Dodge Ram Van

Price Paid:  $25000.00 from Mt Clemens Dodge

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 Ram 1500 Conversion Van

Strengths:
Powerful engine Comfortable seating

Weaknesses:
Poor fuel economy--only averaging about 11 MPG between city and highway

Summary:
Very pleased with the van. Took it on a major road trip within two weeks of getting it and it performed well. Very comfortable and from my point of view a lot of bang for the buck. We have owned two Dodge mini vans before this purchase--a 1996 short wheel base version and a 1998 Grand Caravan Sport. I wouldn't purchase another Dodge mini-van again. The 1998 model we had was on it's third set of brakes when we turned it in at lease end with 39,000 miles. I complained to the dealer on this...poor design and if you take a look at the vehicle it lurches forward placing a lot of weight on the front end. It could also stand to have 4-wheel disc brakes. The full size conversion van is far superior for about the same amount of money. Plus, you can't beat the TV and VCR.

Similar Products Used:
1996 Dodge Caravan 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan

Price Paid:  $24500.00 from Greenfield Dodge

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 Dodge 1500 Ram Van Conversion

Strengths:
Space and comfort. Safe because of size and visibility. Scored 4 in crash test for both driver and passenger.

Weaknesses:
About same gas economy as a full size SUV or pickup. About $10k less than a SUV.

Summary:
Have had this for three weeks. Kids love it. Lots of room and a ggod value for the money. More functional than a SUV.

Similar Products Used:
I have had a Bravada, Chevy pickup and Subaru Outback. The van lacks 4WD but I only needed it a few days out of the year. The van is big and perforamnce is good with the V-8 and 4 speed auto.

Price Paid:  $23000.00 from Gulf Coast Dodge Ft

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 ram van 2500

Weaknesses:
one problem after another and very bad customer service

Summary:
my van has 32000 miles when I start it the oil pressure is ok then all of a sudden it drops to zero but I haven't run it long enough to see if it comes back up Dodge dealer has had it for a week now and they still haven't told me what is up and they may not cover it because I don't have all my receipts for all my oil changes plus in February they replaced the rear end I just hope it is something simple so I can get it back and trade the piece of junk in

Price Paid:  $23000.00 from Dealer

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 Dodge Ram Van 1500 Conv

Strengths:
Solid so far, but I only have 200 miles on it. Relatively comfortable.

Weaknesses:
Gas PIG.Combined milage so far at 9.5 MPG, hopefully it will break in and gain some more. Rides pretty bouncy on the freeway, doubt that will improve much.

Summary:
Bought the van as a conversion for the family because of deep rebates. Was actually on my way to pick up a Ford F150 Supercrew but rcvd. a call from the dealer on the van. Overall, only 200 miles on it, it is fair to good,a few items did not work like the alarm chimes, speakers, but soon as I pulled into the dealer they worked. Seams solid so far, this is the 1st Dodge I have owned since a POS Omni years ago which I hated. I have driven Ford trucks for the last 15 years. And I already miss my truck, but I had to think of the family. Anyway, does not ride as well as the new trucks that are out, but afterall, it is on a cargo van shell. Bought 318 and will be towing a boat, the manual says it will handle it, time will tell. Has plenty of power for just the van, I am inpressed with that. Only plan on keeping 2 to 3 years until my wife gets a mini-van, then I am getting a truck again. I am a pick-up truck man, and compared to an older Ford E150 I had years ago, this Ram Van is much more solid. The conversion package is minimal, a flip-down TV, 4 captains chairs, and the usual shades. If it gives me proble

Similar Products Used:
Ford F150, Ford E150, drove Dodge Ram 2002 Quad cab, very nice but insurance was almost double that of the F150 Ford and 50% higher than the van

Price Paid:  $23000.00 from at dealer

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 Ram 1500 Conv Van

Strengths:
Fair mileage in towing. Good power for a 318 (5.2L). Does over the road very comfortably and runs smooth most of the time.

Weaknesses:
Gas pig, but I would not expect any different. Hesitates sometimes during acceleration right after starting. Overrev protection does not allow speed greater than 87 mph.(but the speed limit here is 70 anyway)

Summary:
My review below was with 200 miles on this. I now have 6500 miles and the van does run great. Have towed my boat several times with it on 100 mile jaunts. Pulls better than I expected but lacks power during passing with boat as I thought it would. My boat weighs abot 5500 pounds with trailer. Mileage with boat is around 10 mpg (better than the 8 with my f150 PU)and without the boat about 14 mpg doing 80 mph. A bit bouncy but the kids love it and so does the wife. I was going to dump it at the end of the year but with the 7/100000 mile drivetrain warr. I figured I would drive it until I fry the trans. Overall I am happy with it for being a big beast.

Similar Products Used:
Ford E150 1/2 ton van POS. F150,