ORC REVIEW

Dodges are perfect for tailgating at events like NASCAR

The Dodge Ram 1500 is what you call a “big rig” in the full-size pickup truck market. The Ram 1500 distinguishes itself with a HEMI® engine, an independent front suspension, and a massive chrome front grille accentuated by angular headlamps. Cab models were introduced in 1994, the Quad Cab option was added in 1998, and the vehicle saw a major engineering and styling overhaul in 2002. The DaimlerChrysler Group wants you to think of the word ‘bold’ when you see a Ram 1500, and this simple yet powerful word fits the vehicle’s description both inside and out.

New for the 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 is a fuel-efficient 4.7-liter V8 engine that can run on ethanol (E85). Also new are a power accessory delay, a one-touch three-blink lane change feature, an optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and an optional remote start. The interior gets updated with a YES Essentials® Stain resistant, odor resistant, and anti-static seat fabric, which is incorporated into the cloth seats.

It's all about the HEMI when it comes to the Dodge Ram. Photo Courtesy of Daimler Chrysler

Engine lineup for the Ram 1500 includes the 345-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum V8 with 375 lb-ft of torque; the new 235-horsepower 4.7-liter FFV Magnum V8 with 300 lb-ft of torque; and the 215-horsepower 3.7-liter Magnum V6 with 235 lb-ft of torque (standard on 4x2 and six-speed models).

It’s the 5.7-liter HEMI engine that really attracts consumers. Equipped with this beast, the HEMI V8 can transition from eight cylinders to four in 40 milliseconds. The vehicle features the first-ever fully functioning cylinder-deactivation system on a pickup truck. The engine has a 14,000-lb gross combined weight rating and a 9,200-lb gross trailer weight rating. The sucker can tow, tow well, tow a lot, and tow fast. It’s the truck of choice for many off-road competitors who need to get their team and vehicles to destinations thousands of miles away in good time.

Overall, the Ram 1500 is an impressive build. All 2007 models feature monotube shocks utilized in a coil-over shock absorber and a double-wishbone front suspension configuration. The Hotchkiss-design rear suspension uses leaf springs to reduce wheel hop. The Ram1500 has a front-axle-disconnect system designed to disengage the front-axle driveshaft when operating in two-wheel drive. This minimizes the front-drive system’s energy consumption, which DaimlerChrysler claims improves fuel economy. The model also features reduce-drag brake calipers, low-rolling resistance tires and a rear spoiler for vehicle aerodynamics.

Rock crawl champion Tracy Jordan drives his Dodge to events across the country

You can have your Ram 1500 with a Regular Cab, Quad Cab or Mega Cab, in 2WD and 4WD, and with a long or short bed. There are five trims for the Ram 1500: ST, SLT, Laramie, Sport and TRX4 Off-Road. The way the first four trims work is relatively simple: You get better standard features with every trim upgrade. The 1500 ST includes just your standard basics (air conditioning, AM/FM, 17-inch wheels) and the 3.7-liter V6 engine (4x2 models) or the 4.7-liter FFV V8 engine (4x4 models). The SL has options to upgrade to SIRIUS, 3.92 axle ratio, trailer tow group, and anti spin differentials.

The 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab. Photo Courtesy of Daimler Chrysler

The SLT standards show a taste for the finer things, like an overhead console with mini-trip computer and compass, speed control, power windows and door locks, and a keyless entry. Standard engine on the SLT is the 4.7-liter FFV V8. Upgrades include the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, power adjustable pedals, a six-disc CD changer and Infinity® speaker system, navigation radio, UConnect® Hands-free Communication System with Bluetooth® technology, and 20-inch aluminum wheels.

The Laramie comes standard with body-side chromed trim, dual-zone climate control, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and a Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer. What’s optional on the Laramie trim reflects what’s optional on the SLT.

Standard on the 1500 Sport trim is the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, bucket seats, body-color fascia and grille, fog lamps, and 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels. The upgrades are the same options available for the SLT and Laramie. The TRX4 Off-Road trim features decals, red shocks, fog lamps, and SIRIUS radio.

It should be mentioned the Laramie trim and power-sliding rear windows are available on the Quad Cab only.

The Ram is known for its massive chrome grille accentuated by angular headlamps. Photo Courtesy of Daimler Chrysler

I’m a tall, long-legged woman, but it still takes a lot of effort to get behind the wheel of a Dodge 1500 in a comfortable, if not lady-like manner. The Ram is a sound ride with plenty of pickup at precarious moments, such as entering hair-raising on-ramps when you need to hit 60 mph in seconds. I have an issue with the visibility when behind the wheel of this vehicle – a real issue that resulted in body damage on the passenger side when I hit a “camouflaged” cement post while parking a Dodge Ram in a dirt lot. The view over the towering hood hinders sight for both tall and short drivers alike. I can definitely attest to not feeling any frame vibrations until I hit that post. The vehicle has a great reliability record. Mine is not so great with the Dodge. It’s not in my repertoire (nor record) to crash test vehicles or any vehicles for that matter – this Dodge was my boyfriend’s.

How this engine gets constituted into being a fuel-efficient vehicle must have to do with burning ethanol, not gasoline, because the new 4.7-liter FFV V8 gets only 13-mpg city and 17-mpg highway driving. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 gets 14-mpg city and 18-mpg highway driving. Gas mileage for the 3.7-liter V6 Magnum is 16-mpg city and 21-mpg highway driving. The bottom line price range for the Ram 1500 is $18,234 to $34,424.

Base prices and fuel consumption are in the same ballpark at the Ford F-150, the Ram 1500’s main competitor. While Ford has many more trims and cab configurations to choose from as well as competent, reliable engines, you really cannot compare a HEMI. It’s an engine that sits in its own class and why consumers look to a Dodge Ram 1500 in the first place.