Why is there a Classic?

[EdGs]

The look of the 4th gen is the best, IMO. Even the other gen's from 1997 and up just look unique. Nothing else looks like them.

Now, I am not a fan of the 2008-2009 ~ models - the headlights look off, and on the Dakotas, the body looks more square-ish to me.

The 5th gen has lost a little something in the look of the body to me, almost like they were trying to look like other manufacturers' models.

That is why for me that the gen 4 stands out. You know what it is from a long way off - not even close to looking like anything else.

Now, if I had to buy a gen 5, I would take it over other makes, for sure. Just comparing Rams to Rams.

JMHO, YMMV

 

[Socalramfan]

Every successful model, regardless to manufacture, has a particular series/ generation that arguably is considered the Classic and best liked & known of that model. The iconic years if you will.

For Ram…… history will show it’s the 4th gen.

 

[Lubeman]

For me, it came down to price and availability. Last October I changed jobs and no longer had a company vehicle. I bought a 2021 Classic quad cab with the Hemi, Chrome Plus package and Electronics package (8.4 touchscreen, upgraded EVIC and auto AC) new for just under $36K. Sticker was $39K. No GM or Ford dealers had anything comparable on the lot in that price range. I could've bought a basic Chevy Colorado with a 4 cylinder for a little less... no thanks! The Tradesman interior isn't quite as nice as I'd like but the seats are comfortable and the touchscreen with CarPlay makes it feel more modern. It's has the best acceleration and best ride of any pickup I've ever driven. I really don't care about having the newest or most loaded truck. Just a clean, comfortable and reliable truck. Hell, I would've bought it if it looked like a 1995 model as long as had modern power and technology!

 

[Docwagon1776]

I prefer the looks of the 4th gen. I'm in a rental 2022 Classic on vacation now and I prefer it to the 5th Gen 1/2 tons I test drove. I like the seating position better, but will admit the interior is more spartan.

One thing I really like about the HD lineup is the 4.5 Gen thing, best of both worlds in many ways IMO.

 

[Hemi395]

I do like the 5th gens, in fact I've thought about trading mine in on one more than once. But there's just something about the 4th gens that look better IMO. The forward leaning front end and remnants from the 2nd gen "big rig" styling cues just combine into what I feel is the best looking truck out there. I think its just such a popular body style that people are drawn to it as an option for a new truck. Plus the lower price point compared to the 5th gens/other full size offerings you have a truck that still sells well, which is why Stellantis is still selling the 4th gens.

 

[Jeepwalker]

Considering the # of years they have been produced, I suspect there will be strong aftermarket parts availability for many year to come.

 

[dls56]

It was the aesthetics for me.

 

[Perforator]

Last year I lost my company pickup, I needed a pickup to drive back and forth to West Texas, where it would sit for two weeks while I worked. I wanted a full size pickup at a reasonable price.

Ford? Nope. $33k was the base model price. Rather take a beating than drive GM.

Came down to price for me. Last November I found a ‘21 Classic QC, chrome plus, carpet and the V6 for $28,000 out the door. Brand new.
And I happen to like to looks as well.

For that money, you can get an extended cab base model Datsun Frontier…

I’m quite happy with the truck.

 

[Truck Fun]

I stayed with the Classic for my 2021 because I could heated seats & steering wheel in a Tradesman package. Didn't want to get a higher level package with features that weren't needed or important to me. I also could get a grille guard that worked with tow hooks. I do prefer the looks of the 4th gen but the 5th gen has grown on me. If the 5th gen would have offered what I wanted, I would have gone with it.

 

[Narg]

GM did this a while back too, sold an older Silverado generation for a few years.