2008 Dodge Ram 1500: Road Test
2008 Dodge Ram 1500 ▼
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- MSRP: $21,485 -$40,685
- Invoice: $19,157 -$35,854
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Our road test for the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 help you decide if a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD reg. cab, V6 manual | 4WD Quad Cab, 5.7 V8 automatic | 4WD Mega Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 5.2 |
We have not yet tested a Ram 1500 with the 310-hp V8. The V6 labors under heavy load, when passing, or climbing hills. 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. A 4WD 5.7 Quad Cab did 9.5 sec 0-60 mph in our test.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD reg. cab, V6 manual | 4WD Quad Cab, 5.7 V8 automatic | 4WD Mega Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 2.6 |
No opportunity to measure. Dodge recommends 89-octane gas for the 5.7-liter V8, regular-grade for the other engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD reg. cab, V6 manual | 4WD Quad Cab, 5.7 V8 automatic | 4WD Mega Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 4.8 |
No large pickup rides smoothly, but Ram is competitive in class. Optional 20-inch tires add some harshness over bumps, though Ram suffers less jiggle over bumps than most pickups.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD reg. cab, V6 manual | 4WD Quad Cab, 5.7 V8 automatic | 4WD Mega Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.6 |
Body lean is fairly well-controlled. Grip is adequate. The steering provides good road feel. Available AWD is a useful option, as the 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. Dodge should make 4-wheel ABS standard instead of optional.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD reg. cab, V6 manual | 4WD Quad Cab, 5.7 V8 automatic | 4WD Mega Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 5.5 |
Modest highway wind and tire noise make Ram impressively hushed for a truck. The V6 is raucous when worked hard, which it often needs to be. The 5.7 V8 roars loudly under acceleration and is noticed even at cruise. Mega Cabs have additional sound insulation and are the quietest of all.
CONTROLS
| 2WD reg. cab, V6 manual | 4WD Quad Cab, 5.7 V8 automatic | 4WD Mega Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Most audio and climate controls are close at hand. The available navigation system's screen is large and user friendly.
DETAILS
| 2WD reg. cab, V6 manual | 4WD Quad Cab, 5.7 V8 automatic | 4WD Mega Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Hard plastic dominates Ram's cabin, but materials are in line with Ram's rugged character.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD reg. cab, V6 manual | 4WD Quad Cab, 5.7 V8 automatic | 4WD Mega Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 8.2 |
Spacious, though the very tall may want more seat travel in regular cabs. A center floor hump eats into passenger foot space. The seat is too flat for ideal long-distance support. Power-adjustable pedals improve comfort and help shorter drivers sit a safe distance from the steering wheel. 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 manual | 4WD Quad Cab, 5.7 V8 automatic | 4WD Mega Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 5 | 8 | 5 |
Quad Cab has good headroom and a comfortably reclined backrest. It can cramp legs, though, with the front seats set far back. Narrow door openings hamper entry and exit. No such problems in the Mega Cab, which offers vast legroom, large doorways, and a reclining split seatback. Cabin wide enough for three, though floor hump limits the center rider's foot space.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD reg. cab, V6 manual | 4WD Quad Cab, 5.7 V8 automatic | 4WD Mega Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 5 | 6 | 5.3 |
Generous storage behind the regular-cab seat, where standard plastic storage tray is handy. Quad Cab rear seat cushion folds to expose storage bins or a clever available fold-out steel load floor. Mega Cabs are similar, but the seat can slide forward to increase already good space behind it. There are lots of driver accessible storage bins.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD reg. cab, V6 manual | 4WD Quad Cab, 5.7 V8 automatic | 4WD Mega Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5 | 6.7 |
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, including all-wheel drive and the spacious Mega Cab.
Total Score
| 2WD reg. cab, V6 manual | 4WD Quad Cab, 5.7 V8 automatic | 4WD Mega Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 52 | 57 | 58.5 |
Total Score: 50
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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