2007 Dodge Ram 1500 [ 2008 ]
Dodge Ram 1500
Overall Score - 6.8 (Mediocre)
The Ram 1500 delivers a traditional big-truck ride with power and interior space to spare, but can't match the fuel economy, safety features and maneuverability of others in its class. If you're in the market for a full size pickup, you should also consider the GMC Sierra 1500 and Ford F-150.
Reviewers generally agree that the 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 is a powerful off-road vehicle and comfortable everyday ride with plenty of big-truck attitude. The Ram first debuted in 1981, and the current model is an updated version from the third generation, which began in 2003 with a major overhaul. "The Dodge Ram 1500 can handle the diverse duties of comfortable daily driver and capable workhorse with equal ease," says Edmunds. Dodge has announced a 2009 redesign that will include improved towing and payload capacities, an improved Hemi engine and interior changes.
Kelley Blue Book says, "With an available 345-horsepower V8, the Ram 1500 is one of the most powerful pickups in its class." However, the reviewer cautions that the generously-proportioned 1500 may be just a bit too much truck, and those who "commute through the suburbs on a daily basis, may want to try something a bit smaller, such as the mid-size Dodge Dakota."
Starting in 2005, the Ram became available in an even larger version built on the Ram 2500 platform -- a four-door Mega Cab, which features a 76.3-inch cargo box and 21.6 extra cubic feet of cab space. Reviewers especially like the Mega Cab, which USA TODAY calls "a smooth, powerful, comfortable, prince of a pickup with limousine-like passenger space best suited to those who are big-truck friendly and don't need class-leading payload ratings."
The majority of reviewers see the 1500's sticker price as comparatively high, even for the base model. USA TODAY notes, "It's expensive," and adds that "you can run the tab past $50,000." But the Orlando Sentinel adds in a caveat, noting that despite the high sticker, the 1500 packs in a lot for the buck, especially in Mega Cab configuration: "Remember that all Mega Cabs, even the 1500 model, are heavy-duty, and all come with a lot of features. There are no stripped-down Mega Cab models." Unfortunately, value over time doesn't help offset the initial cost. IntelliChoice gives the two-wheel-drive base model a "Poor" value rating (the lowest possible), based on total cost of ownership compared to others in its class. The four-door base model gets a slightly better rating of "Worse Than Average."
The Ram 1500 comes in several trims and sizes. The model with the smallest cabin, the two-door Regular Cab, is available in ST, SLT, Sport and TRX4 Off-Road trims. The next size up, the four-door Quad Cab, is also available in the ultra-luxury Laramie trim. The largest 1500, the Mega Cab, is only available in the SLT and Laramie trims. Powertrain choices and box sizes vary by trim.
Ram 1500 Performance - 6.9 (Mediocre)
Most test drivers say the 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 drives adequately for such a large and heavy truck. "On the road, the central revelation is how this truck, big as it is, drives smaller. The four-wheel disc brakes are effective, handling is better than you'd think, and its weight is only oppressive when you jam the Mega Cab into a tight turn," says Edmunds. continue
Ram 1500 Exterior - 8.1 (Very Good)
Auto writers generally see the 2007 Dodge Ram 1500's exterior styling as macho and bold. The Detroit News exclaims that "it's got the demeanor of a monster truck," and Kelley Blue Book says, "The bulging Ram exterior gives this truck a brutish, muscular appearance." continue
Ram 1500 Interior - 7.6 (Good)
Reviewers generally see the 2007 Dodge Ram 1500's three-seat (six-seat-optional) interior as comfortable and relatively refined, and especially spacious in its Mega Cab version. Of the Mega, AutoWeek finds that "there really is a ton of room inside, enough to seat seemingly dozens of people (six in reality, quite comfortably), with a limo-esque 44 inches of legroom in the back seat." Cargo space and interior storage for small items also delight almost every reviewer. continue
Ram 1500 Safety - NA
The 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 does well in federal government crash tests. However, reviewers are generally disappointed with the lack of standard safety features. The Detroit News comments, "In terms of safety, Dodge apparently is convinced that the key is size and not equipment." continue
Ram 1500 Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Ram 1500 is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. continue
