Overview:
We’re closing in on the end of a series on pickup trucks. This is the 2005 Dodge RAM 2500 SLT Cummins Turbo Diesel. I suspect the only thing not to like about this truck is the lousy diesel fuel prices. Remember when diesel fuel was cheaper than any other fuel. Well if there was a reason for it being cheaper back then circumstances must have changed. Do you think it’s because there isn’t enough consumption to keep the price down? Noooo, that couldn’t be the reason because there were even fewer diesel cars back when. Sure would be nice to hear from the oil companies on the reason why diesel is so outrageously high.
Ok, so I gotta complain about the Regular Cab thing. I continue to wonder why anyone would want one. Extended cab or Crew Cab, Double Cab and all the other designations are the cats meow in providing both truck and passenger transportation. The only issue with the four door is the loss of cargo area or with the option for regular cargo bed the length makes it a bit more difficult to maneuver. But you’ll get used to it, just as you adjust to a Dual rear wheel configuration in time. That is after you crush the rear fenders a few times. The extra size will seem worth while after you struggle to get a set of golf clubs in behind the seat, for example.
Handling & Performance:
The first thing I noticed when I got in and took off was the super sensitive steering. I mean this is nothing like you’ve ever experienced before. Scary. The diesel is super quiet and faster than a diesel is expected to be even for a 5.9 liter engine.
Styling:
Tough, rugged and manly. These guys know what other guys like in appearance. Only one request as noted with other truck reviews – design in more fun goodies for the working man.
Fit and Finish:
As per usual, today’s trucks are more luxurious than cars were even 20 years ago.
Cost:
As I mentioned before, all trucks are over priced. But there is an exception here because of the Cummins Turbo Diesel. They don’t get broken in for a couple of hundred thousand miles. You can hand it down to your kids, or someone in the crew and it will be serviceable for a long time. My Ram 3500 with a Cummins Diesel has 250,000 miles and it is still running strong.
Conveniences:
Once again I have to say a truck should have neat utility things like 110 outlets for running equipment in remote areas, great tie down apparatus and cargo lighting to name just a few.
Consumer Recommendation:
You may want to seriously consider a diesel. You won’t believe it’s a diesel. Try pulling up to a drive up window at a fast food place in an older diesel and they will ask you to turn the engine off so they can hear your order. Not with this one. It is nearly as quiet as a gas engine.
The Competition:
Dodge Ram 2500 $25-39,000, GMC Sierra 2500 $24-40,000, Chevrolet Silverdo 2500 HD $24-41,000, Ford F250 Super Duty $23-37,000.
Good News:
Quality truck, Cummins diesel power, great torque and a rather comfortable ride.
Bad News:
Poor fuel economy, over sensitive steering, not enough cargo area inside the cab and only seats up to three.
Standard Equipment:
5.9 liter Cummins Turbo Diesel with 610 foot lbs of torque, 4-speed auto trans and anti-spin differential axle, 2-wheel rear drive, dual air bags with passenger on/off switch, power driver seat, front center seat cushion storage, trailer tow class IV hitch receiver with 7 pin wiring, 4-wheel ABS power disc brakes, air conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering column, power windows and locks with remote keyless entry, overhead console with trip computer, stereo with CD player and GPS navigation system, storage area tray behind seats, heated power mirrors, cargo lamp and bed liner.
Gas Stats:
City and Highway MPG – Not available.
Pricing:
MSRP $36,805.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2005 – An Automotive Love Affair
