Introducing the 2011 Ram 1500 Express
By Patrick Rall
The Ram Truck brand recently introduced the 2011 Ram 1500 Express – a new low-cost package aimed at younger, first-time truck buyers that carries a price of just $22,855. When this trimline was originally announced earlier this year, Chrysler used the codename “Adventurer”, but as the cost effective package has moved to production level, Ram chose the name Express instead.
The 2011 Ram 1500 Express is available only in the regular cab
configuration with a 6’4″ bed, but unlike the standard entry-level Ram
1500, the Express is powered by the mighty 5.7L Hemi – packing 390
horsepower and 407lb-ft of torque. The Hemi sends its power to the rear
wheels (4WD is available for an additional charge) via the standard
automatic transmission and, unlike many other low cost trimlines, the
Ram Express is fitted with sporty 20″ wheels and tires. The Express
also offers a monochromatic paint scheme with a color-matched grille and
front and rear fascias, giving the Express a very similar look to the
Ram Sport at a fraction of the price – just $22,855 for RWD and $27,310
for 4WD.
The 2011 Ram Express is available in 9 colors: Bright
Silver Metallic, Bright White, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Deep
Cherry Red Crystal Pearl, Deep Water Blue Pearl, Flame Red, Hunter Green
Pearl, Mineral Gray Metallic and White Gold Clear Coat. Deep Cherry
Red Crystal Pearl and Deep Water Blue Pearl come with a price increase
of $225 and options like the rear sliding window, Mopar step tubes,
under rail bedliner, folding trailer tow mirrors and a class IV receiver
hitch are available for an additional cost.
The exterior of the
Ram Express screams sports truck, but how do they offer it so affordably
with the Hemi and 20″ wheels while the similarly equipped Ram Sport
starts around $6,000 more? The key is inside, where the folks at Ram
have stripped out many of the pricier items that cause the higher
starting price of the Ram Sport. Forget about the plush leather bucket
seats of the Ram Sport, as the Express comes with a basic 40/20/40 split
bench seat wrapped in Dark Slate heavy duty vinyl. Next, the standard
stereo system for the Express is a six-speaker setup with AM/FM, MP3 and
auxiliary input (iPod) capabilities. While the Ram Express does come
with a basic heating/air conditioning system, keyless entry, cruise
control and the trailer brake control group are all available…but for
an added price. Finally, buyers of the new Ram Express can select
between carpeted floors or rubber surfaces instead. If you do want a
little more comfort in your 2011 Ram 1500 Express, you can step up to
the ST popular equipment group, which tacks on $750, but you get cloth
seats rather than vinyl, cruise control, floormats and an upgraded media
center with Sirius satellite capabilities and a year’s service.
The
standard rear end gearing in the 2011 Ram 1500 Express is a 3.55:1
ratio, but if you want to improve your towing ability and acceleration,
you can step up to a 3.91:1 rear gear. At the same time, if you are
more concerned about fuel mileage from your new Hemi Ram, you can select
a more fuel-friendly 3.21:1 rear differential – both of which are $50.
For just $325, you can add a limited slip differential to aid in
traction in all types of conditions.
The 2011 Ram 1500 Express
offers a great budget alternative for a first time truck buyer, but this
truck also proposes an excellent option for someone who wants a go-fast
truck without the price of the Ram Sport or Ram R/T. This no-frills,
low-cost package offers gobs of power to tow, haul or go fast without
the goodies inside to drive up the price. The 2011 Ram 1500 Express is
currently available on the Ram Truck website and you can check it out
for yourself by clicking here!
(Or click here to join the Ram conversation at DodgeForum.com!)