Dodge Ram backs up its bold looks with powerful engines. It boasts excellent street manners with a smooth ride, quick steering and excellent brakes.
And it comes with a host of significant changes for the new model year: more powerful engines; new front suspensions and steering systems for improved ride, directional stability and steering precision; new brake systems. Two new options have been added to the lineup for 2000, a special off-road package and a luxurious leather SLT Plus package.
Like all other American full-size pickup trucks, the Dodge Ram offers an enormous breadth of choice.
Ram is available in three load ratings: 1500, 2500, and 3500. Five engines are offered: 3.9-liter V6, 5.2-liter V8, 5.9-liter V8, 8.0-liter V10 and a Cummins 5.9-liter diesel inline-6. Every engine comes with a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Rams come with either two- or four-wheel drive. Short and long beds are available.
Both of the popular V8 engines were upgraded last year. The 5.2-liter V8 produces 230 horsepower; the 5.9-liter V8 generates 245 horsepower and an impressive 335 pounds-feet of torque. For 2000, buyers will be able to get either a V10 gasoline engine or a Cummins turbo diesel in a 2500 or a 3500 series truck.
Standard, Club Cab and Quad Cab bodies are available in LT, Laramie SLT, and SST trim levels. Regular-length beds are 6 1/2 feet long, optional long beds are 8 feet long; short and long wheelbase versions are available.
A Sport Plus package comes with 17-inch wheels and tires, suspension upgrades and a 5.9-liter V8 with sport exhausts.
The Ram Off-Road 4x4 packages a recalibrated suspension and LT275/70R17 all-terrain tires mounted to 17-by-8-inch cast aluminum wheels, a unique steering gear for low-speed agility, and a limited-slip differential; the package includes an upsized battery and alternator, auxiliary transmission oil cooler, a larger radiator, front tow hooks, skid plates, fog lamps, heavy-duty service equipment and unique Off-Road decals. This package is available in regular cab and Quad Cab 1500 short-bed four-wheel-drive models.
The upscale SLT Plus package comes with a leather interior, new front driver and passenger power-adjustable heated seats, a rear under-seat storage compartment, CD player with Infinity speakers and remote audio controls in the steering wheel, illuminated vanity mirrors, keyless entry, security alarm, fog lamps and anti-lock brakes.
Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are now standard on all 3500 models. For 2000, Dodge Rams are available in three new colors, including Dark Garnet Red, Sierra Bronze and Patriot Blue.
For the most part, its looks haven't changed. The bold design of the Dodge Ram is reminiscent of big Freightliners steaming down the road with a full load of logs. It is arguably the best-looking pickup on the market.
A number of under-the-skin upgrades have been made including electrocoated frame paint. The Sport package comes with a body-colored grille and front and rear bumpers, decals, fog lamps, outline white letter tires, and cast aluminum wheels. This year there is an even bolder front end with a new grille design and clear-lens lamps on the Ram Sport.
The Quad Cab four-door pickup truck design is said to be as strong as a conventional pickup body shell even though it does not have a pillar between the doors. To improve structural rigidity, Dodge designed a beam that runs laterally under the truck, and reinforced both the A and C pillars. Side door guard beams were also added to improve protection from side impacts.
The Ram Quad Cab is about cavernous space. It offers buyers a roomy interior with conventional front doors and rear-hinged rear doors. The absence of a B-pillar makes it much easier to get in or out of the rear seat; it also makes it much easier to stick something behind the front seats. The door handles for the rear doors are integrated into the front interior face of the door, providing a more secure dual locking system for all four doors when the rear door is locked.
