Even when itÕs parked, the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab looks like a
monster.
This is DodgeÕs first-ever crew-size cab, and itÕs easy to see the powerful
look that Ram likes to call its Ņget-out-of-the-wayÓ design.
WhatÕs not obvious from the outside is just how high-tech the interior gets;
it offers all the amenities of most sport-utility vehicles and then throws
in some more.
Dual-zone automatic temperature control is pretty common for high-end cars and
SUVs. This is the first model of Dodge Ram to include that feature.
The addition of live SIRIUS Backseat TV and surround-sound audio, complete
with most of the cartoon channels, is enough to let a buyer argue this is to
be a work truck for the whole family to enjoy.
Just in case anybody needs convincing.
For those who care about power, the 2009 Dodge Ram delivers. The new 5.7-liter
Hemi V-8 provides more horsepower and torque along with a minor bump in fuel
efficiency. ItÕs not enough to write home about Š 14 mpg in the city and 20
mpg on the highway Š but every little bit helps.
One nice extra is the RamBox cargo management system. These storage bins are
building into the bed rails and are weatherproof, lockable, drainable and
illuminated.
There is plenty of space for tools, and the RamBox has enough room to hold 10
cases of 12-ounce drinks for those tailgating parties on the weekend.
The 2009 Dodge Ram Crew Cab 1500 also has Ņstore in the floorÓ bins with
removable liners to offer more space for items.
ThereÕs enough room for 10 12-ounce drinks and ice for long road trips or just
a place to keep lunch cold for a crew working on-site.
The extras are nice, but drivers should think twice about steering the 2009
Dodge Ram into any tight spaces.
Guiding the Dodge Ram through a cramped mall parking lot is like trying to
drive a herd of bulls through a china shop.
Anyone not used to driving a massive truck will find the 2009 Dodge Ram
unwieldy. ItÕs more difficult to park than even the largest Ford Expedition
models.
Part of the problem is the way the rearview mirror and the headrests on the
back seats donÕt work together. The headrests block a good portion of the
rearview, and adjusting the mirror cuts the already reduced visibility.
There is an option to pay more for the ParkView rear back-up camera, but the
lens is fish-eyed and the camera itself is off-center. Using just the camera
to back into tight spots really isnÕt recommended. It is good for letting a
driver know if a small child or animal is behind the Dodge Ram.
The best aide for backing up the Dodge Ram, besides a friend outside giving
directions, is the back-up alarm that lets the driver know how close objects
are to the rear of the vehicle. A single beep lets the driver know something
is within a few feet; louder and more persistent beeps warn drivers away
from backing into something.
While cruising down the road, the driver isnÕt likely to forget heÕs behind
the wheel of a big, powerful truck. But the passengers in the back seat
might. The spacious and soft back seat has enough room to cram in three
full-size adults. Rear heated seats are an option, and the coil-spring
multilink rear suspension absorbs most of the bumps and jumps people come to
expect from riding in a truck.
The new Dodge Ram offers plenty of options, power and speed for those who need
it, either on a work site or on the highway. Impatient drivers can even make
it from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds.
The base price of the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab is $40,020. The
test model sent to the Telegram cost $48,315.
Highs: Powerful look, more powerful engine, smooth ride and lots of high-tech
extras.
Lows: Difficult to take through tight spaces, low fuel efficiency.
The tale: An aggressive entry into the crew cab market that is sure to find
plenty of happy buyers.
