Dodge Ram

When it comes to building trucks no one does it better than Dodge. Its flagship model appropriately dubbed "Ram" has proven to be one of the most successful trucks that the automotive world has ever seen. Since its introduction in 1981, the Ram has seen an upward trend in popularity and has become the benchmark for utility trucks around the globe.

The 2013 Ram 1500 is one of the most sophisticatedly styled trucks currently available on the market.  The most famous part of the exterior styling has remained the beautifully meshed grille. However, the truck has not lost its ability to be tough when situations demand it; the chassis has been reworked with high strength steel, which has saved nearly 30 pounds of the overall weight.

The Ram has never been short on power. Three engine variants are currently available, a DOHC 24-valve 3.6-liter V-6 producing 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. Another alternative is a SOHC 16-valve 4.7-liter V-8 with 310 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. Finally, the largest engine is a pushrod 16-valve 5.7-liter V-8 which has 395 hp and 407 lb-ft of torque. This shows how differentiated the power units are according to specific users and their requirements. The engines are mated with a new eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, which replaces the old conventional 4-speed. Attention has also given to features such as a stop-start system to help save fuel and a heat exchanger, which uses engine coolant to warm the transmission oil faster.

The suspension for the new Ram has also been altered. Optional air springs can be installed which enable the driver to change ride height according to the road condition. This helps with increasing ground clearance by nearly 2 inches as well as lowering the ride height if required on motorway cruises. The electronic steering has also helped with a better response with handling. The 4x4 system on the Ram is one of the best in class and really helps the truck get through the rough and difficult situations with respect to mud and sand.

The interior of the Ram could be confused for a luxury sedan. The use of high-class leather and high quality plastics has added a certain suave to the truck that is absent in other vehicles. The entertainment system is one of the most user-friendly models in the market and offers various types of connectivity methods such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.  The buttons are large and easy to use enabling a driver to operate them even with gloves. The soundproofing is also to be mentioned, the Ram is a surprisingly quiet beast from the inside, which makes it comfortable to ride in. The availability of options has also help add a certain level of personalization to the Ram.

Prices for the new Dodge Ram range from $23,585 for the base model to $48,415 for the more elaborate trims.Â