2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Exterior Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 40 Ram-1500 reviews and test drives.
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500's macho and bold exterior ranks at the top of its class, and is the truck's strongest selling point. The Detroit News says "it's got the demeanor of a monster truck." Automotive.com adds, "Arguably, the Ram is the best-looking truck on the market. Its styling is bold and handsome, even more so in its latest incarnation."
In 2005, Dodge tweaked the styling, giving the 1500 a new six-sided chrome grille and large, angular headlights. The lights provide 22 percent more light intensity and 40 percent improved beam spectrum than pre-2005 models. Motor Trend explains, "Dodge Ram's distinguished and bold 'big rig' design is expressed in greater magnitude" in the new 1500, adding, "A fully chromed, ingot-like grille highlights a massive front bumper, to create a bold, protective appearance."
Predictably, the most prominent facet of the Ram 1500's appearance is that it's simply gigantic. The Detroit News notes that "what you do get is a truck that looks extremely imposing, especially if it's looming large in your rearview mirror." The truck is even larger in its Mega Cab flavor, which takes a long-box Dodge Ram 2500 and replaces its 98.3-inch bed with a 76.3-inch box. That means the truck is over 20 feet long with a wheelbase that is "nearly as long as an entire PT Cruiser," says the Arizona Republic. In fact, the Mega is so big that the Detroit News calls it "nearly the equivalent of owning a second home."
The Mega Cab's massive appearance may be pleasing to macho-minded buyers, but it isn't without its downsides. Aside from making the truck difficult to park and maneuver, it presents a disadvantage for height-challenged passengers, especially since running boards are not standard. The Detroit News says: "You have to be fairly agile to get in there -- or else carry a step-stool. It struck me as odd, because with all the standard stuff you get on the new Mega Cab, including things like steering wheel-mounted audio controls, heated front seats and a rear power-sliding window, the one thing you don't get are running boards."
