So, you want a truck. And not just any truck. You want rough-and-tumble “real” pickup made right here in the USA. Well, that narrows your options down to just a few brands. One option is the Ram truck — long a stalwart on the popularity front. And just what makes a Ram truck a great choice? Let’s take a look.
The Situation
The Ram truck brand has reached the apotheosis of the truck world, as demonstrated by sales numbers over the last few decades. Over time, it has gained a rep for durability, a comfortable ride, and for trucks that look like … trucks.
See also:
History
Before you check out the latest great Ram lease deals, a little backstory is in order. The first gen of Dodge Ram pickup trucks rolled out during 1981 and 1993, although Dodge had been manufacturing vehicles since 1917. These Rams were well equipped with a 3.7-liter 95-horsepower slant six, a 5.2-liter 140-horsepower V8, and a 5.9-liter V8 that made 170 horses.
There were no major changes to these beasts until 1988-1989, with the introduction of electronic fuel injection and new powerplants. Dodge Ram had a notable year in 1994; new models were hits. The company combined engine upgrades from the year before with a car-like interior and real “truck looks.” There were new model designations – the half-ton truck was now the 1500, for example – and trim levels.
Dodge and Ram broke up in 2009, causing concern among enthusiasts but ultimately freeing Ram to focus on what it knows best – trucks.
Ram 1500
The 2021 Ram 1500 offers a range of workhorse engines from the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gas engine with eTorque mild hybrid powertrain, to the two available HEMI V-8 engines and efficient 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 powerplant. If you marry this potency to features such as the optional multifunction tailgate with 60/40 split doors, you’ll see how the truck makes simple work of your towing and hauling needs. Also, a new high-performance TRX model debuts this model year.
The 1500 gets high marks for their powerful engines, cushioned ride, easy-to-use infotainment system, and a roomy, luxurious interior. The Ram’s interior – which includes two spacious rows — is outfitted with soft-touch materials and a plethora of technological features. The Ram 1500, which has no major weaknesses, has a base sticker of $32,595.
Performance Features
More than engine sizes, Ram offers a veritable cornucopia of features that render certain tasks much easier. Those features include:
- Hill Start Assist: You don’t want your truck to roll backward at a stop. This prevents that. It also guides you through steep inclines.
- Integrated Trailer Hitch: No need to buy a hitch; the truck comes with the ability to have a trailer easily and securely connected to it.
- Four Corner Air Suspension. This handles auto leveling and load adjustment. Drivers can use air springs to adjust the truck’s height. To maximize fuel economy, the truck will also lower at higher speeds.
Creature Comforts
Don’t let the pleasingly brutish “truck looks” and powerful engines fool you: comfort features and amenities abound in these rigs.
Some cabin accoutrement includes a large uConnect touchscreen, digital instrument cluster display, active noise cancellation, 900-watt Harmon-Kardon premium sound system, panoramic roof, and terrific legroom. And these are but a taste of some of the amenities that Ram trucks offer.
What makes a Ram truck a great choice? Well, now you know. The Ram truck brand has been around forever and shows no sign of disappearing. In fact, the brand is growing. Test drive a Ram truck today.
