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2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Full Review
Date Published: 5/28/08
2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Review
An available antiskid system and remote engine start top the list of 2007 additions to Dodge's large pickup truck. 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 Mega Cab. The Mega's cab is 20 inches longer than the Quad Cab's. Regular and Quad Cab offer 6.3- and 8-ft 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, the Hemi has Dodge's Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation. The V6 and 4.7 V8 are available with manual or automatic transmission, the Hemi V8 with automatic only.

ST, SLT, and top-line Laramie trim is offered. The high-performance SRT10 is discontinued for 2007. 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 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.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicles 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 half-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider three-quarter- or one-ton models.

We have no Best Buys in this class. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Classic, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra 1500 Classic.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tundra.
News
Dodge is said to be working on a Ram update for 2009. The effort focuses mainly on bringing interior design, materials and assembly up to Ford F-Series levels. The basic platform will apparently change little, if at all. Exterior styling is likely to be freshened.
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2007 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, 5.7 V8 auto. 4WD Mega Cab Class Average
3 5 4 4 5

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. 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 2.5

With 4.7 V8, test 4WD automatic-transmission Quad Cabs averaged 12.6 mpg. No opportunity to measure fuel economy with manual transmission or Mega Cab. Dodge recommends 89-octane fuel for the Hemi, regular-grade for the other engines.
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 4.4

No large pickup rides smoothly, but Ram is competitive in class. Optional 20-inch wheels add some harshness over bumps, though Ram suffers less jiggle over bumps than most pickups.
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 3.5

Good for a large pickup. Body lean fairly well-controlled. Grip adequate. Steering provides good road feel. Available AWD a useful option, base 4WD system should not be left engaged on dry surfaces. Brakes perform well in routine use, though some testers complain of poor pedal modulation. Optional antiskid system a safety plus, but Dodge should make 4-wheel ABS standard instead of optional.
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 4.9

Modest highway wind and tire noise make Ram impressively hushed for a truck. 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.
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 6.3

Most audio, climate controls close at hand. Navigation system's screen large, user friendly. Hard plastic dominates cabin, but materials in line with Ram's rugged character.
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. 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 5.2

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
5 5 6 5 6.4

Ram's "big-rig" styling shouts for attention, but its performance, comfort, and solidity are more important. There are body styles and equipment to meet most needs, plus the praiseworthy availability of curtain side airbags, all-wheel drive, and an antiskid system.
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
36 39 48 53 51.5
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score
7
Average Score
51
High Score
64
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2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/22/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD ST regular cab, short bed $21,370 $18,958 $900
2WD ST regular cab, long bed $21,655 $19,203 $900
4WD ST regular cab, short bed $25,725 $22,754 $900
4WD ST regular cab, long bed $26,065 $23,046 $900
2WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $25,540 $22,594 $900
2WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, long bed $27,775 $24,517 $900
4WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $29,675 $26,176 $900
4WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, long bed $31,175 $27,466 $900
2WD SLT regular cab, short bed $24,680 $21,805 $900
2WD SLT regular cab, long bed $24,965 $22,050 $900
4WD SLT regular cab, short bed $28,250 $24,925 $900
4WD SLT regular cab, long bed $28,590 $25,217 $900
2WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $28,250 $24,925 $900
2WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, long bed $29,700 $26,172 $900
4WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $31,470 $27,719 $900
4WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, long bed $32,970 $29,009 $900
2WD SLT Mega Cab crew cab, short bed $32,570 $28,775 $900
4WD SLT Mega Cab crew cab, short bed $35,820 $31,605 $900
2WD Laramie Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $34,435 $30,244 $900
4WD Laramie Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $37,655 $33,038 $900
2WD Laramie Mega Cab crew cab, short bed $37,590 $33,092 $900
4WD Laramie Mega Cab crew cab, short bed $40,840 $35,922 $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), flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 engine (Quad Cab long bed) [non flex-fuel for vehicles sold in Calif., Maine, Mass., N.Y., Vt.], 6-speed manual transmission (regular cab, Quad Cab short bed), 5-speed automatic transmission (Quad Cab long bed).
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.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, floormats (Quad Cab short bed).
SLT Mega Cab adds to SLT regular cab/Quad Cab:
Powertrain
5.7-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation, 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 engine w/cylinder deactivation, 5-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Front and rear antilock brakes, antiskid system (Quad Cab).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, 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), steering-wheel radio controls (Mega Cab), satellite radio, 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 (Quad Cab), LT265/70R17 tires (Mega Cab), chrome alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 5.7-liter V8 engine.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Work Special Group
ST (credit)
$-400
$-352
Gray bumpers and grille.
SXT Group
2WD ST regular cab
$1,695
$1,492
2WD ST Quad Cab short bed
$1,895
$1,668
Cloth upholstery, cruise control, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, carpeting, chrome steel wheels. NA w/V8 engines.
Value Group
2WD ST regular cab
$900
$792
2WD ST Quad Cab short bed
$920
$810
Cloth upholstery, carpeting, chrome steel wheels. NA w/V8 engines.
Sport Quick Order Pkg. 26L
SLT regular cab short bed
$3,095
$2,724
SLT Quad Cab short bed
$3,295
$2,900
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, 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
$1,145
$1,008
Heated front seats, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, steering wheel radio controls, remote engine start, power sliding rear window.
Laramie Quick Order Pkg. 26H
Laramie Mega Cab
$185
$163
Remote engine start.
Big Horn/Lone Star/Thunder Road Value Group
SLT Quad Cab short bed
$700
$616
Special axle ratio, satellite radio, sliding rear window, fog lights, bright grille, bodyside moldings, P275/60R20 tires, alloy wheels. NA w/Sport Quick Order Pkg. 26L.
Sound and Secure Value Group
SLT Quad Cab short bed
$1,195
$1,052
Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, steering wheel radio controls, alarm. Requires Big Horn/Lone Star/Thunder Road Value Group.
Light Group
SLT
$180
$158
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, ashtray/dome/underhood lights.
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.
TRX/TRX4 Group
SLT
$495
$436
Unique exterior trim, P265/70R17 on/off-road white-letter tires. NA Mega Cab, Quad Cab long bed.
TRX Off-Road Group
4WD SLT short bed
$1,250
$1,100
Limited-slip differential, satellite radio, fog lights, skid plates, front tow hooks, P265/70R17 on/off-road white-letter tires. NA Mega Cab.
Activgate Group
ST regular cab short bed
$1,270
$1,118
Quad Cab short bed
$1,320
$1,162
Moveable gate, chrome tubular side steps, 2 cargo bins, bed rails. Quad Cab requires automatic transmission.
Premium Activgate Group
Quad Cab short bed
$1,470
$1,294
Activgate Group plus bedliner. Requires automatic transmission.
Chrome Edition Group
Quad Cab short bed
$875
$770
regular cab
$825
$726
Chrome fuel-filler door and exhaust tips, rear wheel well liners, chrome tubular side steps. NA w/manual transmission.
Trailer Tow Group
Laramie, SLT Mega Cab, SLT regular cab/Quad Cab, ST
$335
$295
Class IV trailer-hitch receiver, 7-wire trailer harness.
Powertrain
4.7-liter V8 engine
2WD ST regular cab, 2WD ST Quad Cab short bed
$785
$691
Flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 engine
2WD ST regular cab, 2WD Quad Cab short bed
$785
$691
4WD ST, ST Quad Cab long bed, SLT regular cab/Quad Cab
$0
$0
Requires 5-speed automatic transmission. NA Calif., Maine, Mass., N.Y., Vt.
5.7-liter V8 Hemi engine w/cylinder deactivation
2WD ST regular cab, 2WD ST Quad Cab short bed
$1,930
$1,698
SLT, 2WD ST Quad Cab long bed, 4WD ST
$1,145
$1,008
Requires 5-speed automatic transmission. ST requires cruise control. Std. Mega Cab.
4-speed automatic transmission
2WD ST
$1,095
$964
Requires 3.7-liter V6 engine. NA ST Quad Cab long bed.
5-speed automatic transmission
ST, SLT
$1,170
$1,030
Requires 4.7-liter or 5.7-liter V8 engine. Std. Quad Cab long bed, Laramie, Mega Cab.
Limited-slip differential
Laramie, SLT Mega Cab, SLT regular cab/Quad Cab, ST
$325
$286
Special axle ratio
Laramie, SLT Mega Cab, SLT regular cab/Quad Cab, ST
$50
$44
All-wheel-drive transfer case
4WD SLT/Laramie
$395
$348
SLT requires optional tires or option pkg. containing optional tires. 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.
Antiskid system
ST, SLT
$830
$730
Includes front and rear antilock brakes. NA 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
$1,595
$1,404
Laramie Quad Cab
$1,895
$1,668
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
$850
$748
SLT requires Light Group or Sport Quick Order Pkg. and Premium Equipment Group. SLT Quad Cab requires automatic transmission. NA w/curtain side airbags, DVD entertainment system. NA regular cab, Quad Cab long bed.
Power-deployable running boards
Quad Cab short bed
$1,535
$1,351
NA w/manual transmission. NA SLT w/Sport Quick Order Pkg. 26L. Laramie requires Laramie Quick Order Pkg. 24/26H.
Power-adjustable pedals
SLT
$120
$106
Cloth upholstery
ST
$255
$224
Premium cloth split bench seat
SLT regular cab/Mega Cab
$405
$356
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
6-way power driver seat, 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
$910
$801
Includes heated front seats, 6-way power driver seat. 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
$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
$990
SLT w/Sound and Secure Group, Laramie w/Pkg. 24/26H
$100
$88
Laramie
$400
$352
Includes steering wheel radio controls. 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. Requires leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Satellite radio
ST, SLT
$195
$172
UConnect
SLT
$325
$286
SLT w/Light Group or Premium Group, Laramie
$275
$242
Wireless cell phone link. Includes automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
SLT
$45
$40
Remote engine start
SLT, Laramie
$185
$163
SLT requires automatic transmission.
Cruise control
ST
$250
$220
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
SLT
$50
$44
Rear defogger
SLT, Laramie
$210
$185
SLT w/Big Horn/Lone Star/Thunder Road Value Group
$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.
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
NA regular cab.
Carpeting
ST regular cab
$155
$136
ST Quad Cab
$175
$154
Includes floormats.
Vinyl floor covering
SLT
$0
$0
NA Mega Cab.
Floormats
regular cab
$20
$18
Quad Cab
$30
$26
Mega Cab
$50
$44
ST requires carpeting. Std. 4WD SLT Quad Cab short bed.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
SLT
$140
$123
Roof marker lights
Quad Cab
$80
$70
NA w/power sunroof, Chrome Edition Group, chrome side steps, power-deployable running boards, antiskid system.