Review | 2016 Ram Promaster City | Race Ready

[@mitchh535]

Just found this review 2 years late. As a Dodge fan, it is hard to say, but the reliability of the Promaster is terrible. My company has about 50 of them and over half have left the driver stranded with overheating problems. I believe the main issue is failed cooling fans which have been on constant backorder. One driver was stranded when the motor died, and would not start due to being "low" on oil. I have no 1st hand experience since I pay a slight upcharge to drive the Ford Transit Connect. My previouse company car was an Escape for 3 years, and having no issues with it, decided to stay with Ford. There are 4 of us driving the Fords and they have not broken in the last 2 years. I have 44k on mine. Keep up the great reviews!

[@Turshin]

I work for FCA and drive a ford transit 350 van for my other job. The transit is a beast. TORQUE FOR DAYS..

[@kipamore]

Mitch H Odd. I have two 2014 promasters that we run as expediters. 484,000 on one and 480,000 on the other. Not perfect, but the best van on the market. The fan issue is annoying, but Rockauto has them for $136, vs 320 at autozone and 450 at the dealer. The fans seem to go out every 100k or so. But they wobble and make noise before they do. There a 2 other weak spots, but what I find intereting about the promaster is what doesnt fail. Never had to touch a water pump, belt, steering system, torque converter, brake booster, master cylinder in either van. The pinacle of durability, the chevy van, would have needed all that stuff by now. Meanwhile, the promaster gets 20 highway, goes through snow like a beast, hauls 4300lbs, is quiet, and turns on a dime. And it costs less way than a chevy, and slightly less than the transit. Amazing.

[@powershin12]

@@Turshin That is why Transits are legendary in Europe

[@genaugmen4505]

This isn't a promaster. It's a promaster city. Completely different vehicle.

[@buzman1985]

It’s all fiat components.

[@bigcrowfly]

Same drivetrain is in the Cherokee, Renegade, Fiat 500x, and the Chrysler 200. The 9 speed transmission has had a very high failure rate in the first 2 years of production.

[@possiblyunhealthyobsession9794]

I love how this is the only thing you've driven that'll hold revs.

[@micahstory]

You guys always crack me up! I think your videos are probably the most unique out of all the car review videos out there and also some of the most high quality in terms of production. No one else can get me to watch videos of SUV's, pick-up trucks and transit vans.

[@americanrambler4972]

I liked that you put the Promaster City up in the air and showed the under side. I saw a lot of details and stuff I really liked about the design, layout and fabrication. I saw lots of little things that make a difference miles and years down the road in how the van will drive, sound, work, feel, perform and last. Thanks for that view.

[@kenhoward3512]

I'm late to seeing this video, but I had to stop it after 6 minutes; all these guys were doing, with the vehicle on a lift, is laughing at its construction, seemingly wanting to just come right out and say that it's crude (rather than merely, and repeatedly, calling it "simple"). I'd love to know what you saw about its "design, layout, and fabrication" that impressed you because this review seemed like a complete waste of my time.

[@CommieCat]

Easy open access to everything. Cheap stamped parts that are all painted for rust prevention. Small overall amount of parts means less things to fail. It'll last as long as the 9 speed does - which to be fair has been dubious at best.

[@aaron___6014]

@@kenhoward3512 You're not use to their style.

[@a-dog8075]

@@kenhoward3512 He's joking

[@aale510]

I know this video will not get as many views as a hellcat or viper but damn do I love these reviews, please keep the odd/ not mainstream vehicles in with the mix

[@sushanthr77]

The idea of having Turbowski drive in the cargo area was hilarious! Love your reviews.

[@motopolak]

Another fantastic review with quality camerawork & quality editing. I love how excited you got when it didn't auto up-shift (9:28 ".... a TREAT") Also loved the closing statement & bonus footage. As always, I look forward to more!

[@savagegeese]

+Aleks Ulmer Thanks! You will get more no worries.

[@zachanderson303]

I love how it hold revs but sports cars with manual mode won't😂

[@12vLife]

I was driving a full size pickup and moved to the cargo version and LOVE it. Got it without back seats and no rear windows and it's clean slate for doing whatever you want.

[@skepticalmechanic]

To answer his question... the reason you need a 9 speed transmission on a 4 cylinder... so you have a very wide power band which is a great thing! Nothing like a tall gear at 70mph... now your 4 cylinder is not screaming like crazy!

[@bigbean78]

Just came across this and it’s almost 2020. I like the reviews with Scott in the shop, the comments he comes up with are hilarious.

[@errorsofmodernism9715]

I love my 2019 Promaster City Tradesman. Sometimes simplicity is more.

[@CaptLinuxfan]

You had me within 34 seconds of this video man. F'ing brilliant

[@savagegeese]

Glad you liked promaster art!

[@gregarioussolitudinist5695]

i was hooked at, 'a viper. glad i came in on my day off'

[@roxydog545]

Laughed my ass off with Turbowski gaming in the back!

[@benjaminmatte5225]

Lmao, the start of this vid rules, get ready for excitement

[@americanrambler4972]

I purchased a leftover 2015 Promaster City SLT 5 passenger wagon. It has almost all the options except for backup camera and nav. Don’t need the nav, the one on your cell phone is better. but get the backup camera! A grand caravan is better in most respects, but the reasons I purchased the Promaster City still stand. 1) low step in, 2) great headroom, 3) big front doors, 4) low cargo floor, 5) independent rear suspension, it works in the bumps. 6) fits in the garage and you can close the garage door and walk in front of the van. It’s “garageable”. 7) it’s great for loading bulky items such as wheeled walkers and big boxes. 8) Front and rear power windows roll all the way down. 9) the front seat heaters will toast your rear end in short order. The bad? 1) typical historic Fiat build quality. Had to replace the parcel shelf above the windshield, replaced the front carpet 2 times so far because it fails to stay in place and interfears with the gas peddle. The outside mirrors had to be replaced, the glass mirror was defective on both sides, left rear door power window door pin connector was not aligned properly so window and door lock would not activate. Battery failed at 9,000 miles and had to be replaced. All done under warranty. 2) does not come with a spare tire or jack. Spendy dealer option. 3) front suspension travel is to short. Bottoms out easy. 4) this is a “city” van. Do not take it off road. Front ground clearance is too low. 5) cannot see the speedometer in daylight, and number font used is not easily visible. 6) weird ergonomics for dashboard settings. Can not select parking light setting on light switch. Cannot change dash backlight unless parked and stumbling through an awkward set of buttons and switches. 7) heater and a/c are weak. Not enough capacity. I will keep this van because it’s now paid for, and I have not found any other utility vehicle I would replace it with I like better for a decent price. They actually look pretty decent if you get a different color than white. Alloy wheels spruce it up a lot. Mine has a factory tow package with a receiver hitch. Nice feature to have.

[@gromosawsmiay3000]

after reading your opinion, I think US version has really bad quality comparing to european version, I have 1.4 120HP 6 speed manual transmition Fiat Doblo and after 5 years everything works fine after 130000km (includong battery), and as I see on the movie, european version is better equiped (in example there is automatic AC instead of manual AC)

[@CanadianNortherner-i8g]

all in all compared to the Ford , GM , and Nissan the Ram wins ! I'm not a Dodge fan much but this little van rocks

[@gromosawsmiay3000]

because this is Fiat Doblo.... yes it is :-)

[@Timotheedle]

Always a good time with the savageese reviews. Basically watch this and c harris, and the odd hill climb video. That's all that's needed really

[@stevehurk]

I drove the european version (Fiat Doblò): it has a 1.6 Multijet Diesel Engine with 105HP. For European standards, 170HP and petrol engine on a commercial vehicle are INSANE!

[@Stoneheadification]

What a piece. But the important question is how many of my judd v8 engines can i haul with this?

[@Scott-xh7wd]

+Stonehead-chan Need Judd swap in Pro Master pile.

[@reedcole5780]

general manko probably two

[@mahdavimail]

Perfect that you received this kind of car. Not much reviews about this kind of cars👍

[@briansteele2723]

Here in France and in Italy we used to have 4x4 versions of these and the smaller Berlingo that were super-light and just the best all round cheap cars for going skiing mountain biking etc. Now they are getting a little fat and unwieldy. :(

[@RS-nl2lp]

In Europe that van would have a Fiat badge, and have a 1.3 or 1.9 turbo diesel with a manual transmission. Would probably go twice the distance on a gallon of fuel. But if fuel was no concern I'd take the American version any day...

[@armandoramos1949]

Thanks for doing this, thinking of coverting one of theses as a camper van.

[@laud4064]

Weird audio issues? Kinda? Maybe? Really noticeable around 2:35. It sounds like the audio was doubled or slowed down about 5% lol

[@aaronknoll8508]

You did it again mr goose, great review hahaha

[@robertbidochon7949]

+savagegeese Is this vehicle big or are you short?

[@AlainCarAudioManiac]

hahahahaha imagine getting pulled over with Turbowski in the back! :D

[@arob2434]

Thank you. I have never laughed so much through a car review. Hilarious!

[@MobileFreedomEnterprise]

How can this be a “softly” sprung Van that trumps all others in its class with tow and cargo weight capacity? Please answer as I may be buying one and need to know. Thank you.

[@siamiam]

it is what it is, though i am a bit disappointed by the side doors, if i was in the market i would consider the ford transit connect or the nissan nv200

[@gromosawsmiay3000]

wow.... it is originally Fiat Doblo :-) but in europe there 1.4 120 HP gasoline engine, or 1.9 diesel engine with manual transmission chassis looks little bit different (like cheap version) I do not see any cover plates, interior fittings also looks like cheap version ....

[@mx5hong]

I wouldn't call the rear suspension, basic. They could have just used a torsion or trailing beam rear suspension and save some more bucks. Heck, the competitor from Nissan, the NV200 have leaf springs and a beam axle.

[@masterwhopper414]

Except that leaf springs and beam axle support a higher load capacity.

[@makirichi]

Maybe but behave like a truck. Tried both and in a daily work life the PMC is way smoother especially when you leave the road and turn in a parking business entrance. As a tech on road I appreciate it (compared to my previous Ford 250 pack up)

[@ThroughFallenEyes]

was not expecting this vehicle from your channel. would love to see your take on this against the ford transit (small one) and the chevy city express. as a small business owner hauling a lot of rather sensitive and damageable merchandise, this actually interested me a lot.

[@savagegeese]

+ThroughFallenEyes I requested the transit. All they had was the fully loaded one, so we shall see. As soon as it is available I am on it. Some of these odd ball vehicles are actually more fun than the mainstream anyway.

[@jaeger1447]

+savagegeese I'd be interested in the new Transit as well. My stable of vehicles includes a 2001 E46 M3 6MT, a 2009 CBR600RR....and a 2012 Transit Connect. Haven't watched your video yet, but I am assuming this thing is a Fiat in Dodge badging.

[@savagegeese]

+jaeger1447 Pretty much a rebadge. But worth a viewing.

[@bryanthm27]

Im looking for coilovers for the promaster city equivalent-fiat doblo. Does anyone has any advice?

[@apollicino1705]

living on the OR coast (originally from east coast)....would you recommend any sort of spraying underside to prevent rust? Last truck looked like your typical east coast vehicle underneath. Loving this van so far, hoping to start on a good foot and keep this van up a little better. Will be driving up and down coast with this van for events and markets. Any maintenance advice welcome.

[@Linux567]

I felt I was there, great in details.

[@daviddeiss3073]

I am looking for a cargo vehicle that would be good for camping and long distance driving. I have good amount of gears, small kayak and bikes plus 60lb dog. I was wondering is this car would be good choice for the activities like that?

[@andrewbeveridge9178]

When you hit the railroad tracks my dog snapped to attention like someone knocked on the door.

[@ArtOfHealth]

I bought the 2015 with NO FRILLS! No cruise. No camera or sensors, blah blah. I have the plain 3.0 screen. The amber lighting on the speedometer and tach is ridiculous. The placement of the speedometer set to the back left on a sunny Florida day makes it very difficult to see the speed. Amber lighting is for safety, but not if you can't see the speed. I traded my 2016 Ford Transit Connect toward this unit. It had every feature imaginable and was a 6 seat unit. $32,000. It was a very poor use of space or me. I need the wide open area. I only wish this had an 8 foot floor. My advice to all is make very sure you are comfortable with any van you buy. This is your home when you are not at home.

[@stubby1122]

Very true, I have the Tradesman Cargo SLT and the gauges are near impossible to read when the sun is out. Amber lighting is just bad.

[@genaugmen4505]

Why the 9 speed? Throw a 1000lbs in the back and the acceleration is still great. 75- 85 mph at low rpms and really good gas mileage.

[@MrChris-bx7ss]

Scott isn't exactly overflowing with personality. Where is Scott Jackoffski from anyway?

[@splatbubble]

OK I spit out my coffee at 0:28 :)

[@Timotheedle]

Does turbowski do custom arrangements?

[@50ccAdventure]

Tell me how multi air works...is there a cam shaft?

[@overdrivekill7]

The Hotdog delivery business is a boomin'

[@Affalterbach1967]

@10:38 need #supercut of test cars crossing the train tracks.

[@savagegeese]

+Affalterbach 1967 Good idea for next few months!

[@sriontube]

Today is not April 1st. Wasn't expecting that...

[@jimmyb1460]

Wow 2.4 in a van like this in the States? That must be pure luxury... these must have a 1.6 Diesel in the UK.

[@gromosawsmiay3000]

or 1.4 gasoline engine

[@gregarioussolitudinist5695]

where do you hail from? those roads remind me of Eastern Panhandle of WV.

[@RealtimeReviews613]

Awesome video lol so funny but informative!!!!

[@stephanematis]

Ok, now you need to the competition ... for completeness ;) Though I'd say the basic Dodge Caravan is the best deal for the "Flower Shop" folks.

[@AzenBerries]

A vehicle I can live in

[@danielsingleton3576]

Scott what are yall doing to that Subaru Outback it's been in every video I think.

[@Scott-xh7wd]

+Saniel Dingleton It was a project car, motor blew up. Now waiting to get sold. No one wants a 180,000 mile pile Subaru.

[@gearheadtechnology]

They should have just stuck the Aisin 6 speed automatic transmission in the promaster city. Nobody needs a already proven unreliabile 9 speed in a vehicle designed to work.

[@spymaine89]

winter time why did u not go into some snow , show how it goes. dont expect much but u could have made an effort,

[@risc2live]

they recalled the zf9 gearbox

[@DHGroove]

Now that you are doing FCA, how about giving Turbowski a proper RWD V8 (Charger/Challenger R/T)!!!!

[@savagegeese]

+DHGroove I have to get him a Pacifica Hybrid.

[@camperpro482]

I prefer the ford transit connect (cargo version)

[@taradead]

The connect is better looking, but the promaster city is a better car overall.

[@sgharris456]

I feel trolled. Therefore I shall give this a thumbs up.

[@anchorbait6662]

I like the deliveries that jump out of cakes.

[@gous5649]

Need viper review ;)

[@Scott-xh7wd]

+Da Vas No kidding

[@ultraNewt]

Haven't you learned anything from initial d? People that are on the clock are the most aggressive drivers on the road.

[@GT1RR]

Road Atlanta on the game? :)

[@Scott-xh7wd]

+GT1RR Yep

[@sonotover]

Could it fit a sportbike in the back?

[@savagegeese]

+sonotover It has a 1500 towing capacity, a 70" length from doors to seat folded up, height should be zero issue. There are tie downs in the back as well so my guess is yes. Turbowski?

[@Scott-xh7wd]

+savagegeese We should have tried to fit my bike in the back when it was -4 degrees. It might fit with the back seat removed. I think the height would be more of an issue.

[@sonotover]

Looked up the bike measurements, looks like I would need at least 85" of space.

[@METAx55]

Loved how you ended this one, very comical.

[@chriscompagnone9297]

great vid. very funny. id love to see a Ram 1500 review. I loved the slick taco, tundra and silverado reviews.

[@raydavies3278]

V.W. make the Caddy,Peugeot,the Partner.to name just two.Both far Superior ,cheaper,double fuel economy,ride,style and reliability.America loves to export,but protects its own.The public suffer and pay through the nose.

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

“Ride quality... .. it’s not the best really “ Lol

[@j_thom]

Bug out/urban boondocking/f' rent or mortgage I'm gonna live in my car- vehicle? Does a reliable Fiat or Chrysler exist?

[@savagegeese]

+J Thom Needs memory foam bed liner for proper naps.

[@detouredbriefly9426]

i deliver sadness by the bucket full

[@shaesham]

Thanks

[@mesuttasdemir4618]

simple this car Made in turkey and base is fiat doblo

[@savagegeese]

+Mesut Taşdemir Yes but the American version is now elite using the Ram badge and name like Promaster, makes the Doblo look like childs play ;)

[@mesuttasdemir4618]

yes i agree with you

[@PriitKaru]

They also sell it as an Opel Combo as it uses a co-developed platform by Opel and Fiat before the latter merged with Chrysler. I wonder if this kind of cooperation would be possible today as GM and FCA wouldn't co-develop anything in the U.S. I guess.

[@danielsingleton3576]

It a pro AND a master!

[@savagegeese]

+Saniel Dingleton I should have included that. We recorded it. Said "You can trust it because it has the words pro and master included."

[@Scott-xh7wd]

+Saniel Dingleton and a Ram

[@cormacsage7126]

That young slow thinking mechanic kinda cute

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

I’d go with the Ford Transit tho

[@stubby1122]

These clown should actually pack it with weight and drive it instead of incorrectly guess what it's capability are. The bed is 48.2 " so you don't need to tilt a 4x8 sheet on an angle. "It's probably for flowers". I just hauled 1920 lbs. of hardwood flooring + my 185 pounds + another 140 pounds of freight like a champ had more power than I needed and the weight was handled like a champ as well. Certainly not like a lot of 1/2 tom pickups with that amount of weight dog wagging down the highway. I've used 1/2 ton pickups for the same haul and this handles it better. If your going to do a review, do it correctly. Don't be lazy.

[@MetaView7]

Can you make a disposable vehicle more disposable than this? Everything is so flimsy. The insurance must cost a bundle because any minor fender bender will be a write-off. Touch the rear bumper and rear suspension is compromised. This is one scary vehicle.

[@mehmetdag3621]

This is made in Turkey and it is actulayy fiat Doblo. İt's favorite car for all the uncle's to go to picnic

[@CaptLinuxfan]

SUBBED!

[@mman8795]

second lol, i was waiting for something new!!!!

[@fvfgx]

Num nuts with the hat, could be halfway Serious instead of saying because are can come from anywhere

[@spymaine89]

u jerks should have read about FIAT multi air , fuel jets match air & speed with computers fr gas saving, neat little motor .

[@50ccAdventure]

Sub'd, good reviews. Could be dryer.

[@منكللحنطرب]

thats a fiat doblo

[@alannorman6402]

Literally

[@jerridehlinger9689]

Vin Z = Italy vin N = Turkey

[@Thenevisian]

epic, first! !!!!

[@expsterm1]

Hahahaha best comedy on YT

[@Scott-xh7wd]

Why not worst car of the year before this?

[@JMotorCity]

Agreed!

[@savagegeese]

+Scott P FCA has 100 million invested in this video, the CEO has been calling me off the hook.

[@donaldeverett714]

FIAT? Hmm...

[@mikefusco7215]

Funny as hell!

[@spymaine89]

speak up cant hear mumbles .

[@spymaine89]

suspension easy to fix save $ wont rust if u put up and linseed oil all. the moment u buy, take to garage pay to rise u linseed oil . u jokers , need some wit.

[@raydavies3278]

WAXOIL. is better

[@Maxxlenoxx]

Promaster is a name I would expect for a hand tool, a plumbing device, a vaccum... maybe even a sex toy, but certainly not for a car/truck!!

[@MistrMcGill]

I like you guys but this nine cog oversized neon is trash.

[@savagegeese]

You need a ride in the back!

[@MistrMcGill]

+savagegeese I wouldn't mind as long as the heater and ac worked. That's a brilliant game setup too.

[@alexander1485]

the ugliest vehicle in the Chrysler lineup

[@Scott-xh7wd]

+alexander1485 Yep

[@Poler777]

OMFG!! WTF is up with that rear suspension!! Actual engineers signed off on this horrible design......actual engineers...."sigh". The spring carrier looks structurally weak, probably falling after 2-3 winters. The damper must have an immense amount of stiction when set at that horrible angle--especially after some rust/dirt gets on it. All of the wheels myriad rotational/torsional forces are directed to that one hybrid trailing arm. If they had just added a second suspension arm and integrated/centered the spring/damper, they would have a strong multi-link rear suspension. But no....that would cost an additional $80-$100. At least since this is a "world car" you can't blame Chrysler engineers. Nope, this turd is all FIAT. If you need this for business, get it as 2 year lease ONLY. Or...just get a Ford Transit Connect.

[@stubby1122]

The rear suspension hauls weight better than any 1/2 ton pickup on the market.

[@gromosawsmiay3000]

"probably falling after 2-3 winters. " sorry to say it but in europe we have also winter and after five years everything works fine...

[@MoeMoe-nu7vt]

I love it but I hate you Nd looking at your face makes me sick 🤒