2006 Truck of the Year Test and Review

2006 Dodge Ram 1500
A Familiar Face Masks an All-New Personality

You're probably wondering why we included the Ram 1500 in our 2006 Truck of the Year competition, especially since it looks nearly identical to the 2005 model. How different could it be from the previous year? A lot, to say the least. Besides minor alterations to the exterior--new headlights, a full chrome grille, revised bumpers, and a tailgate spoiler--the 2006 Ram has received significant upgrades under the skin, namely a fresh frame. While still hydroformed, the new architecture is stiffer--17 percent in bending, 5.5 percent in torsion--features a larger front crush zone and offers replaceable rail tips, similar to the Dakota's frame, for easier fender-bender repair. Bolted to the Ram's stronger bones is a heavily revised suspension, which sports retuned springs, bushings, and monotube dampers, as well as a new front control-arm, coil-over-shock setup on 4WD trims, which replaces the 2005's torsion bars. On-road, the benefits are immediately evident.

The 2006 Ram feels "more responsive and locked down around the high-speed turns," as one editor noted. Another opined, "Handling is quite good (dare I say fun?) in the tight road course." The ride, even with the huge 20-inch wheels and low-profile Goodyears, was compliant, making the reworked cabin--now with more insulation, thicker glass, triple door seals, and a new instrument panel with an available nav system--an even more enjoyable and quieter space to occupy. Off the blacktop, however, the Ram bounced over the bumps: More body control, please. Power for our tester came from Dodge's renowned 5.7-liter Hemi pushrod V-8, but the 2006 iteration now boasts improved fuel economy--14/18 versus 13/17--thanks to an integrated Multi-Displace-ment System, which deactivates four cylinders under light-throttle applications. With 345 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque channeled through a seamless five-speed automatic, the Ram delivered strong, immediate power as well as impressive numbers--0 to 60 in 8.6 seconds and the quarter mile in 16.5 at 83.8 mph. The 2006 Ram is the undoubtedly the best Ram ever and will keep Dodge in the run against all-new entries from GM and Toyota next year.