2007 Dodge Ram 1500: What's New

Vehicle Overview
The Ram 1500 pickup changed considerably last year. It gained a new frame, suspension and body mounts, and new headlamps provided 22 percent greater light intensity. Newly available features included a power-sliding rear window, bucket seats, a navigation radio and a DVD entertainment system. Four-wheel-drive models have a standard electronic transfer case and Hemi-equipped Rams have fuel-saving cylinder deactivation technology.

For 2007, Ram 1500 models with cloth seats get new YES Essentials stain-, odor- and static-resistant seat fabric. An electronic stability system and remote starter are optional.

Dodge’s Ram is available in 1500, 2500 and 3500 versions, which translates to half-, three-quarter- and one-ton ratings, respectively. Ram pickups come in regular cab and four-door Quad Cab body styles. Light-duty Rams can have V-6 or V-8 power, while heavy-duty models can have V-8 or diesel power. A sunroof is available on Quad Cab models, and Sirius Satellite Radio is offered. A Power Wagon version of the 2500 pickup is available. Dodge also offers a Mega Cab model.
(Skip to details on the: 2500 | 3500 | Mega Cab)

Exterior
Regular-cab Rams can be equipped with a 6.3-foot cargo bed, ride a 120.5-inch wheelbase and stretch to 207.7 inches long overall. With an 8-foot cargo bed, the Ram has a 140.5-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 229.7 inches.

Quad Cab pickups, with four conventional front-hinged doors, can also be equipped with the two bed sizes and are 20 inches longer in both wheelbase and overall length. The rear doors open 85 degrees to ease access. All models have a chrome grille, while the Laramie gets chrome bodyside moldings. A body-colored grille goes on Rams with the Sport Appearance Group. Hoods have a pronounced crown that falls toward the front fenders.

Interior
A front bench seat holds up to three occupants in a 40/20/40 configuration. A center business console can hold a laptop computer, and the center portion offers under-cushion storage.

Quad Cab models have a folding rear seat. Leather upholstery and adjustable pedals are standard in the Laramie model.

Under the Hood
The standard 3.7-liter V-6 produces 215 horsepower. Rams can be equipped with an available 235-hp, 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 that can run on regular unleaded fuel, E85 or a combination of the two. A 345-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is also available. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a four-speed automatic is optional. With the 4.7- or 5.7-liter engine, the automatic is a five-speed unit. Rear- and four-wheel-drive models are available.

Safety
All-disc brakes with a rear-wheel antilock feature are standard. Four-wheel ABS is standard in the Laramie. Side curtain airbags and an electronic stability system are optional.

Driving Impressions
The Ram 1500 is a light-duty truck, but it seems big in every way — including its reaction to bumps and holes in the road. Although the suspension regains control fairly quickly, quite a bit of jolting occurs in city driving. The ride improves on the highway.

The Ram 1500 is easy to drive and steer, and it responds predictably. A four-wheel-drive version maneuvers capably and takes curves passably well at modest speeds. Three adults fit adequately in a regular cab when the immense center armrest/storage box is raised.

2500
The 2500 Power Wagon edition holds a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 that cranks out 345 hp and 375 pounds-feet of torque. Either a six-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic can be installed. Special features include locking front and rear differentials, an electronically disconnecting front sway bar and a custom-built 12,000-pound winch. Polished, forged-aluminum 17-inch wheels hold 33-inch BFGoodrich tires.

Regular 2500 pickups are available with a diesel engine or the Hemi V-8. Serving as a replacement for the Cummins 5.9-liter turbo-diesel inline-six-cylinder beginning in January 2007, a newly optional Cummins 6.7-liter turbo-diesel inline-six develops 350 hp and 610 pounds-feet of torque (650 with the new six-speed automatic transmission).

Ram 2500 pickups with the regular cab have an 8-foot cargo bed, ride a 140.5-inch wheelbase and measure 229.7 inches long overall. Quad Cab models come with either a 6.3- or 8-foot cargo bed and ride a 140.5- or 160.5-inch wheelbase. All heavy-duty Ram models have a Sweptline (slab-sided) cargo bed. A remote starter is optional for 2007.

A Ram 2500 with the Hemi V-8 sounds and feels like a muscle car when pushed, though it settles down quietly for ordinary use. Performance is this Ram’s strong point, but it’s accompanied by a seriously lumpy ride over uneven pavement. Steering is confident for a full-size pickup, but the back wheels spin easily on wet pavement when the bed is empty.

Long seat bottoms in the Ram 2500 offer an easy-chair experience. Interior space is plentiful, especially in the Quad Cab. Overall, the Ram 2500 doesn’t feel much like a typical heavy-duty pickup. Back to top

3500
Ram 3500 powertrains are similar to the 2500 series, which means buyers have a choice of a 330-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 or a newly optional Cummins 6.7-liter turbo-diesel inline-six that replaces the 5.9-liter inline-six-cylinder diesel starting in January 2007. Regular-cab Ram 3500 models have dual rear wheels, but Quad Cab pickups can have single or dual rear wheels. A remote starter is optional for 2007, and a new chassis cab model is offered. Back to top

Mega Cab
Dodge calls the Ram Mega Cab model the longest-cab pickup truck ever. Measuring 111.1 inches long, the cab offers 71 cubic feet of cargo volume (7.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat). Dodge also claims the Ram Mega Cab has, at 44.2 inches, the most second-row legroom in its class. Built on a 160.5-inch wheelbase, the Mega Cab model stretches to 247.7 inches long overall. Either the 345-hp Hemi V-8 or the turbo-diesel engine can be installed. YES Essentials stain-, odor- and static-resistant seat fabric is new for 2007, and a remote starter is newly optional. Back to top