Against 419 other V6 cars rated 2001–2003, the Ram Van trails their 18.8 mpg average by 4.8 mpg, about $700 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2.2L 4-cyl (1984–1987), does 22.3 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5.9L 8-cyl (2002), 13: $1,232 a year apart.
Every Dodge Ram Van engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 19.8 / 26 | 1984–1987 | $1,722 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 18.3 / 26 | 1988–1990 | $1,803 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 16.5 / 21 | 1987–1990 | $2,076 | |
| 3.9L 6-cyl | 13 / 15 | 2001–2003 | $2,743 | |
| 5.2L 8-cyl | 12.5 / 16 | 2001–2003 | $2,743 | |
| 5.9L 8-cyl | 11 / 16 | 2002–2002 | $2,954 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2003) | $0.229 |
| Fuel per year | $2,743 |
| Fuel over five years | $13,715 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2001–2003 | +$700 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,638 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2003 Dodge Ram Van gives up 2 mpg in town: 15 on the highway against 13 in the city, $394 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2003) | 13 mpg | $2,954 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 15 mpg | $2,560 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +2 mpg (15%) | Typical for its type |
How the Ram Van changed over the years
The Ram Van peaked in 1985 at 23 mpg (21 city, 26 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2002 at 13.5 — 9.5 mpg apart, or $1,174 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2003 car does 14.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 13 / 15 | 2 | $2,743 | |
| 2002 | 12 / 15.5 | 2 | $2,844 | |
| 2001 | 12.5 / 16 | 2 | $2,743 | |
| 1990 | 18 / 24 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1989 | 17 / 23 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 1988 | 17 / 23.5 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 1987 | 18 / 23.5 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1986 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1985 | 21 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1984 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
- Fuel profile built from your actual mileage and local prices
- Fuel tracker: what you really spend, month by month
- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
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How we count
This page rests on 17 EPA ratings of the Dodge Ram Van — 6 engines across 1984–2003. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,638. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2003 Dodge Ram Van get?
14 mpg combined, 13 city and 15 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Ram Van has averaged 18.2 mpg.
Is the 2003 Ram Van more efficient than the 2002?
About the same: 14 against 13.5 mpg combined.
Which Ram Van year has the best gas mileage?
The 1985, at 23 mpg combined (21 city, 26 highway).
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