Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X2 wheel drive pick up truck. These days, even trucks deliver a great ride and this Ram was especially smooth. Only problem was it snowed while testing and me with a two wheel drive truck. And trucks without a load are light in the rear and that makes for really poor traction with snow on the ground. Obviously in California the light fluffy stuff is a rare sight and I would have never imagined needing a 4-wheel drive vehicle the week before Christmas. So much for the weather mans predictions.
This HEMI powered Ram is special and I haven’t heard such a great exhaust system in a long time. And although it isn’t reason enough to buy this Ram it adds so much to the feel of driving a truck. And the ride is cozy and luxurious, yet it is solid and an all man’s truck. It is still the top of the heap of large trucks and no one does it better in my opinion.
In today’s world lousy fuel economy is a real turn off, but some folks simply need a truck as I do for use around the ranch. I’ve hauled a load of about 2 tons of hay in my Ram 3500 dual wheel 4-wheel drive model. It has been invaluable over the years and like old faithful for 11 years it has racked up over 264,000 miles and I don’t intend on changing trucks any time soon.
Parts –
Assembly – Fenton, Missouri, U.S.A.
Class: – Standard Pick Ups
Cars: – Avenger, Caliber, Charger, Challenger, Dakota, Durango, Grand Caravan, Journey, Magnum, Nitro, Ram 15, 25 & 3500, Sprinter Van and Wagon & Viper.
Smooth ride and HEMI 5.7 liter fast. But 2 wheel drive has its limitations.
Styling:
Uniquely Dodge.
Fit and Finish:
Solidly built and the feel is rugged and incorporates large heavy duty components.
Cost:
Consistent with the competition – and all are a little pricey for a truck. Trucks are among the more profitable products of any car maker.
Conveniences and comfort:
Luxurious ride and appointments make it nearly indistinguishable from a passenger car. But empty as truck owners know the ride tends to be a bit bumpy.
Consumer Recommendation:
I’ve tested them all and it is a difficult decision on which is the front runner in my mind. I truly like them all… but I bought a Dodge Ram when it came to having a truck for the work to be done around the ranch. If you are in the market you couldn’t be doing so at a better time. Dealers are dealing because prices are “Soft”.
Recognized Competition:
Dodge Ram 1500 $21-44,000, Chevrolet Silverado $19-41,000, Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid $38-47,000, GMC Sierra 1500 $19-43,000, GMC Sierra Hybrid $38-48,000, Toyota Tundra $22-42,000, Honda Ridgeline $28-36,000, Ford F-150 $22-39,000, Nissan Titan $26-39,000.
Good News:
If you don’t like shopping, the field of competition is easy to negotiate. Smooth riding for a truck, great sounding exhaust system echoing the HEMI engine. Good range from bare bones to luxury ride. It couldn’t be a better time to buy a new truck, because prices are very soft.
Bad News:
A little pricey and the fuel consumption necessitates a 26 gallon tank.
Standard Equipment:
5.7 liter V8 HEMI engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, multi stage front air bags, supplemental side curtain front and rear air bags, electronic stability control, anti lock 4-wheel disc brakes, power rack and pinion steering, heavy duty engine cooling, remote start, cruise control, keyless entry, theft deterrent system, security alarm, tire pressure monitor system, variable intermittent wipers, dual zone temperature control, Sirius satellite radio with 1-year included, heated front seats with 10-way power driver seat and 6-way power passenger seat, 40/20/40 split bench seat, rear 60/40 split folding seat with under seat storage bins, leather wrapped heated steering wheel with audio controls and tilt column, 115 volt power outlet, rear power sliding window, temp and compass gauge and trip computer, 20” aluminum chrome wheels, auto halogen headlights, power fold away mirrors, fog lights, trailer tow wiring with 4-pin connector and 7-pin wiring harness.
Options:
Leather bucket seats, heated second row seats, ventilated front seats, park sense rear assist system, power sunroof, Class IV receiver hitch, Video entertainment system, SIRIUS back seat TV service – $4,380.
$1.85/ Gal avg. Jan, ‘09
for more information.
14 City and 20 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $40,020 and with Options listed and delivery charges $45,000.
