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2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Full Review
Date Published: 2/21/08
2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Review
Wider availability of a 6-speed manual transmission and an optional sunroof highlight 2005 additions to Dodge's large pickup. This report covers the half-ton Ram 1500 models. These come as a 2-dr regular cab and the 4-dr crew-cab Quad Cab. Both body styles are available in ST and uplevel SLT trim, and also as high-performance SRT-10 models. ST and SLT offer 6.3- and 8-ft-long cargo beds. They have a 40/20/40 split front bench seat; Quad Cab versions have a folding 3-passenger rear bench. The base engine is a 3.7-liter V6, with V8s of 4.7- and 5.7-liters available, the latter branded the Hemi. It comes only with a 5-speed automatic transmission. For 2005, the V6 and 4.7 V8 offer a 6-speed manual transmission, replacing a 5-speed unit. The V6 is also available with a 4-speed automatic transmission, the 4.7 V8 a 5-speed automatic. Automatics include a tow/haul mode that alters shift points with heavy loads.

ST and SLT Rams are available with rear-wheel drive or with 4WD that should not be left engaged on dry pavement. Optional for SLT models is all-wheel drive; like Ram's 4WD, it includes low-range gearing. Four-wheel disc brakes with rear ABS are standard; 4-wheel ABS is optional. Head-protecting curtain side airbags also are optional. SLT models offer power-adjustable pedals. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard, 20s optional. SLT models offer navigation radio, which provides directions via audio prompts and incorporates a small map screen as part of the radio faceplate. Also available is Chrysler's UConnect, which uses the audio system as a hands-free, wireless link to cell phones. The new-for-'05 sunroof is available for Quad Cab models.

SRT-10s feature the Dodge Viper's V10 engine, rear-wheel drive, sport suspension, 22-inch wheels, and special trim. For '05, a Quad Cab SRT-10 joins the carried-over regular cab. It has a 4-speed automatic transmission; the regular cab has a mandatory 6-speed manual. Both have a 6.3-ft bed and specially bolstered sport seats. For 2006, Dodge will introduce Ram Mega Cab, an expanded 4-door model with more rear passenger room and interior storage space than Quad Cab.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicle of choice for heavy-duty hauling and towing. They offer an array of cab styles and bed lengths and usually feature powerful V8 or diesel engines. For personal use, consider light-duty ½-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider ¾- or 1-ton models.

Our Best Buys include the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, and GMC Sierra. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.
News
As previewed last winter, the '06 Rams get a mild front-end restyle and a revised dashboard with room for an optional navigation system. Also adding to the extras list are rear DVD entertainment and power-adjustable pedals.

But Ram's biggest '06 news is literally that: the Mega Cab. This is basically a Quad Cab extended some 20 inches to increase rear-seat space. It will be available as a 1500 and on the heavier-duty 2500 and 3500 chassis. Dodge says Mega Cabs have the widest rear doors in Pickupland--nearly three feet across--plus class-leading in-cab cargo space of 7.6 cubic feet. All versions ride a 160.5-inch wheelbase and come with a 6.3-ft cargo box. The rear bench seat is split 60/40, folds to form a flat load floor, and its backrests recline--a pickup first. Engine choices depend on series, but will comprise a 345-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 or a 325-hp 5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel six.

Speaking of the Hemi, all '06 Rams with that engine will pick up (sorry) the fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation feature from the Hemi used in Dodge's Magnum and Charger cars. The change may slightly alter power and torque figures.

Finally, Ram loses 7-year/70,000-mile powertrain coverage for '06, as do all other Chrysler Group products. Chrysler says this wasn't a big issue for most buyers, so it's dialing back coverage to 3/36,000.
2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Road Test
Pros Cons
Instruments/controls Fuel economy
Trailer-towing capability Ride w/20-inch wheels
Available all-wheel drive
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

2WD reg. cab, V6 man. 2WD reg. cab, 4.7 V8 man. 4WD Quad Cab, 4.7 V8 auto. 4WD Quad Cab w/20-in. wheels, 5.7 V8 auto. Class Average
3 5 4 4 4.7

V6 labors under a heavy load, when passing, or climbing hills. The 4.7 V8 has ample power: Test 2WD 4.7 regular cab with 5-speed manual transmission did 8.8 sec 0-60 mph. Test 4WD 5.7 Quad Cab did 9.5 sec, but it is the best choice for heavy hauling or towing. No opportunity to test with 6-speed manual. SRT-10 has abundant power. Maximum towing capacity: 3750 lb with V6, 7700 with 4.7 V8, 9200 with 5.7.
Fuel Economy

2WD reg. cab, V6 man. 2WD reg. cab, 4.7 V8 man. 4WD Quad Cab, 4.7 V8 auto. 4WD Quad Cab w/20-in. wheels, 5.7 V8 auto. Class Average
3 3 2 2 2.3

With 4.7 V8, test 4WD automatic-transmission Quad Cabs averaged 12.6 mpg, test 2WD 5-speed manual-transmission regular cab 14.1. Extended-use-test 4WD Quad Cab with 5.7 averaged 12.7 mpg during its 7540-mi. test. Expect overworked V6 to average around 15 mpg. Test SRT-10 regular cab averaged a dismal 9.2 mpg; SRT-10 Quad Cab managed 11.3 mpg with more highway use. Dodge recommends 91 octane for the V10, 89 octane or higher for the 5.7 V8, regular-grade fuel for the others.
Ride Quality

2WD reg. cab, V6 man. 2WD reg. cab, 4.7 V8 man. 4WD Quad Cab, 4.7 V8 auto. 4WD Quad Cab w/20-in. wheels, 5.7 V8 auto. Class Average
3 3 4 3 4

No large pickup rides smoothly, but Ram with 17-inch wheels is competitive in class despite mild bounding over dips and crests and some jiggle on bumpy pavement. Available 20-inch wheels and SRT-10's 22s make ride uncomfortably busy, with abrupt vertical motions on even slightly rippled surfaces.
Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD reg. cab, V6 man. 2WD reg. cab, 4.7 V8 man. 4WD Quad Cab, 4.7 V8 auto. 4WD Quad Cab w/20-in. wheels, 5.7 V8 auto. Class Average
3 3 3 4 3.4

Good for a large pickup. Body lean fairly well-controlled. Grip adequate. Steering provides good road feel. AWD an important advance for confidence and control on surfaces not quite slick enough to engage base 4WD system. Standard 4-wheel disc brakes perform well in routine use, though some testers complain of poor pedal modulation. Dodge should make 4-wheel ABS standard. SRT-10 better on all counts--less body lean, better grip, more-precise steering, though some testers reported an alarming pull to the side during sudden braking.
Quietness

2WD reg. cab, V6 man. 2WD reg. cab, 4.7 V8 man. 4WD Quad Cab, 4.7 V8 auto. 4WD Quad Cab w/20-in. wheels, 5.7 V8 auto. Class Average
4 5 5 4 4.3

Modest highway wind and tire noise make Ram impressively hushed for a truck. But V6 raucous when worked hard, which it often needs to be. The 5.7 V8 roars loudly under acceleration, and is noticed even at cruise. The 4.7 is quieter under most conditions. Wind and tire noise barely audible above rumbling V10 in SRT-10.
Controls

2WD reg. cab, V6 man. 2WD reg. cab, 4.7 V8 man. 4WD Quad Cab, 4.7 V8 auto. 4WD Quad Cab w/20-in. wheels, 5.7 V8 auto. Class Average
6 6 6 6 6.5

Simple, mostly handy layout, though most drivers must stretch to reach climate, audio, and dashboard-mounted 4WD controls. High nose hides view of nearby objects, hampering sense of control in tight spaces. Dashtop vents cast distracting windshield reflections. New navigation radio's screen too small to do much good; system's audio directions far more useful. Cabin decor ranges from rubber floor covering and vinyl seats in Work Special to leather upholstery in Laramie; materials quality competitive with domestic rivals. SRT-10 has gauges and styling touches that add to performance feel. Test models rattle free.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD reg. cab, V6 man. 2WD reg. cab, 4.7 V8 man. 4WD Quad Cab, 4.7 V8 auto. 4WD Quad Cab w/20-in. wheels, 5.7 V8 auto. Class Average
7 7 8 8 8.3

Spacious even for big adults, though the lankiest may want more seat travel in regular cabs. SRT-10's bucket-type seats add side bolstering to keep occupants from sliding around in fast turns. Center floor hump eats into passenger foot room. Seat too flat for ideal support. Power-adjustable pedals improve comfort and help shorter drivers sit a safe distance from steering-wheel airbag. Doors are heavy, and 4x4s have extremely high step-in.
Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD reg. cab, V6 man. 2WD reg. cab, 4.7 V8 man. 4WD Quad Cab, 4.7 V8 auto. 4WD Quad Cab w/20-in. wheels, 5.7 V8 auto. Class Average
0 0 5 5 4.8

Quad Cab has good head room but can cramp legs with front seats more than halfway back; backrest comfortably reclined. Cabin wide enough for three, though floor hump limits center rider's foot space. Rear doors open nearly 90 degrees, but larger portals would help entry/exit.
Cargo Room

2WD reg. cab, V6 man. 2WD reg. cab, 4.7 V8 man. 4WD Quad Cab, 4.7 V8 auto. 4WD Quad Cab w/20-in. wheels, 5.7 V8 auto. Class Average
2 2 5 5 4.9

Generous storage behind regular-cab seat, where standard plastic storage tray is handy. Quad Cab rear-seat cushion folds to expose storage bins or clever available fold-out steel load floor.
Value within Class

2WD reg. cab, V6 man. 2WD reg. cab, 4.7 V8 man. 4WD Quad Cab, 4.7 V8 auto. 4WD Quad Cab w/20-in. wheels, 5.7 V8 auto. Class Average
6 6 8 8 7.1

Ram's "big-rig" styling shouts for attention, but its performance, comfort, and solidity earn it our Recommended stamp. There are body styles and equipment to meet most every need, plus the praiseworthy availability of head-protecting curtain side airbags and AWD. And the SRT-10 is the hot-rod-pickup performance leader.
Total Score

2WD reg. cab, V6 man. 2WD reg. cab, 4.7 V8 man. 4WD Quad Cab, 4.7 V8 auto. 4WD Quad Cab w/20-in. wheels, 5.7 V8 auto. Class Average
37 40 50 49 50.3
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score
37
Average Score
50
High Score
60
2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 09/02/2005
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD ST regular cab, short bed $20,555 $18,257 $900
2WD ST regular cab, long bed $20,840 $18,502 $900
4WD ST regular cab, short bed $24,660 $21,838 $900
4WD ST regular cab, long bed $25,000 $22,130 $900
2WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $24,625 $21,808 $900
2WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, long bed $25,690 $22,723 $900
4WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $28,610 $25,620 $900
4WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, long bed $28,940 $25,543 $900
2WD SLT regular cab, short bed $23,755 $21,009 $900
2WD SLT regular cab, long bed $24,040 $21,254 $900
4WD SLT regular cab, short bed $27,175 $24,001 $900
4WD SLT regular cab, long bed $27,515 $24,293 $900
2WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $27,425 $24,216 $900
2WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, long bed $27,705 $24,456 $900
4WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $30,495 $26,881 $900
4WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, long bed $30,825 $27,165 $900
2WD SRT-10 regular cab, short bed $45,725 $40,319 $900
2WD SRT-10 Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $50,810 $44,742 $900
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
ST
Powertrain
3.7-liter V6 engine (regular cab, Quad Cab short bed), 4.7-liter V8 engine (Quad Cab long bed), 6-speed manual transmission.
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes, rear antilock brakes, dual front airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, front split bench seat, cupholders, folding rear seat (Quad Cab), front-hinged rear doors (Quad Cab), AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, cargo-box light, variable-intermittent wipers, black vinyl floor covering.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bright front and rear bumpers, 4-wire trailer harness.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, P245/70R17 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 4.7-liter V8 engine.
SLT adds to ST:
Powertrain
4.7-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, cloth upholstery, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, trip computer, passenger-side visor mirror, carpeting, floormats.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Chrome steel wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
SRT-10 adds to SLT:
Powertrain
8.3-liter V10 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission (Quad Cab), Hurst shifter (regular cab), limited-slip differential.
Safety
Front and rear antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone manual climate controls, leather/suede upholstery, 8-way power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, split folding rear seat (Quad Cab), rear under-seat storage and fold-flat load floor (Quad Cab), leather-wrapped steering wheel, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sliding rear window, rear spoiler, fog lights, color-keyed bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Performance suspension, 305/40R22 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Work Special Group
ST (credit)
$-400
$-352
Gray bumpers and grille, gray steel wheels. NA w/5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine.
Value Group ANG
2WD ST regular cab
$1,325
$1,166
4WD ST regular cab
$1,455
$1,280
Front and rear antilock brakes, cruise control, cloth upholstery, AM/FM/CD player, carpeting, sliding rear window, bodyside moldings, P265/70R17 tires (4WD), chrome steel wheels.
Value Group ALR
ST Quad Cab
$1,700
$1,496
Front and rear antilock brakes, cruise control, cloth upholstery, AM/FM/CD player, carpeting, sliding rear window, bodyside moldings, bedliner, P265/70R17 tires (4WD), chrome steel wheels.
Laramie Quick Order Pkg. 24/26J
SLT regular cab
$2,935
$2,583
2WD SLT Quad Cab
$2,320
$2,042
4WD SLT Quad Cab
$2,580
$2,270
Front and rear antilock brakes, power-adjustable pedals, leather upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, center-cushion storage, split folding rear seat (Quad Cab), fold-flat load storage (Quad Cab), leather-wrapped steering wheel, illuminated visor mirrors, satin-silver instrument panel, ashtray and dome lights, theft-deterrent system w/alarm, underhood light, fog lights, unique grille, bodyside moldings, P265/70R17 tires. Requires automatic transmission.
Laramie Quick Order Pkg. 24/26H
2WD SLT regular cab
$4,150
$3,652
4WD SLT regular cab
$4,300
$3,784
2WD SLT Quad Cab
$3,435
$3,023
4WD SLT Quad Cab
$3,845
$3,384
Laramie Quick Order Pkg. 24/26J plus electric part-time 4-wheel-drive transfer case (4WD), dual-zone manual climate controls, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering-wheel radio controls, trip computer, overhead console, universal garage-door opener. Requires automatic transmission.
Rumblebee Group
SLT regular cab
$2,600
$2,288
Color-keyed bodyside cladding, nonfunctional hood scoop, brushed aluminum fuel-filler door, taillight guards, graphics. Requires 5.7-liter V8 Hemi engine, automatic transmission, Sport Appearance Group, polished alloy wheels. NA w/Laramie Quick Order Groups, long bed.
Hemisport Group
SLT Quad Cab
$2,600
$2,288
Color-keyed bodyside cladding, nonfunctional hood scoop, running boards, brushed aluminum fuel-filler door, taillight guards, chrome exhaust tips. Requires 5.7-liter V8 Hemi engine, automatic transmission, Sport Appearance Group, polished alloy wheels. NA w/Laramie Quick Order Groups, long bed.
Daytona Edition Group
SLT short bed
$3,600
$3,168
Special hood, unique interior and exterior trim, rear spoiler, body cladding, dual exhaust. Requires Sport Appearance Group, 5.7-liter Hemi engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, special axle ratio, premium cloth split bench seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, chrome alloy wheels.
Sport Appearance Group
SLT
$595
$524
SLT w/Laramie
$395
$348
SLT w/Big Horn Value
$105
$92
Color-keyed bumpers and grille, fog lights, bodyside moldings, machined alloy wheels.
Big Horn Value Group AFZ
SLT Quad Cab
$1,245
$1,096
Limited-slip differential, special axle ratio, sliding rear window, fog lights, P275/60R20 tires, chrome alloy wheels. NA w/Laramie Pkg., Sport Appearance Group, Off-Road Group, long bed.
Leather and Sun Value Group AFY
SLT Quad Cab
$1,275
$1,122
Leather upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, center-cushion storage, split folding rear seat, fold-flat load storage, power sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel. Requires Big Horn Value Group. NA w/Laramie Pkg., curtain side airbags, long bed.
Light Group
SLT
$175
$154
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, ashtray and dome lights, underhood light.
Off-Road Group
4WD SLT
$1,405
$1,236
Limited-slip differential w/special axle ratio, heavy-duty engine cooling, fog lights, skid plates, front tow hooks, P275/70R17 all-terrain white-letter tires, cast alloy wheels. NA w/Laramie Quick Order Pkg.
Trailer Tow Group
automatic transmission
$405
$356
manual transmission
$335
$295
SLT automatic transmission w/Off-Road Group
$395
$348
Class IV trailer-hitch receiver, 7-wire trailer harness, adapter plug, heavy-duty engine cooling and battery, transmission-oil cooler (automatic). NA SRT-10.
Powertrain
4.7-liter V8 engine
2WD ST regular cab, 2WD ST Quad Cab short bed
$785
$691
5.7-liter V8 Hemi engine
2WD ST regular cab, 2WD ST Quad Cab short bed
$1,780
$1,566
SLT, 2WD ST Quad Cab long bed, 4WD ST
$995
$876
Requires 5-speed automatic transmission.
4-speed automatic transmission
ST, SLT
$1,095
$964
Requires 3.7-liter V6 engine.
5-speed automatic transmission
ST, SLT
$1,170
$1,030
Requires 4.7-liter or 5.7-liter V8 engine.
Limited-slip differential
ST, SLT
$285
$251
Special axle ratio
ST, SLT
$50
$44
All-wheel-drive transfer case
4WD SLT
$545
$480
4WD SLT w/Laramie 24/26H
$395
$348
Requires automatic transmission. NA w/Laramie 24/26J.
Electric part-time 4-wheel-drive transfer case
4WD SLT
$150
$132
NA w/Laramie Quick Order Pkg.
Safety
Curtain side airbags
regular cab
$390
$343
Quad Cab
$490
$431
Front and rear antilock brakes
ST, SLT
$495
$436
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
SLT
$1,725
$1,518
SLT w/Laramie 24/26H, SRT-10
$775
$682
SLT w/Laramie 24/26J
$1,075
$946
Includes Infinity AM/FM/CD player.
Power sunroof
SLT/SRT-10 Quad Cab
$850
$748
Requires Laramie Pkg. or Light Group. NA w/curtain side airbags.
Power-adjustable pedals
SLT
$120
$106
Cloth upholstery
ST
$110
$97
Premium cloth split bench seat
SLT regular cab
$405
$350
SLT Quad Cab
$455
$400
Includes 6-way power driver seat, center-cushion storage.
Leather upholstery
SLT Quad Cab
$1,425
$1,254
Includes 6-way power driver seat, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, center-cushion storage, split folding rear seat, fold-flat load storage.
Heated front seat
SLT
$140
$123
Requires Laramie Pkg.
Fold-flat load storage
SLT Quad Cab
$100
$88
UConnect
SLT
$325
$286
SLT w/Light Group or Laramie Group, SRT-10
$275
$242
Hands-free cellular-telephone connection. Includes automatic day/night rearview mirror.
AM/FM/CD player
ST
$125
$110
Infinity AM/FM/cassette/CD player
SLT
$750
$660
SLT w/Laramie 24/26H (credit)
$-200
$-176
SLT w/Laramie 24/26J
$100
$88
Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
SLT
$950
$836
SLT w/Laramie 24/26J
$300
$264
Satellite radio
Quad Cab
$200
$172
Requires monthly fee.
Steering-wheel radio controls
SLT
$75
$66
Requires optional radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
SLT
$45
$40
Cruise control
ST
$250
$220
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
SLT
$50
$44
Rear defogger
SLT
$210
$185
SLT w/Laramie 24/26H, SRT-10 Quad Cab
$70
$62
NA w/sliding rear window. Deletes sliding rear window on SLT w/Laramie 24/26H and SRT-10.
Carpeting
ST
$110
$97
Includes floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
SLT
$140
$123
Security Group
SLT
$225
$198
Theft-deterrent system w/alarm.
Trailer-tow mirrors
ST
$100
$88
Power trailer-tow mirrors
SLT
$100
$88
Sliding rear window
ST, SLT
$140
$123
Bedliner
SLT, SRT-10, ST
$245
$165
Pickup box tray
SRT-10 regular cab
$150
$132
Requires tonneau cover.
Tonneau cover
SRT-10 regular cab
$1,000
$880
Two-tone paint
ST, SLT
$225
$198
NA w/Work Group.
Special paint
ST, SLT
$150
$132
Bodyside moldings
ST, SLT
$75
$66
Front hood protector
SLT, SRT-10, ST
$90
$63
NA w/Rumblebee Group.
34-gallon fuel tank
ST/SLT Quad Cab
$55
$48
Requires 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine. NA long bed.
Engine-block heater
ST, SLT
$90
$79
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Protection Group
4WD
$140
$123
Skid plates, front tow hooks.
Heavy-duty cooling
SLT, ST
$70
$62
Requires automatic transmission. Requires V8 engine. Std. SRT-10.
Front tow hooks
2WD, 4WD SLT