2006 Dodge Ram 3500 Review (continued)
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Summary

The Dodge Ram offers big power and big capabilities. 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, tweaked for 2006, makes it stand out in a rapidly improving field. Ram Quad Cab models offer a brilliant combination of comfort and utility. Even Regular Cabs are generously roomy and are thoughtfully set up to accommodate gear behind the seat. The responsive 4.7-liter V8 delivers good acceleration and gets the job done; it's paired well with a five-speed automatic transmission that's smooth and responsive. The 5.7-liter Hemi delivers strong acceleration performance and is an excellent choice for towing; its real-world fuel economy should improve with the new MDS system. The V10-powered SRT-10 makes you feel like you're qualifying for a NASCAR Craftsman Truck race.

New Car Test Drive editor Mitch McCullough reported from Los Angeles, with Sam Moses in San Antonio. John Katz contributed to this report.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab ST 2WD SWB ($20,800), Regular Cab ST 4WD SWB ($25,055); Quad Cab SLT 2WD LWB ($27,920); Regular Cab Sport 2WD SWB ($29,210); Regular Cab Laramie 2WD SWB ($29,220); Quad Cab Laramie 4WD LWB ($35,970); Regular Cab SRT-10 ($47,605); Quad Cab SRT-10 ($51,810)
Engines:	5.7-liter Hemi Magnum overhead-valve V8
Transmissions:	five-speed automatic
Saftey Equipment (standard):	rear-wheel ABS, dual front multi-stage airbags
Saftey Equipment (optional):	side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags for front and rear seats; four-wheel ABS
Basic Warranty:	3 years/50,000 miles
Assembled In:	St. Louis, Missouri; Warren, Michigan; Saltillo, Mexico

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab Laramie 4WD SWB ($35,640)
Standard Equipment:	dual-zone air conditioning, 5-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel ABS, tilt steering column, speed control, power windows w driver-side auto-down, power locks w keyless entry, tachometer, security alarm, power adjustable pedals, AM/FM/CD, steering-wheel audio controls, deluxe overhead console, leather-trimmed seats, split folding rear seat, rear underseat compartment, auxiliary power outlet, fog lamps, P265/70R17 all-season tires on 17x8-inch cast-aluminum wheels
Options As Tested (MSRP):	5.7-liter V8 ($995); anti-spin differential ($285); 3.92 axle ratio ($50); H Package ($960) includes seven-speaker Infinity audio, 6-CD changer, MP3, and Sirius; Protection Group ($140) includes tow hooks, skid plates; trailer tow package ($335); heated front seats ($140); under-rail bed liner ($245)
Destination Charge:	900
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	39690
Layout:	four-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	345 @ 5400
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	375 @ 4200
Transmission:	five-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	13/17
Wheelbase:	140.5
Length/width/height:	227.7/79.5/75.9
Track, f/r:	68.0/67.9
Turning circle:	46.0
Seating capacity:	6
Head/hip/leg room, f:	40.8/64.9/41.0
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:	40.0/64.6/36.7
Cargo volume:
Payload:	1250
Towing capacity:	8350
Suspension, f:	independent, double-wishbone, coil springs over gas-charged shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Suspension, r:	live axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs, gas-charged shock absorbers
Ground clearance:	9.5
Curb weight:	5486
Tires:	P265/70R17
Brakes, f/r:	disc/disc with four-wheel ABS
Fuel capacity:	26.0