Dodge Ram Van

Price Paid:  $25000.00 from Mt Clemens Dodge

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 Ram 1500 Conversion Van

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.

Strengths:
Powerful engine Comfortable seating

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

Weaknesses:
one problem after another and very bad customer service

Price Paid:  $23000.00 from at dealer

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 Ram 1500 Conv Van

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.

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)

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

Price Paid:  $15200.00 from Dodge Midlothian, IL

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 1500 Conv.

Summary:
Was looking for a minivan but could not see spending $23000.00+. At the price I got my Ram Van what a bargin and the room is great for kids. Also take the bench seat out and you can transport everything you would with a pick up. Would like to have a V8 but I got the short box version and the V6 is the only option and with no over drive available on V6 it seems that it works very hard at highway speeds. After 17000mi no major problems. Recommend getting powerwindows and definately power mirrors.

Strengths:
lots of room {keeps kids separated} and hauling. Price, Price. Warranty and solid history. Makes all mini vans look like matchbox cars. Great view{you sit high up on the road}.

Weaknesses:
No overdrive for V6/ No V8 for short box version. 13-15mpg. Bumpy Ride.

Similar Products Used:
none