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Chrysler has done it again with the Dodge Ram 1500. This entry into the
traditional American full-size pickup truck market is quite comfortable and
powerful to boot. The Ram 1500 is available in the expected configurations:
Regular Cab, Quad Cab (think of it as an extended version of an extended cab,
with the rear doors hinged at their front edges), and a full four-door Crew Cab.
There are three available engines: A 3.7-liter V6 of 215 horsepower, a 4.7-liter
V8 of 310 horsepower, and the famous 5.7-liter Hemi of 390 horsepower. On the
outside the Ram 1500 carries the familiar big-rig look started by Dodge. The
interior has its own flavor and offers several interesting amenities, and the
cargo box has some unique features. Underneath, where for decades pickup trucks
have had live axles with leaf springs, the Ram's live axle is suspended by coil
springs and it is located by four trailing links and a lateral track bar.
2010 Dodge Ram Trims and Style
The 2010 Ram comes in ST, SLT, Sport, TRX, and Laramie trim levels. (The
heavy-duty Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups are covered in a separate
NewCarTestDrive.com review.) Cab choices include a Regular Cab with short (6.3
feet) or long (8 feet) bed, four-door Quad Cab with short bed, and the Crew Cab
with a short bed.
A V6 and four-speed automatic are standard on 2WD Regular and Quad Cabs, the
4.7-liter V8 and five-speed automatic on virtually everything else. The
5.7-liter V8 Hemi is offered across the board. No manual transmissions are
offered.
Ram ST models are workhorses, with standard vinyl floor and manual windows,
although they do include chrome bumpers and grille outline, air conditioning,
ABS, CD player, variable intermittent wipers, locking tailgate, Sentry Key and,
on 4WD, electric-shift. Options include chrome wheels, two-tone paint, cruise
control, trailer mirrors, limited-slip differential and alternate axle ratios,
sliding rear window, and Sirius radio.
Ram SLT models upgrade with carpet floor covering, floor mats, 40/20/40
split-bench seat, overhead console, cruise control, remote keyless entry, power
windows and door locks, heated mirrors and 17-inch painted aluminum wheels.
Options include the 5.7-liter V8, RamBox Cargo Management System, on-demand
transfer case for low-range 4WD, power sunroof, power-adjustable pedals,
10-speaker Alpine Surround Sound, UConnect/navigation system and hands-free
communication system with Bluetooth technology, Sirius Backseat TV radio,
low-back bucket seats with cloth upholstery, ten-way power driver seat,
leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear defroster,
and 20-inch aluminum wheels.
The Ram TRX has SLT-level trim with some notable exceptions. The TRX features
electric-shift transfer case on 4WD models, unique shocks and ride height,
17-inch aluminum wheels and a full-size spare tire, heavy-duty vinyl floor
covering, cloth 40/20/40 split-bench front seat, folding rear bench seat, tilt
steering column, remote keyless entry and standard two-tone paint. Pay extra for
an engine block heater, power-sliding rear window, heated power folding mirrors,
bedliner, 3.92:1 axle ratio, limited-slip differential, Tip Start, cruise
control, and UConnect Studios Sirius Satellite Radio.
The Ram Sport is available in all three cab styles and is labeled Sport R/T
on the Regular Cab. It adds a 5.7-liter Hemi, slate-gray contrast-stitched
bucket seats, body-color fascia, fog lamps and 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum
wheels. R/T models use a 4.10:1 rear axle for superior acceleration but will
still tow 5000 pounds.
The Ram Laramie is the top of the line, with leather heated seats, dual-zone
automatic climate control, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, chromed door
handles and mirrors, and security alarm. Extra-cost features include 20-inch
aluminum wheels, sunroof, navigation and rear-seat entertainment. Safety
features include dual front multi-stage airbags, three-point belts in all
seating positions with constant-force retractors, LATCH child-seat anchors,
child-protection rear door locks, electronic stability/traction control and
four-wheel anti-lock brakes. Full side-curtain airbags for four-doors, back-up
camera, and rear park sensors are optional.
Everything on the Ram looks big, yet the truck takes up no more real estate
than its competitors. The large rear bumper has half-round openings for the
sport exhaust on trucks so equipped, and both seven- and four-pin trailer plugs
are fitted adjacent to the rear license plate. The RamBox Cargo Management
System, available only on the Crew Cab, includes a cargo box with a rectangular
interior and no wheel-well intrusions. The RamBox Cargo Management System has
its trade-offs.
Style and Interior Comfort
We swapped through a few Ram models back-to-back to compare the trim levels
and found the seat in the base model is the same design as in the top-line
models, and we had no complaints after a full day of driving. The electronic
stability control switch (standard) and 4WD switch are on the dash (both 4WD
systems are electrically-switched).
A typical steering-column lever controls the transmission, with a thumb
toggle for independently selecting any forward gear; some people with small
hands may prefer this to the bulky floor shift that comes with center console
trucks. Common operating controls such as lights, wipers and cruise control are
on column-mounted stalks.
The dashboard is nicely framed, with symmetry on both sides of the wheel and
both sides of the truck. We found the basic ST work truck model particularly
impressive. The ST models have plastic door panels that are easy to clean and
fairly scuff resistant. Chrome rings the gauges, leather wraps the wheels on
upper models, and the vehicle information center between the larger gauges
offers myriad functions from trip computer and transmission fluid temperature to
radio data.
The MyGig infotainment system with 30GB hard drive is available, along with
navigation, dual-zone climate control, rear park sensors with audible beeps and
LED warnings above the rear window, and a 150-watt, 110-volt AC outlet. A
moonroof is offered on both four door cabs as is a rear-seat DVD entertainment
system (though you can't get both on the Quad Cab). We'd rank the Ram cabin at
or near the top of its class. The Nissan Titan offers good instrumentation and
controls, but doesn't quite reach the refinement of the Ram.
First Drive 2010 Ram
Match the engine's power with the truck's clean aerodynamics and one result is
that the Hemi's Multiple Displacement System (MDS) operates fairly often,
enhancing fuel efficiency. With the Hemi the Ram is among the most powerful of
the full-size half-ton pickups. The 4.7 feels the smoothest and is
the quietest engine in the Ram line. It uses the same five-speed automatic as
the Hemi.
A Tow/Haul mode is standard and is useful when towing. The Tow/Haul mode
keeps the transmission cooler when towing by holding gears longer (and reducing
hunting between gears) and shifting faster (and harder).
The 4WD systems have a Neutral position for flat-towing a Ram behind an RV or
heavier construction truck. A Ram will never a racecar make but it benefits the
same as a racecar when weight is removed from the suspension, axles, brakes and
wheels. Using aluminum in some protected front suspension pieces takes 10 pounds
off each corner, and the coil/link rear suspension takes 40 pounds off the back
and allows more precise wheel control. Also, there's little compression braking
in high-range. The Ram felt smooth and quiet, even on the 20-inch wheels.
Payload, or how much weight in cargo and passengers a truck can carry, varies by
cab, bed, drive wheels, and engine. Ram payload ratings run from 1340 pounds
(for a 2WD regular cab, short bed, 4.7-liter) to 1900 pounds (for a 2WD regular
cab, long bed, V6) and that's for trucks without options; if you routinely carry
more than 1000 pounds of cargo it may be better to think about a Ram 2500 or
another heavy-duty pickup.
Tow ratings top out at 10,200 pounds (for a Quad Cab or Crew Cab 2WD Hemi
with the 3.92:1 axle ratio and 17-inch wheels), but range from a meager 3450
pounds with the V6. Also, choosing those stylish 20-inch wheels will knock at
least 1100 pounds off the tow rating. We'd go for the 17-inch wheels because we
use trucks for towing things.
2010 Dodge Ram Conclusions
The Ram 1500 has a refined package with loads of amenities for the occupants
as well as the bold and brash style for which it is well known. "Although you
might think that its coil-sprung rear axle imparts commendable ride and handling
at the expense of burliness, the Ram maintains great cargo and towing abilities.
Three engine, cab, and bed choices are available, and the Ram's styling remains
brash and unmistakable." says Car
and Driver If you are looking for a truck that can really haul, but want
some comfort and the availability of a good deal of options, opt for the 2010
Dodge Ram.