for various gaskets, compressors, modules and hoses that need to be replaced.
- Safety 7/10 – The Ram earned solid crash test scores and it’s built like a tank, but safety features are well out of date, and were nothing to write home about at the time, either.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – The 4.7L V8 struggles to get 14/19 miles to the gallon, city/highway, making it the least efficient of the leading full-size trucks that year.
- Value 7/10 – The entry-level ST is priced to move, the high-end SLT is priced to stay right where it is, and there’s no mid-range model to split the difference.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2004 Dodge Ram?
Consumer Reports had plenty of praise for the 2004 Ram’s powerful Hemi V8 engine, but noted that it was incredibly inefficient. The jittery ride and “cumbersome” handling cost the truck a few points, as well.
Kelley Blue Book users love how reliable the 2004 Dodge Ram is, with one driver reporting in late 2022 that they’re closing in on 500,000 miles. Drivers like how it tows and handles, but note that the nickel-and-dime repairs add up fast.
Edmunds were impressed at the Ram’s passenger room, the powerful Hemi V8, and the sharp handling. They didn’t like the truck’s poor fuel economy, and note that it has fewer configuration options than the Silverado and F-150.
What Common Problems Does the 2004 Dodge Ram Have?
Airbags have been a major recurring problem for 2004 Dodge Ram owners, with complaints still rolling in as late as October 2022. There have been three recalls for the truck’s airbags, with some drivers having reported that they were still waiting on replacement parts years later.
Reports of powertrain issues are a bit high, with 186 complaints on file. One recent complaint reports that the rear wheels locked up and the transmission failed at 137,000 miles. Another driver reports finding a crack right down the middle of the transmission after hitting 160,000 miles.
Overheating and engine stall have been reported in a number of units, some with failure mileage as low as 100,000.
The 2004 Ram has 15 recalls on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and 1,131 complaints. These numbers aren’t so far outside of what you expect of a full-size truck from 2004, but you do have a lot of issues to look out for.
How Long Will the 2004 Dodge Ram Last?
You should expect a 2004 Dodge Ram to last around 250,000 miles. Of course, it all depends on how well the previous owner maintained it, but drivers report 200,000 on the low end and 300,000 on the high end. If you change your oil and transmission fluid on time, a quarter million miles is realistic.
RepairPal suggest putting around $691 a year aside for maintenance, and a bit more than that for repairs, with the most expensive common fix being a new head gasket starting at $1,522.
The only problem was getting the water pump fixed. That’s was covered in the extended warranty. So I have none to little problems.
Have had no issues runs great all we have done is normally maintenance an we've put in a new blower motor
Very reliable and strong. The only real issues that I have had is due to the truck being lifted. The front end does not like it!
The only problems I've really ever had with it has been the lights on the dashboard. Sometimes they go out and a leaking spot in the car.
If it does have any problems it's very low cost to repair. Most repairs I have been able to handle myself without involving a mechanic.
Very reliable and has no problems. Low miles and very cold air and hot heat. Comfortable drive so good on trips and very spacious
It is reliable. Biggest problem is the body rust. The vehicle runs great with few problems over the years. The body has a lot of rust.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is about what you expect of a twenty year old work truck. The high-end SLT trim comes with a CD player, and that’s about as fancy as the 2004 Dodge Ram gets in this regard.
Safety technology is adequate. Both trims come with anti-lock brakes, and you have full airbags. The truck earned solid crash test scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but you have to expect dated features in a 2004 pickup.
Is the 2004 Dodge Ram a Good Value?
The 2004 Dodge Ram is a decent value at the entry level, and a bit overpriced at the higher trim level. An SLT model typically lists at around $9,605, which is about a thousand dollars more than you’d expect to pay for a comparable Silverado or F-150.
An ST model goes for roughly a thousand dollars less than a comparable Chevy or Ford, typically listing at around $5,902, and promises about the same longevity.
What are the Different Models of the 2004 Dodge Ram?
The 2004 Dodge Ram is offered in just two trim levels, being the base ST and the top-of-the-line SLT.
The entry-level ST features:
- Manual air conditioning
- AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player
- Vinyl seat trim
- 12v power outlet
With the mid-range SLT, you’re adding:
- Remote keyless entry
- Power windows and door locks
- Heated mirrors
- Cloth seat trim
What Engines Come In the 2004 Dodge Ram?
- The ST trim comes with a 3.7L V6 MAGNUM. This engine delivers 215 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque, averaging 16/21 miles to the gallon, city/highway, paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission, and configured in rear wheel drive. The ST maxes out at 4,950 pounds of towing capacity.
- In the SLT you’re getting a 4.7L flex-fuel MAGNUM V8. 345 horsepower, 375 lb.-ft. of torque, and 14/19 miles to the gallon. This is paired with a 4-speed automatic and configured in four wheel drive. The SLT can go up to 9,000 pounds of towing capacity, depending on your options.
What Colors Does the 2004 Dodge Ram Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2004 Dodge Ram?
The 2004 Dodge Ram is offered in two cab sizes, Regular and Quad. Regular is a one-row for the stripped-down work truck driver, while the Quad offers a nice wide 65 inches of hip room, front and back.
If you’re going with the Quad, the interior is pretty spacious, but the ride is stiff. The suspension is designed for hauling heavy weight with a smooth ride being a distant second priority. With a full load of gravel or lumber you can smooth the ride out a bit, but unless you want to spend the gas money carrying a ton of cargo with you everywhere you go you’re going to be feeling every bump in the road.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2004 Dodge Ram Have?
The 2004 Ram has plenty of cargo space. Available with a Short bed at 75.6 inches, and a Long bed at 96 inches. Whichever box you go with, it’s 66.4 inches wide and 21.4 inches deep. This is more than enough space for pretty much anything you expect of a full-size pickup.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2004 Dodge Ram was the third model year in the 3rd Generation, running from 2002 to 2007
2002: A total redesign for the Dodge Ram, the 2002 model featured a brand new frame, powertrain, and suspension.
2003: A new set of Dana Corp axles made for a sturdier, stabler build.
2004: The Hemi V8 engine option was introduced in 2004.
2005: The optional 5-speed manual transmission was dropped for a 6-speed transmission in 2005.
2006: A major redesign year for the Ram, the 2006 introduced the Mega Cab and a revamped frame.
2007: A flex-fuel 4.7L V8 was introduced for 2007, and the interior received new stain-resistant cloth trim.
How Does the 2004 Dodge Ram Compare to the Competition?
The 2004 Ford F-150 was the top selling vehicle for that model year. At the entry level, the 2004 Ram is a bit cheaper than a base F-150, but you don’t have a lot of options from there, with the next trim level up being the SLT at around ten grand. The 2004 Ram is a great truck, but comes up short on flexibility with no mid-range model.
Chevrolet’s Silverado was the second-best seller in 2004, and it’s basically the same story here: the Ram is cheaper at the entry level, pricier at the high end, and lacks a mid-range model to compete with the mid-range Silverado.
You can pretty much rank the best full-size pickups of 2004 by their sales figures, but, if you’re after a basic work truck, if you don’t care about creature comforts, the 2004 Dodge Ram is the most affordable way to get behind the wheel of a 1500.
Do Owners Recommend the 2004 Dodge Ram?
Yes I like it because it very comfortable, and perfect family vehicle. It has a big place. Perfect for my baby
Yes. This is a great vehicle. Drives great and has the space for 4 adults and a child . Plus, I can help my friends move. And it has a toll package.
Yes just not really family friendly if you have babies with rear facing child seats and are tall they don't fit well
It's a great truck! It's strong and very reliable. I feel very safe in that truck! My last Ram saved my life. I trust them.
It’s a great vehicle it’s lasted me this long. I've had barely any problems with it. I think it’s been a great truck so far.
Yes it's an extremely good vehicle and very dependable. The motor in this vehicle is incredible with the amount of miles it can handle on a weekly basis without fail. So far it's very low maintenance for what needs to be done and by far one of my cheaper vehicles to maintain.
Yes very good with low miles It is in very good condition. And is very reliable. Food for hauling and travel so it is a work and play vehicle
Excellent vehicle been driving it for 15 years. Has goons very few problems throughout the years. Can't complain about it.
