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2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Full Review
Date Published: 9/30/08
2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Review
The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 is redesigned with freshened styling, new comfort and convenience features, and more available power. This large pickup truck is offered as a 2-door regular cab and two 4-door cabs with conventional doors--the Quad Cab and the Crew Cab. The regular cab offers 6.4- and 8-foot cargo beds. The Quad Cab comes with a 6.4-foot bed while the Crew Cab uses a 5.7-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 310-hp 4.7-liter V8; and a 390-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The 380-hp engine replaces 2008's 345-hp 5.7-liter Hemi. The V6 comes only with a 4-speed automatic transmission, V8s only with a 5-speed automatic. The V6 is only available on rear-wheel-drive models. ST, SLT, and 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 is 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement. Both 4WD systems include a low-range gear for off-roading. Maximum towing capacity is 8950 pounds. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. New for 2009 is the Ram Box Storage System. Available only on Crew Cabs, the Ram Box option includes lockable cargo-bed storage bins, a lined cargo bed, and a bed divider that doubles as a bed extender.

Also available are a wireless cell phone link, DVD entertainment, a 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music files and photos, a navigation system, and rear-seat in-floor storage bins. A rearview camera with park assist and heated/cooled front seats are due later in the model year. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.
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2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Road Test
Pros Cons
Ride Road noise (with 20-inch tires)
Cargo room
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7 4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7 Class Average
6 7 5.5

Only V8 models have been made available for testing so far. The 4.7-liter V8 is nearly the performance equal of the 5.3-liter V8 from Chevrolet, or the 5.4-liter V8 from Ford. It pulls strongly from a stop and has more than adequate passing punch. The 5.7 V8 is stronger still, with impressive launch power and abundant passing and merging muscle.
Fuel Economy

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7 4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7 Class Average
3 3 2.8

No opportunity to measure. All Rams use regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7 4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7 Class Average
7 7 5.5

Best in class. For 2009, Ram becomes the only full-size pickup to use a coil-spring rear suspension instead of the traditional leaf-spring arrangement. The result is a remarkably compliant ride with little of the rear-end hop normally exhibited by unloaded pickups.
Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7 4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7 Class Average
4 4 3.7

Ram is far too large and prone to cornering lean to be called nimble, but car-like is not a stretch. There's too little on-center steering response though, and Laramies with their 20-inch wheels seem prone to highway wander--requiring frequent correction. Brake response is excellent, with little nose plow in simulated panic stops.
Quietness

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7 4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7 Class Average
7 7 5.7

Dodge claims to have paid special attention to wind and road noise, and it shows. Unpaved surfaces result in undue droning, especially at speed, but the cabin is otherwise impressively serene.
Controls

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7 4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7 Class Average
6 6 6.8

Huge gauges are boldly marked and easy to read at a glance. Major controls are mostly convenient to access, though audio and climate switchgear positioned towards the passenger side of the center console requires a long stretch to reach.
Details

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7 4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7 Class Average
5 6 5.5

Perception of Ram quality is a matter of where you sit. Front seat occupants are treated to a cabin generally finished in high-grade and soft-touch materials, with Laramie models seeming especially nice. Though consistent in design, the rear seating area is fitted with lower-grade stuff, with hard-plastic door sills and generally less touch-friendly surfaces.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7 4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7 Class Average
9 9 8.5

A high step in is about the only complaint one can muster. Large, firmly padded seats offer impressive long-drive comfort and back support. Visibility is very good all around.
Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7 4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7 Class Average
8 8 6.1

As up front, though flatter seats seem less supportive. Again, a high step up complicates entry and exit.
Cargo Room

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7 4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7 Class Average
8 8 6.4

Dodge claims that there are nearly 50 separate storage cubbies, bins, and wells. Consumer Guide counted more like 30, but that's plenty for most folks. Front-bench seat models have a fold-away center armrest that doubles as a storage area, but it's really too shallow for anything more than cell phones and iPods. Bucket-seat models enjoy a huge, deep center console storage area. All models have a two-tiered glove box, with the top compartment chilled for beverage cooling. The available Ram Box storage wells combine to offer sufficient space for a week's worth of groceries or a couple of golf bags. The lockable boxes are lined and include drainage holes so they can be used as coolers.
Value within Class

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7 4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7 Class Average
8 7 7.2

The new Ram makes news for impressive ride comfort, creative storage options, and abundant available power. Improved cabin trappings over the previous generation are a nice bonus. Chevy, Ford, and Toyota loyalists would do well to have a look. You may well be won over.
Total Score

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7 4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7 Class Average
71 72 63.7
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score
38
Average Score
63
High Score
72
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2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 09/26/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD ST regular cab, short bed $21,270 $18,972 $900
2WD ST regular cab, long bed $21,570 $19,230 $900
4WD ST regular cab, short bed $25,725 $22,859 $900
4WD ST regular cab, long bed $26,025 $23,117 $900
2WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $25,325 $22,515 $900
4WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $29,735 $26,367 $900
2WD SLT regular cab, short bed $25,465 $22,580 $900
2WD SLT regular cab, long bed $25,765 $22,838 $900
4WD SLT regular cab, short bed $29,035 $25,705 $900
4WD SLT regular cab, long bed $29,335 $25,963 $900
2WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $29,475 $26,084 $900
4WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $32,695 $28,913 $900
2WD SLT Crew Cab crew cab, short bed $31,630 $27,937 $900
4WD SLT Crew Cab crew cab, short bed $34,850 $30,766 $900
2WD Laramie Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $37,870 $33,303 $900
4WD Laramie Quad Cab crew cab, short bed $41,090 $36,132 $900
2WD Laramie Crew Cab crew cab, short bed $40,020 $35,152 $900
4WD Laramie Crew Cab crew cab, short bed $43,240 $37,981 $900
Price note: Laramie requires Laramie Quick Order Pkg. 26H.
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, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, front split bench seat, folding rear seat (Quad Cab, Crew Cab), front-hinged rear doors (Quad Cab, Crew Cab), heated power mirrors (Quad Cab), power windows (Quad Cab), power door locks (Quad Cab), AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, tachometer, cargo-box light, variable-intermittent wipers, black vinyl floor covering, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, painted front and rear bumpers, trailer harness.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, P265/70R17 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 4.7-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.
SLT adds to ST:
Powertrain
4.7-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, cloth upholstery, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, satellite radio, trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, 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
Alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Laramie adds to SLT:
Powertrain
5.7-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 10-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, 6-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, split folding rear seat, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), mirror-mounted turn signals, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, iPod adapter, hard drive, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, 115-volt power outlet, power-sliding rear window.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
P275/60R20 tires, chrome alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks, skid plates.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Popular Equipment Group
SLT regular cab
$1,845
$1,624
SLT Quad Cab
$1,995
$1,756
10-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center-cushion storage, fold-flat floor storage (Quad Cab), 115-volt power outlet, fog lights, 275/60R20 tires.
Sport Group
2WD SLT regular cab
$3,920
$3,450
4WD SLT regular cab
$3,645
$3,208
SLT Quad Cab
$3,545
$3,120
2WD SLT Crew Cab
$3,445
$3,032
4WD SLT Crew Cab
$3,840
$3,379
Lights Group plus all-wheel-drive transfer case (4WD Crew Cab), limited-slip differential, special axle ratio, dual exhaust system, front bucket seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 10-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console w/floor shifter, split folding rear seat (Quad Cab, Crew Cab), fold-flat floor storage (Quad Cab), upgraded sound system, upgraded interior trim, 115-volt power outlet, unique exterior trim, mirror-mounted turn signals, quad headlights, fog lights, P275/60R20 white letter tires, wheel locks. Requires 5.7-liter V8 Hemi engine w/cylinder deactivation.
Sport Premium Group
SLT
$750
$660
Rear-obstacle-detection system, dual-zone automatic climate controls, upgraded sound system. Requires Sport Group. NA regular cab.
TRX Group
4WD SLT
$1,145
$1,008
Limited-slip differential, unique exterior trim, color-keyed bumpers, fog lights, skid plates, front tow hooks, LT265/70R17C all-terrain white-letter tires. NA regular cab.
Big Horn/Lone Star Pkg.
SLT Crew Cab
$1,500
$1,320
Light Group plus dual exhaust, unique door handles, quad headlights, fog lights, P275/60R20 tires, wheel locks. Requires 5.7-liter V8 Hemi engine w/cylinder deactivation.
Light Group
SLT
$510
$449
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, ashtray/dome/underhood lights, mirror-mounted turn signals.
Technology Group
SLT
$495
$436
Rear-obstacle-detection system, upgraded sound system. Requires Light Group. Quad Cab requires front bucket seats. Crew Cab requires premium cloth split bench seat or front bucket seats. NA regular cab.
Remote Start and Security Group
SLT
$335
$295
Remote engine start, alarm.
Laramie Quick Order Pkg. 26H
2WD Laramie
$400
$352
4WD Laramie
$795
$700
All-wheel-drive transfer case (4WD), rear-obstacle-detection system, dual exhaust system.
Chrome Accents Group
Quad Cab, Crew Cab
$875
$770
Chrome fuel-filler door and exhaust tips, chrome bodyside moldings, chrome tubular side steps.
Powertrain
4.7-liter V8 engine
2WD ST
$985
$867
Requires 5-speed automatic transmission.
5.7-liter V8 Hemi engine w/cylinder deactivation
2WD ST
$2,295
$2,020
4WD ST, SLT
$1,310
$1,153
2WD ST requires 5-speed automatic transmission.
5-speed automatic transmission
2WD ST
$75
$66
Requires 4.7-liter or 5.7-liter V8 engine.
Limited-slip differential
Laramie, SLT, ST
$375
$330
Comfort and Convenience Features
uconnect multimedia suite
SLT
$360
$317
Wireless cell phone link. Includes automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Power sunroof
SLT, Laramie
$850
$748
SLT requires Light Group, Technology Group. NA regular cab. NA w/rear defogger.
Power-adjustable pedals
SLT
$125
$110
Premium cloth split bench seat
SLT Crew Cab
$900
$792
Includes 10-way power driver seat, center-cushion storage, split folding rear seat, 115-volt power outlet. NA w/Sport Group.
Front bucket seats
SLT Quad Cab
$1,025
$902
SLT Crew Cab
$925
$814
Laramie Quad Cab
$250
$220
Laramie Crew Cab
$500
$440
SLT Quad Cab w/Popular Equipment Group
$0
$0
10-way power driver seat (SLT), center console w/shifter, split folding rear seat (SLT Quad Cab), fold-flat load storage (SLT Quad Cab), 115-volt power outlet. SLT Crew Cab requires Big Horn/Lone Star Pkg.
Leather upholstery
SLT Quad Cab/Crew Cab
$1,875
$1,650
Includes heated front seats and steering wheel, 6-way power passenger seat. Requires Sport Group.
DVD entertainment system
SLT, Laramie
$1,695
$1,492
Includes satellite TV. Requires Navigation Group or Popular Equipment Group. Requires Light Group, Technology Group. Quad Cab requires front bucket seats. Crew Cab requires premium cloth split bench seat or front bucket seats. NA regular cab. NA w/power sunroof, rear defogger.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
SLT
$800
$704
Includes hard drive, iPod adapter, cell phone link. Requires Light Group.
Upgraded sound system
SLT regular cab
$250
$220
Rear defogger
SLT Quad Cab, Laramie
$0
$0
SLT Crew Cab
$210
$185
Deletes power sliding rear window. SLT requires Light Group.
Sliding rear window
ST regular cab
$140
$123
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Ram Box Storage System
Crew Cab
$
$
Bedliner
Laramie, SLT, ST
$245
$216
Special paint
Laramie, SLT, ST
$225
$198
Chrome tubular side steps
Quad Cab, Crew Cab, 4WD SLT regular cab w/Sport Group
$545
$480
32-gallon fuel tank
Quad Cab
$75
$66
Engine-block heater
Laramie, SLT, ST
$90
$79
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Protection Group
4WD
$150
$132
Skid plates, front tow hooks.
Front tow hooks
2WD ST/SLT
$50
$44
Class IV receiver hitch
Laramie, SLT, ST
$335
$295
Chrome steel wheels
ST
$300
$264
Chrome alloy wheels
SLT Crew Cab
$525
$462
Includes P275/60R20 tires. Requires Big Horn/Lone Star Pkg.
P265/70R17 tires
Laramie (credit)
$-500
$-440
P265/70R17 white-letter tires
4WD SLT, Crew Cab
$125
$110
P275/60R20 tires
SLT Crew Cab
$1,400
$1,232
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2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Dodge Ram 1500 regular cab short bed Dodge Ram 1500 regular cab long bed Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab short bed Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab short bed
Wheelbase, in. 120.0 140.0 140.0 140.0
Overall Length, in. 209.0 226.9 229.0 227.5
Overall Width, in. 79.4 79.4 79.4 79.4
Overall Height, in. 73.4 73.3 73.9 73.9
Curb Weight, lbs. -- -- -- --
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. -- -- -- --
Standard Payload, lbs. 1290 1440 1390 1360
Fuel Capacity, gals. 26.0 32.0 26.0 26.0
Seating Capacity 3 3 6 6
Front Head Room, in. 40.8 40.8 41.3 41.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.0 41.0 41.0 41.0
Rear Head Room, in. -- -- 39.7 39.9
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. -- -- 36.8 39.4
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  sohc V6 sohc V8 ohv V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.7 /226 4.7 /287 5.7 /345
Horsepower @ rpm. 215 @ 5200 310 @ 5650 390 @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 235 @ 4000 330 @ 3950 407 @ 4000
Availability Standard Standard Optional
EPA City / highway mpg
     
4-speed automatic 14/20 --/-- --/--
5-speed automatic --/-- 14/19 14/20
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Dodge Ram 1500 regular cab short bed Dodge Ram 1500 regular cab long bed Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab short bed Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab short bed
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain Lifetime/-- Not available on SRT models, diesel-powered vehicles, Sprinter, Ram Chassis Cab, and certain fleet vehicles. Nontransferable.
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive