Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Review

2008 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Laramie Mega Cab Crew Cab Shown

The Dodge Ram changed the truck world in 1994 when it showed that full-size pickups could be made to resemble something other than a cinder block. Like its half-ton brother, the heavy-duty 3/4-ton Dodge Ram 2500 boasted a muscular, rugged look that took heavy inspiration from big rigs -- specifically their "shouldered" fender design and prominent grille. This new look clearly resonated with America's truck-buying public, because Ram sales immediately doubled with the new model and would eventually double once again by 1999.

Now in its second generation since the styling rebirth, the Ram has an even more muscular body and engine lineup, plus a versatile selection of cab styles. In addition to the regular cab, the four-door Quad Cab that was so revolutionary on the 1998 Ram is now joined by a Mega Cab that lives up to its prefix.

For hard-core hauling and towing duties, the Dodge Ram 2500 comes standard with a 5.7-liter "Hemi", while an available Cummins turbodiesel is capable of more than 600 pound-feet of torque. Of course, like other heavy-duty pickup trucks, the Ram 2500 also features a stiffened suspension and a more rugged frame.

Although newer and more visually interesting heavy-duty pickups from GM and Ford have chewed into Ram 2500 sales, this big-hauling Dodge still has a sizable, loyal following addicted to that classic, muscular, big-rig styling. And with names like "Hemi" and "Cummins" emblazoned under the hood, there's plenty of actual muscle to back it up.

Current Dodge Ram 2500

The current Dodge Ram 2500 heavy-duty pickup is available with two-wheel or four-wheel drive and comes in a variety of body styles and trim configurations. A regular cab, a Quad Cab (crew cab) and Mega Cab (really big crew cab) comprise the body styles, while trim levels consist of the very basic ST, the volume-selling SLT, the luxurious Laramie and the off-road-ready Power Wagon.

The Mega Cab is only available with the short bed (76 inches), while the regular cab is only equipped with the long bed (98 inches). The Quad Cab is offered with either, and unlike the past-generation Ram 2500, features forward-hinged rear doors.

Standard on all Ram 2500 trucks is a 5.7-liter V8 that makes 345 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque. This hefty power plant can be ordered with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. For enhanced towing capability, there's a 5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel producing 325 horses and 610 lb-ft of torque. It's paired to a four-speed automatic.

Dodge has also promised to introduce a much-improved and cleaner-burning 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-6 to replace the 5.9-liter engine. It's rated at 350 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque and comes with a six-speed automatic transmission.

In reviews of the Dodge Ram 2500, we've found it to be a very capable heavy-duty pickup truck. We're fond of its powerful engine lineup, wide range of body styles and compliant highway ride. However, it should be noted that redesigned heavy-duty trucks from Ford and GM have recently debuted, and their newer designs might prove to be more appealing. Our recommendation is to test-drive the different offerings before making a final decision on the Ram.

Past Dodge Ram 2500 models

The current-generation Ram 2500 debuted for the 2003 model year. Compared to the first-generation Ram, it has more power, increased towing capacity, better handling and updated styling. This model has received a number of important upgrades in the past few years.

Only the regular and Quad Cab body styles were available initially, with the Mega Cab squeezed into the lineup in 2006. This was also the year that Dodge restyled the heavy-duty Ram's interior, added higher-end convenience features and freshened the front-end styling. The Power Wagon debuted for the 2005 model year.

The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 was the standard engine, although it made slightly less torque than presently. A 305-hp, 8.0-liter V10 was optional in 2003 only. Originally, the diesel engine option was a 5.9-liter Cummins. The switch to the updated 6.7-liter Cummins was promised for 2007.

The previous, or second-generation, Dodge Ram 2500 was produced from 1994-2002. The base engine was a 5.2-liter V8 engine, with an 8.0-liter V10 and 5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel optional. In 1998, the Quad Cab was introduced with twin rear-hinged doors and larger backseat. The interior was also redesigned that year, including the addition of a standard passenger side airbag with a cutoff switch. In 2000, the Club Cab was eliminated from the Ram 2500, and improvements were made to the steering and suspension. Finally, a high-output Cummins turbodiesel joined the lesser oil-burner in 2001.

At the time, we commented favorably about the truck's user-friendly cab, competent handling and powerful V10 and diesel engines. One downside of the Ram was that rear-seat room in the Quad Cab was cramped when compared to the room available in competing trucks.

The original generation of Dodge's 3/4-ton Ram was actually known as the Ram 250 and was produced from 1981-'93.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.