Nissan's full-size underdog runs a bulletproof 5.6L V8 that'll hit 200k miles while costing $10-15k less than an F-150. The hydraulic steering and column shifter feel refreshingly analog, the warranty is class-leading, and owners who ignore the badge report trouble-free ownership. The 2016-2018 models had a cylinder 7 scoring issue, warranty-covered and fixed by 2019, but the bigger problem is fuel economy that makes other half-tons look thrifty and an interior that feels a decade behind. The rare 5.0L Cummins diesel is a disaster; stick with gas. Buy this if you want a simple, capable workhorse and don't need to flex at the job site. Skip it if resale value or cutting-edge tech matters, or if you're shopping 2016-2018 without extended warranty coverage.
If you're shopping used Rams from 2019-2024, listen for the Hemi tick, that cold-start ticking noise signals lifter failure brewing, a repair that costs thousands and craters resale the moment it starts. Owners report oil pans corroding through at 55k miles, transmissions shuddering, and catastrophic engine failures on brand-new 2024s that didn't survive to their first oil change. One buyer found the parking brake held together with Vise-Grips. The 2025 redesign ditches the Hemi entirely for a Hurricane inline-six, and early expert reviews praise the smooth ride, strong power, and luxury-grade cabin in top trims. But it's too new to prove Stellantis fixed the underlying quality control issues or just swapped problems. Used Hemi-era trucks are a gamble unless you verify low idle hours and no tick. New buyers are beta-testing a clean-sheet powertrain from a company whose recent track record offers little reassurance. If you need a full-size truck now, the F-150 and Silverado have more predictable long-term costs.