How much did a 1998 Dodge Ram cost new?
In 1998, a base Ram 1500 started around $14,000–$15,500 in 1998 dollars. Well-equipped 1500s and the heavy-duty Ram 2500/3500 could climb into the low-to-mid $20,000s or higher, depending on options and drivetrain. The exact price varied by trim, cab style, engine, and whether it was 2WD or 4x4.
What influenced the price in 1998
Engine and drivetrain choices
The engine (V6 vs V8) and whether the truck was two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive were major price levers. V8 power plus 4x4 typically added several thousand dollars to the sticker.
Cab and body styles
Extended cab or club cab configurations, as well as bed length, could raise the price compared with a standard regular cab.
Below are representative ranges by configuration to illustrate how these factors played out in the showroom.
- Ram 1500 Regular Cab, 2WD, 3.9L V6: approximately $14,000–$15,500
- Ram 1500 Club Cab, 2WD, V8 (5.2L or 5.9L): roughly $18,000–$24,000
- Ram 1500 4x4, V8, with optioned features: about $20,000–$26,000
- Ram 2500 Regular Cab, 2WD, V8: around $25,000–$28,000
Note: These figures come from period dealer catalogs and advertisements and reflect typical sticker prices for common configurations in 1998, before regional pricing variations and dealer discounts.
Price ranges by Ram model
To summarize how prices clustered by model, here are broad ranges observed for new 1998 Dodge Ram pickups:
- Ram 1500 Regular Cab 2WD: roughly $14,000–$15,500
- Ram 1500 Club Cab / extended cab 2WD: roughly $18,000–$24,000
- Ram 1500 4x4 variants: roughly $20,000–$26,000
- Ram 2500 Regular Cab (HD): roughly $25,000–$28,000
- Ram 3500 Regular Cab (HD): roughly $28,000–$32,000
Again, exact prices depended on the combination of engine, drivetrain, cab style, and additional options selected at the time of purchase.
Illustrative configurations and their typical prices
The following examples illustrate how a buyer’s choices could push the price up or down within the 1998 lineup.
- 1998 Ram 1500 Regular Cab, 2WD, 3.9L V6: about $14,000–$15,500
- 1998 Ram 1500 Club Cab, 2WD, 5.2L V8: about $18,000–$23,000
- 1998 Ram 1500 4x4, 5.9L V8: about $22,000–$28,000
- 1998 Ram 2500 Regular Cab, 2WD, 5.9L V8: about $25,000–$28,000
These examples reflect common pricing patterns in the late 1990s Dodge dealer network and are not a single fixed price.
Inflation context
To relate 1998 dollars to today, inflation adjustments are useful. A rough rule of thumb is that 1998 dollars have about the purchasing power of around $1.5–$2.0 today for mid-range consumer goods, though exact multipliers vary by month and index. This helps translate a 1998 price tag into a current-equivalent figure for budgeting or historical comparison.
Bottom line
The 1998 Dodge Ram did not have a single price tag. Base Ram 1500s started in the mid-teens, while configurations with longer cabs, four-wheel drive, or heavier-duty 2500/3500 specifications pushed prices into the higher teens or mid- to high-$20,000s, with top-heavy HD models approaching the low-$30,000s in 1998 dollars. The exact sticker price depended on engine choice, drivetrain, cab style, and factory options.
Summary
In 1998, Dodge offered a range of Ram pickups with price points that varied by model and configuration. A base Ram 1500 began around $14k–$15k, and as options and capabilities grew—such as extended cabs, 4x4 drivetrains, and heavy-duty 2500/3500 variants—prices rose into the upper teens and into the $20k–$30k territory for higher-spec trucks. The precise number depended on the specific build, regional pricing, and dealer incentives.
What was the original MSRP of a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500?
1999 Dodge Ram 1500 Club Cab pricing starts at $3,566 for the Ram 1500 Club Cab Short Bed, which had a starting MSRP of $21,515 when new. The range-topping 1999 Ram 1500 Club Cab Long Bed starts at $3,671 today, originally priced from $21,795.
How many miles can a 98 Ram 1500 last?
On average, a well-maintained Ram 1500 will last at least 200,000 miles or 15 years.
How much did a Dodge Ram cost in 1998?
1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Club Cab Pricing
| Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.) | |
|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 Club Cab | $3,397 - $3,822 | $3,036 - $3,207 |
| Ram 1500 Quad Cab | $3,785 - $5,298 | $3,170 - $4,625 |
| Ram 1500 Regular Cab | $4,813 - $5,512 | $4,031 - $4,977 |
What year to stay away from RAM 1500?
Years to avoid for the Ram 1500 include 2003, the early third-generation years of 2012-2013, and models with the first-generation EcoDiesel from 2014-2019. Additionally, the introduction of the redesigned fifth generation made 2019 a year to be cautious of. Issues with these years often involve electrical failures, engine problems, and transmission issues.
Early generation (Dodge Ram)
- 2003: A very problematic year with numerous complaints and recalls for issues including airbag systems, engines, and steering.
- 2012 and 2013: These years, while praised for aspects like ride quality, have significant numbers of complaints and recalls, particularly for electrical system failures.
Fourth and fifth generation (Ram)
- 2014-2019 EcoDiesel: The initial generation of the EcoDiesel engine had a range of serious problems, including a recall for a cracked EGR cooler and bottom-end failures.
- 2014: The first year of the EcoDiesel, this model year also had a high number of recalls, many engine-related.
- 2016: Faced numerous recalls and reports of engine, transmission, and body integrity issues.
- 2019: As the first year of the fifth generation, this model is known to have a higher-than-average rate of problems, particularly with its electrical and infotainment systems.
Other years to approach with caution
- 2010: Notorious for a weak engine and poor fuel economy, although generally reliable and comfortable.
- 2011: The early Pentastar V6 engines had issues with rocker arm failures and oil pump problems, though overall user ratings were good.
- 2018: Has been cited for a higher-than-average rate of electrical and infotainment system problems.
