I just got my brand new 2005 Ram a couple of months ago, and I have no intent to sell or trade anytime in the near future.

It's not that I dislike the looks of the 2006, I just like the looks of the 2002-2005 better. It's one thing to see the 2006 in a magazine, but in person it doesn't look as bad. If I did own a new 2006, I'd debadge and also remove that crappy plastic spoiler on the tail gate. I'd also enjoy the marginally better gas mileage of the MDS-enabled Hemi.

Speaking of which, is there an MDS conversion kit out there? Maybe something available for when it comes time to overhaul the engine?

 

I think guys are jumping the gun on hating the 06 especially since majority have only seen pictures on the internet. In person the slight changes are barely noticable at first glance, its smooth and flows just as great as the current Ram and after seeing it in person quite a few times now I really like it. The current design couldn't stay in place forever and I think the slight changes are nice. It really doesn't resemble a Dakata at all, seeing them side by side theres no mistaking the two. For some reason guys seem to be stuck on the headlights which I dont really understand, I admit they were something I was concerned about after seeing pics, but truly they do not stand out at all and actually look pretty good IMO. The key is they kept the rounded fenders. If they went with the sharp edges of the dakata and durango, which I feared they would, I would agree it would probably suck.


And to answer the question, I'm not sure yet. I'm about ready to move on from my Ram to get something new. If you could get a Hemi 1500 with a manual trans there would be no question, I'd definetly get a 06. This Ram was my first vehicle and now I'm looking to move up to more options and more off the lot performance. So the 06 is a big consideration, but I just haven't decided exactly what I want.

 

the headlights and the grill/front bumper are the only differences in the outer look of the '06 Rams, so it would make sense that most would dwell on those changes. And the headlights themselves are about twice as big as the '02 to '05 Rams.

I would think about tradin' in my HEMI for: a Mega-Cab Cummins powered dually 4x4 and only because my friends are starting another Dodge dealership and they just purchased their second Mitsubishi dealership and they want me to haul cars to/from auctions and between the lots. Or maybe if they eventually stuck the 6.1 in a special model 1500, like an SRT-8 Ram or something similar.

But I would still have an issue with those big-*** headlights... all I can say is there will be no excuse for poor night-time visability.

 

I took a look at the 06's and they are just not my cup of tea. I really don't care, as others have said, for the resemblance to the dakota. I think I am going to keep mine for some time. I got a bit of work to start doing with her.

 

I think everyone is missing the point here. The new 06 design is here, and its not going anywhere. In a couple of months when all the 05 are off the lots, and you go total your truck, guess what, if you get a new Ram you get the new design. I'm not saying that you have to like it, but you better get used to it, because it is here now and there is no turning back.