2008 Dodge Ram - America's Truck

The Dodge Ram offers big power and big capabilities. Ram's distinctive styling makes it stand out in a rapidly improving field. Arguably, the Ram is the best-looking truck on the market. Dodge Ram is available as a Regular Cab or four-door Quad Cab. This Dodge pickup gets an estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg Hwy, 16 mpg City. Ram was extensively re-engineered for 2006, with a new hydroformed frame that's boxed its full length; plus new suspension and body mounts that improved ride, handling, and quietness. That same year, Ram was modestly restyled inside and out. For 2008, the Ram 1500 adds a new more powerful and more efficient 4.7-liter V8. Other updates to the 2008 Dodge Ram lineup include simpler maintenance intervals, trailer sway control added to the optional stability system, available tire pressure monitors, new steering hardware for 4WDs, dark maple woodgrain trim on Laramie, and two new colors right out of the muscle car age: Sunburst Orange and Detonator Yellow. The Dodge Ram 1500 light-duty pickups are smooth and refined. Their cabs are comfortable and convenient, among the roomiest in their respective classes. The Quad Cab is handy for hauling friends and family but even the Regular Cab is roomy. Available safety features include dual front airbags, curtain airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes and tire pressure monitoring.

Exterior Design of the Ram

The 2008 Dodge Ram presents a bold, distinctive appearance with its big horse-collar grille and Freightliner fenders. The headlamps cut back deeper into the fenders, and a flattened front bumper on Sport and Laramie emphasizes Ram's big-rig image. Ram's trademark front grille remains one of the most instantly recognizable front ends on the road. Rams sit relatively high off the ground, particularly the four-wheel-drive models. The long bed adds 20 inches to the wheelbase of a Dodge Ram. And a Quad Cab wheelbase is 20 inches longer than a Regular Cab. So a Quad Cab long bed has 40 more inches of wheelbase than a Regular Cab short bed. From its mammoth big-rig grille on back, Ram Mega Cab ranks high on the macho scale.

Ram Towing

Trailer towing capacities range from 2,900 pounds for the V6 to 9,100 pounds for a Hemi 2WD Regular Cab. A 4WD Quad Cab with the 4.7-liter and automatic transmission is rated to pull a 7,050-pound trailer with the 3.92 rear axle ratio. The available 20-inch wheels reduce towing capacity by about 1,000 pounds. Tailgate load height is 35 inches on four-wheel-drive models, and a little over 33-1/2 inches with two-wheel-drive. All heavy-duty Ram models have a Sweptline (slab-sided) cargo bed.

Powering the '08 Ram

 The 2008 model year brings new life to the 4.7-liter V8, with horsepower up 31 percent to 310 hp and torque up 10 percent to 330 pound-feet. Furthermore, a  choice of engines is available for the Ram. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is the most popular engine choice. Ram's optional Hemi engine delivers power and efficiency. Ram's standard 4.7-liter V8, while not as powerful as the Hemi, delivers responsive performance and is smooth and sophisticated, benefiting from a modern overhead-cam design. Full-time four-wheel drive (all-wheel drive) is available with the 4.7-liter V8 for improved stability in slippery conditions. The Hemi's peak power and torque ratings are 345 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 375 pound-feet of at 4200. Equipped with the 4.7-liter, the Ram feels eager around town and on winding roads. The optional five-speed automatic is responsive.

Regular Cab

 The light-duty Ram 1500 models are smooth and refined. Regular-cab Rams can be equipped with a 6.3-foot cargo bed, ride a 120.5-inch wheelbase and stretch to 207.7 inches long overall. With an 8-foot cargo bed, the Ram has a 140.5-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 229.7 inches. The Ram 1500 pickup changed considerably for 2007. Four-wheel-drive models have a standard electronic transfer case and Hemi-equipped Rams have fuel-saving cylinder deactivation technology. Ram 1500 models come with cloth seats that have YES Essentials stain-, odor- and static-resistant seat fabric.

Quad Cabs

Ram Quad Cab models offer a brilliant combination of comfort and utility. The responsive 4.7-liter V8 delivers good acceleration and is paired well with the smooth, responsive five-speed automatic. The 5.7-liter Hemi delivers strong acceleration performance and is an excellent choice for towing. Quad Cab models come with either a 6.3- or 8-foot cargo bed, and ride a 140.5- or 160.5-inch wheelbase.

Mega Cab

On balance, the biggest Ram drives pretty well, considering its size and heft, certainly no worse than any big pickup. Dodge calls the Ram Mega Cab model the longest-cab pickup truck ever. The cab offers 71 cubic feet of cargo volume (7.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat). Dodge also claims the Ram Mega Cab has, at 44.2 inches, the most second-row legroom in its class. Overall the Mega Cab offers huge interior space, decent drivability, and a powerful engine.

Summary

The Dodge Ram continues to be a leader its market, and offers big power and big capabilities. It works for families in need of towing power, and it certainly works for those who need a work horse. It's responsive and comfortable as an everyday driver and it's ready to do some serious work when called upon. Ram's distinctive styling makes it stand out in a rapidly improving field. Ram Quad Cab models offer a brilliant combination of comfort and utility All Rams come standard with big four-wheel disc brakes that are smooth and easy to modulate. The Ram handles reasonably well and powers through or over just about anything, even when the tires aren't always precisely where you intended to place them. Overall, the 2008 Dodge Ram is a great truck with a great personality.