In the crowded full-size-pickup segment, the Dodge Ram’s aggressive styling has stood out since 1994. The current truck debuted in 2003 and received a host of structural, design, and interior upgrades for 2006. The 1500-series Ram is available in four trim levels (ST, SXT, SLT, and Laramie), three different cab configurations (regular, Quad Cab with small rear doors, and Mega Cab with has huge rear doors and rear-seat space), and two bed sizes (6.3 feet and 8.0 feet).

There is a dizzying array of options, but each successive level brings more luxury and takes the Ram from work-site mule to country-club thoroughbred. Three engines are offered in the Ram 1500, and all are available no matter the trim level. Base trucks are powered by a 215-hp, 3.7-liter V-6. A step up from the V-6 is a 4.7-liter V-8 with 310 horsepower, and the top engine is the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with 345 horsepower and fuel-saving cylinder deactivation. Transmissions are as follows: V-6s can be paired with a standard six-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic; 4.7-liter V-8 models mate to the manual as standard but have a five-speed automatic option. The five-speed automatic is mandatory with the Hemi. Four-wheel drive is available with all trim levels and cab configurations but is not available with the 3.7-liter V-6.

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Introduction

In the crowded full-size-pickup segment, the Dodge Ram’s aggressive styling has stood out since 1994. The current truck debuted in 2003 and received a host of structural, design, and interior upgrades for 2006. The 1500-series Ram is available in four trim levels (ST, SXT, SLT, and Laramie), three different cab configurations (regular, Quad Cab with small rear doors, and Mega Cab with has huge rear doors and rear-seat space), and two bed sizes (6.3 feet and 8.0 feet).

There is a dizzying array of options, but each successive level brings more luxury and takes the Ram from work-site mule to country-club thoroughbred. Three engines are offered in the Ram 1500, and all are available no matter the trim level. Base trucks are powered by a 215-hp, 3.7-liter V-6. A step up from the V-6 is a 4.7-liter V-8 with 310 horsepower, and the top engine is the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with 345 horsepower and fuel-saving cylinder deactivation. Transmissions are as follows: V-6s can be paired with a standard six-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic; 4.7-liter V-8 models mate to the manual as standard but have a five-speed automatic option. The five-speed automatic is mandatory with the Hemi. Four-wheel drive is available with all trim levels and cab configurations but is not available with the 3.7-liter V-6.

Verdict

From spartan work truck to leather-trimmed luxury, the Ram offers a pickup truck for nearly every lifestyle and customer. Rams drive exactly as you’d expect—very trucklike. The cab sits high off the ground offering excellent sightlines, but stepping up can be difficult in the absence of running boards.

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Technorati Tags: 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Extended Cab 2009 Dodge Dodge Ram 1500 Auto Show

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The truck features an all-new exterior design with a more aggressively styled headlight and grille design, plus more powerful engine choices, and a number of new features.

The new flagship motor is a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that produces 380 hp and 404 pound-feet of torque. The truck will also be available with a 4.7-liter V8 providing 310 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.7-liter V6 generating 215 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque.

An redesigned chassis made of high-strength steel incorporates an all-new, first-in-segment, multi-link coil spring rear suspension that improves ride and handling characteristics without reducing payload (up to an estimated 1,840 pounds) and towing capability (up to an estimated 9,100 pounds).

The truck features a drastically revamped interior, which reflects Chrysler’s growing commitment to interior quality, after years of disappointing cabins. It features six-ring instrumentation, redesigned controls, chrome accents, premium seating with improved bolsters and two-tone upholstery.

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram is offered in regular cab, Quad Cab and crew cab, with three box lengths: 8-foot (regular cab), 6-foot-4-inches (regular cab and Quad Cab), and a new-for-2009 box length of 5-foot-7-inches (crew cab). Five trim levels are available, each with a unique appearance: ST, SLT, TRX, Sport, and the top-of-the-line Laramie.

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