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2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Full Review
Date Published: 6/17/08
2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Review
The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 gets a more powerful V8 engine and is scheduled for a redesign due in calendar 2008 as a 2009 model. This large pickup truck offers a 2-door regular cab and two 4-door 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-foot cargo beds; Mega Cab uses the 6.3-foot bed. Regular cabs seat up to three passengers, the others up to six.

Ram 1500 is available with three engines: a 215-hp 3.7-liter V6; a new 310-hp 4.7-liter V8; and a 345-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The 310-hp V8 replaces a 235-hp 4.7. The V6 and 4.7 V8 are available with manual or automatic transmission; the Hemi has an automatic only. Ram's maximum towing capacity is 3400 lb with V6, 7300 with 4.7 V8, and 8750 with 5.7. ST, SXT, SLT, and top-line Laramie trims 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 is all-wheel drive. The 4WD and AWD systems include a low-range gear for off-roading. Available safety features include ABS, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Also available are 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, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra 1500, 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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2008 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 manual 4WD Quad Cab, 5.7 V8 automatic 4WD Mega Cab Class Average
3 4 4 5.3

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 2.8

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 4.7

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 5.6

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 5.2

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 5.3

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 6.6

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 58.9
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score
38
Average Score
58
High Score
70
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2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/05/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD ST regular cab, short bed $21,485 $19,157 $900
2WD ST regular cab, long bed $21,770 $19,402 $900
4WD ST regular cab, short bed $26,040 $23,129 $900
4WD ST regular cab, long bed $26,380 $23,422 $900
2WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $25,655 $22,798 $900
2WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, long bed $28,090 $24,892 $900
4WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $29,990 $26,586 $900
4WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, long bed $31,490 $27,876 $900
2WD SLT regular cab, short bed $24,770 $21,982 $900
2WD SLT regular cab, long bed $25,055 $22,227 $900
4WD SLT regular cab, short bed $28,390 $25,150 $900
4WD SLT regular cab, long bed $28,730 $25,443 $900
2WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $30,110 $26,630 $900
2WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, long bed $30,780 $27,206 $900
4WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $33,610 $29,700 $900
4WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, long bed $34,200 $30,207 $900
2WD SLT Mega Cab crew cab, short bed $33,065 $29,276 $900
4WD SLT Mega Cab crew cab, short bed $36,315 $32,096 $900
2WD Laramie Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $35,565 $31,321 $900
4WD Laramie Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $39,115 $34,434 $900
2WD Laramie Mega Cab crew cab, short bed $37,435 $33,034 $900
4WD Laramie Mega Cab crew cab, short bed $40,685 $35,854 $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
Model Rebate & Incentives Type Expires
See Dealer A $2.99 per gallon gasoline incentive is offered on qualifying 2008 and 2009 models. See dealer for details. Customer 07/07/08
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
Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, rear antilock brakes, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, front split bench seat, folding rear seat (Quad Cab), front-hinged rear doors (Quad Cab, Mega Cab), AM/FM/CD player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, cargo-box light, variable-intermittent wipers, black vinyl floor covering.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, painted 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, satellite radio, trip computer, manual-sliding rear window (regular cab), power-sliding rear window (Quad Cab), carpeting, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bright front and rear bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
P265/70R17 tires (regular cab, Quad Cab long bed), P275/60R20 tires (Quad Cab short bed), 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 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
Deletes: satellite radio, sliding rear window.
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 w/radio controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 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 sound system, wireless cell phone link, remote engine start, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, power-sliding rear window.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
P275/60R20 white-letter 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
SXT Group
SLT Mega Cab
$0
$0
Standard equipment.
SLT Group
SLT Mega Cab
$785
$691
Satellite radio, power-sliding rear window, alloy wheels.
Popular Equipment Group
SLT regular cab/Mega Cab
$1,275
$1,122
SLT Quad Cab
$1,315
$1,157
Light Group plus upgraded upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, center-cushion storage, Infinity sound system, leather-wrapped steering w/radio controls, overhead console. NA SLT Mega Cab w/SXT Group.
Navigation Convenience Group
SLT
$2,595
$2,284
Light Group plus navigation system, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, wireless cell phone link, alarm.
Sport Appearance Group
2WD SLT regular cab short bed
$2,300
$2,024
SLT Quad Cab short bed
$1,465
$1,289
4WD SLT regular cab short bed
$2,450
$2,156
Front bucket seats, power driver seat, split folding rear seat (Quad Cab), fold-flat load storage (Quad Cab), leather-wrapped steering wheel, color-keyed bumpers and grille, fog lights, P275/60R20 tires, chrome alloy wheels. NA w/Popular Equipment Group.
Exterior Apperance Group
SLT regular cab
$1,670
$1,470
SLT Quad Cab
$2,080
$1,830
Running boards, rear wheel well liners, chrome exhaust tip. Requires Sport Appearance Pkg. NA long bed.
Light Group
SLT
$270
$238
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, ashtray/dome/underhood lights. NA Mega Cab.
TRX/TRX4 Group
ST
$240
$211
Unique exterior trim, P265/70R17 on/off-road white-letter tires. Requires SXT Group. NA Quad Cab long bed.
TRX Off-Road Group
4WD ST short bed
$1,040
$915
Limited-slip differential, satellite radio, fog lights, skid plates, front tow hooks, P265/70R17 on/off-road white-letter tires. Requires SXT Group.
Chrome Edition Group
regular cab, Quad Cab short bed
$875
$770
Chrome fuel-filler door and exhaust tips, rear wheel well liners, chrome tubular side steps. NA w/manual transmission. NA 4WD Laramie.
Trailer Tow Group
Laramie, SLT Mega Cab, SLT regular cab/Quad Cab, ST
$335
$295
regular cab/Quad Cab w/5.7-liter V8
$405
$356
Heavy-duty cooling (5.7-liter Hemi V8), 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
$985
$867
Flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 engine
2WD ST regular cab, 2WD Quad Cab short bed
$985
$867
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
$945
$832
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
3.92 axle ratio
ordered w/3.7-liter V6 or 4.7-liter V8
$100
$88
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 Popular Equipment Group. NA SLT Mega Cab w/SXT Group.
Antiskid system
ST, SLT
$830
$730
Includes front and rear antilock brakes. NA Mega Cab.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
SLT regular cab/Quad Cab
$2,665
$2,345
SLT w/Popular Equipment Group, SLT Mega Cab, Laramie
$1,895
$1,668
SLT regular cab/Quad Cab w/Sport Appearance Group
$2,620
$2,306
Includes Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls. SLT Quad Cab short bed requires Light Group. SLT Mega Cab requires Popular Equipment Group.
Power sunroof
SLT, Laramie
$850
$748
SLT requires Light Group, Popular Equipment Group, or Navigation Convenience Group. SLT Quad Cab requires automatic transmission. NA w/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.
Power-adjustable pedals
SLT
$120
$106
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
SLT Mega Cab w/Popular Equipment Group
$445
$392
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 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine, Sport Appearance Group. NA long bed.
DVD entertainment system
SLT, Laramie
$1,200
$1,056
Requires Navigation Group or Popular Equipment Group.
Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
SLT regular cab/Quad Cab
$1,070
$942
SLT w/Popular Equipment Group, Laramie
$300
$264
SLT regular cab/Quad Cab w/Sport Appearance Group, SLT Mega Cab
$1,025
$902
Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls. SLT regular cab/Quad Cab short bed require Light Group.
Satellite radio
ST
$195
$172
UConnect
SLT
$325
$286
SLT w/Light Group or Popular Equipment Group, Laramie
$275
$242
Wireless cell phone link. Includes automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Remote engine start
SLT
$185
$163
Requires automatic transmission.
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
SLT
$50
$44
Rear defogger
SLT regular cab
$70
$62
SLT Quad Cab, SLT Mega Cab w/SLT Group, Laramie (credit)
$-85
$-75
SLT Mega Cab w/SXT Group
$210
$185
NA w/sliding rear window. Deletes sliding rear window or power sliding rear window on SLT Quad Cab, SLT Mega Cab w/SLT Group, Laramie.
Sliding rear window
ST/SLT regular cab
$140
$123
Fold-flat load storage
SLT Quad Cab
$100
$88
Requires premium cloth split bench seat. NA w/vinyl floor covering. Std. Laramie Quad Cab.
Carpeting
ST regular cab
$155
$136
ST Quad Cab
$175
$154
Includes floormats.
Vinyl floor covering
SLT
$0
$0
NA Mega Cab.
Floormats
ST regular cab
$20
$18
ST Quad Cab
$30
$26
Requires carpeting.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
SLT
$140
$123
Roof marker lights
Quad Cab
$80
$70
NA w/power sunroof, antiskid system.
Trailer-tow mirrors
ST
$100
$88
Power trailer-tow mirrors
SLT
$100
$88
Bedliner
SLT regular cab/Quad Cab, ST
$245
$165
Two-tone paint
Laramie, SLT Mega Cab, SLT regular cab/Quad Cab, ST
$225
$198
w/Inferno Red paint
$450
$396
Special paint
Laramie, SLT Mega Cab, SLT regular cab/Quad Cab, ST
$150
$132
Inferno Red paint
Laramie, SLT Mega Cab, SLT regular cab/Quad Cab, ST
$225
$198
Chrome grille
2WD ST
$422
$371
Requires Chrome Edition Group.
Bodyside moldings
ST, SLT
$75
$66
Chrome bodyside moldings
SLT Quad cab short bed
$125
$110
Chrome tubular side steps
Quad cab short bed
$545
$480
regular cab
$495
$436
Mega Cab
$600
$528
NA SLT Mega Cab w/SXT Group.
Chrome tubular side steps and bed rails
regular cab
$755
$664
Quad Cab
$805