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Y our Auto Destination
Dodge Ram 1500 Crew CabEverything a pickup should be
By Daniel Barron, QMI Agency daniel.barron@canoe.ca Test Drive The latest-generation Dodge Ram is all business. It exists to do the toughest of jobs and do them well, and not put up any kind of fuss when it?s inevitably given a difficult task. To be sure, it is up to just about any task. It?s arguably the best pickup truck on Canadian roads right now, though anything less would be a huge disappointment considering Dodge has had almost three decades to make the Ram one of the best fourwheeled workhorses. There are all sorts of changes that come with the 2009 model. Exterior styling makes it even beefier looking (and quite stylish depending on the trim), it can be fitted with Chrysler?s next-generation Hemi engine, and like any self-respecting truck, Ram is available in a slew of different configurations. Two-wheel or all-wheel drive, regular, quad or for the first time ever, crew cab, three different box lengths, and four trims means that there?s a Ram for just about anybody. This week?s tester is the most expensive Ram you can get before options, the 4x4 Laramie Crew Cab. Nothing about it is subtle - its huge interior is roomy enough for five adults, it has a V8 under the hood that?s more powerful than virtually anything in its class, and it has the massive towing and hauling numbers that are prerequisite in this segment. When fitted with the optional 5.7-.litre engine, the Ram actually falls short of similarly-equipped The 5.7-litre HEMI V8 in the Dodge Ram 1500 excels at power output but not at economy. competitors in two important categories - payload and towing. Yes, even the new(ish) kids from Nissan and Toyota come with superior numbers from their respective V8s. The key here is those two words you hear often when shopping for a pickup - ?properly equipped?. For those who need the most towing possible in the Ram, a higher axle ratio is needed, and will cost a few hundred dollars more. In terms of torque and horsepower, the Hemi-powered Ram has more of that than virtually any other truck, save for the GMC Sierra and one of its optional engines. What the Ram really has going for it is all of its handy features that are sure to make life easier for anyone who uses it on a day-to-day basis. The optional RamBox acts as a waterproof toolbox that never Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab leaves the truck. A box sits on each side of the pickup bed and can easily be locked and unlocked for quick access to whatever you decide to put inside. With the RamBox comes a very handy bed divider/ extender that does exactly what its name promises, and best of all, it isn?t a pain to lock into place or remove. There are a ton of places to store things inside the Ram as well. Larger items can go under the seats, in the deep centre console, or in the top and bottom of the dual glovebox. Cell phones, change and other small items can fit in the abundance of smaller cargo pockets (covered in quiet, grabby plastic no less!) found throughout the interior. Quite honestly, we?ve yet to find a truck interior that?s this well thought out. Besides the rear suspension that makes for a softer ride around town, the Laramie trim makes travelling inside the Ram plenty comfortable, too, with big heated and cooled front seats that adjust every which way, heated steering wheel and rear seats, and power everything. Keep in mind that opting for the crew cab means you?llFree Battery Load Charge Test
exp. Mar. 31. 2010Don?t Open Your Hood To Strangers
be left with a smaller bed. The Ram surely isn?t without its detractions - it guzzles gas and it?s not the easiest thing to park - but that?s almost expected with vehicles in this segment. It excels at the things it?s supposed to do well, and continues to raise the bar for pickups. FACT FILE 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab Trim level: 4x4 Laramie Price as tested (before tax): $47,565 Options: Leather-trimmed bucket seats ($1,000); 3.92 axle ratio ($525); Protection group ($200) includes front suspension skid plate, two hooks, transfer case skid plate shield; Class IV receiver hitch ($200) Freight: $1,350 MSRP range: $27,440 - $40,940 Configuration: front engine/ four-wheel drive Engine/Transmission: 5.7L V8/6-spd auto with sequential shift Power/Torque: 390 hp/407 lb.-ft. Fuel (capacity): regular (98L) Fuel economy ratings: 16.2 L/100km city; 10.8 L/100 km hwy Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 16.5 L/100 km combined over 583 km Warranties: 3 years/60,000 km (basic); 5 years/100,000 km (powertrain) Competitors: Chevrolet Silverado; Ford F-150; GMC Sierra; Nissan Titan; Toyota Tundra Report Card (out of 5): Fuel Economy: 1.5 - Hemi engine simply does not allow for good results. Value for $: 3.5 - A lot comes with the Laramie, but you?ll still pay a high price. Styling: 3.5 - Laramie trim adds chrome, leather and wood for a touch of luxury. Comfort: 4 - Great seats, great suspension, lots of luxury features. Performance: 4.5 - Does just about everything a pickup needs to do and then some. Overall: 4.5 - An awesome pickup truck in so many ways. Strengths: versatility; interior; smart configurations; comfort Weaknesses: fuel economy; extra money needed for full potential; no running boards
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