For many, a pickup truck is just a workhorse, designed to do a job and then be replaced once worn out – nothing more than a tool. As with many tools, when something new and improved is released, the old tool soon becomes outdated and unnecessary. Such is not the case for the 2nd-gen Dodge Cummins. Providing owners with an impressive amount of power at the disposal of their right foot, in addition to a stylish body and comfortable cabin, the 2nd-gen Dodge Ram Pickup has continued to be relevant since the day it debuted. Throughout this article, we explore just exactly what made the old Dodge such an icon.
All specs have been pulled directly from the manufacturer. Used car values are averages except where stated otherwise, and can vary depending on factors like mileage, cosmetic and mechanical conditions, number of previous owners, location, and more.
Second-Gen Cummins: What’s In A Name?
Dodge launched its first-generation Ram Pickup in the early 1980s, and continued to sell the model right through into the early 1990s. The 1st-gen truck did not receive Cummins power until 1989, and while capable, these earlier Cummins engines lack the impressive grunt on offer from later trucks.
By this point, the first-gen had done its job for Dodge, and so the iconic truck moved aside for its vastly superior replacement. The 2nd-gen Cummins model years are from 1994 through to 2001. Following immediately on, and also offering a powerful Cummins turbodiesel engine, the 1994 to 2001 Dodge Ram is often known as the 2nd-gen Cummins. The huge capability on hand from the medium and heavy-duty trucks meant the Dodge was hugely popular with the American workforce, in addition to those who needed a powerful truck for lifestyle purposes too, like towing a trailer or boat.
Even though a great number of more powerful trucks have been produced and sold since the last 2nd gen Ram rolled off of the factory floor, enthusiasts still flock to these older models. This is because the 5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine is not only capable in its standard form, but it can be tuned to produce four-figure horsepower outputs too, making it a firm favorite with tuners. Furthermore, the second gen Cummins trucks are typically just as capable as their newer counterparts, yet the older trucks lack the electrical complications and expenses related to buying, running and maintaining a new model.
A Closer Look At The Mighty Cummins Turbodiesel
Engine shot of a 1998 second-gen Cummins-powered Dodge Ram pickup truckBring A Trailer
Second-Gen Cummins Engine And Performance Specs
Engine
5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-6
Power
Up to 245 horsepower
Torque
Up to 505 lb-ft
Towing capacity
13,400 lbs
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the strength of turbodiesel trucks was seemingly growing day by day. Dodge was keen to impress and to stay one step ahead of the competition, and so a Cummins inline-six seemed to be the perfect option.
In the most potent High-Output trim, the 5.9-liter 2nd-gen Cummins engine provided a respectable 245 horsepower, in addition to a mighty 505 lb-ft of torque. Importantly, the Cummins engine beat other key players in the segment to that all-impressive 500 lb-ft figure.
An excellent full-size truck for towing or hauling very heavy loads.
– CarSurvey Review (’98 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT 5.9 24V Cummins)
Owners of 2nd-gen Dodge Cummins trucks love the impressive durability and capability on offer from the trucks. One owner, on CarSurvey, documents how they were able to tow “an 8000 lb boat and trailer clear across the country last year, with a cab-over camper mounted on the truck”. A remark like this displays just how powerful the 2nd-gen Cummins diesel engine really is, especially when under the hood of Dodge’s ever-capable Ram pickup truck, in any trim.
A Truck That Was More Than Its Engine
Front quarter shot of a 1998 second-gen Cummins-powered Dodge Ram pickup truckBring A Trailer
The 1st-gen Cummins, a truck available from the late 1980s through to 1993, was more traditional in style than the 2nd-gen model. A typical squared design no doubt helped the original truck to find fans in America, but after a successful run, it was clear that the design was dating rapidly, and so a dramatic redesign was necessary.
In complete contrast to the 1st-gen Ram Pickup, the 2nd-gen looked modern and stylish, rather than just being styled as a tool for a job. The distinctive front fascia is still recognizable in modern Ram trucks today, such as with the 2024 Ram 1500, and the design from the cab backwards, too, was much more rounded. Not only was this a major update in comparison to the earlier efforts of Dodge, but it also looked completely different to the competition.
Trucks on offer in the early and mid 1990s, such as the old Silverado and F-Series models, were still dominated by simple square structures. So, when the all-new Ram launched, with a softer approach, it instantly dated the competition, providing Dodge with a well-deserved edge over other American models on offer at the time.
Hero Vehicle On The Big Screen
The second-generation Dodge Ram pickup truck found fans outside its original target audience of hard workers and heavy haulers. Appearing on the silver screen in hits such as Blockbuster and Twister, the Cummins-powered truck was the perfect choice for action-packed movies. The film Twister followed storm-chasers and scientists around as they prepare to battle the most extreme storm in decades. Rough weather will, of course, translate into rough conditions, and so a heap full of torque and a dependable four-wheel-drive system would be just what the crew required.
Their vehicle of choice? A hardy 1995 Dodge Ram pickup. The Dodge was more than just a prop for the film, but instead one of the main characters, and perhaps one of the more memorable elements from the film. As described in the comments from the YouTube clip, “Twister wasn’t just a movie about storm chasers, it was a 90-minute-long commercial for the new Dodge Ram”.
Refined Interior And Multiple Body Styles
Interior shot of a 1998 second-gen Cummins-powered Dodge Ram pickup truckBring A Trailer
In addition to capability, Dodge’s second-generation Ram Pickup boasted remarkable versatility, too. Up-front, the cab was available in a variety of styles, such as regular, extended (dubbed Club Cab by Dodge), or in the style of a crew cab. The latter two body styles provide an extra row of seats, perfect for family use, and for loading up with workers on a job, too. The Club Cab’s back seats were much smaller, though. The Cummins diesel engine was not offered on the 1500, but instead only on the medium and heavy-duty 2500 and 2500 trucks, as they were designed to be the truck of choice for more demanding applications.
In addition to the various cab styles, Dodge offered its second-generation Ram with regular and extended beds too. Furthermore, dually trucks were also available, sporting two wheels on either side of the rear axle. The dually setup provides better stability with heavy loads in the bed, and so it is great for towing and hauling close to the truck’s maximum capacity.
Inside, the 2nd-gen trucks were clearly prioritizing comfort in ways Dodge had not thought of before that point. Top-spec trucks boasted options such as power and heated leather seats, with radio controls on the rear of the steering wheel, upmarket wood-grain trim, and an upgraded Infinity audio system. This proved the Dodge was more than just a worker’s tool, but instead a family-friendly truck that wouldn’t be a chore to use every single day.
Today’s Values On The Used Market
Front quarter shot of a 1999 second-gen Cummins-powered Dodge Ram pickup truckBring A Trailer
2nd-Gen Dodge Ram Pickup Truck Values
Average Sale Price
Lowest Sale Price
Highest Sale Price
Most Recent Sale Price
$19,871
$3,600
$50,555
$28,000
According to data collected from the Classic auction database, the average price paid for one of the ever-popular second-gen Dodge Ram trucks is just shy of $21,000. Meaning, this modern-classic pickup is perhaps more affordable than you would first think.
However, it’s important to ensure you know what to pay for a second-gen Dodge Ram pickup truck, and ultimately it comes down to specification and condition. Some examples of the marque command prices north of $75,000, whereas wallet-emptying project trucks could be yours for little more than a few thousand dollars. Common issues, such as rusted bodywork, a faulty four-wheel-drive system, or damaged dash, could lead to costly repairs. So, be sure to take such issues into account when shopping around for a second-gen Dodge Cummins.
Despite many examples of the 2nd gen Dodge Cummins being used for hard work, right from day one, there is still a wide selection of smart examples on the market. Bring A Trailer shows a steady stream of well-presented, and sometimes even low-mileage, Cummins-powered Dodge Ram Pickup trucks from 1994 to 2001 listed. Most fall comfortably between the $15,000 and $35,000 range, confirming the estimates given on Classic’s auction database.
How Has Cummins Evolved Today?
2019 – 2026 Ram 2500 detail shot of Cummins engineRam
Cummins diesel engines have been around for over 100 years, and Ram doesn’t show any plans to stop offering them in its heavy-duty pickups. You can currently find a 2026 Ram 2500 with a 6.7-liter turbo-diesel inline-6 that makes 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. It sends power to either the rear axle or both axles via an 8-speed automatic TorqueFlight HD transmission. When equipped with this optional diesel engine, the 2500 can tow up to 20,000 pounds — without it, the standard 6.4L Hemi V8 can only tow up to 17,750 pounds.
Base Trim Engine
5.9L Magnum V8
Base Trim Transmission
5-speed manual
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
245 HP @4000 RPM
Base Trim Torque
335 lb.-ft. @ 3200 RPM
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Segment
Full-Size Pickup Truck
Sources: Dodge, Classic.com, CarSurvey, Bring A Trailer
