I went over to my local Dodge dealership and test drove a new Ram, here are the specs. Review follows:

2009 Dodge Ram 1500 TRX4
-5.7L Hemi
-TRX4 package
-Crew Cab
-3.92 gears with Anti-spin diff.

First of all, the truck is amazing.

1.) Power plant: The new Hemi is very powerfull. 390 hp is nothing but astounding. The throttle response is very quick (unlike the the older Ford "throttle by wire" trucks.). The engine requires low throttle percentages to get were you need to be. When at 100% throttle, the transmission shifts into gear fairly quick and muscles through the gears with power everywhere.

2.) Suspension: Holy f&^*. Rides very smooth, yet stiffens up when hitting deep pot holes. The stability in corners is amazing and holds a strong stance. I can only imagine how well it will do in an off-road scenario.

3.) Brakes: Stops very well. ABS is very functional and the pedal feel is quite stout relative to my Dakota.

4.) Interior: Everything is right where it needs to be. This Ram has the column shifter and bench seat. All of the controls are easily accessable (including the selectable transfer case **** (unlike the Dakota). The sounds system is clear and precise. Seats are very comfortable and the center console folds up for a center seat. There are three cup holders that fold down from the dash, along with two cup holders in each door panel. The crew cab has plety of room for a 6' tall passenger. The rear window is electric and is a very nice feature.

5.) Overall, the only reason I didn't walk away with this truck that day was simply due to the trade-in value of my dakota. The price of the truck was unbeatable, but would not be worth it to me with the trade-in value they gave me. I can safely say that in a year, I will sell the Dakota and go to the new Ram platform.

 

Yes, I drove the 2008 Chevy 1500 with the 5.3L flex fuel engine. It was pretty cool, but not nearly as cool as the Ram. I don't care for the low chin spoiler, and the throttle response was not nearly as quick.

I didn't drive the Ford. I don't really care for the new F-150, not my cup o' tea.

 

I agree, the RamBox is awesome, however you do sacrifice bed capacity. Now, even though the sales guys tell you otherwise (as in, from wheel well to wheel well, you don't loose hardly any capacity), you still loose the spacer over, in front, and behind the wells. Other than that, I am all for the ram and nothing else.

 

granted, they are a nice truck, but i doubt i will buy another fullsize, i have no need, and dodge still refuses to put out aftermarket parts. what can they get, a tuner, maybe a engine upgrade, cam, heads. granted. the ford and nissan have an aftermarket, supercharger, when is dodge gonna get one?

 

yeah not bashing dodge or anything but this will be my last...
its a sick truck and all but i just couldnt see myself getting another dodge..

 

What was the sticker price? I would buy dodge again, if they kill dakota or make it a unibody I am going fullsize in a few years.

 

It's a ram, the aftermarket will be all over it in no time. It's just us that gets the red-headed stepchild treatment.