The 2013 Ram 1500: What the critics say

PickupTrucks.com

Ram trucks have consistently finished behind Fords and Chevys in U.S. pickup sales, but “a lot of big and small changes” to the new 1500 series could overturn the pecking order. The new 1500 has been built lighter yet stronger, offering mechanical and aerodynamic features that make it more fuel-efficient than its competitors. The team at Ram—a Chrysler subsidiary spun off from Dodge in 2009—clearly worked to create a segment leader, “not just a good-enough replacement for the previous Ram.”

Edmunds.com

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up

This Ram delivers in ways you’d “never expect from just looking at it.” Outside, it appears little changed, but the new fuel-efficient, 305-hp V6 engine delivers significantly improved power, allowing this version to climb hills or pull loads “with no thrashing or shortness of breath.” An optional air suspension “keeps the vehicle at its normal ride height no matter how the truck is loaded.”

Automobile

“Inside, the Ram remains the most pleasant and luxurious pickup truck you can buy.” On winding roads, the truck feels “tall, bulky, and a bit clumsy,” but on straight runs it delivers a “uniquely comfortable” ride. Ram has carved out a niche for itself as “a gentleman’s truck,” and that’s not a bad niche to own.