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2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Dodge Ram. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Dodge Ram.
2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Review
A larger crew-cab model, available cylinder deactivation, and an optional DVD-entertainment system topped the list of 2006 changes to Dodge's big pickup truck. Additional 2006 changes included restyled headlights, a revised dashboard, and modifications to the frame and suspension. Competing against the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra 1500, Rams could have rear-wheel, four-wheel, or all-wheel drive. Ram 1500 models came in three body styles: two-door regular cab, four-door crew-cab (Quad Cab), and the new four-door Mega Cab, which added 20 inches of length to the Quad Cab's passenger compartment. Regular and Quad Cab models offered 6.3- and 8-foot long cargo beds; Mega Cabs came only with the 6.3-foot bed. Regular-cab trucks seated up to three passengers, Quad and Mega Cabs held up to six. Dodge's base engine was a 3.7-liter V6, with V8s of 4.7- and 5.7-liter displacements available, the latter branded the Hemi. For 2006, in all models except Mega Cab, the Hemi featured Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System, which deactivated four cylinders under cruise conditions to save fuel. It came only with a five-speed automatic transmission. The V6 and 4.7 V8 came with a standard six-speed manual transmission; optional were a four-speed automatic for the V6, and a five-speed for the V8. Automatics included a tow/haul mode that altered shift points with heavy loads. Rams were available with rear-wheel drive or with four-wheel drive that should not be left engaged on dry pavement. Optional all-wheel drive, like Ram's 4WD system, included low-range gearing. Four-wheel disc brakes with rear antilock was standard; four-wheel ABS was available, as were head-protecting curtain side airbags. Standard wheels were 17-inch size; with 20s optional. Other options included power-adjustable pedals, heated front seats, a sunroof, and a navigation radio, which provided directions via audio prompts and incorporated a map screen as part of the radio faceplate. Also available was Chrysler's UConnect, which used the audio system as a hands-free wireless cell phone link. Newly optional were satellite radio, and power sliding rear window, and rear DVD entertainment. High-performance SRT10 models featured the Dodge Viper's V10 engine, rear-wheel drive, a sport suspension, 22-inch wheels, and special trim. The regular-cab version came only with a six-speed manual transmission, and the Quad Cab only with a four-speed automatic. Both had a 6.3-foot bed and specially bolstered sport seats.
Year to Year Changes
2007 Dodge Ram: An antiskid system, including a remote engine-start feature, became available this year. The super-performance SRT10 pickup was dropped.
2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Road Test
Pros Cons
Front-seat room and comfort Fuel economy
Rear-seat room and comfort (Mega Cab) Steering/handling
Acceleration (SRT10) Ride (Mega Cab)
Cargo room (regular cab)
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Value for the Money
Ram's "big-rig" styling shouts for attention, but its performance, comfort, and solidity are what made it a Recommended choice when this generation went on sale. Dodge offers body styles and equipment to meet most every need, plus the praiseworthy availability of head-protecting curtain side airbags and available all-wheel drive, as well as an antiskid system offered for 2007 models. Though it didn't last long, SRT10 was the hot-rod pickup performance leader, but it's not a prudent choice for ordinary hauling.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Dodge Ram 4WD Quad Cab w/5.7 V8 Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 2
Ride Quality 4
Steering/Handling/Braking 3
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 8
Room/Comfort (rear) 5
Cargo Capacity 5
Value within Class 6
Total: 48
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Climate control: On mega-cab models, the actuator rod for the rear seat vents comes disconnected for which there is an improved lever. (2006)
Electrical problem: If the radio is fine with the engine off, but quits after cranking, the radio must be flashed (reprogrammed). (2006)
Poor drivability: Truck may lack torque in reverse, especially on hills, requiring reprogramming of the powertrain control module. (2006)
Steering problems: The truck may pull or steering wheel and brake pedal may shudder, especially when braking, requiring replacement lower control arm bushings. (2006-07)
Windows: When windows fog up, rings from 2-6 inches in diameter may appear which must be removed using Bon Ami or similar glass cleaner. (2006)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $1,035
Alternator $455
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,615
Brakes $395
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $455
Constant Velocity Joints $845
Exhaust System $390
Radiator $575
Shocks and/or Struts $1,065
Timing Chain or Belt $515
NHTSA Recall History
2006 w/4WD: ABS electronic control unit may cause loss of front/rear brake balance, and rear brakes could lock-up prematurely under certain braking conditions.
2006 w/4WD: Integrated power module may contain incorrect transfer-case calibration set points, potentially resulting in inadvertent default to Neutral.
2006: Front passenger seatbelt may not be able to tighten securely on certain model child seats. Dealers will replace the front passenger seat belt.
2006: Front wheel bearing may have received insufficient quantity of grease; could result in bearing degradation that causes noise and vibration, and possible separation of hub assembly.
2006: Passenger airbag may deploy with excessive force when certain models of rear-facing child seats are installed in right front passenger seat position. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag cushion and reprogram the occupant restraint controller.
2006: The front wheel bearing may not have received enough grease during the manufacturing process. This could result in bearing degradation and possible loss of vehicle control. Dealers will replace the front hub and bearing units.
2007 Ram w/automatic: The powertrain control software can cause a momentary lock up of the drive wheels if the vehicle is traveling over 40 mph and the operator shifts from drive to neutral and back to drive. If the drive wheels locked up, loss of vehicle control could occur. Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module free of charge.
2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Prices
Prices Good Average Poor
2006
Ram MegaCab 2WD $18,500-21,000 $17,000-19,300 $11,800-13,400
Ram MegaCab 4WD $21,500-24,500 $19,800-22,500 $14,000-15,900
Ram Quad Cab 2WD $14,000-18,000 $12,700-16,400 $8,500-11,000
Ram Quad Cab 4WD $16,500-21,000 $15,000-19,100 $10,600-13,400
Ram Regular-cab 2WD $12,000-17,000 $10,800-15,300 $6,700-9,500
Ram Regular-cab 4WD $14,500-19,500 $13,200-17,700 $9,000-12,100
Ram SRT-10 $29,500-32,500 $27,400-30,200 $20,400-22,400
2007
Ram MegaCab 2WD $21,000-23,500 $19,300-21,600 $13,700-15,300
Ram MegaCab 4WD $24,000-27,000 $22,300-25,100 $15,600-17,600
Ram Quad Cab 2WD $16,000-23,000 $14,600-20,900 $10,200-14,700
Ram Quad Cab 4WD $18,500-25,000 $17,000-23,000 $11,800-16,000
Ram Regular-cab 2WD $14,000-20,000 $12,700-18,200 $8,500-12,200
Ram Regular-cab 4WD $16,500-22,500 $15,000-20,500 $10,600-14,400
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification crew cab long bed crew cab short bed reg. cab long bed Mega Cab short-bed pickup
Wheelbase, in. 160.5 140.5 140.5 160.5
Overall Length, in. 249.7 227.7 229.7 247.7
Overall Width, in. 79.5 79.5 79.5 79.5
Overall Height, in. 73.8 74.0 73.4 74.5
Curb Weight, lbs. 5165 4952 4785 6082
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. -- -- -- --
Standard Payload, lbs. 1540 1760 1820 2430
Fuel Capacity, gals. 35.0 26.0 35.0 35.0
Seating Capacity 6 6 6 6
Front Head Room, in. 40.8 40.8 40.9 40.8
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.0 41.8 41.0 41.0
Rear Head Room, in. 40.0 40.0 -- 40.5
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 36.7 36.7 -- 44.2
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Powertrain Options and Availability
Base engine for the Ram 1500 was a 3.7-liter V6, rated at 215 horsepower. Two V8s were offered: a 235-horsepower 4.7-liter, and a 5.7-liter Hemi that generated 344 horsepower. All-out performance could choose the snorting SRT10 with a V10 whipping up 500 horsepower, borrowed from Dodge's Viper sports car. In all models except Mega Cab, the Hemi featured Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System, which deactivated four cylinders under cruise conditions to save fuel. It came only with a five-speed automatic transmission. The V6 and small V8 came with a standard six-speed manual transmission; optional were a four-speed automatic for the V6, and a five-speed for the V8.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
ohc V6 3.7 / 226 215 235 5-speed manual: 16/21
4-speed automatic: 16/21
5-speed manual: --
4-speed automatic: --
ohv V8 4.7 / 287 235 300 5-speed manual: 14/19
5-speed automatic: 14/19
5-speed manual: 14.1
5-speed automatic: 12.6
ohv V8 5.7 / 345 345 375 5-speed automatic: 14/18 5-speed automatic: --
ohv V10 8.3 / 505 500 525 6-speed manual: 9/15
4-speed automatic: 9/12
6-speed manual: --
4-speed automatic: --
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test 2006
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
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