Old-Gen Ram 1500 Will Sport Classic Badging
Ram did a smart thing when prepping for its fifth-generation Ram 1500 to enter the hot half-ton U.S. marketplace. Not only did it create its most advanced and lightest half-ton pickup truck for the 2019 model year, but it also upgraded a new Michigan plant location, all but eliminating that pesky production downtime when switching over to a new and improved model.
Building two versions of the same truck (the older DS model in Warren as well as in Saltillo, Mexico, the newer DT model in Sterling Heights) allows Ram not only to better target trim packages to the needs of the local dealer body whose communities may want more of one than the other, but also to offer a wider price structure for consumers who may or may not want a new pickup with all the newest bells and whistles.
Additionally, for the 2019 model year, Ram will offer a completely new badging strategy between the two trucks. One will offer the old-school crosshaired grille and a new "Classic" badge, while the other will move to the multi-slat, twin-nostril grille and a new Ram-stamped nameplate.
The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic will be offered in all three cab configurations (regular, Quad and crew) with three bed lengths (8-foot, 6-foot-4 and 5-foot-7), and three different engine options (3.6-liter V-6, 5.7-liter V-8 and late availability of the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6). The value-priced Ram 1500 Classics will be offered in four different lower trim levels (Tradesman, Express, Big Horn/Lone Star and SSV law enforcement models). The Classic will also now have three different appearance packages called Chrome Plus, Tradesman SXT and the Express Black Accent Package. Each old-style Ram 1500 will offer unique badging, as well.
The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic will be available closer to the end of the year, with exact pricing for each of the four trims and configurations closer to their on-sale date. Ram 1500 Classics will be the only Ram half tons to offer a regular-cab pickup at least until the end of the 2019 model-year run.
Manufacturer images
Comments
That is still one of the best looking pickups ever. 50 years from now people will still fuss over them.
That is still one of the best looking pickups ever. 50 years from now people will still fuss over them.
Posted by: papajim | Jun 26, 2018 10:00:06 AM
Agreed, great looking rig, especially the sport versions with the color keyed bumper covers.
its interesting that both RAM and GM will be offering classic versions of their pre-existing trucks. I wonder if it will go on for 1 or 2 years?
Interesting to see how well they both will sell.
Agreed, that the sport models with everything color matched is sharp looking. I drove red one and it was a head turner. Transmission I have to say is the smoothest I've driven.
The measure of a truck is after it has become old and worn.
Does it still run with quality after 500 thousand miles?
Only a Toyota and an occasional GM motor will do that along with the Cummins isn the old RAMs and Dodges.
Fords? No. Not one, unless some poor mechanic fawned over it and put new parts in it every other year.
Meh...
Offering the prior/existing model as "classic/heritage/vintage/retro" (or just plain old/cheaper)during the year+ of the introduction of a new version (especially on a model that is a big bread and butter seller) is old hat and mostly SOP for most companies in this situation.
Its a good way to win sales on price point, commercial/fleet sales, maybe push a few of those not liking the new product to buy and keep inventories/selections high during changeover to the new version.
CLASSIC is the best term to use for this truck!!! Far better looking and better in EVERY category than any GM, RAM, Toyota, or Nissan!!! Read it and weep GM and Ford Fanboys!!
GUTS
GLORY
CLASS LEADING
CLASSIC RAM AND 2019 RAM
Oh yipppy....BORING!!!
Oh yipppy....BORING!!!
Posted by: Frank | Jun 26, 2018 12:05:33 PM
Spoken like one of the true FORD LEG HUMPERS with no taste!
still looks like a 1996 Dodge to me
oh,,, excuse me,,,RAM,,, It's a Ram,,,,, Dodge changed the name to Ram
everybody was ashamed to own a Dodge cause everything they made was crap so the rename the truck to "Ram"
when I see a Dodge,,, errrr I mean Ram coming down the road the first thing that pops in my mind is "uneducated hillbilly"
I wonder if the guy owning one really knows those shinny chrome wheels are really just plastic chrome hubcaps?
Posted by: HEMI RAMPAGE | Jun 26, 2018 12:43:53 PM
OH yeah, like you don't speak like anything you hump, good one hypo....
@ecoboost rules, they aren’t hubcaps. The term is chrome cladding. And I’ve got one more important fact for you. Ford uses them too. They save money on repairs. Most people (even ford owners) don’t have the time or knowledge to care for real chrome wheels especially When they get chipped by stones and start to look bad. The cladding is attached permanently to the wheel and does not come off unless it’s being replaced. Hubcaps however are completely separate from the wheel. Take a closer look at newer f150s you’ll see a lip inside the “chrome wheels” the rest of the rim is either steel or brushed alloy. The shiny part is a plastic chromed cladding. Just like GM and RAM.
is old hat and mostly SOP for most companies in this situation. Its a good way to win sales on price ..Posted by: Clint | Jun 26, 2018
@Clint
Agree, but surely you admit that it's one powerful, smooth-riding and really good looking truck, right? And if you can get a great deal on one...
Oh yeah. I forgot. You'd rather have a Ford
@ Ecoboost Rules
I'm not a Ram guy but wow, thanks to all your comments on this site, every time I see an ecoboost I think uneducated dumb*ss! You seriously post some of the most idiotic sh*t. You really don't know much
@ ecoboost rules
My dads 09 and step dads 13 both have the 18 chrome clad wheels. My 17 Sierra alsonhad the chrome clad wheels. The big 3 use them bc they were tired of repair costs bc most people don't take care of wheels. Look at Cadillac now. My buddy bought a $100k platinum ecalade and it didn't come with chrome wheels anymore. He sella is owns wheels with the business he owns but that's the way corporations are going bc it was costing them to much to replace wheels.
I have always owned aftermarket chrome wheels and I never run them during the winter months. Always out back in factory ones...can't stand the look but chrome just doesn't hold up with all the salt and chemicals that are out on the road here in Midwest
Meh... whatever.
@ecoboost rules, they aren’t hubcaps. The term is chrome cladding. And I’ve got one more important fact for you. Ford uses them too. They save money on repairs. Most people (even ford owners) don’t have the time or knowledge to care for real chrome wheels especially When they get chipped by stones and start to look bad. The cladding is attached permanently to the wheel and does not come off unless it’s being replaced. Hubcaps however are completely separate from the wheel. Take a closer look at newer f150s you’ll see a lip inside the “chrome wheels” the rest of the rim is either steel or brushed alloy. The shiny part is a plastic chromed cladding. Just like GM and RAM.
Posted by: Mls956 | Jun 26, 2018 3:28:42 PM
I've tried explaining this to him before. Apparently he isn't aware of the fact that Ford has been using chrome clad wheels for years. A lot of people don't mind them. They handle winters better than real chrome and are a lot cheaper than chrome wheels while still giving you the look. They're really common when trucks get to the end of their life cycle and the incentives start to climb. Hence why this Ram 1500 Classic will have them. The F-150 will definitely have them when it gets close to replacement. The last steel F-150's had tons of trims with chrome clad wheels.
That is still one of the best looking pickups ever. 50 years from now people will still fuss over them.
Posted by: papajim | Jun 26, 2018 10:00:06 AM
Maybe.
But 10 years from now most of them will have nickled and dimed their owners right out of them.
Thats the Fiat/Dodge legacy.
Still a great looking truck! Oh yeah and Ford your ugly junk still!!!!!!
I've tried explaining this to him before. Apparently he isn't aware of the fact that Ford has been using chrome clad wheels for years.
@Brick
Some people can’t be reasoned with. Especially those that need a special knob just to back up a trailer.
most of them will have nickled and dimed their owners right out of them...Posted by: andrwken | Jun 26, 2018
@andrwken
Curious, what truck do you drive?
The RAM despite its age keeps getting good marks from reviewers, because it has an 8-speed standard, great powertrain choices and a ride that everybody else in the industry envies.
It's not a bad idea for Ram to continue making the old one. I think the pricing of the 2019 Ram 1500 is way too steep and would sales numbers would sink without a cheap Ram 1500 to sell.
Its rams way of mitigating damaging sales numbers from the poor redesign, super ugly, and same old outclassed powertrains is by offering the same cheap garbage that they have in the past... nothing about the 2019 is selling well as they are all over on dealer lots but not on the roads.
June sales numbers are just around the corner and its going to be bad for ram
@boosted
Trucks are languishing on dealer lots because the geniuses in Washington have raised interest rates several times during the last year. The increases in interest on credit cards and car loans is killing demand for big tickets like auto loans.
During the entire time Obama was president can you tell me how many times the Fed raised rates?
LOL, “boosted”?
Nice disguise.
More like, “everything I say gets proven wrong so I had to change my name to busted, I mean, boosted”.
PUTC
What happened to you?
Few years ago you were in love with the Ford F-150
The reason I own a F-150 Eco-Boost is because PUTC loved it.
I trusted you, I respected you!
@EcoboostRules
Sell the Ford and get a Honda Ridgeline You will be happier that way.
@andrwken
Curious, what truck do you drive?
The RAM despite its age keeps getting good marks from reviewers, because it has an 8-speed standard, great powertrain choices and a ride that everybody else in the industry envies.
Posted by: papajim | Jun 26, 2018 5:15:07 PM
2011 GMC Denali
185k. Never touched the drivetrain. Replaced 1 rusty sway bar bolt and a $40 steering wheel position sensor. No rust.
I looked at trading it twice in the last two years but its been so damn reliable I keep driving it.
Probably send it down the road when I can drive the ‘19’s and see what I like best as far as looks and options but I can assure you none of the rams I drove offered the ride quality and drivetrain capability my 6.2/6 speed did. Pretty impressive that drivetrain combo still is competitive performance wise when it was released in model year ‘07.
As a matter of fact, my friend is looking to trade a ‘15 ram and drove a 6.2/8speed GMC and walked away very impressed in comparison to his hemi 8 speed. With only 75k his comment was he wants to trade because its starting to nickel/dime.
I guess they are fine if you're a consistent 3 year lease dumper but Fiat has done nothing to improve quality/reliability in these trucks. We’ll see in the next model...
a ride that everybody else in the industry envies.
Posted by: papajim | Jun 26, 2018 5:15:07 PM
A ride that the sedan-oriented auto journalists love, complete with a payload rating that's semi-laughable. I've seen 2015-18 Colorado's with higher payload ratings than some Ram 1500 configurations. And the powertrain leaves a lot to be desired these days. The ancient 5.7 + ZF 8-speed + 3.92 should dominate, yet it was the 2nd slowest truck in the Texas Truck Showdown and the 2019 doesn't achieve any better fuel economy than it did in 2018.
papajim
I am waiting for the 2019 Ford Ranger
never-never- NEVER will own a Honda !
@Vincent
Surely you cannot be saying you prefer the Ecoboost Ford six to the RAM V8s?. If you loved the 6.2 Ford or GM motors I'd understand, but the sixes?
@ PJ
While the Fiat is a better option than the Chevy I do not find the older model to be better looking (one of the lower qualities on importance) than the Ford or Chevy. I do find the new one to be a more handsome design than its competitors. The Fiat also does have the nicest ride in the 1/2 ton field. Ford clearly and obviously currently has the best engine offerings of any of the big 3 minus 1 and the Fiat 1/2 tons comes up very short in payload. That coupled with Fiat's general reputation and my experience with Ford and a little thought/research does currently make Ford the obvious best choice in full size trucks for me... and for the largest number of fullsize truck buyers... for 40+ years.
I really think both GM and Ram are stupid for doing this. Not a way to catch up to Ford for sure. Give us something new GM and Ram!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LIKE a Classic choice for both GM and Ram. The current Ram is still a great looking truck and FCA did a great job keeping it fresh.
I totally HATE the new GM truck but if I can get the current truck as a 2021 or newer I will buy GM again.
Every manufacturer has different style cars (CUV's now) why not do that with trucks? The market is strong enough for it!
Oh yipppy....BORING!!!
Posted by: Frank | Jun 26, 2018 12:05:33 PM
I think Frank has deserved the nomination of "Leader of the Ford Shills". Would anyone like to second the nomination?
More choices for the truck buyer. Consumer wins.
@Clint
Agree, but surely you admit that it's one powerful, smooth-riding and really good looking truck, right? And if you can get a great deal on one...
Oh yeah. I forgot. You'd rather have a Ford
Posted by: papajim | Jun 26, 2018 3:33:10 PM
Ford is all but giving their trucks away in an attempt to cement sales in advance of the impending drop in show room traffic as everyone rushes to view and test drive newer, more advanced trucks from RAM and GM.
Fake TNTGMC
Here we go again... Must be some Ford lover still butt hurt..grow up
I still think if u aren't biased and drive what u like. And also keep the truck for a long period of time. The incentives on the 18 RAM right now is very tempting for someone in the market! Especially since the new one has same power trains and a 7 year old Durango front end.
@ andrwken
Glad you enjoy your truck. Those 6.0L are poven motors. And the reliability like u spoke of is why I buy GM V8s. Plain and simple
I live in the basement of my parents house and really do not even own a truck, but hey who cares!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TNT is worthless.
lmfao... See what I mean
And I don't beleive that was the real papajim either on that last comment.
Again, leave the forum, so we can have conversations like men not some sneaky Leach!
TNTGMC & Papajim are Leaches
lmfao... See what I mean
And I don't beleive that was the real papajim either on that last comment.
Again, leave the forum, so we can have conversations like men not some sneaky Leach!
I live in the basement of my parents house and really do not even own a truck, but hey who cares!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i'm a 40 year old millennial sucking hind t!t
I need help, help me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@gmsrgreat. Do you ever have real facts to back up your posts? In the light duty segment the average transaction prices are as follows: Ford $43k. RAM $37k. Chevy $39k. This is directly from the RAM presentation a few montha ago on automotive news. Kind of goes against your statement that Ford is giving trucks away. Let me also educate you that the Raptor average transaction price is $71k and the Super Duty leads at $56k. I do not have the avg transaction price for GMC, but I do know it leads the segment. This is due to the high trim levels and GM is doing a good job with the GMC line up.
@ blowing smoke:
Your claimed "Ram" presentation is from a couple of months ago. The new RAM is now rolling out and the new GM twins are just months away. Ford has nothing when it comes to marketing that can counter the more advanced models from RAM and GM. So, the dealer network is feverishly funneling the discounts to customers before the show room traffic slows. With respect to transaction prices, higher transaction prices doesn't necessarily translate into higher profit.
@gmsrgreat. I would be hapoy to email you the RAM presentation if you would like. It was their annual new product presentation showing the segment and where they want to go with the new RAM. I do agree that average transaction price does not always translate into more profit but with GM’s spiffs averaging over $5000 per unit sold and Fords at around $4100 does show GM is putting more money on the hoods overall than Ford.
@ andrwken
Glad you enjoy your truck. Those 6.0L are poven motors. And the reliability like u spoke of is why I buy GM V8s. Plain and simple
Posted by: TNTGMC | Jun 27, 2018 10:30:32 AM
6.2 in my truck. Can honestly say it's been very good. Mobil 1 oil change every 6k and I don't have any of the consumption issues or AFM problems people speak of. The VVT has also been flawless, unlike some other brands.
Although I'm a firm believer that if you baby your truck, you will have as much problems as the guys that beat the snot out of them. I have no issue flooring it and letting the motor wind up every few days. Keeps the catalytic converters cleaned out, lol.
@gmsrgreat. I would be hapoy to email you the RAM presentation if you would like.
Posted by: Smokin’ a 6.2 | Jun 27, 2018 11:41:05 AM
copy and paste excerpts of the presentation onto putc.
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