Dodge has definitely produced a winner with its revamped Ram 1500. It has created a large, powerful pickup truck that is easy to drive, with a stylish body and a luxurious interior. With three different cab styles, a dozen models, several engine choices, and most of the interior options normally associated with luxury cars, the Ram is the undisputed king of the pickups. Lots of new technology has been added to enhance safety and improve handling. Reviewers have even called it nimble, which is a word not normally associated with pickup trucks. With an array of different models, Dodge has created a truck for just about everybody.
The Range
Body Styles: full-sized pickup trucks
Engines: 3.7-liter V-6, 4.7-liter V-8, 5.7-liter V-8, 8.3-liter V-8, 8.3-liter V-10
Transmissions: six-speed manual, five-speed automatic, four-speed automatic
Models: Dodge Ram 1500 ST, Dodge Ram 1500 SLT, Ram 1500 Laramie, Dodge
What's New
The 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 features a new Mega Cab crew cab, with a cabin that’s 20 inches longer, providing enough room for four adult passengers. Dodge has also completely revamped the cab, adding a new dash, center console, seats, and radios. Mega Cabs offer such family-friendly features as backseat DVD players and a navigation system. However, increased cab size is not without cost: Dodge’s engineers whacked three inches off the bed to get more cabin room. A full-sized bed is now an option for this vehicle. For people seeking better fuel economy, Dodge has added a multi-cylinder displacement system that shuts down unneeded cylinders to save gas.
Exterior
In addition to the new Mega Cabs, Dodge has added a new front-end and new wheels to all models. Three cab styles are available: regular, Mega Cab, and Quad Cab. The beds are shorter, but longer options are available for those seeking a work truck.
Interior
The 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie offers features normally associated with luxury cars, including leather seating, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power driver’s seat. Options include a rear-seat DVD system. Most 1500 models offer quite a bit of room in the cab, but the back of the Quad Cabs are a little cramped. Mega Cab models offer more room than almost any other pickup cab on the market. Bluetooth is available as an option on all models except the ST and SRT-10.
Performance & Handling
Despite its size and power, the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 handles very well and is actually easy to drive. A new independent front suspension, front-axle disconnect, and a new electronic transfer case are what make it so nimble. Buyers should beware because the Mega Cab reportedly lacks some of these features. Ram is certainly living up to its reputation for power in the 2006 edition. The standard, 4.7-liter V-8 in most 1500s generates 235 horsepower (hp) and 300 lb-ft of torque. People looking for towing power should check out the all-wheel-drive (AWD) Quad Cab, since it can pull up to 8,600 pounds.
Safety
The 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie offers a number of safety features normally found on minivans. These include anti-lock brakes, a remote anti-theft system, engine immobilizer, fog lights, and electronic brake force distribution. Side-curtain airbags and anti-lock brakes are available as options on all Laramie models. It also has some very impressive safety ratings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded it a perfect five-star rating for driver and front-seat passenger protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a safety rating of ""good,"" the highest safety rating the IIHS awards.
EPA Fuel Economy
Dodge Ram 1500 4.7-liter V-8: 13/17 mpg city/highway
Dodge Ram 1500 3.7-liter V-6: 14/20 mpg city/highway
Dodge Ram 1500 5.7-liter V-8: 13/18 mpg city/highway
Dodge Ram 1500 8.3-liter V-10: 8/11 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- Wide range of cab choices
- Roomy Mega Cabs
- Powerful V-8 and V-10 engines
- Excellent handling
- Stylish body
- Smooth ride
You Won't Like
- Lousy fuel economy, especially in the SRT-10
- Smaller beds
- Cramped Quad-Cab rear seat
- Suspension that is a little stiff and bouncy
Sum Up
Dodge has succeeded in creating one of the best pickup trucks on the road today with the 2006 Ram 1500.
If You Like This Vehicle
- Honda Ridgeline
- Lincoln Mark LT
- Ford F-150
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Cadillac Escalade LT