2003 Dodge Ram 2500

The 2003 Ram 2500 is Dodge's heavy-duty pickup, the one you'd pick when you need serious towing and hauling capability. It drives like a proper work truck, with a firm ride and steering that's direct but not light, which is what you expect from a 3/4-ton. Inside, the cabin is straightforward and durable, with plenty of room up front and controls that are easy to use even with work gloves on. Reliability is generally solid, especially the powertrain, but you should keep an eye on electrical gremlins and minor mechanical issues that pop up with age. The SLT is the mid-level trim, the one that gives you the heavy-duty capability of the 2500 without the base ST's vinyl floors and manual windows. Its 5.9L I6 makes 345 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque, and with the five-speed automatic and four-wheel drive, it pulls confidently whether you're towing a trailer or hauling a full bed.