2004 Dodge Ram 1500: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Available all-wheel drive and a navigation system highlight 2004 additions to Dodge's full-size pickup. This report covers the half-ton Ram 1500 models, which offer two body styles: a 2-dr regular cab and the Quad Cab 4-dr crew cab. Both come in ST and uplevel SLT trim with cargo beds of 6.3 ft or 8 ft. A 40/20/40 split bench is the only front seat. Quad Cabs have a folding 3-passenger rear bench. The base engine is a 3.7-liter V6. V8s of 4.7 and 5.7 liters are available, the latter called the Hemi. It comes only with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The V6 and 4.7 V8 offer manual transmission or a 4- or 5-speed automatic, respectively. Automatics include a tow/haul mode that alters shift points with heavy loads. All Rams are available with rear-wheel drive or 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement. AWD is newly optional for SLT models and, like Ram's 4WD, includes low-range gearing. Four-wheel disc brakes with rear ABS are standard; 4-wheel ABS is optional, as are curtain side airbags. SLT models offer power-adjustable pedals. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard, 20s optional. For '04, SLT models offer navigation radio, which provides directions via audio prompts and also a small map screen as part of the radio faceplate. Also newly available is Dodge's UConnect, which uses the audio system as a hands-free, wireless link to any cell phone in the vehicle. Added midyear was the high-performance SRT-10, featuring the Dodge Viper's V10 engine, plus a 6-speed manual transmission, sport suspension, 22-inch wheels, and special trim.