The 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 is a well-built American truck made for towing and hauling as well as taking the family on a vacation in the mountains. It provides enough power for city and off-road utilization. It's available with plenty of options at a decent price range, and the safety ratings that are available speak well for the pickup. However, the biggest downfall is the poor gas mileage.
The Range
Body Styles: pickup
Engines: 3.9-liter V-6, 5.2-liter V-8, 5.9-liter V-8
Transmissions: four-speed automatic, five-speed manual
Models: Dodge Ram 1500 ST, Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie SLT, Dodge Ram 1500 WS, Dodge Ram 1500 LT
What's New
The 1996 Dodge Ram makes some minor revisions to the Ram's mechanical aspects, which includes a governed automatic transmission and a significant torque increase. Additional new color options are also offered.
Exterior
The 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 comes in 15 color options, and 16-inch wheels are standard in all models. The Laramie SLT comes with chrome wheels, and all other models come with alloy wheels. A manual sliding rear window is available as well.
Interior
The 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 is quite simple, and the ST and Laramie SLT come standard with cloth seating while other models come standard with vinyl seating. Extended cab options are available for more room on the inside, while air-conditioning is standard in the Laramie SLT and optional in other models. All models come with an AM/FM stereo system. Additional options include Infinity Audio system, cruise control, and overhead console.
Performance & Handling
The 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 come standard with a 5.2-liter V-8 engine, except the WS, which comes with a 3.9-liter V-6 engine. While the engines provide plenty of power for daily and off-road use, acceleration is lacking. Gas mileage, as it is with many heavy duty trucks, is extremely poor. Furthermore, automatic transmission options sap the energy from the engines.
Safety
The 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 comes standard with driver's side airbag and rear-wheel anti-lock brakes. Safety options include fog lights, auto-dim mirrors, and a limited slip differential. During crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it receives five out of five stars for driver's side safety in a frontal collision.
EPA Fuel Economy
Dodge Ram 1500 2WD 3.9-liter V-6, automatic: 13/17 mpg city/highway
Dodge Ram 1500 2WD 3.9-liter V-6, manual: 15/19 mpg city/highway
Dodge Ram 1500 2WD 5.2-liter V-8, automatic: 12/16 mpg city/highway
Dodge Ram 1500 2WD 5.9-liter V-8, manual: 11/16 mpg city/highway
Dodge Ram 1500 4WD 5.2-liter V-8, automatic: 11/15 mpg city/highway
Dodge Ram 1500 4WD 5.2-liter V-8, manual: 12/16 mpg city/highway
Dodge Ram 1500 4WD 5.9-liter V-8, automatic: 10/14 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- Extended cab options
- Reliability
- Durability
You Won't Like
- Fuel economy
- Poorly design cup holder
- Slow acceleration
Sum Up
Reliable, gas guzzling pickup truck.
If You Like This Vehicle
- Ford F-150
- GMC Sierra C/K 1500
- Chevrolet C/K 1500