[likearock00]

I had to bring our Caliber in to get some minor warranty work done today and decided to check out the new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500.

Wow! Dodge really stepped it up with the new Ram. I took a walk around it and really liked what I saw. The front end is so much nicer than the previous gen. It looks tough and mean. I did not like the painted door handle. They are nice but I can see the paint getting cratched up really easily. The integrated tailpipes are very cool.

I got inside and the jump in was quite high. I was surprised given it was 4x2 and was harder to get into than my Z-71. Dodge really did a great job inside as well. The "leather" dash was nice and had little storage cubbies everywhere. The instrument guages were nice and seemed like decent quality. I was disappointed by their version of the DIC however. You had to use the buttons on the steering wheel and had to do alot of navigating to get info. It did have alot of info though!

The rear seats in the mega cab were great. There was so much room back there! My knees were a good 4-5 inches away from the back of the driver seat, and I'm 6'. I was really pleased with that.

The drive was ok. I was expecting the rear suspension to kick ass, but it really wasn't too noticeable. The suspension was tight from the get-go, and every bump and pothole was extremely harsh- more than in my Silverado. I guess it needed some time to soften up.

The engine was silent. I never heard it even when I got into it. The exhaust was noticeable at all times. I liked to hear it, but could tell it would get annoying after some time. That is a strong engine!! It would get up and go with just partial throttle. I wish my Silverado had that kind of response!

Overall- great truck. I think it would have done really well 2-3 years ago. I think unless Dodge puts some rebates or incentives on the hood that sales will suffer though. I looked at a Ram 4 door SLT and the sticker was 38k. It was nice but the Chevy is a better deal IMO.