New Jersey Ram 1500 Dealership

The History of the Ram 1500

The lineage of the Ram 1500 can be traced back over a century ago to 1917, when the Dodge brothers began producing pickup trucks. But it wasn't until 1933 that the first Dodge truck began sporting the iconic hood ornament shaped like a ram, which symbolizes the model's resilience and toughness. In the middle of the 20th century, Dodge began to phase out the ram logo from its line of pickup trucks, but the ram would make a comeback in 1981 with the introduction of an all-new Dodge pickup with better engine technology, better towing capacities, and more trim options.

The new Dodge Ram pickup was an instant success that helped to shape the modern truck market. In 2010, Dodge and Ram decided to officially split ways so each brand could focus on developing innovative new models. While Dodge continued to put their efforts and resources into SUVs, sedans, and muscle cars, Ram put forth great effort developing and manufacturing the top pickup truck in the industry, the Ram 1500.

The very first Ram trucks were quite different from what you see today. They weren't the sleek and muscular designs; they were instead quite boxy, with single headlights and a slant-six engine that generated only 95 horsepower. Of course, you could have opted for the V8, which bumped that output up to 230 horsepower. But as we worked our way through the 1980s, Dodge was busy making significant advancements in the Ram truck.

During the decade of the 1980s, Dodge developed a hydraulic clutch, introduced electronic fuel injection, and added anti-lock brakes for better stopping power. This would also be the decade in which the Ram 150 (it wasn't named the Ram 1500 until 1994) would utilize the Cummins turbodiesel that boasted a very impressive 400 lb-ft of torque.

The 1990s would prove to be just as innovative as the previous decade, starting with the introduction of the largest regular cab to date with a 60/40/60 split seat; it would be the first in the industry. In addition, engine refinements would continue at a fast lighting rate, beginning with an all-new V-10 engine with 350 horsepower. These refinements meant that the Ram 1500 could improve both payload and towing capacities.

There is just no slowing down for Ram. In 2000, the Ram 1500 was offered with the off-road TRX package for the very first time. Other headline-inducing breakthroughs included a driver's power seat, the first four-door cab, and keyless entry. Ram would also introduce Bluetooth, navigation, heated seats, and numerous other tech and comfort features to the Ram 1500 lineup. But they also never ceased tweaking the engine for better performance.

The Ram pickup you know and love today is a culmination of decades of innovation and hard work. That is the reason why we saw a Ram truck take the MotorTrend Truck of the Year award three years in a row, from 2019 to 2021. And we imagine the engineers at Ram are quite busy at this very moment thinking up ways to improve an already excellent pickup truck.

The 2022 Ram 1500

There are always compelling reasons to buy a Ram 1500, but the 2022 model stands out for more than what you get with the Ram brand. Yes, there is an excellent lineup of V6 and V8 powertrains that can be assisted by the optional eTorque mild-hybrid system. And yes, the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 in the TRX is the engine every truck enthusiast dreams of at night. But the powers that be at Ram clearly understand what customers want in a pickup truck: everything.

This is why Ram stepped it up yet again with an exquisite cabin that features a ton of space and several functional cubbies. You can bet you will feel like royalty behind the wheel of the higher trim levels with their premium leather surfaces and heated and ventilated seats. Better still, the 12-inch touchscreen with the new Uconnect 5 software is available on most trim levels and puts the competition to shame.

The one new addition that should have you very excited is the BackCountry Edition. There is no denying what you are seeing when one passes you by. The BackCountry Package is available on the Big Horn 4x4 model and features bold black accents, 18-inch black wheels, and, you guessed it, black badging. And let's not forget the black exhaust tips, black mirrors, and black running boards. If that isn't enough to whet your appetite, the additional off-roading features are sure to have you driving to Spirit CDJR for a test drive.

Why You Need to Consider a Used Ram 1500

So you are in the market for a used Ram 1500. If you are thinking about the reasons why it would be a good idea to buy a used Ram model, you might want to go back and re-read our short history of Ram. You see, Ram has worked hard to ensure the Ram 1500 is always up-to-date with all of the latest technologies and features, and they also work diligently to ensure their quality pickup trucks will stand the test of time.

If you are the type who can appreciate powerful engine choices, then choosing a used Ram 1500 is a no-brainer. Used Ram trucks have a lot to offer, from smaller V6 engine choices to the V8 HEMI with its incredible horsepower, you can find a model fit for your needs. There is even a diesel option should you choose to go that route.

There are many trucks on the market, and while most of them offer decent engine choices and other great features, they often lack passenger space. It is common knowledge that any Ram truck you choose will have power and great towing and hauling capacities, but you will also enjoy a roomy cabin. And it should not be a surprise that any Ram you choose will have plenty of tech and safety features. After all, Ram has been ahead of their time for quite a while now. We gave it a lot of thought, and we cannot find any downsides in buying a used Ram truck. You probably can't either.

New Ram Warranties

Ram warranties are among some of the most generous on the market. There are a handful of warranties that you can expect to come included with your purchase of a brand new Ram vehicle, and these warranties are designed to cover a majority of your vehicle’s components within a respectable time frame. The warranties that will come with your new Ram vehicle are broken down into a couple of categories: the limited vehicle warranty and the limited powertrain warranty, which covers either gasoline or diesel, depending on the type of powertrain you’re running on.

The limited vehicle warranty covers a host of your vehicle’s components. Of course, the powertrain is exempt from this warranty, and that’s because that comes with a separate warranty entirely. With the limited vehicle warranty, you can expect coverage on various areas of your vehicle, including a faulty infotainment center, broken air conditioning, a broken power-adjustable seat, and most other things that can begin to break due to manufacturer error and not the fault of the driver.

In these cases, the limited vehicle warranty should back the driver up and cover the repairs, albeit there are some caveats. If modifications have been made to the vehicle, such as with the use of third-party parts, these will not be covered. Additionally, weather damage is omitted from the warranties, too, along with vehicular accidents or damage to the interior that was caused via user error. The limited vehicle warranty lasts 3 years/36,000 miles, but if you prefer a longer tenure of coverage, then you can purchase the extended limited vehicle warranty, which will give you a longer time spent with your vehicle while still having the safety net of a warranty.

Given that 36,000 miles are enough mileage to travel from the East to the West coast over ten times, there’s a strong chance that you won’t be reaching that limit within the three years of your basic limited warranty. And, if you purchase the extended limited warranty, you can expect at least a few additional years on top of the pre-existing setup. Best of all, you can invest in this extended limited warranty at any point within those three years, so if you want to get a feel for your truck first, that’s not a problem.

As for the limited powertrain warranty, this covers a vast majority of the pieces that make up your overall powertrain. Transmission, engines, gas lines, and more, are all covered under the limited powertrain warranty, and whether you purchase gasoline or diesel-powered engines, your coverage will last for five years. There is a difference, however, and it’s the allotted mileage for either powertrain, meaning your warranty will expire after 5 years/60,000 miles with a gasoline-powered engine and 5 years/100,000 miles when operating on diesel.

CPO Ram Warranties

The warranties associated with Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Ram models take many similarities from the list of benefits that purchasing a new Ram vehicle entails. However, there are numerous differences exclusive to CPO vehicles too. Combined, a CPO vehicle is the perfect choice for somebody who doesn’t want to spend the money on a new Ram vehicle but still wants the safety net of multiple warranties.

There’s peace of mind with your purchase, as CPO Ram vehicles come with a CARFAX report, and each vehicle is subject to a 125-point inspection. This inspection will cover many of the facets of the vehicle, including the minutia within the interior, going as deep as the ashtray, for example. Part of this inspection also includes ensuring everything is fully operational, and this includes the technology, amenities, and of course, the powertrain.

Once you purchase your CPO Ram, you can expect two warranties, much like the new models. To properly calculate your warranty, you need to consider the age of your vehicle upon its purchase. New Ram vehicles, for example, come with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and a 3-year/36,000-mile limited vehicle warranty, so the length of your warranty is dependent on when these warranties expire. So, if a vehicle loses its limited warranty in three months, then purchasing it as a CPO vehicle will net you double the length of your warranty, thanks to the 3-month/3,000-mile maximum car warranty it comes with.

As for the limited powertrain warranty, CPO models will include two extra years in addition to the amount of time remaining from their original powertrain warranty, for a total of 7 years/100-000 miles from when the truck was sold new. This means that a vehicle with three years left on its limited powertrain warranty will get it bumped up to five years. Fortunately, you can always expect your CPO Ram vehicle to always include a warranty of some kind, and this is because every Ram vehicle that enters the CPO program is new enough to still include at least a portion of its brand-new warranties.

Come to Our Service & Parts Center

An unfortunate realization that nearly every driver has come to is that servicing work, or even larger scale repairs, are simply a part of life for the average vehicle owner. When your Ram vehicle begins to show any signs of malfunction, you can bring it into Spirit CDJR to get it fixed at our on-site service center. At our service center, our certified technicians can perform work on your vehicle, whether it’s a routine oil change, inspection, or if it’s something more in-depth that requires some extra hands.

All you need to know is that our technicians are amongst the most talented in the area, and thanks to prompt service, you won’t be waiting as long as you would with some competing dealership. During your short stay here, you can enjoy our amenities such as water, coffee, Wi-Fi, shuttle services, and much more. Among the services that you can expect, you can get your tires rotated, brakes fixed, battery serviced, transmission and engine tuning, headlights, and a wide range of other fixes that we offer.

As for the parts center, you can come to visit us whenever you need OEM parts by Mopar, and these parts can be found at competitive prices. There’s also a chance that we’ll have them already in-house. Or, if you want to stay ahead of the curve, then you can order parts from our website, and we can make sure to have them ready for you when you come to pick them up. That’s right, you don’t need to use the parts here, and we don’t have to install them for you. What you do with the parts you purchase is up to you. However, if you’d prefer that we install the part that you purchased, then that’s always an option.

Come to Our Finance Center

At Spirit CDJR, you can visit our on-site finance center, and we can help you get the car you have your eye on. When you visit our finance center, one of our financial experts will sit down with you, and we’ll discuss what type of vehicle you want, along with other questions that will help us assess your situation. After this, we’ll assort through a list of loan and lease options that work for your budget and find the deal that works best for you. Our finance center also accepts used vehicle trade-ins, which you can put towards the purchase of your new or used Ram 1500.

Come Get the Ram 1500 Here

While there are many dealerships where you could go to buy your new or used Ram 1500, they simply cannot promise the top-notch service you get here at Spirit CDJR. We stand out from the competition because we offer exceptional customer service. We set forth to do more than just meet your high expectations; we aim to exceed them. And our excellent customer service does not stop after you drive home in your Ram 1500.

We continue to be your one-stop-shop for everything you need after your purchase. We will help keep your Ram 1500 running in excellent condition with our parts and service center, where trained and knowledgeable technicians know the ins and outs of every Ram model. So stop by Spirit CDJR today and test drive the Ram 1500.