2012 Ram 1500 review
Ram 1500 highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
Pros
- Top-level ride quality
- Powerful V8 engine is as economical as the V6
Cons
- V6 engine is weak and delivers poor fuel economy
- Maximum towing capacity lags some rivals
Mileage (EPA estimate)
13 city, 19 highway, 15 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The 2012 Ram 1500 is a top choice for a full-size pickup
The 2012 Ram 1500 shows that even the most capable full-size pickup truck can offer more than utility. The Ram 1500's interior is so nice it wouldn't disgrace an SUV, while equipment levels mean you can enjoy convenience and comfort even while working. As with all its rivals, this truck's usefulness depends on what you need it for, and Ram offers a number of cab options and bed lengths to suit your needs. The Ram 1500's biggest cab offering can seat as many as six, or if truck bed size is more important, you can get one up to 8 feet long.
It can't quite match top rivals in outright towing capacity, but it's so close you won't notice. Ram's fitting of coil springs on the rear axle—most rivals use leaf springs—means when you're not towing or hauling a full load, the ride remains car-like. There's a choice of engines and either rear- or all-wheel drive to match the cabs and beds. The entry-level, and somewhat underwhelming, 3.7-liter V6 has 215 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque and it's mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The next-level 4.7-liter V8 gains 95 hp and 77 lb-ft, but the range-topping 390-hp 5.7-liter V8 is so close in its EPA-estimated fuel economy that, if you can afford the extra cost, it's worth having. Both V8s have a six-speed automatic transmission. Trim levels start with ST and climb through the SLT, Sport, and the top-of-the-line Laramie. There's plenty of opportunity to mix and match options, but we'd pick an SLT because it offers all the essentials and more and comes standard with an appealing V8.
All Ram 1500 years
What is new for the 2012 Ram 1500?
- The 1500 is available in a variety of new trims, including the Bighorn, Express, Laramie Limited, Lonestar, Outdoorsman, R/T, and Tradesman.
- 1500 trims have been upgraded with Bluetooth Technology and SiriusXM Trial Available as standard equipment this year.
- Leatherette & Cloth and Leatherette Seats features are now available as options on select trims.
- The Laramie trim now comes with Rear View Camera, Navigation System, and Alpine Sound System as standard equipment.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2012 Ram 1500 is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
RepairPal gave the Ram 1500 an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ram 1500 3rd out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Ram 1500Ram 1500 features and specs
Outdoorsman 2WD 2D Regular Cab
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Flex Fuel Vehicle
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Tow Hitch
- Traction Control
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Alpine Sound System
- Automatic Transmission
- Bed Cover
- Bed Liner
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Flex Fuel Vehicle
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather Seats
- Long Bed
- Navigation System
- Parking Sensors
- Power Seat(s)
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Running Boards
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
4.7L
Horsepower
315
Torque (ft-lbs)
330
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
32
Wheelbase
140.5"
Overall length
231"
Width
79.4"
Height
74.4"
Leg room
F 41"
Head room
F 40.3"
Front tires
LT265/70R17E
Rear tires
LT265/70R17E
Seating capacity
2
Max towing capacity
938/6250 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2012 Ram 1500 FAQ
The 2012 Ram 1500 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Outdoorsman: 14 MPG City and 20 MPG Highway
- Express: 14 MPG City and 20 MPG Highway
- Laramie: 14 MPG City and 20 MPG Highway
- Bighorn: 14 MPG City and 20 MPG Highway
- ST: 14 MPG City and 20 MPG Highway
- Tradesman: 14 MPG City and 20 MPG Highway
- SLT: 14 MPG City and 20 MPG Highway
- Sport: 14 MPG City and 20 MPG Highway
- R/T: 14 MPG City and 20 MPG Highway
- Laramie Longhorn: 14 MPG City and 20 MPG Highway
- Lonestar: 14 MPG City and 20 MPG Highway
- Laramie Limited: 14 MPG City and 20 MPG Highway
The Ram 1500 received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Ram 1500 as 2 out of 19 among Fullsize Truck
The 2012 Ram 1500 has received an average 5.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2012 Ram 1500, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2012 Ram 1500 Reviews.
The 2012 Ram 1500 has a maximum towing capacity of between 3450 and 9100 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2012 Ram 1500:
- Bighorn
- Express
- Laramie Limited
- Lonestar
- Outdoorsman
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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