1998 Dodge Ram Wagon 3500

I couldn't be more pleased with this van

By bandman (CA) on Monday, May 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 199,000

Pros: "Ridiculous space. Drives like a dream. Dependable."

Cons: "No cruise control."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"First off, the pictures don't do this van justice. It is HUGE. Which is exactly what I wanted. When is says you can seat 15 people, you can actually seat 15 people comfortably. I bought this van for my band to tour in (basically live in on the road). Let me say, it has enough space for whatever you plan on using it for. I've seen people build bunkbeds in these things. If you are looking for a van for hauling equipment, people, basically anything in....this is the van for you. The seats are easily removed and create a HUGE cargo space. I have hauled a giant Harley in the back of this thing, and still had a row of seats in it. I've toured with 6 guys who had to all sleep in it, and we were able to do so comfortably. You just have to get creative. Obviously, the only drawback is the lack of fuel efficiency. However, if you are looking for a big car, don't expect to get any kind of normal gas milage unless you get a sprinter. Overall, this thing is great. 200,000+ miles and still kicking off the original everything in the engine. I know people who have gone 400,000 miles on the factory transmission. You just have to take care of it. Like any car."

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working van

By pappy (TN) on Monday, March 26, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 250,000

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"this has been a great van for us the last 10 years. we used it to flea market all over the southeast. only problem has been the bus mirrors constantly getting loose."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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I love my van!

By Lauren F (IL) on Sunday, January 08, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 160,000

Pros: "Space, hauls everything! Runs well. Never failed!"

Cons: "Gas mileage."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned my Dodge Ram 2500 12-passenger (we added the 3rd seat) van for about 8 years now. I absolutely LOVE my van. Plenty of space. Runs really well. Tows our pop-up (and a few rental trailers) beautifully. The body just started to rust this past year (it is 12 years old), with a few patches here and there. The interior has held up really well, even with dozens of kids, adults, bikes, fishing poles, kayaks, furniture, and even a kitchen sink being hauled in it! You can fit just about anything in this van: when we vacation we put 4 kids, 2 adults, a dog, 4 bikes, suitcases, coolers, beach stuff, and a TV with DVD IN the van and still have room to move! The only drawback is the gas mileage...under 12 mpg. It now has 160,000 miles on it and has had a new radiator, new shocks/struts, new tires, and a thermostat in the past 8 years. Which is hardly any repairs for 8 years!"

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Family Swiss Army Knife

By The Professor (MA) on Friday, November 18, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 165,000

Pros: "Room, comfort, versatility, easy tow vehicle. HD!"

Cons: "Wind noise on highway, MPG, back barn door."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my second full size Dodge 3/4 ton van, Dodge calls it a "wagon" as it has seating and windows all around. Both based on a 12 pass setup, 127" wheelbase, the suspension package is head and shoulders better than the half ton version that sways and "wallows". The first one was a 1981, powered by a slant six and HD Torqueflite trans, it was bulletproof, had great gas mileage, but was fairly plain with a rubber floor and heavy vinyl seating. The paint quality was poor, the body needed work after 300,000 miles, but it was the family car, truck, and RV for more than 15 years. The 1996 was luxury by comparison, SLT package means power windows, locks, key-less entry, dark window tint all around, and attractive heavy cloth upholstery, chrome wheels, best of all front and back ice cold A/C. This van has the 5.2 L Magnum V8, lots of power, but averages 15 MPG, with the 4 speed OD transmission and tow package. Like it's predecessor this van at 165,000 miles has never broken down or been unreliable. We often took it to Florida for family vacations, approx. 1500 miles in 26 hours (each way). It always had regular maintenance. Now that the family is grown it doesn't get the use or the miles it used to. Rust has not been a problem in spite of New England salty winter roads and a home near the ocean. Worst problem is wind noise on the highway. Considering it's estimated value, I can't find a reason to sell it, or what vehicle could offer the versatility to replace it."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Great Vehicle for People Moving

By Road Runner (Colorado) on Monday, July 12, 2010

"Bought our 1998 MaxiVan used in 1999 with 47,000 miles and used it for many years for hauling around our kids, teenaged foster children and dogs, and also for going on summer road trips with them. The engine size is very powerful, and even fully-loaded at 80MPH, the van seemed to float along the freeway. Using a roof rack makes the vehicle unstable, so we took out the back bench seat to accommodate bags, food boxes, sporting equipment, camping equipment & whatever. We also installed a tow hitch and used a Thule bike rack on the back to hold four full-sized bikes. The best places for child safety and booster seats were in the seats closest to the windows as that's where the seat belts with shoulder straps were. There are PLENTY of design improvements that could be made to this vehicle, and hopefully they've been made since 1998. When you want to haul tall passengers with long legs and a bunch of stuff, a full-size van is the only way to go. We've had no problems at all with rust, but have had endless wear problems with the brakes. Always there's some part of the brake system that needs repair. Just now, 11 years and 75,000 miles later (total miles 122,500), the transmission has gone out and we're chewing over what do next. (We don't have any kids or foster children at home any more.)"

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Great Van, But...

By Dan (Central Ohio) on Thursday, May 13, 2010

"1998 1 ton. Has been a great van for our large family. The only issue I have with it is the front frame/unibody area in front of both front wheels is almost rusted out! So far, I have had difficulty finding someone who can repair it. I was also surprised to find that no recall had been issued for such a major problem. Only has 125K. This is reason for 2 stars on quality. Other then this, it has been very reliable and a wonderful workhorse as well as a family transporter."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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