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Summary
This may be the golden age of the full-size
pickup. Indeed, it's impossible to buy a bad full-size pickup
nowadays. The all-new Ford F-150 and Nissan Titan have made
headlines. Toyota has a new Double Cab model, and there are strong
entries from Chevrolet and GMC. In spite of all this, the Dodge Ram
remains an excellent choice. It may be the best choice, depending on
what you want in a truck.
2005 Full Ram Review
Rams are smooth and refined, particularly when
compared with the previous generation. The Quad Cab is handy for
hauling friends and family but even the standard cab is roomy.
Arguably, the Ram is the best-looking truck on the market. The Hemi
V8 engine has drawn much attention for its power and efficiency as
well as the heritage its name evokes. It is an exceptionally good
engine, smooth and very responsive. The popular 4.7-liter V8
delivers responsive performance. It's also smooth and sophisticated,
benefiting from a modern overhead-cam design. Full-time four-wheel
drive (all-wheel drive) is available with the 4.7-liter for improved
stability in slippery conditions.
New SRT-10 models (see above video), available in both Quad Cab
and Regular Cab models for 2005, look like NASCAR Craftsman Trucks
and run like race cars, with stunning performance from their Viper
V10 engines and high-performance brakes and suspensions.
2005 Ram Trims
Dodge
Ram is available in two cab configurations, Regular Cab and Quad
Cab. Quad Cabs are four-door models that ride on a wheelbase 20
inches longer than comparable Regular Cab models. Two bed lengths
are available, a 6-foot, 3-inch standard bed and an 8-foot long-bed.
Long-bed Rams also get a bigger fuel tank, 35 gallons in place of
the standard 26-gallon tank.
Several engines are offered: Most popular is
the 4.7-liter V8, a modern overhead-cam engine. SLT comes
standard with the 4.7-liter V8, and adds cloth upholstery, nicer
interior trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a host of
convenience items, and wider tires.
Laramie is the top trim level, with leather
seating surfaces, dual-zone air conditioning, a premium stereo,
17-inch cast aluminum wheels, and a long list of luxury features.
Sport trim, available for most models, includes fog lights, 17-inch
aluminum wheels, body-colored exterior trim, and special interior
trim. Aggressive 20-inch wheels and tires are also available.
The SRT-10 is available in both regular cab
and Quad Cab models for 2005.
A power sunroof with one-touch open and close
features is a new option for 2005 Quad Cab models. Sirius Satellite
Radio is available for 2005 Quad Cabs as well. The Work Special
package is designed to deliver affordability with gray bumpers,
grille, and 17x7 steel wheels.
The Dodge Ram presents a bold, distinctive
appearance with its big horse-collar grille and Freightliner
fenders. Modern and contemporary, the current design improved on the
best of the previous, ground-breaking design. 2005 brings new rear
badging, including a chrome Ram's head on the center of the
tailgate.
Laramie models are distinguished by an
all-chrome grille surround and chrome billet grille center, along
with chrome bodyside moldings. Sport trim features a body-colored
grille surround and body-colored crosshairs with unique chrome
billets in the center. Moving rearward, the Ram presents robust
appearance. An integrated air dam aids engine cooling and air
conditioner performance. Ram beds are fitted with boat cleats designed
to handle 1,000 pounds each.
Rams sit relatively high off the ground,
particularly the four-wheel-drive models. Tailgate load height is 35
inches on four-wheel-drive models, 33.6 inches on two-wheel-drive
Rams.
2005 Interior
The Dodge Ram is among the roomiest of the
full-size pickups and its cab is a pleasant place to be. Dodge added
3 inches to the cab's total length when the Ram was redesigned for
2002, stealing that space from the bed. Regular Cab and Quad Cab
versions offer identical roominess in the front seats.
The Ram comes with a front bench seat split
40/20/40. Laramie models get silver trim adorning the door panels
and instrument bezels. Laramie comes with distinctive leather trim,
with higher contrast color seat inserts.
On leather-trimmed models, cloth is used on the
inboard seat-bottom trim where leather would have offered a cleaner
appearance. The big fold-down center armrest/console comes with
adjustable dividers and a power outlet. Big mirrors on the Ram make
it easier to see what's behind.
Side-curtain airbags are a $390 option on
Regular Cabs, $490 on Quad Cabs. Optional steering wheel audio
controls ($75) improve this situation with brilliantly designed
buttons behind the steering wheel that are easy to use. Overall, the
center dash is a paradigm of convenience. Large heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) buttons can be operated
while wearing gloves. Regular Cab models come fitted with a tray
behind the seats big enough to hold a large bucket. Big hooks behind
the seats are handy for hanging dry cleaning or plastic shopping
bags.
2005 First Drive Dodge Ram
The new 5.7-liter Hemi V8 gives the Dodge Ram
responsive performance. Though it's an overhead-valve design, the
Hemi features twin spark plugs, direct ignition, and electronic
throttle control. It achieves the holy grail of engine improvement,
increasing power while improving fuel economy at the same time. The
Hemi generates 345 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 375 pound-feet of
torque at 4200 rpm. A properly equipped Hemi increases the Ram's
towing capacity to 9200 pounds and payload by an additional 500
pounds. The popular 4.7-liter V8 delivers responsive performance as
well, though it doesn't offer the trailer-towing torque of the
5.7-liter. Equipped with the 4.7-liter, the Ram feels eager around
town and on winding roads. The 4.7-liter V8 uses an overhead-cam
design, smaller and more efficient than the overhead-valve engine it
replaced. It also achieves good fuel efficiency (14/19 mpg with
2WD). It revs higher than an overhead valve engine and generates 240
horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 4.7-liter V8 feels
smooth and refined, emitting a pleasant American burble while
underway. The optional five-speed automatic improves the
responsiveness of the 4.7-liter engine and is more responsive than
four-speed automatics.
The 3.7-liter V6 is smooth and works well with
the manual six-speed gearbox. The overhead-cam 3.7-liter V6 has been
upgraded for 2005 for a smoother idle, improved fuel efficiency and
more low-end torque. The Ram has a pleasant ride quality, important
on long days. It's much smoother than the previous-generation Ram.
Its rigid chassis minimizes road vibration. Dodge uses hydroforming
to fashion the frame. Rack-and-pinion steering sharpens handling,
though we've noticed some on-center vagueness. Big 17-inch wheels
are standard. The result overall is that the Ram offers responsive
handling, a comfortable ride, and a general feeling of tightness.
2005 Dodge Ram Conclusions
The Dodge Ram offers big power and big capabilities. It's
responsive and comfortable as an every day driver and it's ready to
do some serious work when called upon. Ram's distinctive styling
makes it stand out in a rapidly improving field. Ram Quad Cab models
offer a brilliant combination of comfort and utility. Regular Cab
versions are far roomier than they used to be, and are thoughtfully
set up to accommodate gear behind the seat. "Ram is The cathedral of
all pickup trucks; a steel Mecca for those who worship big numbers."
says PickupTruck.com.
The responsive 4.7-liter V8 delivers good acceleration and gets the
job done; it's paired well with a new five-speed automatic that's
smooth and responsive. The new 5.7-liter Hemi delivers strong
acceleration performance and is an excellent choice for towing.