Will this review be obsolete by the time you read it? Dodge's parent company Chrysler, like the rest of the Big Three, is on the ropes financially, and some critics doubt that there will be an American auto industry by this time next year. That would be a shame, because the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram is the best pickup yet from Dodge. The Ram seems to have somehow become tougher as a truck, yet more civilized as a vehicle. The Dodge Ram has traditionally been the least carlike of the full-size pickups, but the 2009 model ironically leaps to become the most carlike.
That's not to say that the Ram has gotten soft--quite the opposite. But the new semi-independent rear suspension (IRS) is a carlike innovation that only one other pickup truck has ever sported--the Honda Ridgeline, arguably one of the least trucklike trucks on the block.
Carlike or not, the Ram works very well. Here's the story: big truck guys can rest easy, the Ram's stil got a tough, work-ready solid rear axle. It's mounted with a five-link, coil-sprung setup that provides semi-independent action, however. The new Ram's cornering and handling have none of the chop or slop commonly found in full-size pickups, and this truck handles well whether the bed is loaded or empty. The innovative rear suspension provides stable handling without the ultra-stiff shocks required to make most sport pickups perform. This is still a working truck, after all.
In Dodge tradition, the Ram is still a big sucker, too. Piloting the Ram around town, everything's a reminder that this is a big, bulky vehicle, from the parking spots that suddenly all seem too narrow to the extra-large gaps in traffic the Ram needs to maneuver. It's not unlike driving a big 1970s car, but without the sloppy handling. Most importantly, the Ram feels tremendously capable. Obviously, that isn't much of an indicator of actual ability, but it is a significant measure of the Ram's truckness, and with full-size trucks, attitude is half of the battle.
With a big 5.7 liter HEMI V8 under the hood, the Ram isn't slow off the line, though it weighs over two tons. It's the top engine in the lineup; a 3.7 liter V6 and 4.7 liter V8 round out the Ram's engine offerings. The price- and economy-leading V6 puts out 215 horsepower, as compared to 310 for the 4.7. But if you're getting a Ram, where's the fun in compromising? The new HEMI features variable cam timing, and puts out 390 horsepower. Would you believe fuel economy has gotten better, along with 0-60 times? 14/20 mpg and 6.1 seconds respectively (when properly equipped), to be specific. The HEMI-powered Ram accelerates hard and with a confident roar from the dual exhaust. A five-speed automatic transmission helps, keeping the revs lower at freeway speeds. The HEMI is also equipped with the Multi-Displacement System, which cuts off fuel to some cylinders when they're not needed on the freeway. The Ram will haul up to 1850 pounds, and towing is rated at 9100 properly equipped.
The styling modifications are subtle, but telling. A big bold crosshair grille and in your face, move-or-be-moved styling are still the basic themes, but the Ram looks more streamlined, more muscular. The new hood is angled more sharply downward and the lines are swept forward, giving the Ram a look of motion. At the sides, the lower sills now extend far enough that the truck's frame isn't visible, another subtle but telling difference. Dual exhaust outlets are cut into the rear bumper. The Ram's available in three cab sizes and three bed lengths; the crew cab has a new, longer 5'7" box that makes it more useful. In crew cab models, a "Ram Box" cargo management system includes a bed cargo divider, adjustable cargo tiedowns, a bed extender and storage boxes built into the bed rails.
The new interior is the strongest part of the Ram's
makeover. Materials are improved,
ergonomics are improved, and the fit and finish are better than ever. Soft touch trim is used on the dash and other
surfaces, so where the Ram's look was once that of a tool, it's now a more
comfortable place to work. The strong
stitching used on the dash in Laramie models looks good. A smattering of chrome detailing is also
generally pleasing to the eye, and the center console is deep enough to give a
puppy a bath. The console is as wide as
a Hummer's, so you won't forget that the Ram is a full-size pickup. Seating for five is comfortable, and there
are storage bins in the floor designed to hold beverages and ice, should one so
desire. Adjustable pedals and an available rear backup
camera make this big pickup somewhat easier to handle around town. Heated front and rear seats and a heated
steering wheel are available options; the rear-seat DVD player, Sirius
satellite radio and MyGIG infotainment hard drive system are old Dodge
favorites.
With luck, Chrysler's current troubles will iron themselves out, and the 2009
Ram will get a chance to flourish, rather than becoming the last hurrah of the
respected Dodge truck lineup. The
modernized styling and upgraded mechanicals are poised to carry the Ram forward
as part of the next wave of full-size pickups.
Pricing for the Ram starts at $22,170 for a 1500 ST regular cab. My test truck was a bit nicer of course, a
Quad Cab SLT whose base MSRP was $29,475.
Rack up a truckload of options like a remote start, sunroof, boosted
sound system and parking assist, and the sticker raced up to $40,065.
Specifications:
Base price: $29,475
Price as tested: $40,065
Engine: 5.7 liter OHV V8
Drivetrain: five-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive
Horsepower: 390 @ 5600
Torque: 407 @ 4000
Fuel economy: 14/20
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