The older Ram's from the early to mid 2000's (Dodge back then) were not well built IMHO. I've looked at more than few used ones and their bodies, interiors and engine bays look like crap. Previous ownership plays a huge role in that, but I see Fords and Toyotas of similar age and mileage and they generally look much better.
Post 2013 (4th generation), Ram has really upped their game. Their interiors are of higher quality and the overall chassis is much better built. I wouldn't hesitate to compare a modern 3/4 ton Ram to a Tundra in terms of overall build quality.
Yeah I agree. But how many times has Chrysler changed ownership? Diamler basically raided Chrysler during those years. I think overall the company really hurt it's reputation. GM hurt itself badly with badge engineering and watering down it's lines. But Chrysler and it's lines were just crap boxes across the board.
When FCA came and took over they have done an amazing job with qaulity. Also, spinning RAM off into a seperate brand was a good idea, they've allowed the team to really innovate and improve the truck line. They've let RAM & JEEP do their own thing and right now as a result, both are the most profitable divisons. There was talk of just spinning both off into their own entities. Jeep being the most profitable right now.
Although, I think spinning RAM off was an attempt to distance from the "Dodge" reputation, that's going to take a LONG time becuase people still call them Dodges. I also think that's why they are SLAPPING gaint RAM letters on the new trucks.
And it's a hard rep to break. I was always a Chevy guy. And when I started looking for a truck, I decided to check out Ford and Ram, and Ram really impressed me. I was hesitant too, but I've owned two now, a 2010 & a 2015 and I've had zero issues on the 2015 and one issue on the 2010. And that was an exhuast bolt.
I feel like Toyota though has really fallen off their game with the 3rd gen Tacoma and the lastest Tundra personally. 1st and 2nd gen Tacomas were fun, but the latest is like a boring Camry. Tundra just does nothing for me. I don't believe the realibility hype. I've seen all the problems on Tacoma world guys have. Especially when Toyota never fixes a problem everyone has. Just go read the forums.
But really all the brands have their issues. I think the big 4 have made huge improvements in the past decade in terms or realibility and quality. They got the message back when Tundra and Titan were the new exciting trucks on the market. And they've come a long way. To much at stake now, the market is very competive to be turning out complete crap boxes.
It's a good time to be an automotive enthusist.