Solid Workhorse Functionality with Comfort? 2009 Dodge Ram

Check out our New Dodge Ram Inventory!!!

Summary

For 2009 the Dodge Ram has solidified itself as the industry leader. It benefits from some interior styling improvements and engineering enhancements. Multiple options and trim styles are available making the Ram a very versatile pick in the 2009 model year. It is a workhorse that has an impressive interior with nice materials and design. If you are in the market for a workhorse truck, but don't want to lose the comfort inside, opt for a Dodge Ram. Test drive one today!

Full Review 2009

The 2009 Dodge Ram is a new truck that incorporates Dodge's forward-thinking style and refinements to cosmetics and engineering. The Dodge Ram is a light-duty full-size pickup, a so-called half-ton truck, but this latest version lacks the 1500 badge of previous versions because the heavy-duty versions (2500, 3500) share little in appearance and running gear.

Some audio and climate control systems, and the middle front row seat may appear familiar, too. A Crew Cab model has been added to the mix; it has more cabin space than the Quad Cab but in more manageable dimensions than the retired Mega Cab. The new Crew Cab required its own pickup bed, dubbed RamBox: A perfect rectangle inside, it sports a pair of lockable bins along the bed sides, but can carry the standard 4x8-foot sheet flat on the bed floor.

Trims and Styling 2009

The 2009 Dodge Ram comes in six trim levels: ST, SLT, Sport, TRX, R/T, and Laramie. Cab choices include a Regular Cab with short (6.3 feet) or long (8 feet) bed, four-door Quad Cab with short bed, and the new Crew Cab with the shorter yet RamBox 5-foot, 7-inch bed.

The 5.7-liter V8 Hemi is offered across the board. No manual transmissions are offered.

Ram ST models ($21,270-$29,735) are workhorses, with standard vinyl floor and manual windows, although they do include chrome bumpers and grille outline, air conditioning, ABS, CD player, variable intermittent wipers, locking tailgate, Sentry Key and on 4WD, electric-shift. Options include chrome wheels, two-tone paint, cruise control, trailer mirrors, limited-slip differential and alternate axle ratios, sliding rear window, Sirius radio and Mopar WiFi.

Ram SLT models ($25,465-$34,850) upgrade with carpet floor covering, floor mats, 40/20/40 split-bench seat, overhead console, cruise control, remote keyless entry, power windows and door locks, heated mirrors and 17-inch painted aluminum wheels. Options include the 5.7-liter V8, RamBox Storage System, on-demand transfer case for low-range 4WD, power sunroof, power-adjustable pedals, 10-speaker Alpine Surround Sound, UConnect/navigation system and hands-free communication system with Bluetooth technology, Sirius Backseat TV radio, low-back bucket seats with cloth upholstery, six-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear defroster, and 20-inch aluminum wheels.

Ram TRX ($30,020-$35,995) comes in Quad Cab and Crew Cab styles and has SLT-level trim with some notable exceptions. TRX features electric-shift transfer case on 4WD models, unique shocks and ride height, 17-inch aluminum wheels and a full-size spare tire, heavy-duty vinyl floor covering, cloth 40/20/40 split-bench front seat, folding rear bench seat (Quad Cab models), tilt steering column, remote keyless entry and standard two-tone paint.

Available Options

Pay extra for an engine block heater, power-sliding rear window, heated power folding mirrors, bed liner, 3.92:1 axle ratio, limited-slip differential, Tip Start, cruise control, and UConnect Studios Sirius Satellite Radio. Ram Sport ($29,365-$38,670) is available in all three cab styles but is labeled R/T on the regular cab. It adds a 5.7-liter Hemi, slate-gray contrast-stitched bucket seats, body-color fascia, fog lamps and 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels. R/T models use a 4.10:1 rear axle for superior acceleration but will still tow 5000 pounds.

Ram Laramie ($37,870-$43,240) is the top of the line, with leather heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, chromed door handles and mirrors, and security alarm. Extra-cost features include 20-inch aluminum wheels, sunroof, navigation and rear-seat entertainment. Safety features include dual front multi-stage airbags, three-point belts in all seating positions with constant-force retractors, LATCH child-seat anchors, child-protection rear door locks, electronic stability/traction control and four-wheel anti-lock brakes. The RamBox of Crew Cab models has a perfectly rectangular interior with no wheel-well intrusions.

We swapped through a few Ram models back-to-back to compare the trim levels and found the seat in the base model is the same design as in the top-line models, and we had no complaints after a full day of driving. The electronic stability control switch (standard) and 4WD switch are on the dash (both 4WD systems are electrically-switched).

Common operating controls such as lights, wipers and cruise control are on column-mounted stalks.

Dashboards are nicely framed, with symmetry on both sides of the wheel and both sides of the truck. We found the basic ST work truck model particularly impressive. A moonroof is offered on both four door cabs as is a rear-seat DVD entertainment system (though you can't get both on the Quad Cab). Storage in all models is good, including double glove-boxes.

First Drive 2009

Those new power ratings make the Hemi the most powerful full-line half-ton pickup now, with a single-digit advantage over Tundra's 5.7-liter; GM will offer a 400-plus horsepower 6.2-liter V8 in some Silverado and Sierra models but only Crew Cab models. Expect the fastest Ram to run about even with a Tundra, given the Tundra's sometimes lighter weight and its six-speed automatic. Now the Ram can keep up.

A Tow/Haul mode is standard and is useful when towing. The Tow/Haul mode keeps the transmission cooler when towing by holding gears longer (and reducing hunting between gears) and shifting faster (and harder).

The 4WD systems have a Neutral position for flat-towing a Ram behind an RV or heavier construction truck. Dodge revamped the half-ton braking system in 2006 so the brake system has already proven effective. Using aluminum in some protected front suspension pieces takes 10 pounds off each corner, and the coil/link rear suspension takes 40 pounds off the back and allows more precise wheel control. The Ram felt smoother and quieter to us than the Chevy Silverado did, even on the 20-inch wheels. Payload, or how much weight in cargo and passengers a truck can carry varies by cab, bed, drive wheels, and engine. Ram payload ratings run from 1290 pounds (for a 2WD regular cab, short bed, 4.7-liter) to 1850 pounds (for a 2WD regular cab, long bed, V6) and that's for trucks without options; if you routinely carry more than 1000 pounds of cargo it may be better to think about a Ram 2500 or another heavy-duty pickup.

Tow ratings top out at 9100 pounds (for a regular cab, long bed, 2WD Hemi with the 3.92:1 axle ratio and 17-inch wheels), but range from a meager 3450 pounds. We'd go for the 17-inch wheels because we use trucks for towing cars.

 We found the new 2009 Ram suspension an improvement for towing. Also, the electronic stability control system includes trailer sway control, a nice feature. Cooling systems appear up to the task, and towing mirrors are offered for pulling an eight-foot-wide travel or large box trailer.

Conclusions

For 2009 the Dodge Ram benefits from some major improvements in quality."With the redesigned 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, Chrysler LLC proves that it's quite serious about competing in the full-size pickup segment. This newest Ram is not only the best pickup ever from Dodge, but also one of the best from any automaker. The Texas Auto writers Association has named it the "Texas Truck of the Year" for 2009." says Fort Worth Star-Telegram "Dodge now has the most comfortable half-ton on the market, and there's absolutely no trade-off in capability." adds Automobile Magazine The new 2009 Dodge Ram has the bold and brash style that typifies Dodge, but now it's in a more refined package with more amenities for the occupants.