The Best Year for the Dodge RAM 1500
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Dodge’s RAM 1500 series of pickup trucks has been a household name in the pickup truck industry for many years. They’re reliable trucks with great hauling capacity and performance capabilities. Dodge pivoted away from the RAM 1500 in 2011, however, opting to focus on different RAM models instead. It’s been a decade since a new RAM 1500 came out, which means there’s plenty of information available comparing the year models.
We want to make sure you walk away with the best year for the Dodge RAM 1500, so here we’ll tell you why the 2010 model is the best and what to look for in its various trim levels.
Quick Answer: Get the 2010 Dodge RAM 1500
We’ve found that the best year for the Dodge RAM 1500 is easily 2010. Coming in right at the end of the RAM 1500 line, the 2010 year model has all the most up-to-date tech in this series that you could want while also being more reliable than those that came before it (and the 2011 model that came after it, too!). Look no further than the 2010 Dodge RAM 1500 for an excellent combination of safety and performance.
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Is the Dodge RAM 1500 Right for You?
If you place a lot of value on performance, towing capabilities, and reliability, and are into pickup trucks, then the Dodge RAM 1500 is a great vehicle for you. They offer a lot of storage options and are great for off-roading and transporting supplies from one place to another. Another great perk of the Dodge RAM 1500 is that it’s relatively cheap to buy a nice used one since the RAM 1500 series has moved forward without Dodge’s name attached to it. There are a number of more modern trucks available, so a Dodge RAM 1500’s depreciation makes it a highly valuable purchase.
Five Different Trim Levels
One of the reasons that 2010 is the best year for the Dodge RAM 1500 is its extreme level of customizability. This car offers five different trim levels to choose from: ST, SLT, Sport, TRX, and Laramie. All of these also give you the choice of a regular cab with a short bed or long bed, a crew cab with a short bed, and a quad cab with four doors and a short bed. According to New Car Test Drive, you can choose to get a 390 hp, 5.7 liter, V8 Hemi engine on any of the car models, but there are standard 310 hp, 4.7 liter 8 cylinder engines for each model as well.
While the base ST trim may not have the fanciest features out there, it will still treat you well and keep you safe and sound. The more you’re willing to pay for a nice trim, however, the more advanced the features. The SLT trim adds luxuries like cruise control, an overhead console, and power windows. The TRX trim is pretty similar to the SLT trim but has slightly different features, and the height of the ride is different as well. The Sport trim is the next level up, allowing you to enjoy fog lamps and a designer interior. Last, we’ll talk about the Laramie trim level because it’s the highest quality trim you can get for a 2010 Dodge RAM 1500. You can expect amazing features like dual-zone climate control, a security alarm system, and heated seats.
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What’s the Drivetrain and Gas Mileage Like?
In addition to the choice of regular cab, quad cab, and crew cab, you can choose between 2 Wheel Drive and 4 Wheel Drive for the drivetrain. The gas mileage for each model and trim level of the 2010 Dodge RAM 1500 can be variable depending on the cab style and engine, but we’ve still found some estimates to expect. In general, expect about 15-16 combined MPG for this car model across the board. If you’re lucky, you might find a used RAM 1500 with better mileage, but this is about where you should set your expectations.
What Technology Comes with the Dodge RAM 1500?
The 2010 Dodge RAM 1500 may be over a decade old at this point, but part of the reason 2010 is the best year for the Dodge RAM 1500 is that the technology still holds up so well today. If you happen to spring for the top-level Laramie trim, you’ll get some amazing technological perks. These include dual-zone climate control and leather seats that you can heat up. All the trims from SLT upwards have things like cruise control, too, so you can expect at least some level of solid tech in all the trims above the base one.
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What Will You Pay for a 2010 Dodge RAM 1500?
Since the original Dodge RAM 1500 series is now defunct in place of the RAM-branded line, you’ll almost definitely have to buy used. The price for a 2010 Dodge RAM 1500 will vary considerably depending on the condition of the vehicle, the party you’re buying from, and your negotiation tactics. According to Edmunds, you can expect to pay anywhere between about $5,500 and $8,300 based on the condition of the car, with cars in the lower range being much rougher than cars in the more expensive range which would be in great condition. This is all if you buy a car from a private party, however, so you might have to pay upwards of $1,000 more if you go to a dealership.
As always, we recommend going to a trusted mechanic and having them personally inspect the used 2010 Dodge RAM 1500 you’re looking at. This way, you have an expert you trust who can tell you if the car is worth purchasing. You should also ask for a vehicle pre-inspection history report so you can look for any red flags.
2010 Dodge RAM 1500 Safety Features and Reliability
When compared to other Dodge RAM 1500s, the 2010 year model had the fewest number of driver complaints by far. It has been renowned for its reliability and safety capabilities, making it a great choice for anyone wanting to take the utmost care when driving. Some of the safety features include anti-lock brakes, stability control, and an anti-theft security system.
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