2005 Dodge Ram 2500/3500: Road Test
2005 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 ▼
- MSRP: $24,840 - $38,845
- Invoice: $21,942 - $34,062
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Our road test for the 2005 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Dodge Ram 2500/3500, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 help you decide if a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | 3500 ext. cab, V10 | 2500 ext. cab 4WD, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 4 | 4.7 |
Though the diesel remains the engine of choice for heavy-duty work, the 5.7-liter gas V8 has good power for everyday use and is smoother than many competitors' engines. The diesel is an appealing choice for medium-to-heavy-duty work due to quiet operation and a copious supply of power. Transmissions work well with either engine.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | 3500 ext. cab, V10 | 2500 ext. cab 4WD, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 3 | 2.3 |
No opportunity to measure gas engine fuel economy. '04 Turbodiesel with manual returned 15.3 mpg. Dodge recommends regular-grade fuel for the gas engine.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | 3500 ext. cab, V10 | 2500 ext. cab 4WD, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
All 2500/3500 models come with 17-inch wheels, which provide adequate comfort over rough roads. Even a 4WD 2500 diesel rode acceptably well, absorbing bumps easily but often pitching a bit after impacts. Increasing payload capacity hurts ride quality.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | 3500 ext. cab, V10 | 2500 ext. cab 4WD, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.4 |
A stiff chassis and firm suspension help the Dodge hold the road as well as any Ford or Chevrolet pickup. Body lean is modest in turns. Steering offers good road feel but is a bit slow to return to center. Brakes have excellent stopping power and pedal feel is confidently firm.
QUIETNESS
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | 3500 ext. cab, V10 | 2500 ext. cab 4WD, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 2 | 4.3 |
Quiet for a big truck, though wind noise can grow intrusive at highway speeds. Hemi growls nicely under hard acceleration. Turbodiesel still noisier than gas engines, but on par with others in the class.
CONTROLS
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | 3500 ext. cab, V10 | 2500 ext. cab 4WD, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. Dash top vents cast distracting windshield reflections. Cabin decor ranges from rubber floor covering and vinyl seats to leather and suede; materials quality competitive with domestic rivals. Test models rattle-free.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | 3500 ext. cab, V10 | 2500 ext. cab 4WD, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 8.3 |
Spacious even for big adults, though the lankiest may want more seat travel in regular cabs. 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 4WD models have extremely high step-up.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | 3500 ext. cab, V10 | 2500 ext. cab 4WD, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
Quad Cab is half-way between an extended cab and a crew cab. However, it is no substitute for a full-on crew cab, and can cramp legs with front seats more than halfway back. Backrest more comfortably reclined than in Ford and GM rivals. 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
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | 3500 ext. cab, V10 | 2500 ext. cab 4WD, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
Generous storage behind regular-cab seat, where standard plastic storage tray is handy. Quad Cab rear-seat cushions fold to expose storage bins or clever available fold-out steel load floor.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | 3500 ext. cab, V10 | 2500 ext. cab 4WD, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 7.1 |
Dodge's heavy-duty pickups marry functional design, competitive prices, and powerful engines. We wish a true crew-cab model were offered, but the Ram is good enough to garner the Consumer Guide Recommended nod and deserve a look for anyone shopping in this segment. Power Wagon offers an interesting options for those needing a off-road-ready heavy-duty pickup.
Total Score
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | 3500 ext. cab, V10 | 2500 ext. cab 4WD, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | 48 | 47 | 50.3 |
Total Score: 39
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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