A Fond Farewell to the Ram 1500 Classic

Truck Lovers Say Goodbye After 15-Year Run

Like many Ram trucks, the Ram 1500 Classic has an enthusiastic following. Unfortunately, it’s time for them to say goodbye to the popular vehicle.

Stellantis recently confirmed that the Ram 1500 Classic will not join other Ram trucks in a 2025 production run. Production of the truck, currently taking place at its Warren Truck Plant in Michigan, will end in September.

Many Americans are already grieving the loss of this iconic pickup, as are workers at the Michigan plant. While Jeep will continue to use it to manufacture two of its vehicles, the plant plans significant layoffs following the end of the production run for the Ram 1500 Classic.

Ram Drops the 5.7L Hemi V-8

Most experts believe Ram decided to axe the Ram 1500 Classic because the automaker felt it wouldn’t be worth continuing production without the 5.7L Hemi V-8. Buyers can still find the 5.7L Hemi V-8 in the 1500 lineup, but 2025 will be its last year.

In other Ram 1500 models, which the company plans to continue manufacturing, the 5.7L Hemi will be replaced by the V-6 Hurricane lineup of engines.

Most experts feel that dropping the Hemi V-8 made it unreasonable to continue production of the Ram 1500 Classic. These Ram trucks would need to be retooled entirely to accept the company’s new V-6 engine.

What to Expect From the 2024 Ram 1500 Classic

The 1500 Classic has been one of the more popular Ram trucks for a decade and a half. In that time, it has undergone no significant updates, yet it has retained its popularity among a diverse group of drivers.

The 2024 Ram 1500 Classic has two trim levels. Buyers can choose from the entry-level Tradesman, a trim level also available on the modern version of the 1500, or the Warlock, an off-road-oriented truck with a slightly higher starting MSRP.

Hopping into these Ram trucks’ cabins can feel like walking into a time machine compared to the modern iteration, but that’s part of the appeal. Drivers who want a solid truck with everything they need without unnecessary complications love it.

What About the Other Ram Trucks?

Since the automaker plans to continue manufacturing the Ram 1500, drivers can still get their hands on an affordable workhorse for commercial and private use. Ram will also continue to manufacture the 1500 RHO and HD.

Buyers with their hearts set on the Ram 1500 Classic should head to their local Ram dealerships now. The automaker is still manufacturing the popular Ram trucks, but they won’t be for long.

Though many drivers are mourning the loss of the Ram 1500 Classic and the iconic 5.7L Hemi V-8 engine that powers it, there is some good news. Because these popular Ram trucks haven’t seen any significant changes in 15 years, buyers will have few worries about finding replacement parts.