Ram has a lot of trims for the 1500s. Too many imo, and I think it's a little confusing for buyers and dealers.
I think the novelty of it sold the early ones quick. But, most people expect a 50K truck to be completely loaded these days, and the Rebel isn't when compared to the others in the lineup. It's a low 40s truck imo, and that's what I paid. And, it was over a month after I first test-drove it last September, before I bought it.
I don't see where you get the idea that the Rebel is priced way out of line with the rest of the 1500 lineup. I've seen this comment before, but there's really no basis for it.
My Rebel MSRP was 49.8k. So configuring other models as closely as possible to the same options:
If you start with the bottom-of-the line Tradesman in crew cab, it's a 36k truck w/ 4WD and the V-6. Add the Hemi, the air suspension, a little bit nicer seats than the base vinyl, and nicer wheels/tires (still not the 33's), and you're at $40k. You're still missing all the trim (grill, fender flares, bumpers, etc.), the 8 speed tranny, the locking transfer case, U-connect, the sport hood, premium instrument cluster, heated seats/wheel, manual adjust seats, and a lot more lower-cost options. There's a cost associated with everything.
A Sport with 4wd and Hemi *starts* at 45k without adding options. Add the air suspension, hitch, spray-in bedliner, sport hood, and a couple of other things to match closer to my Rebel, it's $49k. Still missing the larger tires, custom wheels, proper transfer case, all the trim, and some lighting and such.
The Outdoorsman starts at 42k with more of the luxury features but lacks the Hemi and suspension. Add them, plus heated seats/wheel, rear camera, bedliner, etc. - $46k. Still missing the tires, wheels, locking transfer case and trim.
The Laramie Longhorn is based at 52k. Add the air suspension, rear window defroster, etc. $53k. Still don't have 33" tires, but you have leather seats and no Rebel trim.
The Limited has the ugliest grill at $52k. Want tow hooks? Add them. It's now $52.3k. Smaller tires on 20" wheels for street driving. No sport hood. No Rebel trim.
I just ran all these right off Ram's configuration tool at today's prices. In each case, I picked 4x4 crew 5'7" bed to get comparable trucks. I didn't pick Rambox, tonneau covers, mopar steps, sunroof, or any other features I don't have on mine. You can add all those in, but they're going to drive each truck model up in price accordingly. I did in each case have to add a bit to get closer to my truck. In every case, I found little if anything on the other truck that I don't already have on my Rebel.
It remains that the Rebel is right in there with the trim, tires, wheels, and look I want, with comparable features and equipment, and at similar prices. With much better looks and some better features for offroading, and it's much more appealing, at least to most of the members of this forum. Plus many of us got it with significant rebates and discounts.
