2007 Dodge Ram

The standard 3.7-liter V-6 produces 215 horsepower. Rams can be equipped with an available 235-hp, 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 that can run on regular unleaded fuel, E85 or a combination of the two. A 345-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is also available. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a four-speed automatic is optional. With the 4.7- or 5.7-liter engine, the automatic is a five-speed unit. Rear- and four-wheel-drive models are available.

Regular-cab Rams can be equipped with a 6.3-foot cargo bed, ride a 120.5-inch wheelbase and stretch to 207.7 inches long overall. With an 8-foot cargo bed, the Ram has a 140.5-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 229.7 inches.

All-disc brakes with a rear-wheel antilock feature are standard. Four-wheel ABS is standard in the Laramie. Side curtain airbags and an electronic stability system are optional.

The Ram 1500 is a light-duty truck, but it seems big in every way - including its reaction to bumps and holes in the road. Although the suspension regains control fairly quickly, quite a bit of jolting occurs in city driving. The ride improves on the highway.

The Ram 1500 is easy to drive and steer, and it responds predictably. A four-wheel-drive version maneuvers capably and takes curves passably well at modest speeds. Three adults fit adequately in a regular cab when the immense center armrest/storage box is raised.

2500
The 2500 Power Wagon edition holds a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 that cranks out 345 hp and 375 pounds-feet of torque. Either a six-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic can be installed. Special features include locking front and rear differentials, an electronically disconnecting front sway bar and a custom-built 12,000-pound winch. Polished, forged-aluminum 17-inch wheels hold 33-inch BFGoodrich tires.

Regular 2500 pickups are available with a diesel engine or the Hemi V-8. Serving as a replacement for the Cummins 5.9-liter turbo-diesel inline-six-cylinder beginning in January 2007, a newly optional Cummins 6.7-liter turbo-diesel inline-six develops 350 hp and 610 pounds-feet of torque (650 with the new six-speed automatic transmission).

Ram 2500 pickups with the regular cab have an 8-foot cargo bed, ride a 140.5-inch wheelbase and measure 229.7 inches long overall. Quad Cab models come with either a 6.3- or 8-foot cargo bed and ride a 140.5- or 160.5-inch wheelbase. All heavy-duty Ram models have a Sweptline (slab-sided) cargo bed. A remote starter is optional for 2007.

A Ram 2500 with the Hemi V-8 sounds and feels like a muscle car when pushed, though it settles down quietly for ordinary use. Performance is this Ram's strong point, but it's accompanied by a seriously lumpy ride over uneven pavement. Steering is confident for a full-size pickup, but the back wheels spin easily on wet pavement when the bed is empty.

Long seat bottoms in the Ram 2500 offer an easy-chair experience. Interior space is plentiful, especially in the Quad Cab. Overall, the Ram 2500 doesn't feel much like a typical heavy-duty pickup.