Pros: Excellent 8-speed transmission; impressive ride, handling, and quietness for a large pickup truck
Cons: Lacks new features and improvements of redesigned Ram 1500; fuel economy with 5.7-liter Hemi V8; high step-in complicates entry and exit
CG Says: The Ram 1500 was redesigned for 2019 (see separate review), but the old model continues as the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic. The 1500 Classic is unchanged this year. Ram is a large pickup truck available in regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab. There are three trim levels: Tradesman, Express, and Warlock. When Chrysler redesigned the Ram 1500 back in 2009, the company transformed its big rig from an also-ran to class leading. A steady stream of improvements in subsequent years has kept this pickup feeling fresh. The available Hemi V8 engine is potent, but the entry 3.6-liter V6 is no slouch either. The latter motor also delivers excellent fuel economy for a large pickup. The 1500 Classic is less expensive than similar models of the redesigned 1500. Plus, a regular cab isn’t available in the new series, but it is offered in the Classic range. Although lacking the latest improvements and features of the new 1500, the 1500 Classic is still a strong contender in the full-size truck market, plus it’s an economical choice.
| Class | Large Pickup Truck |
| Body Style(s) | regular cab, extended cab, crew cab |
| Passenger Count | 3-6 |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Ram |
| Nation of Manufacture | USA, Mexico |
| Base Prices | (only select models listed) Tradesman Reg. Cab, 6.4-ft bed: $30,395 Express Reg. Cab, 6.4-ft bed: $31,895 Tradesman Quad Cab, 6.4-ft bed: $34,290 4WD Express Quad Cab, 6.4-ft bed: $39,990 4WD Warlock Quad Cab, 6.4-ft bed: $41,990 4WD Tradesman Crew Cab, 6.4-ft bed: $41,175 Warlock Crew Cab, 5.7-ft bed: $41,140 4WD Warlock Crew Cab, 5.7-ft bed: $44,640 |
| Base Engine 3.6-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 305 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 16-17 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 23-25 |
| Optional Engine 5.7-liter V8 |
| Horsepower 395 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 15 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 21-22 |
