Test Drive: 2010 Ram 1500 Laramie Edition

Pickup trucks are not just for hauling construction supplies and towing horse trailers anymore.  While sales were down in 2009 for every major manufacturer, U.S. consumers still purchased more than 1.4 million pickup trucks.

Trucks remain popular and therefore, automakers continue to give consumers options ranging from small to large and basic utility to sheer luxury.  The 2010 Ram 1500 Laramie Edition is clearly in the big and luxury columns.

As a former HUMMER H2 owner, I like big vehicles.  There is something about their practical utility and bodacious image that make you feel invincible.  When I stepped into the 2010 1500 Laramie that Ram sent for review, I felt like I was back in my old H2 but with upgrades.

The leather seats are comfortably wide and—like the H2—they can warm your body when it’s cold.  However—unlike the H2—the Laramie seats can also cool your body when it’s hot because, in addition to being heated, they also are ventilated.

Another advantage the 1500 Laramie has over my former HUMMER is very good rear access.  This crew cab has large rear doors making it easy for passengers to enter and exit.  Rear leg room and shoulder room are quite ample allowing three-- maybe four, depending on size-- guests to ride in comfort almost matching the driver and front passenger.

Of course, the true mettle of a pickup truck is its utility.  In the case of the Ram 1500 Laramie edition, the crew cab configuration allows for the shortest payload length in the 1500 lineup; just 67.4 inches.  However, my test model was equipped with an extender allowing you to open the tailgate to accommodate and secure longer items.

This truck also provides several storage options including two glove compartments; a deep, split-level center console; and map pockets on the inside.  Outside, the 1500 Laramie has fairly deep, lockable side storage boxes on both sides of the payload area providing good space to securely keep tools or other items.

Under the hood, the Ram 1500 Laramie has the venerable 5.7-Liter HEMI V-8 engine which produces 390 horsepower and 407 lb-ft of torque.  Acceleration is brisk; cruising is smooth.  And, if you have something to tow, the muscular powertrain allows you to pull up to 9,900 pounds and carry a maximum payload of 1,430 pounds.

Features

Standard features on the Ram 1500 Laramie Edition include remote keyless entry, security alarm, tire pressure monitor, SIRIUS satellite radio, heated and leather wrapped steering wheel, 20-inche chrome wheels, and more.

Optional features on the test model included leather-trimmed bucket seats, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, rear park assist system, RamBox cargo management system, and more.

Summary

The Ram 1500 Laramie Edition is a good combination of size, strength and suppleness.  It provides the comfort you expect from a luxury SUV and the utility you expect from the average pickup truck.  If you are in the market for a truck, do not write this one off before you give it a serious look.

Editor’s Note:  While the Ram series is America’s #3 selling full-size pickup behind the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado, MotorWeek—television’s original automotive newsmagazine—has named the Ram series its 2010 Drivers’ Choice Award winner for the second consecutive year.

Test Drive: 2009 Dodge Challenger

This Challenger Fails to Meet the Challenge

Detroit’s mid-decade desire to return to the glory days of muscle cars resulted in well-received concepts from the each of the “Big 3” automakers. At Chrysler’s Dodge division, that meant the return of the Challenger.

I was excited about this car when it appeared in concept form at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Dodge designers had clearly recaptured the muscular magnificence of Challenger’s past, creating a look that had me salivating at the thought of one day driving one. It took a while, but that day finally came and I found myself less than impressed.

Having driven a Chrysler 300 SRT-8 with the 6.1 liter HEMI V-8 engine-- loving its quick acceleration and taut, muscular feel-- I was extremely disappointed to find that the Challenger R/T, equipped with the 5.7 liter HEMI V-8, produced little-- if any-- feeling of muscular power. Everything about the driving experience—seating, steering, acceleration—felt loose. It was not what I expected. Yes, the Challenger R/T had power, but it felt more like big touring sedan power than muscle coupe power. I felt like I was driving a boat, not a sports car.

Maybe I need the perspective of having driven a late 70’s model Challenger, like the “General Lee,” featured in the television series “The Dukes of Hazzard.”

My guess is the Challenger SRT-8 is tight. My experience with the challenger R/T was not. Sales seem to bear this out. The Challenger lags behind the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang.

Features

Standard features on the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T test model included remote keyless entry, day/night rear view mirror, cruise control and AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with 4-speaker sound. SIRIUS Satellite Radio was the only added option.

Summary

As 21st Century muscle cars go, the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T has the look, but doesn’t completely deliver on performance. I expected a lot more.