Time is Running Out to Buy the More Affordable 2024 Ram 1500 Classic

Ram is phasing out the older generation truck, with production due to end in September.

Ram is ending production of its most affordable model, the 2024 Ram 1500 Classic. It has been an interesting road for the automaker, many analysts were puzzled by Ram’s decision to compete against itself. Many others thought it was brilliant. In the current days of high-tech and expensive new vehicles, why not offer a low-tech, stripped-down model that was new? The Ram Classic, sold under the Tradesman label was particularly popular for fleet vehicles and for entry-level truck buyers. Now, the previous generation model is being phased out in September. Unfortunately, the more than two thousand workers who build the Ram 1500 Classic will lose their jobs.

Rumors about the end of Ram Classic production have been swirling for weeks. The Stellantis CEO, Carlos Tavares, made it clear after the company’s poor financial performance during the first half of the year that cuts would be coming. Legally, companies have to warn the state of Michigan if large numbers of employees might be losing jobs. Stellantis released a statement confirming it was warning the state about upcoming layoffs.  

Ram's Statement:

“The Ram 1500 Classic has been a great entry point pickup for Ram and the Tradesman model has well represented the needs of commercial truck customers for years. We introduced the new 2025 Ram 1500 Tradesman with incredible value and content. The upgraded electrical architecture allows new technologies useful to commercial fleets for better tracking and improved safety systems, such as Forward Collision Warning Plus and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, the available Hurricane Straight-Six Turbo engine provides greater fuel efficiency, vital to lowering total cost of ownership. The new platform also offers more electrification opportunities with the Ram REV and Ramcharger variants that otherwise wouldn’t have been available, enabling future compliance.

With the introduction of the new Ram 1500, production of the Ram 1500 Classic at the Warren (Michigan) Truck Assembly Plant will come to an end later this year.”

The plant will continue to build Jeep Wagoneer models.

2024 Ram 1500 Classic

Part of the reason that Ram is phasing out the Ram Classic is that it is doing away with the large HEMI V-8 engine. The previous generation trucks were built around the larger engines, and it would be expensive to try and redesign the engine compartment for the new Hurricane engines. Plus, the body style is now 15 years old. It is time to give it a rest.

More importantly, Ram is forcing its customers to go with its more modern, refreshed lineup. In 2025, Ram will still offer an affordable Tradesman model with less technology and luxury, but the company can save money with economies of scale. The stamping plants will only have to make the new types of fenders, hoods and doors instead of two different designs. Trim levels are usually differentiated by technology and the materials used in interiors. Ram will be able to save a great deal of money down the road by keeping all of the truck bodies the same. The Ram 1500 Classic was not the cheapest model of truck available, there are less-expensive models out there. The Classic starts around $38,000 plus destination fees. But the Classic was a great entry level vehicle to entice truck buyers to the Ram brand.

Ram Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

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