1994 Dodge B150 Ram Review (continued)
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Driving Impressions

Our 1994 Dodge Ram 2500 ST 4x4 was outfitted with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, a four-speed heavy-duty automatic transmission, shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive, an anti-spin differential and the 5.9-liter electronic fuel injection Dodge Magnum V8 mentioned earlier. Delivering 230 hp at 4000 rpm and 330 lb.-ft. of torque at 3200 rpm, it performed smoothly and impressively in all speed ranges. In a highway passing tryout, it took us from 50 mph to 70 mph-plus in a mere 10 seconds. It's EPA-rated at 11 city/ 15 highway, but that's about what you'd expect from a truck with this much size and power.

The optional four-wheel drive system offered two speed ranges, each of which engaged quickly and smoothly. Dodge says that there are about 200 different power train options with six engines, six transmissions, 2WD and 4WD choices and 49 front and rear wheel axle ratios.

Turning and sharp cornering proved a little harsh and unsettling in the 4WD mode. That's more an inherent characteristic of 4WD vehicles and not a flaw in this Dodge pickup's system. Dodge's optional four-wheel anti-lock braking system, however, earned nothing but superlatives, stopping sure, straight and steady every time we applied the pedal. On all road conditions, the Ram 2500 ST delivered a stiff but steady ride, little if any wind noise and sure but less than nimble handling.