Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2013 Ram 1500 SLT Quad Cab 4X4. It provides super comfort and is a nice ride, especially on the highway where it also has the benefit of great visibility for safer maneuvering. However, on city streets and in town generally, it is cumbersome because of its size and long turning radius. That makes parking a challenge which is typical and expected for large trucks even if classed as ‘Standard Pickups’, like this one, it is still large.
Most folks call this a Dodge Ram because that is what it has been branded from its beginnings in 1981. In 2010 it began to be branded and sold simply as a Ram Truck and no longer a part of the lineup of Dodge vehicles. The Ram hood ornament first appeared in 1933 on Dodge vehicles.
This Ram is assembled in Michigan, and like many US auto manufacturers Chrysler also has some vehicles assembled in Canada and Mexico. It isn’t advertised which makes one wonder ‘why’? Toyota is a big ‘Made in Mexico’ company but also has huge manufacturing and assembly plants in the US as well. They all should promote such facts because it is a positive thing in today’s world. Consider that if all products were made just here in the US with its multi-national workforce. But setting up shop south of the border is good for both countries. It helps the economy where Mexican nationals don’t need to travel to the US for those jobs.
Yes, it is for economic reasons and jobs – not because the geography is different north of the border. Thanks to Chrysler, Ford, GM and Toyota to name some of the companies who have set up shop in Mexico, our neighbors to the south are able to earn a living in their country of choice.
I owned an automotive repair facility in Southern California where we employed mechanics and body work for primarily German and Italian cars. Workers were from Italy, Argentina, Mexico and Guatamala. I learned firsthand it was not because they were in love with America, per se, but the money was good. Oswaldo, one of the Guatamalan’s, sent nearly all of his pay home to his wife and children and their grandparents. They built a large home where he would retire, and has at this writing. He was legal, by the way, and one of the finest men I’ve ever known.
General Information:
Parts from the US / Canada 67%, Mexico 22%, Engine – Mexico, Transmission – Germany. It is assembled in Warren, Michigan, USA. Classification is Standard Pickup. Cars from Ram: 1500, 2500, 3500, Cargo Van, Dakota and Promaster.
Opinion and Observation:
Parking and modern day cars – in the old day’s most cars were large with higher ground clearance than today’s aerodynamic designed cars. They are therefore built closer to the ground to cut wind resistance which adds to fuel economy. That fact will not change any time soon.
My point is that every time a new parking area is built it should use lower tire stop cement to prevent damage to new cars. Is that only obvious to me? Are they stupid or what? Is it because all construction people drive Trucks and don’t notice the problem? Don’t they consider the cars that will use those spaces?
It may be a small thing to some, but it explains why more folks are backing into parking spaces.
Handling & Performance:
My first impression was how robustly powerful this truck is. It delivers a solid ride but it is also very big which will present problems when parking, especially because this is a world of a growing number of ‘compact’ or small cars. In days of old most cars were large and parking spaces were also. But today most spaces are marked “Compact”. Tough for most trucks.
Styling:
Ram tough in look and feel.
Fit and Finish:
Perfect.
Cost:
Competitive.
Conveniences and comfort:
Pretty basic but Options are available for a host of luxury upgrades that can total $11,000 if you opt for all.
Consumer Recommendation:
It is pretty clear that how you intend to use a truck should dictate which configuration fits best for you. For example, if it will be used on construction sites or ranch or farm you probably won’t need or want all the luxury items. If you will carry various sized cargo the RamBox Cargo Management system is another matter and very nice even at a cost of $1,295 if you need that feature.
Owners give it a very good rating. It is cheaper than the competition and better built was one comment from an owner in comparing to a Ford. I personally own a Ford F350 as well as a Chevrolet Silverado, and have owned a Dodge Dual wheel Ram 3500.
When you need a tough truck around the ranch, Dodge Ram has been a favorite for brother John. One reason is the Cummins diesel engine consistent with his Dump Truck fleet.
Recognized Competition:
Ram 1500 SLT $35,000, Chevrolet Avalanche $36,000, Ford F-150 XL $36,000, GMC Sierra 1500 $44,000, Honda Ridgeline $32,000, Nissan Titan SL $43,000, Toyota Tundra $35,000.
Good News:
Decent fuel economy for a work horse, actually 305 horses, super comfortable ride and powerful. There are lots of options to choose from to customize it to your need.
Bad News:
Large size will be cumbersome around town.
Standard Equipment:
3.6 liter 305 horsepower V6 engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, electric shift on the fly transfer case, remote keyless entry, 7-pin wiring harness, 26 gallon fuel tank, front, side curtain front and rear airbags, stability control, 4-wheel ABS (antilock brake system) disc brakes, cruise control, sentry key theft deterrent system, auto headlights, locking tailgate.
Options are available for a host of luxury upgrades that can total $11,000.
Gas Stats:
$3.89 / Gal avg. October 5, 2013
www.fueleconomy.gov
For more information.
16 City and 23 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $35,120.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2013 – An Automotive Love Affair
