Dodge Ram 1500

Name: 2012 Dodge Ram 1500
Brand: Dodge

EPA MPG: 15 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 15 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

This version of the Ram was a huge improvement over previous Rams. A switch to coil springs at the rear dramatically improved the ride. Cabin quietness approached luxury levels. Acceleration from the 5.7-liter V8 is effortless, and the crew cab's rear seat is vast. The Hemi engine's fuel economy has improved, and though it's still not great, it is competitive for the class. Note, too, that one must select options carefully: Choosing 20-inch wheels chops 1,000 pounds from the rated towing capacity.

2012 Pickup Trucks Reliability

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Dodge Ram 1500

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Marginal

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Dodge vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Marginal

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Dodge vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Marginal

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Dodge vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

2012 Full-sized pickup trucks Ratings

2012 Dodge Ram 1500

$ NA

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Avalanche

$7,875 - $11,025

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

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2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

$5,650 - $13,650

EPA MPG 16 mpg

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2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Dodge Ram 2500

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Dodge Ram 3500

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Ford F-150

$6,325 - $17,625

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Ford F-250

$7,975 - $18,600

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Ford F-350

$8,450 - $20,725

EPA MPG NA

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 GMC Sierra 1500

$7,000 - $14,100

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 GMC Sierra 2500HD

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 GMC Sierra 3500HD

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

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2012 Nissan Titan

$6,200 - $10,725

EPA MPG 14 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Ram 1500

$6,125 - $12,325

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Ram 2500

$5,600 - $21,850

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Ram 3500

$11,500 - $25,525

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Tundra

$9,250 - $17,300

EPA MPG 14 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

extended cab

regular cab

crew cab

3 front, 3 rear

4WD, Rear

3.7-liter V6 (215 hp)
4.7-liter V8 (310 hp)
5.7-liter V8 (390 hp)

6-speed automatic
4-speed automatic

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2009-2012

2009 Redesign Year

The 2009 redesign brought the Ram up-to-date with a coil-spring rear suspension, which improved ride and handling significantly. This made the pickup fully competitive in the marketplace. Fuel economy for the 5.7-liter V8 was improved and cabin quiet approached that of a luxury car's. If towing is important to you, be aware that models with the 20-inch wheel option sacrifice 1,000 pounds of rated capacity. Ram became a separate brand in 2011.

2002-2008

2002 Redesign Year

The Ram's aggressive styling, spacious cabin and voluminous cargo bed are pluses; but ponderous handling, poor fuel economy, and subpar braking limit this big pickup's appeal. Engines include a hopelessly overmatched V6, two V8s, and from 2004 to 2006 a powerful V10. The popular 4.7-liter V8 is weak and thirsty. A powerful 5.7-liter Hemi V8 was offered beginning in 2003. A longer-cab four-door debuted in 2006. After Dodge reworked the suspension system for 2006, our tested 2007 model had a better ride than previous models.

1995-2001

1995 Redesign Year

The Ram's cabin is roomy and the cargo bed voluminous, but ponderous handling, poor fuel economy, and subpar braking performance limit this big pickup's appeal. Engines include a hopelessly overmatched V6, an inline-6 turbodiesel, two V8s, and a powerful V10. The popular 5.2-liter V8 is weak and thirsty. A new-for-1998 four-door Quad Cab model brought improved rear access.