Let me preface this article by saying that I’m not a fan of big trucks, especially when I see business guys driving these to work, letting them just sit in the parking lot- shiny and unused. Its a truck, use it for what it was designed for.
Now let me say this, the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 definitely taught me why people purchase these trucks so often. The new 1500 looks average size, but thats where it stopped. Climbing into its stitched leather bound chrome and wood grained trimmed out interior made me feel tall and powerful. The giant (at least 12 inches wide) armrest was comfy and had the now standard storage bin underneath.
Interior:
The seats were stuffed with a sturdy foam, and also double stitched. As far as visibility, the gauges were bright enough for a sunny day.
Dodge’s Electronic Vehicle Information System (EVIC) was brilliant in color and function giving you fuel info, outside temperature, compass, etc. The dash is dubbed Soft-Touch and really was. There is even a divot for your laptop, though I wouldn’t place a laptop on the dash to bake in the sun (think VHS warning labels). The redesigned information center was also a fresh breath for Dodge. Chrome trimmed wood grain, every thing stacked nicely, thick rubber-coated knobs. I was starting to enjoy this test drive. Add the available u-connect system which controls your music, phone, pictures, and GPS, and it starts to get exciting. The 30 gig hard drive can download from a CD or USB, voice-activation technology and touch-screen capability, u-connect allows you to manage your music, contacts and much more.
Exterior:
How did it drive? We didn’t get to pull anything or take it on the highway, but on the city roads where most people will be cruising, it was great! Smooth but tough feeling. Just the right height. Just the right power. Just the right sound. Dodge took out the leaf springs (dating back to the Model T) and put in the class-exclusive multi-link coil suspension for increased ride quality, comfort and better handling without sacrificing payload capacity. With this new system you get rid of that rear bounce when turning tightly.
Lets look at the outside. Starting with the new grill, its the most obvious difference. It now leans forward in a more aggressive tone. Its more aero-dynamic which means better fuel efficiency. The chrome is nice and crisp and includes a full wrap around bumper. The Ram Crew features a new 6-passenger crew cab with four full sized doors. On the rear we get dual 4-inch chrome exhaust tips built into the super tough wraparound rear bumper. Add the Mopar Step Sides and a Mopar hood and you’ve got a full blooded truck.
Final thoughts:
Simply put, the All-New Ram is a flat-out better ride from front to back, in and out! Be sure to pop in to your local Lithia dealership and check out this great truck. Believe me, this is coming from a guy who didn’t like big trucks!
If you want to see more photo’s you can check them out on our Flickr page here.
I love reading your blog. You seem like a natural in sharing your experiences. I am starting my blog as well, do you think only natural writers can have something to share?