2016 Ram 1500 Rebel new car reviews

That's right, we actually rescued a Jeep while we were driving our Ram Rebel.

After moving itself from a truck model to a make, Ram has begun to come into their own. The brand used to be known for below average build quality and a slightly strange appearance. But the folks at Ram seem to have turned the corner.

Our test Ram 1500 Rebel came fitted with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which cranks out enough power to be considered as a very good towing option—rated for 10,610 lb. maximum towing capacity.

Other staff views

Tom Suddard
Tom Suddard
Publisher

I'm a sucker for things with mud tires. And, well, I loved this Ram. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it kind of flashy for my tastes? Yes (one look at the tailgate is all you need to know). Is it more truck than most buyers will ever need? Definitely.

What I couldn't get over, though, is just how good modern pickup trucks are. It was fast, it towed, it hauled, it was fairly comfortable, and it even got somewhat decent mileage. The air suspension seems gimmicky at first, but it's awesome clicking the key fob and watching the bed of the truck lower to a manageable height. The cab was quiet, the stereo was awesome, and it drove very nicely. The back seat was huge, too. Trucks have come a long way since the 1973 Ford F-350, and this one happens to have cool wheels and a lift kit. Sign me up!

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Comments
captdownshift
captdownshift GRM+ Memberand UberDork
6/24/16 1:24 p.m.

I wonder if they'll ever build an eco rebel, that would check A LOT of boxes

NickD
NickD Dork
6/24/16 1:36 p.m.

Love Ram trucks but I am not a fan of the giant chrome RAM lettering on the tailgate and the rotary knob gearshift. The Hemi firepower makes up for it though

ultraclyde
ultraclyde UberDork
6/24/16 1:40 p.m.

Interesting that you describe something with a black plastic grill/bumper treatment as too flashy. The grill looks like a bad fake mustache. Snidely Whiplash, your truck is ready.

bigdaddylee82
bigdaddylee82 SuperDork
6/24/16 2:54 p.m.

Is the ostentatious RAM grill an option? I thought the Raptor's "FORD" Grill was bad, but good grief, that Ram is almost painful to look at.

DeadSkunk
DeadSkunk UltraDork
6/24/16 3:02 p.m.

All of the current crop of large pickups look like the designers were hired away from Wurlitzer. If I were shopping for any truck right now I'd be looking at the work truck versions just so I wouldn't have to look at those overly wrought chromed mugs.

singleslammer
singleslammer UberDork
6/24/16 4:20 p.m.

Yeah, these are both overkill.

92dxman
92dxman SuperDork
6/30/16 10:46 a.m.
DeadSkunk wrote: All of the current crop of large pickups look like the designers were hired away from Wurlitzer. If I were shopping for any truck right now I'd be looking at the work truck versions just so I wouldn't have to look at those overly wrought chromed mugs.

Crew Cab Ram Tradesman for me please.

chiodos
chiodos Dork
6/30/16 12:12 p.m.

Is it just me or does the grill have a fu manchu?

logdog
logdog GRM+ Memberand SuperDork
6/30/16 12:16 p.m.
92dxman wrote:
DeadSkunk wrote: All of the current crop of large pickups look like the designers were hired away from Wurlitzer. If I were shopping for any truck right now I'd be looking at the work truck versions just so I wouldn't have to look at those overly wrought chromed mugs.
Crew Cab Ram Tradesman for me please.

I got one of those.

bigdaddylee82
bigdaddylee82 SuperDork
7/4/16 6:14 p.m.

We passed one of these "Rebels" going down I40 on Friday. With zero prompt from me, SWMBO proclaimed, "why would anyone want that, it just screams D-bag."

The 30 something college educated woman, must not have been Ram's target demographic for this trim level.

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