2019 Ram 1500 Classic Review: A Familiar Comfort Zone
While Ram's all-new 1500 truck impresses with more luxury and impressive towing capabilities, the marque has decided to keep the previous-generation light-duty truck going under the 1500 Classic designation. So, while the 1500 Classic can't compete with the brand new model, it offers a tried and tested, cheaper, stripped-down option for buyers who need a dependable truck, but want to spend less. It's a pretty smart move, if you ask us. Offering a combination of V6 and V8 gas engines, a torquey Ecodiesel, and either rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive, the 1500 Classic is ready to get to work. While lacking the latest driver-assist safety gear, the 1500 Classic still has a comfy and spacious cabin, while cruising along on the highway more smoothly than many newer rivals. Alongside the likes of the even older Toyota Tundra, the Ram still feels surprisingly fresh, but you will miss some of the advances Ram has made with the all-new 1500.
What's the Price of the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic?
The cheapest 1500 Classic is the no-frills regular cab Tradesman, at an MSRP of $27,645. Next is the Express at $29,345, then the SLT at $31,595. The regular, three-seater cab is only available in these three trims.
The Warlock comes in at $35,795, the Lone Star at $38,445, the SSV at $40,425, the Big Horn at $40,445, the Lone Star Silver at $41,995, and the Laramie at $45,300. All prices are for 4x2 models, with optional 4x4 being an additional $3,600 to $4,600 depending on the variant.
Upgrading from the regular cab to the quad cab costs $3,900 for the Tradesman 4x2. Expect to pay around $300 extra for a crew cab with the larger six-foot-four box. The priciest 1500 Classic is the Laramie 4x4 crew cab with the larger box, at an MSRP of $49,300.
All prices exclude a destination charge of $1,695 as well as tax, licensing and registration.
2019 1500 Classic Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| 209.0 in | 120.0 in | 74.6 in | 79.4 in |
2019 1500 Classic Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
While it may have first been introduced back in 2009, there's nothing wrinkly about the 1500 Classic's driving dynamics. It's always been one of the smoothest-riding trucks around, and that hasn't changed one bit, despite the introduction of newer competition. It's all down to the 1500's standard coil springs both front and rear, where many other competitors use a more rudimentary leaf-spring setup at the back. Bumps and road scars are soaked up with confidence, the Classic always composed and steady, and proving a well-sorted cruiser, so covering long distances isn't an issue at all. It's also nicely refined, with noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels kept to a minimum. Steering feedback and responsiveness are also excellent for a truck, the 1500 being easy to keep on track, with the helm remaining accurate.
2019 1500 Classic Interior
2019 1500 Classic Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|
| 4/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic A Good Truck?
By giving the previous-generation 1500 a new lease on life under the Classic moniker, Ram will please loyalists who simply want a capable, comfortable, and tough truck at a more affordable price. In that light, the 1500 Classic makes a lot of sense. Starting at over $4,000 less than the new 1500, the saving is quite substantial. In many ways, the 1500 Classic remains competitive with far newer rivals. The ride is really comfortable, while the well-designed cabin offers plenty of space for passengers. Three strong engines also provide a good combination of pace, with only the V8 being quite heavy on juice. However, the Classic's age does show in some ways. You won't find the latest safety technologies that are available in the new 1500 and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and some poor results from the latest available IIHS crash tests are shown up by the competition. Otherwise, the hardworking 1500 Classic makes a lot of sense as an accomplished and proven cargo-hauler.
What Ram 1500 Classic Model Should I Buy?
Of course, if you're after a workhorse, you'll go for one of the regular cabs. If you need to carry passengers in the back, the quad or crew cabs would make more sense.
Being the older-generation 1500, our choice would be the Warlock trim. If you're spending more than this trim, you may as well go for the all-new 1500. Warlock adds just enough goodies to increase driver and passenger comfort, with superior trim, a better infotainment system, and appealingly aggressive looks. It's also available with both the 3.6-liter V6 and the HEMI V8. By adding the $795 Luxury Group to the Warlock, you can drive off in a high-value truck that looks the part and that can be used to haul cargo or carry the family around equally well.
2019 Ram 1500 Classic Comparisons
2019 Ram 1500 Classic vs Ram 1500
How does the older 1500 Classic stack up against the newer 1500? Well, as good a truck as the Classic is, the new 1500 is a true class-leader. To start off with, the 1500 is a really handsome sight to behold, with Ram doing a fantastic job of updating the design. While the V6 and V8 engines are used in the new generation too, they both get a mild-hybrid boost and are more rounded and efficient performers. Inside, the newer 1500 offers an even higher standard of build quality, along with a fresher design and far more technology than the Classic. Driver-assist features like lane departure warning are sorely lacking in the Classic, but the 1500 makes it available. There's also an optional 12-inch infotainment screen in the new 1500 that makes the Classic's setup feel positively ancient. Unless you are buying one of the basic-trim 1500 Classics and taking advantage of their high-value price tags, you should get a new 1500 instead - it's by far the better truck.
2019 Ram 1500 Classic vs Ford F-150
One of these wears a Classic badge, but the other is a true American classic. The Ford F-150 continues to rule the sales charts, and has proven a mountain too big to climb for all competitors. Although they start off at a similar price point, the F-150 has a broader range and stretches all the way to over $70k. Both are excellent trucks with powerful engines, although the F-150's turbocharged motors have the edge for overall performance. The F-150 also has greater maximum towing capacity, outdoing the Ram by over 2,000 lbs in this aspect. Both are comfortable trucks, but here the Ram has the edge with its smooth and stable ride. The Ford, however, leads the way with much better safety scores than the Ram, as well as the availability of driver-assist safety features that you can't have on the Classic. Neither comprehensively outduels the other, but the F-150 has the edge.