My thoughts on the new 2009 Ram.

[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.

[likearock00]

BTW- the salesman had no clue about the rear suspension. I had to fill him in on it! I can't believe how little some salespeople know about the product they are making a living on! I could understand a small tidbit of info that he'd have to read up on, but the freakin suspension?? Needless to say, he wouldn't get my business even if I was going to buy.

[SwampFoxZ71]

The fact the overall ride didn't impress you speaks volumes to the job GM has done on the full-size GMT's. Nissan, Toyota and now Dodge all have taken great shots, and GM (and to a degree Ford) get better ride and handling over tried and trued designs that are likely cheaper to build than the competition.

Even though the new Dodge design is innovative and likely provides for good results, overall, the best value has been and likely will continue to be GM's offerings.

I had been curious about the new Dodge. Thanks for the write-up!

[91 s-10baja]

i saw and sat in one actually today also at the seattle int auto show, and was VERY impressed indeed! Super truck

[RamJet502]

Originally Posted by likearock00

That is a strong engine!! It would get up and go with just partial throttle. I wish my Silverado had that kind of response!

Mother ****er, that's what pisses me off about the Silverado! We all know that GM makes the best truck engines but they are so detuned from the factory because of the damn weak transmissions that Dodge and Toyota trucks seem stronger. (end mini-rant)

[likearock00]

^ I know. I would be happy if my tranny lasted longer because of it, but they had to replace mine after 16k- and I don't flog it either! If I were to buy now I'd still stick with the Silverado though. It does everything I need it to do and more with the power it has.

[Uzzy]

Thanks for the write-up. I want to take a stroll into a Dodge Dealer and check-out the new Ram first-hand and compare it to my SIlverado.

Which engine do you have in your Z71?

[Michael_S]

Originally Posted by likearock00

I looked at a Ram 4 door SLT and the sticker was 38k. It was nice but the Chevy is a better deal IMO.

I think people have become so used to getting great deals from domestic automakers that they can't put an honest price on the hood any more. If Dodge planned to sell that truck for $32k and put a $32k MSRP on the hood, I bet most buyers wouldn't get one unless they were paying $26,000.

I'm glad you liked the truck. Chrysler is by far my least favorite of the domestic automakers, but I would still hate to see them collapse.

[giagastormer]

So how was the overall quality of the interior? Fit and finish up to par with GM/Ford now?

[gmhashope]

I think it's up there. I still like the look of GMs better than the Dodges, but they are both really nice.

[likearock00]

Originally Posted by Uzzy

Thanks for the write-up. I want to take a stroll into a Dodge Dealer and check-out the new Ram first-hand and compare it to my SIlverado.

Which engine do you have in your Z71?

The 5.3. It's a great engine and I think if it was allowed to do what it can, it'd be an awesome powertrain. The tranny is Chevy's anchor.

[likearock00]

Originally Posted by giagastormer

So how was the overall quality of the interior? Fit and finish up to par with GM/Ford now?

It was really good. I was surprised how good it was. Everything was nice and tight, and fit and finish was axtually very good. Dodge did a great job putting it together. I even thought they did a better job with the 2 glovebox layout. GM's seem to be a little off on the top bin.