2006 Dodge Ram 1500: Road Test
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2006 Dodge Ram 1500 ▼
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- MSRP: $21,150 -$51,810
- Invoice: $18,769 -$45,602
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Our road test for the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 help you decide if a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD reg. cab, V6 man. | 2WD reg. cab, 4.7 V8 man. | 4WD Quad Cab, 5.7 V8 auto. | 4WD Mega Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
For regular cab and Quad Cab models, V6 labors under heavy load, when passing, or climbing hills. The 4.7 V8 has adequate power, but the 5.7 Hemi is the best choice for heavy hauling or towing. Mega Cabs, more than 1100 lb heavier than comparable Quad Cabs, move quickly from a stop but lack reserve punch for merging or passing. Hemi's Multi-Displacement System undetectable in use, doesn't affect power output. Test 4WD 5.7 Quad Cab did 9.5 sec 0-60 mph. SRT10 has abundant power. Ram's maximum towing capacity is 3750 lb with V6, 7650 with 4.7 V8, 9100 with 5.7.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD reg. cab, V6 man. | 2WD reg. cab, 4.7 V8 man. | 4WD Quad Cab, 5.7 V8 auto. | 4WD Mega Cab | 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. No opportunity yet to measure fuel economy of Mega Cab or Hemi with Multi-Displacement System. Test SRT10 regular cab averaged a dismal 9.2 mpg; SRT10 Quad Cab managed 11.3 mpg with more highway use. Dodge recommends 91 octane for the V10, 89 octane 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, 5.7 V8 auto. | 4WD Mega Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4.1 |
No large pickup rides smoothly, but Ram is competitive in class. Optional 20-inch wheels add some harshness over bumps, which produce less jiggle than most pickups thanks to Ram's '06 frame and suspension revisions. SRT10's 22-inch wheels 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, 5.7 V8 auto. | 4WD Mega Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 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. Brakes perform well in routine use, though some testers complain of poor pedal modulation. Dodge should make 4-wheel ABS standard. SRT10 better on all counts--less body lean, better grip, more-precise steering, though some testers reported an alarming pull to side during sudden braking.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD reg. cab, V6 man. | 2WD reg. cab, 4.7 V8 man. | 4WD Quad Cab, 5.7 V8 auto. | 4WD Mega Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 4.5 |
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. Mega Cabs have additional sound insulation, are quietest of all. Wind and tire noise barely audible above rumbling V10 in SRT10.
CONTROLS
| 2WD reg. cab, V6 man. | 2WD reg. cab, 4.7 V8 man. | 4WD Quad Cab, 5.7 V8 auto. | 4WD Mega Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.5 |
Revised dashboard puts most audio, climate controls close at hand. Screen on navigation radio larger, more useful for '06. SRT10 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, 5.7 V8 auto. | 4WD Mega Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8.3 |
Spacious, 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. SRT10's bucket-type seats add side bolstering. Power-adjustable pedals improve comfort and help shorter drivers sit a safe distance from steering wheel airbag. Doors are heavy, and 4WD versions have extremely high step-in. High nose hides view of nearby objects, hampering sense of control in tight spaces.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD reg. cab, V6 man. | 2WD reg. cab, 4.7 V8 man. | 4WD Quad Cab, 5.7 V8 auto. | 4WD Mega Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 5 |
Quad Cab has good head room and comfortably reclined backrest, but can cramp legs with front seats more than halfway back, and narrow door openings hamper entry/exit. No such problems in Mega Cab, which offers vast leg room, large doorways, and a reclining split seatback. Cabin wide enough for three, though floor hump limits center rider's foot space.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD reg. cab, V6 man. | 2WD reg. cab, 4.7 V8 man. | 4WD Quad Cab, 5.7 V8 auto. | 4WD Mega Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 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. Mega Cab similar, but seat can slide forward to increase already good space behind it. Lots of driver accessible storage bins.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD reg. cab, V6 man. | 2WD reg. cab, 4.7 V8 man. | 4WD Quad Cab, 5.7 V8 auto. | 4WD Mega Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6.7 |
Ram's "big-rig" styling shouts for attention, but its performance, comfort, and solidity are what make it a Recommended choice. There are body styles and equipment to meet most every need, plus the praiseworthy availability of curtain side airbags and AWD. Ram's SRT10 version is the hot rod pickup performance leader.
Total Score
| 2WD reg. cab, V6 man. | 2WD reg. cab, 4.7 V8 man. | 4WD Quad Cab, 5.7 V8 auto. | 4WD Mega Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | 40 | 50 | 55 | 50.5 |
Total Score: 46
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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