1500

Make
Ram
Segment
Sports Car

Instead of discontinuing the outgoing Ram 1500 full-size pickup truck, the brand has just announced it'll continue building and selling it in 2019 alongside its replacement. The 2018 Ram 1500 will become the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic, internally known as the 'DS.' Its all-new successor will be, of course, the 2019 Ram 1500, codenamed 'DT.' Both vehicles will be sold in dealerships for the coming model year as part of an effort to further bolster sales. The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic will officially go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2018.

"As we launch the all-new 2019 Ram 1500, we didn't want to walk away from a key part of the light-duty truck market" said Mike Manley, Head of FCA's Ram Brand. "Ram will continue to produce the 1500 Classic targeted at entry and commercial buyers." As we previously reported, the new 2019 Ram 1500 is experiencing its own production issues at the moment due to a lack of EPA approval for certain powertrains. Carrying over the newly rebranded "Classic" 1500 will help steady the ship for now. The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic will be offered in four trims, Tradesman, Express, Big Horn/Lone Star and SSV (Special Services Vehicle). Ram has also updated the package offerings for even better value.

For example, chrome bumpers, body-color upper front fascia, 17-inch wheels and remote keyless entry can all be had on the Tradesman. Tradesman SXT is another trim package that includes, among other items, dual exhaust on V8 models, fog lamps, and 20-inch chrome wheels. There's also the Express Black Accent Package, including black wheels and black headlight bezels, available on all Express trims. Three cabs and three bed lengths are available. Regular Cab with either an 8-foot bed or 6-ft, 4-inch bed; Quad Cab with 6-ft, 4-inch bed; Crew Cab short bed (5-ft, 7-inch), or Crew Cab with 6-ft, 4-inch bed. The same 3.6-liter V6 and optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 also remain, while the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel will arrive at a later date.