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2006 Dodge Ram 1500 Full Review
Date Published: 2/21/08
2006 Dodge Ram 1500 Review
A larger crew-cab model and available cylinder deactivation top the list of 2006 changes to Dodge's large pickup. This report covers the half-ton Ram 1500 model. It offers a 2-dr regular cab and two 4-dr crew cabs--the Quad Cab and the new Mega Cab. The Mega's cab is 20 inches longer than the Quad Cab's. Regular cab and Quad Cab offer 6.3-ft- and 8-ft-long cargo beds; Mega Cab uses the 6.3-ft bed. Regular cabs seat up to three passengers, the others up to six.

Ram is available with three engines: a V6, a 4.7-liter V8, and Chrysler's 5.7-liter Hemi V8. In all models except Mega Cab, the Hemi now has Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System, which saves fuel by deactivating four cylinders while cruising. The V6 and 4.7 V8 are available with manual or automatic transmission, the Hemi V8 with automatic only.

ST, SLT, and topline Laramie trim levels are offered. All Rams are available with rear-wheel drive or with 4-wheel drive that should not be left engaged on dry pavement. Optional for SLT and Laramie trim levels is all-wheel drive. The 4WD and AWD systems include low-range gearing. Rear ABS is standard; 4-wheel ABS is available. Curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows are optional. Also available: power-adjustable pedals, wireless cell phone link, DVD entertainment, and navigation system. Quad Cabs are available with power running boards.

Ram also offers high-performance SRT10 regular cab and Quad Cab models. These rear-drive Rams have the Dodge Viper's 500-hp V10 engine, sport suspension, 22-inch wheels, unique trim, and sport seats.
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 1/2-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider 3/4- or 1-ton models.

Our Best Buys include Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, and GMC Sierra. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.
News
These Rams will likely get just small refinements after 2006's major update. A redesign is still some years off.
2006 Dodge Ram 1500 Road Test
Pros Cons
Instruments/controls Fuel economy
Trailer-towing capability Ride (SRT10 or w/20-inch wheels)
Available all-wheel drive
Acceleration (SRT10)
Handling (SRT10)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score
37
Average Score
50
High Score
60
2006 Dodge Ram 1500 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/11/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD ST regular cab, short bed $21,150 $18,769 $900
2WD ST regular cab, long bed $21,435 $19,014 $900
4WD ST regular cab, short bed $25,405 $22,478 $900
4WD ST regular cab, long bed $25,745 $22,771 $900
2WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $25,220 $22,319 $900
2WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, long bed $26,285 $23,235 $900
4WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $29,355 $25,900 $900
4WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, long bed $29,685 $26,184 $900
2WD SLT regular cab, short bed $24,250 $21,435 $900
2WD SLT regular cab, long bed $24,535 $21,680 $900
4WD SLT regular cab, short bed $27,820 $24,555 $900
4WD SLT regular cab, long bed $28,160 $24,848 $900
2WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $27,740 $24,486 $900
2WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, long bed $28,020 $24,727 $900
4WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $30,960 $27,281 $900
4WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, long bed $31,290 $27,564 $900
2WD SLT Mega Cab crew cab, short bed $32,060 $28,337 $900
4WD SLT Mega Cab crew cab, short bed $35,280 $31,114 $900
2WD Laramie Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $32,720 $28,769 $900
4WD Laramie Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $35,940 $31,563 $900
2WD Laramie Mega Cab crew cab, short bed $37,155 $32,718 $900
4WD Laramie Mega Cab crew cab, short bed $40,375 $35,523 $900
2WD SRT10 regular cab, short bed $47,605 $41,935 $900
2WD SRT10 Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $51,810 $45,602 $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, Mega Cab), AM/FM/CD player, 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 regular cab/Quad Cab 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, trip computer, passenger-side visor mirror, carpeting, floormats.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
SLT Mega Cab adds to SLT regular cab/Quad Cab:
Powertrain
5.7-liter V8 Hemi engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Front and rear antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Adjustable and reclining split folding rear seat.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
LT265/70R17E tires, chrome steel wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Laramie adds to SLT regular cab/Quad Cab:
Powertrain
5.7-liter V8 Hemi engine (Mega Cab), 5-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Front and rear antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel radio controls (Mega Cab), leather upholstery, heated front seats (Mega Cab), 6-way power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, split folding rear seat (Quad Cab), adjustable and reclining split folding rear seat (Mega Cab), fold-flat load floor (Quad Cab), dual-zone manual climate controls, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer (Mega Cab), satellite radio w/one year service, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, power-sliding rear window (Mega Cab).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
P265/70R17 tires (regular cab, Quad cab), LT265/70R17 tires (Mega Cab), chrome alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
SRT10 adds to SLT regular cab/Quad Cab:
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, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, split folding rear seat (Quad Cab), rear underseat storage and fold-flat load floor (Quad Cab), leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sliding rear window, tonneau cover, rear spoiler, fog lights, color-keyed bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Performance suspension, 305/40R22 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Work Special Group
ST (credit)
$-400
$-352
Gray bumpers, grille, and steel wheels.
Value Group AA3
2WD ST regular cab
$755
$603
ST Quad Cab
$775
$682
Cloth upholstery, carpeting, floormats, chrome steel wheels. NA w/optional V8 engines. NA long bed.
Value Group AL2
ST Quad Cab
$1,100
$977
Cloth upholstery, cruise control, carpeting, floormats, bodyside moldings, chrome steel wheels.
SXT Group
ST Quad Cab short bed
$1,225
$1,078
Cloth upholstery, cruise control, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, carpeting, floormats, chrome steel wheels. NA w/4.7-liter or 5.7-liter V8 engine.
Sport Quick Order Pkg. 26L
SLT regular cab short bed
$3,095
$2,724
SLT Quad Cab short bed
$3,245
$2,856
Special axle ratio, front bucket seats, power driver seat, split folding rear seat (Quad Cab), fold-flat load storage (Quad Cab), leather-wrapped steering wheel, satellite radio w/one year service, color-keyed bumpers and grille, bodyside moldings, fog lights, P275/60R20 white-letter tires, chrome alloy wheels. Requires 5.7-liter V8 Hemi engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.
Laramie Quick Order Pkg. 24/26J
Laramie Quad Cab
$0
$0
Standard equipment.
Laramie Quick Order Pkg. 24/26H
Laramie Quad Cab
$960
$845
Heated front seats, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, steering wheel radio controls, power sliding rear window.
Big Horn/Lone Star/Thunder Road Value Group
SLT Quad Cab short bed
$1,700
$1,496
Special axle ratio, satellite radio w/one year service, sliding rear window, fog lights, bright grille, bodyside moldings, P275/60R20 tires, alloy wheels. NA w/Sport Quick Order Pkg. 26L.
Night Runner Group
SRT10
$1,095
$964
Satellite radio (includes one year service), unique interior and exterior trim, black chrome exterior trim, painted alloy wheels.
Sound and Secure Value Group
SLT Quad Cab short bed
$1,175
$1,034
Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, steering wheel radio controls, alarm. Requires Sport Quick Order Pkg. 26L or Big Horn/Lone Star/Thunder Road Value Group.
Communication Pkg.
SRT10
$520
$458
SRT10 w/Night Runner Group
$325
$286
Satellite radio w/one year service, UConnect wireless cell phone link. Requires automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Light Group
SLT
$180
$158
Automatic day/night rearview mirror; illuminated visor mirrors, ashtray, and dome lights; underhood light.
Premium Equipment Group
SLT short bed
$270
$238
Light Group plus overhead console, universal garage door opener, trip computer. Requires Sport Quick Order Pkg. 26L and navigation system or optional radio. NA Mega Cab.
Chrome Edition Group
Quad Cab
$875
$770
Chrome exterior trim, side steps. Requires 5-speed automatic transmission. NA long bed, SRT10.
TRX Group
2WD SLT
$470
$414
Color-keyed grille, P265/70R17 tires. NA Mega Cab, Quad Cab long bed.
TRX4 Group
4WD SLT
$490
$431
P265/70R17 on/off-road white letter tires. NA Mega Cab, Quad Cab long bed.
TRX Off-Road Group
4WD SLT
$1,250
$1,100
Limited-slip differential, satellite radio w/one year service, color-keyed grille, heavy-duty engine and transmission cooling, fog lights, skid plates, front tow hooks, P265/70R17 on/off-road white-letter tires. NA Quad Cab long bed, Mega Cab.
Trailer Tow Group
Laramie, SLT Mega Cab, SLT regular cab/Quad Cab, ST
$335
$295
Class IV trailer-hitch receiver, 7-wire trailer harness. NA SRT10.
Powertrain
4.7-liter V8 engine
2WD ST regular cab, 2WD ST Quad Cab short bed
$785
$691
5.7-liter V8 Hemi engine w/cylinder deactivation
2WD ST regular cab, 2WD ST Quad Cab short bed
$1,780
$1,566
SLT, Laramie, 2WD ST Quad Cab long bed, 4WD ST
$995
$876
Requires 5-speed automatic transmission. NA Mega Cab.
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. Std. Laramie, Mega Cab.
Limited-slip differential
ST, SLT, Laramie
$285
$251
Special axle ratio
ST, SLT, Laramie
$50
$44
All-wheel-drive transfer case
4WD SLT/Laramie
$395
$348
SLT requires Sport Quick Order Pkg. 26L, Big Horn/Lone Star/Thunder Road Value Group, or TRX4 Group. SLT requires automatic transmission. Laramie requires Laramie Quick Order Pkg. 24/26H. NA Mega Cab.
Safety
Curtain side airbags
regular cab
$390
$343
Quad Cab, Mega Cab
$490
$431
SLT requires Light Group or Premium Group.
Front and rear antilock brakes
ST, SLT
$495
$436
Std. Mega Cab.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
SLT
$2,620
$2,306
SLT w/Sound and Secure Group, Laramie w/Pkg. 24/26H, Laramie Mega Cab, SRT10
$1,595
$1,404
Laramie Quad Cab
$1,895
$1,698
Includes Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering wheel radio controls. SLT requires leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Power sunroof
SLT, Laramie, SRT10
$850
$748
SLT requires Light Group or Sport Quick Order Pkg. and Premium Equipment Group. NA w/curtain side airbags, rear-seat DVD entertainment system. NA regular cab, Quad Cab long bed.
Power-adjustable pedals
SLT
$120
$106
Cloth upholstery
ST
$110
$97
Premium cloth split bench seat
SLT regular cab/Mega Cab
$405
$350
SLT Quad Cab
$455
$400
Includes 6-way power driver seat, center-cushion storage.
Front bucket seats
SLT Quad Cab
$1,000
$880
SLT Mega Cab
$850
$748
Laramie
$490
$431
Power front seats, split folding rear seat (SLT Quad Cab), fold-flat load storage (SLT Quad Cab). SLT Quad Cab requires automatic transmission.
Leather upholstery
SLT regular/Quad Cab
$865
$761
Includes 6-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel. Requires Sport Quick Order Pkg. 26L. NA long bed.
Heated front seats
Laramie Quad Cab
$140
$123
Fold-flat load storage
SLT Quad Cab
$100
$88
DVD entertainment system
SLT, Laramie, SRT10
$1,200
$1,056
SLT, Laramie require navigation system or optional radio. SLT requires Light Group. Laramie Quad Cab requires Quick Order Pkg. 24/26H. NA regular cab.
Infinity AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
SLT
$1,125
$924
SLT w/Sound and Secure Group, Laramie w/Pkg. 24/26H
$100
$88
Laramie
$400
$352
Includes steering wheel radio controls. SLT requires leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
SLT
$1,025
$902
Laramie
$300
$264
Includes steering wheel radio controls. SLT requires leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Satellite radio
ST, SLT
$195
$172
Includes one year service.
UConnect
SLT
$325
$286
SLT w/Light Group or Premium Group
$275
$242
Wireless cell phone link. Includes automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
SLT
$45
$40
Cruise control
ST
$250
$220
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
SLT, SRT10
$50
$44
Rear defogger
SLT, Laramie
$210
$185
SRT10
$70
$62
Laramie Quad Cab w/Pkg. 24/26H, Laramie Mega Cab (credit)
$-85
$-75
NA w/sliding rear window. Deletes sliding rear window or power sliding rear window on Laramie w/Pkg. 24/26H, Laramie Mega Cab, and SRT10.
Sliding rear window
ST, SLT, Laramie
$140
$123
NA Mega Cab.
Power sliding rear window
SLT
$295
$260
SLT w/Big Horn/Lone Star/Thunder Road Value Group
$155
$136
SRT10 Quad Cab
$120
$106
NA regular cab.
Power-retractable running boards
Quad Cab short bed
$1,535
$1,351
Requires automatic transmission.
Carpeting
ST regular cab
$145
$128
ST Quad Cab
$165
$145
Includes floormats.
Vinyl floor covering
SLT
$0
$0
NA Mega Cab.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
SLT
$140
$123
Alarm
SLT
$150
$132
Trailer-tow mirrors
ST
$100
$88
Power trailer-tow mirrors
SLT
$100
$88
Bedliner
SLT regular cab/Quad Cab, SRT10, ST
$245
$165