2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Review Summary & Specs
Base Short Bed Regular Cab Pickup
More efficient V8 joins tough truck lineup.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
The Dodge Ram offers big power and big capabilities. It's responsive and comfortable as an everyday driver and it's ready to do some serious work when called upon. Ram's distinctive styling makes it stand out in a rapidly improving field. Ram Quad Cab models offer a brilliant combination of comfort and utility. Even Regular Cabs are generously roomy and are thoughtfully set up to accommodate gear behind the seat. The new 4.7-liter V8 delivers good acceleration and is paired well with the smooth, responsive five-speed automatic. The 5.7-liter Hemi delivers stronger acceleration performance and is an excellent choice for the heaviest trailers.
NewCarTestDrive.com editor Mitch McCullough reported from Los Angeles, with Sam Moses in San Antonio, John Katz in Pennsylvania, and G.R. Whale in Los Angeles.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Pickups |
| Editor |
New Car Test Drive |
| Model Lineup |
Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab ST 2WD SWB ($21,025), Regular Cab ST 4WD SWB ($25,710); Quad Cab SLT 2WD LWB ($30,450); Quad Cab SLT 4WD SWB ($33,280); Quad Cab Laramie 4WD SWB ($38,785) |
| Engines (standard) |
5.7-liter Hemi overhead-valve V8 |
| Engines (optional) |
215-hp 3.7-liter sohc 12-valve V6; 310-hp 4.7-liter sohc 16-valve V8; 345-hp 5.7-liter ohv 16-valve V8 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
5-speed automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) |
6-speed manual; 5-speed automatic; 4-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
rear-wheel ABS, dual front multi-stage airbags |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
electronic stability control; four-wheel ABS; side-curtain airbags for front and rear seats |
| Basic Warranty |
3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In |
St. Louis, Missouri; Warren, Michigan; Saltillo, Mexico |
| Manufacturer Phone |
1-800-4A-DODGE |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.dodge.com |
| Base Price MSRP |
$21,155 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab Laramie 4WD SWB ($38,785) |
| Standard Equipment |
leather-trimmed seats, dual-zone air conditioning, tilt steering column, speed control, power windows w/driver auto-down, power locks w/keyless entry, tachometer, security alarm, power adjustable pedals, 240-watt AM/FM audio with six-CD changer, steering-wheel audio controls, deluxe overhead console, split folding rear seat, rear underseat compartment, auxiliary power outlet, fog lamps |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
Limited-slip differential ($325); Protection Group ($140) includes tow hooks, skid plates; trailer tow package ($335) |
| Destination Charge |
900 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Price as Tested |
$40,485 |
| Layout |
four-wheel drive |
| Horse Power |
345 @ 5400 |
| Torque |
375 @ 4200 |
| Fuel Economy |
13/17 |
| Wheelbase |
140.5 |
| Length/Width/Height |
227.7/79.5/75.9 |
| Track Front/Rear |
|
| Turning Radius |
46.0 |
| Seating Capacity |
6 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room |
40.8/64.9/41.0 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room |
|
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room |
40.0/64.6/36.7 |
| Trunk Volume |
|
| Payload |
1210 |
| Towing Capacity |
|
| Front Suspension |
independent, double-wishbone, coil springs over gas-charged shock absorbers, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension |
live axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs, gas-charged shock absorbers |
| Ground Clearance |
7.4 |
| Curb Weight |
8350 |
| Stock Tires |
P265/70R17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
vented disc/disc with four-wheel ABS |
| Fuel Capacity |
26.0 |