The Dodge uses welded steel unit-body construction instead of the body-on-frame design employed by the GM and Ford products. Nonetheless, the Dodge is a stout van built to commercial truck standards. It also offers good value. When outfitted in SLT trim, the Dodge Wagon is a comfortable place to spend some long days. A driver's air bag is standard, but anti-lock brakes are optional on all models. The spare tire is mounted in the floor.
Two wheelbases are offered, a short 109.6-inch version and a 127.6-inch platform. Maxi bodies add 26 inches to the overall length of the standard long-wheelbase models for hauling up to 15 passengers. The Maxi Van offers 304.5 cu. ft. of cargo space.
The front suspension consists of upper and lower arms with coil springs, with conventional load-carrying leaf springs at the rear and anti-roll bars at both ends. Overall, this system works well, but it does not boast the ride quality and isolation from road vibration of the Ford and GM vans.
Dodge Ram Vans retail for $17,460 for the short wheelbase and $18,120 for the long wheelbase 1500 models; $18,280 for the short wheelbase, $18,325 for the long wheelbase and $19,975 for the Maxi 2500 models; and $20,915 for the 3500 and $21,490 for the Maxi 3500 models. The Ram Wagons: $20,355 for the 1500, $22,555 for the 2500, $23,755 for the 3500 and $25,565 for the Maxi 3500.
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