Poll: Body style - new or old ?

[RAM MAN]

Which RAM body style do you like better ? The older (94-01) or the newer style (2002)

and WHY

[MsButterkup23]

Good morning everyone, I am new here. I own a 2001 Dodge Ram Sport Quad Cab. I haven't seen any of the new 2002 Rams with color keyed bumpers yet. To me the front has entirely too much metal on it, that's one reason I chose the sport package and the back of the truck looks like a Ford. I do however like the 4 real doors on the quadcabs, it would make it easier for me if my truck had that.

[kirkyg]

Does it have to be an either or thing? How about i vote for both...Both have their own pluses or minuses...and i like the looks of both trucks.

kirkyg

[kdalters]

I prefer the pre-94 style myself. My 87 is the first & only truck I've ever owned. Bought it new & just starting the restoration. It just turned over 100,000 miles 2 weeks ago. By the way, it still has the factory original exhaust system hanging under it.... complete & not rusted through!!!

[Magnum Monster]

I voted for Older Rams! the '94-'01 bodystyle looks way better than the newer ones. I've seen a couple newer Rams driving around town, and it makes me happy to know I have a good looking '95.

[jwv3]

When I first saw them, I didn't like 'em. Now they have grown on me. I still like the 94-01 a bit better, but I no longer dislike the new ones.

[Alphacowboy]

The body style of the new ones is definatly growing on me there for I voted for it. But what am more excited about it the 2500/3500 models and the available power plants for them. Does anyone know when or if the 6.1lt Hemi will be out?

[kirkyg]

judging by chrysler's failure in regards to the 5.7L i would guess there will be no 6.1L...

no 5.7L in 1500 why would there be a 6.1L also strickly for the 2500/3500?

kirkyg

[Alphacowboy]

failure with the 5.7... am i missing somethin?

[kirkyg]

This should brake it down for you. If it wasn't for the viper v-10 going in the srt-10 ram then i would have lost ALOT of faith in chrysler because of this:

"With its compact size, we could also put this in a car," Lee told us. "But for now it's only an option on the Ram Heavy Duty. The HEMI will not be offered as an engine choice on the light duty 1500 Ram pickup."

i guess anything is possible they could go back on one of their reps words...but i doubt it.

kirkyg

[Alphacowboy]

thats just plain retarded!

[jwv3]

I voted for the 94-01, but there should be a note attached to my vote. I know it's not technically a 'bodystyle' but I'd vote like this:

1. 99-01 Sport model
2. 2002
3. 94-01


I like the restyled bumper/grill of the 99-01 Sport better than anything on the road (honestly). I should have mine upgraded very shortly. It would have been a lot cheaper to buy it that way, but they had already tooled up for the 2002's when I started looking to buy, so I couldn't order it. Plus they didn't offer the Sport option on Patriot blue Rams anyway. Finally there were no Reg cab, shortbed, SLT, sports within a 100 mile radius. I checked!

At least the extra money spent converting it will give me something (hopefully) no one in my area owns. Patriot Blue pearl coat Sport!

[ram100]

HAHA. I vote for the classic style from 1981 to 1993. Those are my favorite. Other than that I like the 02 style better than the 94-01

[kirkyg]

Hmm really?? thats the first person that has said they like the 02 better than the 94-01's. I personally like them about the same. There are alot of improvements that sway me towards the 02 but i still can't deny that my 01 looks better than most SPORTS cars do which is a pretty big deal hehe.

kirkyg

[Redram]

Hello all, only my second post on this board. I have to throw my vote in for the 94-01, I really don't like the new model. Whenever I see one driving by, I like that I have the last year of what is at least in my humble opinion, the best lookin rig made!

[HankL]

My beefs so far with the new Ram body style:

1. The new body seems to be about 100-200 lbs heavier, despite the 'hydro formed frame' which was supposed to reduce weight.

2. The bed on a Club Cab is about 6 inches shorter.

3. The engine is harder to work on and access to the back of the engine under the brought forward firewall is much worse.

On the good side - the interior of the new body style seems to be better and has more storage areas that are well designed.

[jwv3]

I can add one big one for anyone looking to lower one. The rear leaf spring hangars are big welded structures instead of the rivited on jobs of the previous style. Looks like the only options will be shackles or flip kit. No in between.

Originally posted by HankL
My beefs so far with the new Ram body style:

1. The new body seems to be about 100-200 lbs heavier, despite the 'hydro formed frame' which was supposed to reduce weight.

2. The bed on a Club Cab is about 6 inches shorter.

3. The engine is harder to work on and access to the back of the engine under the brought forward firewall is much worse.

On the good side - the interior of the new body style seems to be better and has more storage areas that are well designed.

[Alphacowboy]

I guess you just have to lift it then... lol. They look better up in the air with 35" tires anyway!

[Ramrod]

True alphacowboy, but some of us are "skeered of heights"

Jeff

[Alphacowboy]

aw... ya scared... I think I would be scared if I was in a lowered truck and this happened......

http://communities.msn.com/_Secure/0LAAAAL0Pu1n9j5pYFRRLpk0rbSf4m*mehpvXMV*CutYhr9K4N Dio7nO11QIKtackuEX*zyLFC!A/View.jpg

now what do ya think of lifted trucks... this would have been a serious mess with out a lift!

why cant I get this photo to display????
Crash (http://communities.msn.com/dubgesworld/oooops.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=74)

[kirkyg]

wow OUCH! man that would suck...more reason to get a truck =)

kirkyg

[ram360]

Personally I like both styles and wouldn't mind owning an 02 as well. Any dodge looks better than these ferds and chebby's if you ask me.;)

[Ramrod]

Agreed ram360:D

[hairlip71]

I give my vote to the older style 1994-2001:cheers:...I drive a '98...don't like the newer style at all:rolleyes: ...but who knows as the years go by it will change a bit and probably grow on ya...maybe I'll like it!!!:D

[medic3720]

I like all the Dodge trucks, I think everone would agree that every truck, every vehicle for that matter has its strong points and it s week points. At first the new Dodge trucks took some getting used to but I like the exteriors only, and I think they could use some raising in the front, But thats just my thougt.

[RamRocker]

All I can say is ...They've done it again. In the mid 90's when Dodge introduced their radical new design I immediately fell in luv with it. I have always been a hardcore Chevy man. But the past few years I've abandoned Chevy and will probably never own another.

Anyway I remember when Dodge introduced their innovative design and many of the GM-ites and Fordians were saying it would crash. No one would buy it....too retro looking. Gawd were they Sooooo wrong. For the first time in my 42 year life GM and Ford are actually ripping off Dodges design. It's so funny to see these wannbees. From a distance the new Chevys and big Fords(250,350) look so much like pre 2002 Dodge it's scary. It's so funny because the all through the late 70's, 80's and early 90's Dodge trucks were really hokey lookin' and now they absolutely ROCK!

Now the 2002 Dodge has done it again. I predict the new 2002 body style will continue to lead the pack and within a few years you'll see the wannabees trying to copy it.

I do agree with medic3720 on one issue. The front end needs a lift.

RamRocker

[kirkyg]

i agree totally...there were some fans of the current truck that didn't like the look because it was definintely a step to a new look it wasn't just a minor change. The front grill being big has grown on most of us and now it doesn't bother me a bit. The truck really looks good. Chevy and fords....well they continue to look like CRAP imo atleast. Chevy even makes their truck look worse by mixing the ugliest crap ever made (avalanche) with the silverado. The question i ask them is...can you even make a nice looking car/truck anymore?

kirkyg

[ggg]

parked side by side my friends 5 year old ram, I like his grill better sometimes but the grill on mine better at dawn and dusk, especially with the custom carriageworks billet grill, but I like the rest of the front styling around the grill, hood and the rest of the body far better than the old ram even if it looks retro like an old Dodge or Ford.

The chrome grill seems to look better on darker colors and surprisingly the sport looks good in other dark colors than black, but IMHO that weird 'skin' color option is just gross, I can't recall the name of it now.

Also I beleive the new ram short bed is not 6 inchs shorter it is 3 inches shorter, and my mechanic finds the engine far more acdcessible. just my 2 cents

IMO the new 03 HD rams should have had some kind of different styling cue than the differnt chassis slightly showing underneath, hd wheels, a light on the tailgate and a little sticker.

[IWantARam]

When the '94-'01's came out, I used to think they were gods! Now, if I put a older style and an '02 next to each other, I keep thinking how I could have gotten along without the newer style.:eek:

[davetut019]

My vote is for the 94-01's. Then new Rams, like every other manufacturer, is trying too much to be like a car for all the suburban yuppies, who need their soft suspensions and leather seats. They drive the prices up on pick-up trucks so high so soon you can't afford a new one anymore. $30,000 for a pick-up now a days is outragious. I wish for the days when a truck was a truck. And they were priced like them. I'll keep my solid, easily liftable front end any time. Also too much sheetmetal on the new Rams now, that grille is too big on that truck. Just my thoughts.

Dave.

[Outlaw Ram]

94-2001, they are (were) the best body style ever! I hope that after a while that I will get used to the new body design.....we'll see.

[kirkyg]

Whats wrong with having a nice ride in the 1500??? Most people daily drive their trucks...its not like you are giving up the ability to pull or haul etc. There is a nice balance in between nice ride and durability and i think the new ram may have found it. However, i do see the piotn when people argue the 4x4 shouldnt' have ifs. The new ifs in general is just a much better suspension i wish they would have done that on the 2wd and left the 4wd alone so everyone could be happy.

as for leather you could get leather in all 94-01 rams as well as 02+ rams...again whats wrong with luxury in a daily driven truck? I love it and one thing i hate about the suspenion on my 2001 is its rediculously bouncy. The rear bounces up hard unless there is something in the bed and its almost makes me loose my lunch while im driving on certain streets (note something may be very wrong with my suspension more than shocks that have been replaced under warranty...dealer may just be avoiding it).

kirkyg

[4x4]

My vote is for the 94 ~ 01 style. I just love that big rig look. It has it's own distinctive style that when you see one coming down the street you know it is a BIG BAD ASS RAM! My first impression of the 02 is it resembles a ford, but I'm sure it will grow on me, but hay, it's still a RAM!

[meharold]

'46-'52? POWER WAGON. I was really hoping the '02 would look like the Power Wagon concept truck. But then I like the old International pickups. Oh-no I really am odd.

[vinnie175]

i would have to say the 94-01 rams. i first saw the new ram and thought they were going for the big look but what they ended up doing was making the front end look like it was squashed in and tried to get something going there. i dont really like it yet but it is starting to grow on me. i dont like the truck cause of the ifs. when im off roading i dont want the soft cushiony ride. i want something thats going to take what i put it through and it aint going to with ifs. i did however go up to one of the new rams and i will have to say they are considerably taller and look bigger but i will stick with my 01 for a long time.

[ram360]

I like em both. I can't decide.

[GRUMPY'S SS/T]

I just want to find some look alike parts from the SRT. Then, I am a very happy camper.
Grumpy

[928Ram]

New, definatly new.

Just bought one and it's great, the look will grow on you quickly it has that bad-a$$ thing going for it.
I had the dealer build me a grill using the bar type inserts from the sport and the chrome surround from the SLT-looks awsome on the black truck to have all that shiny up front. Has to be a little intimidating in the rear view of them stupid honduhs too!
If your looking get the steering wheel mounted radio controls; 2 simple 3 function buttons, you learn to use them without looking or giving any thought to it - a good safty feature too.
Also the factory trailer towing package, hitch is fully intigrated with the frame and very little of it shows; the added engine and trans cooler that come with the packege are good to have even if you don't tow.

[danhalen]

New, without a doubt. Put a bone stock 94-01 next to a bone stock 02 and it speaks for itself. I held off on buying an old body style for a few years because I got a glimpse of the new. I have my 02 and it is beautiful.

[kirkyg]

I know what your saying you can add some phatties and make the current rams look probably better in some ways than th 02's...but right out of the box w/ 20's you can have a nice nice 02' model. =)

kirkyg

[TexasRamMan]

Starting out my Truck venture was in 1993, when I purchased the new redesigned 1994 Ram 1500. I was stationed in Arizona, I had the baddest truck in town. OOOOOOs! and AAAAAAAHs! Dodge has broken their silence. In late 1997, I bought the new 1998 Quad-Cab. Beautiful truck with some mods. Drove it for 2 years then purchased the 2000 1 Ton Dually Quad-Cab with some mods. As you can see, I loved the old shape. But when I saw the 2002 on display, and not for sale, at the dealership back in the beginning of Sept 2001 this truck was my next target. As of Sept, 19, 2001 I am proud to cast my vote for the new shape. Dodge all the way.

[2mopars]

How could you not like the new body style.
Take a look it is bad looking.

[Jedi]

I'm voting for the 94-01 body style. That new body style just looks strange in my humble opinon and the grille looks like it could open up and eat a small import.

[kirkyg]

eat a small import.....is that a bad thing????? :D

kirkyg

[Rusty]

I like them both. Currently, I have an '01, but I'm considering a new one. I've had some rust issues with the '01 (can you guess where my username came from?), and I was rear-ended with it earlier this year. I like the Dodge better than anything else on the road.

Rusty

[D bo]

you should have showed the years on the pole! I casted the wrong vote
love my 94 5.9L 4x4

[kirkyg]

Well technically speaking the 94-01's are easier to work on...but the idea with the 02's is you wont have to work on em :). My 5.2L is extremely easy to work on. But i looked under the hood of a 4.7L and it is tucked under the truck a little bit further. Changing two sparkies / cylinder will be a pain imo.

kirkyg

[Sith Lord]

I like both, also the tv commer. are good but all Dodge trucks are cool to me.

[nohope]

I have to say I like the 2nd generation Dodge pickups. That would be the 94 to 01 models. I do not believe the 02 truck is not good looking but, I believe the larger front grill has to have an effect on aerodynamics. I think the front grill being larger has to have an effect on gas milage at the same time. If you study aerodynamics and it's effect on coefficient of drag, a larger frontal area has to have more drag, hence the engine has to work harder to move the vehicle through the air. This all translates to lower gas milage numbers. And besides, if Dodge went bigger on the 2002 trucks, what about the next generation?? Is it going to be bigger yet?? Where does it all end?? All things considered, I personally like all trucks, as long as it from DCX,Ford,or GM. As long as its a REAL AMERICAN TRUCK. A few years ago a dealer in my area of Michigan ran the best advert for Dodge trucks. It had a guy standing between a jap truck and a new Dodge truck. I don't remember exactly what he said but he would point to the jap piece of s--t and say,"sissy truck", than he would point to the Dodge truck and say," MAN'S TRUCK". Man, I loved that add. And now I wish I would have taped it. It was so funny. The guy was supposed to be somebody named Earl Pitts, and he spoke with a southern accent. It was great, a classic add. I wish it was still around. SISSY TRUCK,, MANS TRUCK. How painfully true. Painful to all those fools out there driving jap junk. Screw em. Anti-Americans every last one of them idiots. :greenchai

[kvndoom]

i like the gen2 body style better, mainly because i'm more used to seeing those on the road. i actually didn't care for big trucks until the '94 rams showed up. then all of a sudden i fell in love with pickup trucks. when i first saw pics of the 2002, i was like "ugh!" it seemed too curvy all over. the new style has grown on me over the past year or so, and i do like the four full doors, but i gotta admit i love my 2001 to death.

i will admit that had i known about the hemi in the 2003 heavy duty's, i just might have kept the dakota for 2 more years and traded up for a quad cab 2500 sport 4x4 with a 5-speed manual hemi. you talk about a MONSTER, whew! of course, there's no way i would've gotten that for $24k like my truck. oh well...

[Sloth]

94-01 Because thats my style of truck. :D

I always thought the new style looked like a bass fish. The huge grill reminds me of that fish for some reason...

[04HemiBeast]

Gen 2 all the way. I do like the fact the new Gen 3 have disk
brakes all the way around but I just don't care for the body
style.

[pyssed]

I would prefer that there be more options for the exterior on the 2nd gen ram. I like them both but the body kits for 2nd gen rams leave a little bit to be desired.

[dbdkta]

I voted for the 94-01,the new nose on the 2002's went to big for me,ill stick with my 2001 patriot blue pearl dakota ext. cab....

~dbdkta~

[nohope]

Hey kirkyg;

As a matter of fact eating an import"especially any jap junk", is bad for you, you should know that. Everybody's always telling us not to eat JUNK FOOD. Hell man, it would probably at least give you gas. And at worst make you throw up like a dog that eats garbage. I'm only thinking of your health man, I wouldn't want you getting sick, or all bound up. Could even give you the s--ts. Just looking at them makes me sick.:YUK:

[willroberson]

I fell in love with the "2nd generation" because it was ugly. It looked like an old International Pickup to me. It looked like a truck built for work. This "3rd generation" is uglier still and if it had the old slant 6 in it I know it would last forever. Change is not always good

[dlust]

I had to vote for the 94-01. I can remember first seeing this style and immediately thought that Dodge had finally made a truck look like a truck again, but with style! The 02's just didn't do it for me, the new grill work is just too much, it seems to have lost the first look appeal to me.

[2001 Ram Man]

Hi all, this is my 1st post. In February 2002 I was ready to order a new 2002 Ram, but after looking at them long and hard, I decided I just didn't like the new style enough to buy one. At that time I had a '97 Ram 1500 Ext. Cab. About 1 month ago, I bought a slightly used 2001 Ram 1500 Quad Cab SLT Laramie, so I definitely like the '94-'01 Rams the best. I don't like the larger grill on the new style, I also don't like the 4 outside door handles on the Quad Cabs, plus a couple of smaller things, like the white gauge faces and the relocated heater controls.

[Grey Ghost]

I voted for the older style. Maybe I'm just biased because I have an 01, but I've liked the older style since it came out in 94.

[lazyboy2k184]

i vote for the 94 to 01 stlye because they look so boss. you see one of us in one of those coming down the road it's like make way and don't even thing about crossing that line cause you gonna get messed up! it dworfs ford and makes chevys look like toys. Dodge is truely the KING of the road, on and off.
love that truck
have to admit that new hemi's are kinda growing on me. my nieghbor just baught one. it's pretty quick.


Dodge Rules,
jon

[KellerSS/T]

I vote for the old body style too. The 94-01 body style is great. The SS/T's and Indy Rams were also made during the production run.

[Mathes79Z]

something with those headlights and the trucks look too tall and not nearly wide enough, gives it more of a skinny truck stance rather than the wide road hogging monster the older ones were.

[kervin22]

I have a '98 and my dad has and '03. Personally I like how tall my dads is. I didn't really like them when they first came out but I really like them now.

[dspone]

I prefer the 94-01's. Loved the looks right from the go. (Mine is a 2000 QuadCab Sport Solar Yellow 5.9). I didn't like the new style (02) when it came out. However, the front is growing on me a little. I absolutley do not like the taillights. They look just there! Like they forgot about them during the design.
It is interesting that the newer style looks better with that HEMI badge on the fender!

[MSCH2112]

i don't like the new dodge looks at all. mainly how much lower the body has dropped to the ground. this is why i bought my dodge and sold my ole trusted chevy. it's pretty bad when someone ask you if it's 2wd or 4wd!

[logikFIVE]

I have to say I like the new ram (2002-2003) styling better, not that I didn't like the old styling, it just got old and outdated after awhile. The only thing I don't like about the newer rams is the flat wheel openings, theres no embossing to them like before on the 94-01's, which is why fender flares are a must!

2002-2003 gets my vote.

[RamIt!]

I'm voting for the 94-01 body style! The pull down drink holder in my 01 2500 is the best. The newer rams look alright but there's not a abundance of aftermarket part's available yet.
I'll wait for the new Power Ram!! :cool:

[DodgeBoyz]

Well I just traded my 2000 dually in May and although I like the new 2004,I wish I would have kept the old truck,I think it was built better sheet metal wise.

[bigredtank]

Gotta go with the 94-01 models. They are sleek and stylish. I had the option to buy the new style at the end of 2001 when i got my 2000. I REALLY did not like the new style. I always joked that the grille was so big i could kick a field goal through it.

It has grown on me more over the years, but i still think the 2G style has an over all better appearance.

[veemann]

When I first saw them, I didn't like 'em. Now they have grown on me. I still like the 94-01 a bit better, but I no longer dislike the new ones.


Same here. :rck:

[TToP]

Wow, is this thread commin back to life or what! Personally I love the look of the new Reg Cabs with key matched bumpers and 20's. Definately the sportiest of trucks out there PERIOD! Interior however, A little to boxy for me. The Rumble Bee, is my idea of the perfect truck. I just woldn't pay the price tag on it, for basically an appearance package...

Ugliest thing on the 94-01 Rams is the front bumper. I hate my bumper with a passion, but can't dish out the cash to replace or cover it right now.

I've been thinking of upgrading to an 03 or 04 because of how they look actually. Was thinking of buying a very Base Hemi, and then modding the hell out of it on my own time, to keep truck payments down!

[dodgensince74]

I voted for the 94 to 01, I just bought my 01 about 4 months ago. I debated on which of the two body styles to get for about a month. I went with the 01, to me it just looked alot nicer then the newer body style. IMO the newer reg. cab body style looks like it would flip foward if you hit the brakes to hard and I just couldn't get myself to like the looks of the new style QC. Maybe by the time I am ready to buy me another truck they will have restyled them or I will have started liking them. Its going to be hard to beat the 94-01 style, I hope they just keep trying at least they did improove the engine in them.

[TToP]

I cant beleive how many are picking 2nd gen over 3rd gen. I wonder if we would get opposite results posting this question in the 3rd Gen forum. Also to add to my post, I do like the 99+ Bumpers better than the 94-98.

You know what truck is nasty. The New Fords, are bloody FUGLY! Serious. A painted cardboard box would be better looking than them.

[gouge93]

Now that they've grown on me and they're not yet outdated I wanna say the 3rd gen, but I still love the 2nd gen. I actually HATED the 3rd gen look when I first saw it. The only one I thought looked decent is a black sport, which is why I got it. I thought the chrome grilles were just way too big and looked stupid. Of course I wouldn't say that stuff now. Like I said, it grew on me. But I do remember the very first time I saw a 2nd gen. It was on the cover of Motor Trend for truck of the year. I saw it in my high school's library and INSTANTLY fell in love with it. I actually took that magazine and still have it today.

[03ramsport]

I loved 2nd gens when they came out! but they played out that body style for waaay too long! I like the 3rd gens now more than 2nd gens. just because the direction that the truck world is going into. no more 33 inch tires with 15 inch rims..its all about 2/4 drops and 22's or 24's. and IMO 2nd gens look better lifted. although some people have a few on here (ghettogrl) that look amazing.

[boatman]

I goota chime in here, I've only read thru the first page of this thred and see that most are opting for the earlier body style. Man oh man it's tough but, I like my new 04 QC.... way back when, when a dodge looked like a box with wheels I started to like them. Then I met a guy that was restoring a 1940's Dodge army truck, and drove his Cummins Dodge I was sold. Finally I took care of and drove an old Power Wagon and never looked back. I see it all as an evolution, each one gettin just a little uglier...or prettier.... which ever way you look at it :rck:

[hulio]

94-01 lookthe best, the new body style looks ok when the front is painted and when they have a small lift.

[dodgensince74]

I bought my first Dodge truck brand new in 74 1/2 ton, it was a 4x4 and it was great. Since then I have owned a 76, a brand new 86, a used 86 ramcharger, a used 86 and now a used 2001. All of them were 4x4's and auto's except the one I miss the most, my old 74. I figure and hope that this 01 will last me at least 6 years, I figure by then they will have come up with another body style to choose from. I hope its something that catches my eye like my old 74 and the 94-01 body styles did. You know that the 94 to 01 styles had to be good, ford and Chevy have tried to copy it but have not come close. Dodge should have held on to the old body style a few years more and put the hemi in those, now that would have been a good thing.

[FreeLantz]

Wow, this is an old thread. I have to say for a long time, I really thought nothing would be better than the '94-'01 Ram design. Remember how revolutionary the '94 Ram was? It was "the truck" to have all throughout the 90's. I had two of those trucks and I loved them both. It's taken almost three years with my '02 and seeing tons of them on the road, for the third gen styling to become my favorite. :)

[SwampNut]

I like the older style hood with the two lines rather than the bulge. I think the older style front clip just looks beefier. I do like the new-style bed/side better though.

But hey, they both look great, and are far from the plain ugliness of the Chevys!

[69DodgeCharger]

I vote for the 94-01 body style. I now own my 3rd one of this style. 1st one was a 94 reg. cab with the 5.9L. I traded it for a 97 4x4 ext. cab. 5.9L sold it so I could by a house. Then I bought my third one 99 Quad cab. 5.2L, I love this truck. The only thing I wish this truck had is the 5.9L, but I have one that I am rebuilding. So I'll be fixing that small problem. When I was looking to by the 3rd one I looked at the 3rd gen. trucks. The grill is what I didnt like about them & the fact you cant get a 5.9L any more. If I bought the new one it would have to have a HEMI, because you cant get the 5.9L.

[DRAGONRAM]

My Vote Goes Out For The 94-01 Style It Just Seems To Be The Best Mix Of Weight Vs Power And Style The Newer Ram Although Nice Doesnt Have The Same Appeal Just Kind Seems Like A Really Bad Copy Of An Original Seeing The First Ram I Had To Admit That The Innovation Meeting The Product Was New And Untainted By The Market And The Changes Seem To Lessen The Over All Effect That Was Acheived With The Original Design

[Abe Froman]

I voted for the older style. The new one's are looking a little Fordish for my taste. It took awhile for the 94-01 style to grow on me though so we'll see.

[growing98-1500]

I voted for the 94-01 not just because I have a 98, but because i just dont see the point of IFS on a 4X4. I also dont like the new generation body lines as much as the 2nd generations. i think that the cab/bed dont look right together, the front of the truck looks way too long for the rear.

[Hasek]

i like my 3rd gen tho i have to say 1st gens are the best looking!!!

[HankL]

Since gas prices have gone up so much and may go even higher, and since DaimlerChrysler has a wonderful new full size wind tunnel in Auburn Hills Michigan:

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2002/06/28/142883.html

Wouldn't it be nice if DC would turn a few engineers loose to design for Mopar Performance replacement hoods, grilles, and other body parts that would actually improve on the aero and boost MPG a bit?

From experiments I have run, it certainly seems that DC could easily improve the fuel economy of a Ram truck by 1-3 MPG at a steady 70 mph, and perhaps make the trucks even more attractive to those of us with the opinion:
"What performs beautifully is beautiful."

[dodgensince74]

why would they want to spend all that money on doing something like that. They know that the trucks are going to sell. They might do that if they were having trouble selling the trucks because of bad mpg but they are not having that problem yet. I don't think they are going to worry about the fuel milage for a long time.

[Grant211]

Which RAM body style do you like better ? The older (94-01) or the newer style (2002)

and WHY


Having this thread posted for second generation rams might be a little biased.

There might be a few that can truley answer this question. I have owned a 1998 Ram and a 2004 Ram. I owned the 1998 Ram for 6 years. There is a world of difference between the two rams, but I have to say the third generation is the way to go.

[dodgensince74]

maybe the new ones are better as far as performance (horse power wise), but the question was about body style. I will admit that if I had purchased a 3rd gen ram I might have more power but I bought my 2001 because of the body style. I just purchased my 01 in April and I am still glad I got 2nd gen instead of the 3rd gen. I will admit I do like the 3rd's alot more then I do the Turds or shittys.

[2kramquad]

While I love my 2000, and like that style better than the '02+, I'm actually still kind of partial to the classic looks of my 90 D-100. I even thought the 91-93's were pretty cool with the smooth front end.

[NightRider]

I like the 2nd gens much more than the 3rd, but I wish the grill was not attached to the hood. It is all personnel preference and since this was posted in the 2nd gen I think that is what will win the voting.

-Pat-

[Hemi Pete]

My favorite Ram body style would be the first generation design. Although the 1998 looks great too. For older trucks, I like the early '70's style.

[BLACK1999Ram]

I like both..

My mom has owned 2 3rd generation rams
and I own a 1999 Ram.. So I think they are both exellent!! I love anything made by DODGE!!

At first I didnt like the 3rd gen's one bit..till my mom got one..Then i was like WOW..this thing is really nice

[hrusso]

I vote for the 3rd gen truck. The body lines are alot smoother. When the 2nd gen trucks came out that was a bold move by Dodge, and it paid off. 3rd gen came out it just updated the 2nd gen. But I don't like the 3rd gen dakota or durango I think those are to odd looking.

[danno1]

Mostly 2nd gen., but I `ll give it up for the looks of the Super Bee, or SRT-10 ! :rck:

[Jeter20]

I like the front end of the 2nd gen better, but I do like the lack of that plastic **** around the tail lights of the 3rd gen.

[websmith]

A buddy of mine just bought a '05 and I just bought a '01. Parked side by side I felt mine looked sleeker, had more appealing trim, was the same height and just overall looked faster.

Mine was the SLT Laramie and his was the Hemi powered with everything! He had a great low mileage '98 but preferred the new front end styling.

It's just a matter of taste and, in my case, age and what you're used to seeing develop over the years and years and years...lol

J.R.

[OFFROADRAM]

I'm partial to the 94-01 Rams. Love the solid front axles on the 4X4's. But the new ones are growing on me, though.

[ramtrax_2k2]

rather have the 94 -01 ..... the newer ones R sad joke ...wish they had just made the concept powerwagon a reality instead of this cheap lookin ripp off

[Bayrat]

I like both styles but the offerings for Gen 3 are better in regard to engines and options. I initially purchased a 2002 Gen 2, 2500 due to my dislike of the new body style and sagging front end on the 1500's that appeared that year. I test-drove both trucks and the handling on the Gen 3 was great, along with interior appointments. I prefer the solid axle and height of the Gen 2, especially after I saw a 8' Blizzard plow mounted on a Gen 3. It reminded me of the F150 with the dollie wheel front end support that Western mounted on their plows to keep the front ends from being over-stressed that first year after introduction. Go figure, full-sized 4x4 pickups that are not able to carry a plow, only after Ford redesigns them! :thatfunny

[sidewinder_hemi]

personally, i like the older bodies for this reason:

It's what put Dodge Rams on the market. Its like a first impression. you have all these square trucks, then all of a sudden theres actually a truck that you can look at and know exactly what it is.


needless to say, the newer bodies are cool too, but you can beat an original.

[ozzy1036]

i own a 96 but the newer one has my vote except for those 20 inch wheels.

[Capt Cameltoe]

I like the 94-01 style myself.They just seem to look sportier and not like such a road behemoth(even though they are friggin huge too).I mean look what they did to the new Dakotas,they look huge.If you like reg cab short bed sporty trucks,then the 94-01 style gets my vote.if you just want to have the biggest and baddest truck on the road,get the newer body style.

[dodgecwby87]

i like the older ones better but the only way the new ones look good is lifted

[BigBlueV10]

I like the 2nd gen best, but the 3rd gen styling is starting to grow on me. Definite lack of engine choices in the 3rd gen 2500/3500.

Ugly but tough and reliable 1st gen for my mud truck/winter beater :wavey:

[Autoglass]

After getting to drive my Dad's 67 D-100 , And his 73 ClubCab. But owning a,,
1990 D-150 4x2 White
1999 1500 4x4 Black
2002 1500 4x2 Graphite Gray
It's hard to decide if any of the body styles are better than the other!

[inaband]

Older, only cause I own one...

[inaband]

Since today that is :D

[Ardog]

I voted for the "old" style for now. It took me a long time to start liking the 94-01's at first I didn't like them,now I love my truck!! The "new" ones are growing on me,I do like the idea of four full doors better than my QC but thats about all that the new ones have thats better

[flash gordon]

I like the new ones because their dashboards don't crack....seriously...you know looking from the rear...they look the same to me. I like them both.....dodge just has style. in the '80's dodge had crap.....now, they are the shit.


when the new challenger comes out I gonna get me one asap. I want that car..........in black.

[Bayrat]

I swapped for the new style this year only because I wanted a diesel. I love both body styles and each have their good points. I like the interior of the old best but the quad cab is great on this new truck.

[Cummins4ever]

I currently own a 1998 CTD and love it. I like the 3rd gen just as well. I really do not like the 2006 front though.....I hope they go back to the 05 style......my .02 Dodge still looks and is the best out there!!!!

-Cummins4ever

[cowboy_mcd74]

definitely the 94-01's. They're sleeker and cooler...and yet still bigger. Yes, I did measure to make sure (my buddy has a newer one, We put em side-by-side). The new ones just look too....i dunno, bulky, and not in a good way.

Not that the new ones are bad, I just like them less. They do have one quality that I prefer over mine: the bigger, roomier cab. I wanted one of those when I was out lookin to buy, and would have chosen a ford for that reason....but I'm glad I got my truck.

Anyways. That's my vote.

[MoparMissile9]

I have to pick the '94-01 Ram. Although the newer 2002+ Rams have nicer interiors, more power, and more options... that is only due to the fact that it is a newer truck. Since the question was which body style is better I had to go with '94-'01. Looks more like a truck and I like the sharpe edges and more rough surface.

Personally I like the '94-01 Rams with the chrome grille and bumper. The "sport" painted grille and bumper look nice but I think the chrome sets the truck apart. Also 2nd gen Rams only look good at a nice stance with the right wheels. The Rams with those dark gray grilles, simple factory steel wheels, and low and bad offset stance just look ugly.

[newhorizons]

i like the older style and on a side: the seats are much more comfortable than the new ones..?? or is it just me.when my 98 was down for some body work i rented out a durango 05' and was very dis-pleased with the ergonomics (comfort)..later