2006 Dodge Ram 3500 Review (continued)
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Walkaround

The Dodge Ram presents a bold, distinctive appearance with its big horse-collar grille and Freightliner fenders. The basic look dates back a dozen years, but it received a major redesign for 2002, and now a more subtle makeover for '06. New headlamps cut back deeper into the fenders, and a flattened front bumper on Sport and Laramie looks even more big-rig-like than before. Dodge claims the new lights are improved 22 percent in intensity and 40 percent in beam spectrum. A slot in the front bumper aids engine cooling and air conditioner performance.

Ram's trademark front grille has been recontoured slightly to fit the new bumper, but it remains one of the most instantly recognizable front ends on the road. A thick band of chrome surrounds the grille on ST, SLT and Laramie; the band is body color on Sport models and grey on Work Specials. The broad, sloping hood has a pronounced crown that falls over the sides to the prominent front fenders.

Moving rearward, the Ram continues to present a robust appearance. A fast, raked-back windshield enhances aerodynamics and water management, while gracefully blending modern sleekness with Ram's retro lower body. The leading edge of the front door overlaps the A-pillar, creating a smooth transition from the front of the cab to the side. Everything is smooth and integrated. The big side mirrors, great for visibility, are mounted on platforms to minimize wind noise, and a channel has been specially designed to keep water off of the mirrors. A small spoiler at the top of the tailgate, new for '06, is said to improve fuel efficiency.

Rams sit relatively high off the ground, particularly the four-wheel-drive models. Tailgate load height is 34-1/2 inches on four-wheel-drive models, 33 inches with two-wheel-drive. That seems high when trying to heave heavy gear aboard. All beds are fitted with boat cleats designed to handle 1,000 pounds each.

SRT-10 features a body-color grille surround surmounted by a hungry-looking hood scoop. Additionally, SRT-10 boasts its own front bumper, which looks lighter and less truckish than the standard unit and features its own gaping, air-gulping opening. A body-color aluminum tonneau cover for the pickup bed, outfitted with a unique spoiler for aerodynamic efficiency, is standard for 2006. Gas struts help in raising and lowering the tonneau cover for easy access to the pickup bed, which features a bed tray for protecting bed and cargo.

Interior Features

The Dodge Ram is among the roomiest of the full-size pickups and its cab is a pleasant place to be. Its short pickup box is more than three inches shorter than a Ford F-150's or Chevrolet Silverado's because Dodge put that extra three inches into the cab. So you sacrifice a little bed space for a lot more wiggle room. Regular Cab and Quad Cab versions offer identical roominess in the front seats.

The Ram is available with a front bench seat split 40/20/40. The narrow center section features a large fold-down armrest with a compartment big enough to hold a laptop. We've found both the cloth and the leather seats comfortable, and the previously flabby side bolsters have been beefed up in the '06 redesign. The driving position is good, with good visibility in all directions, though the aerodynamic front end makes it impossible to see the front corners. Big mirrors on the Ram make it easy to see what's behind.

The seats, along with the dashboard and a lot of interior trim, have been redesigned for 2006. We found the bucket seats in a 2006 Sport model we drove very comfortable and supportive. We really liked the sporty fabric, which looks durable. Laramie models get silver trim adorning the door panels and instrument bezels. Laramie comes with distinctive leather trim, with higher-contrast color seat inserts.

The Ram interior shows attention to details that add utility and convenience. The big fold-down center armrest/console comes with adjustable dividers and a power outlet. A hook on the passenger-side floor well is provided for securing a plastic grocery bag or anything else with suitable handles. Premium amenities such as the full-screen GPS navigation radio, Bluetooth hands-free communications are available, along with a rear-seat DVD system for Quad Cabs. We found the navigation radio to be a nice design and relatively easy to operate; these systems are getting better all the time and the latest Chrysler Group's systems work quite well.

We found most of the Ram's interior materials to be of good quality, and Dodge is clearly working to improve the few that aren't. The available faux wood surface on the center stack has been upgraded this year; it looks okay, though it's clearly not wood, partly because of the way it's molded around the nooks and crannies. White-faced instruments with turquoise numbers look sporty and trendy, but don't offer the legibility of traditional white-on-black designs, particularly at dusk. The top brow of the instrument panel has been extended for '06 to provide better glare protection in bright sunlight. At night, the instruments are nicely illuminated in green.

Three-point shoulder belts are provided at all locations, including the rear center seat. Power adjustable pedals let shorter drivers adjust their seating position better so they aren't sitting so close to the airbag. This improves comfort, safety, and drivability. Power adjustable pedals are optional on ST, SLT, and Sport; standard on Laramie and SRT-10; they're a smart choice for two-driver families because they allow shorter drivers to move farther away from the airbag-armed steering wheel, reducing the chance of airbag injuries.

Side-curtain airbags are optional and we strongly recommend getting them. These curtain-style airbags are designed to provide head protection in a side impact along with protection in the event of a rollover; head injuries are the leading cause of death in side impacts. The Ram was awarded the highest possible rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's offset frontal crash test. The SRT-10 does not offer side-curtain airbags, but instead offers door-mounted side-impact airbags on the Quad Cab version designed to provide torso protection in a side impact.

Overall, the center dash is a paradigm of convenience. Large heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) buttons can be operated while wearing gloves. A textured fabric is used for trim around the audio and HVAC controls that gives the center dash a nice look and feel. Just below the HVAC controls is a slot lined with a rubber mat that's perfect for a wallet. A big panel below that folds down with adjustable cup holders. Overhead is a console with an effective pair of map lights, a trip computer, a compartment for sunglasses, and a compass, which every self-respecting truck should have.

As indicated, we prefer the optional navigation radio. The design of the standard audio system could be improved for ease of use. Sometimes you have to search for the right button to press. Setting a preset for a station, for example, requires pressing a separate Set button, rather than just holding the preset button down. Small, sliding bass and treble controls are harder to adjust than knobs when bouncing around in a pickup truck. Steering wheel audio controls improve this situation with brilliantly designed buttons behind the steering wheel that are easy to use. Likewise, cruise controls on the steering wheel are easy to operate and come packaged with a tilt steering column.

Regular Cab models come fitted with a tray behind the seats big enough to hold a large bucket. Dodge even supplies the bucket, and a tray designed to carry tools and such. Big hooks behind the seats are handy for hanging dry cleaning or plastic shopping bags.

About 80 percent of all Ram buyers opt for the Quad Cab for its ability to carry passengers and shelter cargo. The rear seat is roomy, with enough rake to the seatback to make it comfortable for two adults, though there isn't a lot of legroom. The size of the rear bench makes it suitable for child safety seats, and all three rear seating positions are fitted with tether anchors. With one hand you can flip the Quad Cab's rear seat down. An optional metal frame then folds into place to create a rigid platform designed to support 500 pounds, useful for carrying cargo. The rear doors open 85 degrees, making it easy to get in or load gear, and the rear windows glide all the way down. Overall, the Quad Cab is a friendly, practical design for hauling people and gear.