The Good
The 2004 Ram 3500 boasts impressive towing and hauling capabilities, especially with the Cummins diesel. Its bold, aggressive design appeals to those seeking a powerful image. While not the most fuel-efficient, its reliability (particularly with the diesel) offers long-term value. The spacious cab (especially the Mega Cab) provides decent comfort for work or family use.
The Bad
The 2004 Ram 3500 can suffer from front-end suspension issues, especially with heavy use. Rust can be a problem, particularly in areas with road salt. The automatic transmissions, especially behind the diesel, are a known weak point and require diligent maintenance. Fuel economy, particularly with the gas engines, is also subpar.
2004 Dodge Ram 3500: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 5.7L Hemi V8: Approximately 345 horsepower
- 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Inline-6: Approximately 325 horsepower (high output version)
- 8.0L Magnum V10: Approximately 310 horsepower (less common)
- Horsepower: Ranging from 310 to 345 depending on the engine. The Cummins offered substantial torque.
- Fuel Economy:
- Gas Engines: 10-15 mpg combined (estimated)
- Diesel Engine: 14-18 mpg combined (estimated)
- 0-60 Times: Not a primary focus for this truck. Expect 8-10 seconds for gas engines and slightly longer for diesel when towing.
- Towing Capacity: Up to 16,000+ lbs depending on configuration, engine, and axle ratio. The Cummins diesel offered the highest towing capacity.
- Trim-Level Features:
- ST: Basic work truck, vinyl seats, manual windows/locks (typically).
- SLT: Cloth seats, power windows/locks, upgraded sound system.
- Laramie: Leather seats, premium sound system, woodgrain trim, dual-zone climate control.
- Cab Styles: Regular Cab, Quad Cab (extended cab), and Mega Cab (crew cab with significantly more rear legroom).
- Drivetrain: Available in 2WD and 4WD.
2004 Dodge Ram 3500 Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2004 |
| Make | Dodge |
| Model | Ram 3500 |
| Trim | - |
| Style | Quad Cab 2WD 5-Speed Automatic |
| Type | Pickup Truck |
| Category | Medium Truck |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Mexico |
| Manufacturing City | SALTILLO |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 5.9-L L-6 OHV 24V Turbo Diesel |
| Engine Size | 5.9L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 5-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2004 Dodge Ram 3500 Have?
There have been recalls for various issues, including airbags, brake light switch failures, and potential fuel leaks. It's important to check the NHTSA website for the most up-to-date recall information based on the VIN. Long-term reliability depends heavily on maintenance. The Cummins diesel engine is generally robust but requires regular oil changes, fuel filter replacements, and valve adjustments. Neglecting these services can lead to costly repairs. Some owners have reported issues with the instrument cluster and HVAC controls over time. The vacuum pump can also be a source of problems, affecting the 4WD system. Regular inspection and timely repairs are essential for maximizing the lifespan of this truck.
How long will the 2004 Dodge Ram 3500 last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Safety features include standard front airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS). Optional features might include side airbags (depending on the trim and year).
Driver assistance is limited to features like cruise control and power-adjustable mirrors.
Crash test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS are mixed. While some tests showed adequate protection for occupants in frontal impacts, side-impact protection was generally lower. It is important to consider these factors when evaluating the safety of a vehicle of this age. Due to the age of the vehicle, technology upgrades are often necessary if the driver is used to the latest systems.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2004 Dodge Ram 3500 Prices and Market Value
2004 Dodge Ram 3500 Cost of Ownership
2004 Dodge Ram 3500 Fuel Efficiency
2004 Dodge Ram 3500 Warranty
Basic
Powertrain
Rust
2004 Dodge Ram 3500 Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2004 Dodge Ram 3500 Compare to Other Pickup Truck?
Reliability is a mixed bag. The Cummins engine is generally robust, but the automatic transmissions and front-end components can be problematic. Ford's Power Stroke diesel and GM's Duramax diesel also had their own sets of issues, making reliability a key factor to assess on a case-by-case basis. Price-wise, the Ram was often positioned competitively, sometimes slightly lower than Ford and GM.
Alternatives to consider include the 2003-2007 Ford F-350 and the 2003-2006 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 3500. If reliability is a top priority, thoroughly inspect any potential purchase and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic. Depending on budget and needs, a newer, slightly less capable truck might offer better overall value and reliability.
Ranks #516 Truck
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Tundra | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2022 Honda Ridgeline | (5.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Ford E-Transit Chassis | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cab Chassis | (0.0★) |
| 5 | 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD | (0.0★) |
| 6 | 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz | (5.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Nissan Frontier | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Ram 4500 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2022 Jeep Gladiator | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2012 Suzuki Equator | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2009 Mitsubishi Raider | (5.0★) |
| 516 | 2004 Dodge Ram 3500 | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2004 Dodge Ram 3500 a Good Pickup Truck?
John in SC on April 17, 2020
Great truck, power, comfort and fuel efficiency.Best diesel built. Cummins dependable, easily upgraded. Large, comfortable 4 door cab, console folds to seat 3 in front and back. Lots of storage. Great pulling (3.73 gear) and fuel mileage ( up to 20 mpg) cruising. Typically run 400,000 miles with reg. maintenance.
Happy hauler on November 12, 2019
Best truck I've owned.Bought this truck to save miles on my newer truck. Bought with 438000 Km. Have since pulled a camper to the west coast and back to the prairies without a hiccup. Have since sold newer truck. Love love love my 04
The Bobber on November 2, 2018
A Great Buy!After I test drove this truck, I told my wife it looked and drove like a brand-new vehicle. Despite being 14 years old, with two previous owners, the truck's leather seats showed only a couple of small scuffs. The carpet showed no signs of wear. The exterior, a beautiful silver, still shone and had only two very small chips in the paint. A beautiful truck indeed! As to practicality, I should note that we bought this diesel one-ton to tow a 40-foot fifth-wheel RV. The Cummins 5.9L engine clearly will get the job done. Without a tow load, it's averaging 25 miles per gallon on the highway! We made our decision to buy so quickly that we didn't discover some of the truck's many features until we got it home! It came with a bedliner and a locking tonneau cover. The tailgate locks too. It has a factory-installed engine block heater and dual batteries. A crew cab, it has four doors. Both side mirrors are heated, and they fold out for extended viewing when towing. The tires are brand-new. The interior boasts a Kenwood CD player and radio, Infiniti speakers, leather-wrapped tilt wheel with cruise control, heated front seats, separate heat/AC controls for each side of the vehicle, a center console with two large storage bins, height-adjustable brake and gas pedals, sturdy fold-out cup holders in front and back, back-up camera with in-dash screen, storage pockets on each door, power seats in the front, a sliding rear window, and tinted windows.
Justice B Right on July 14, 2018
Great truckLove the look and performance, and the overall fuel economy the ability to pull a trailer without giving up performance and fuel economy Love the truck
budwizer on April 13, 2018
Nise carThis car mits mi neds. It hase a good a mount of rum that I Ned for the stufe I Ned for it to do
tintopking on February 5, 2018
best truck on the roadmeets my upcoming needs to the full will be a great addition, for all the upcoming pulls i will be making across the country.
Blessed Family on August 15, 2017
top of the lineHas become one of the best values on the market. The reliability of the cummins motor still surpasses everything on the market.
blondie on May 23, 2017
Best Truck Ever Wish I Still Owned ItThis vehicle metvall my needs was a very reliable and dependable vehicle did a lot of work from my Truck it had a lot of leg room and was an awesome Truck
buck on April 19, 2017
CARLOS A LOPEZDEPENDABLE AND GOOD RIDE. Has very good field of view when driving could use a backup camera. The CPU needs a better ground and an easier way to flash it so its not so expensive. Only very expensive equipment can be used to repair the CPU and reprogram it to each van every two years this is unacceptable.
Car enthusiast on April 23, 2015
Great truckVery dependable lots of power with the 5.9 diesel and decent fuel mileage. Rides firm, but normal for truck. The truck handles good for as big as it is and fun to drive.
Jovan
Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.