Dodge Ram Review - 2007

A popular truck that stands up to competition, the Dodge Ram is good looking and powerful.  From its trademark grill to its stylish angles, the Ram stands out in the sea of trucks. There are many body types and variations offered on the 2007 Ram, including two and four door cabs, plus a Mega Cab, and two bed lengths. The Ram comes standard with all-disc brakes with a rear-wheel antilock feature and ABS is standard on the Laramie trim.  Several engines are offered: A 3.7-liter overhead-cam V6, 4.7-liter V8, and the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard with the 3.7-liter V6 and 4.7-liter V8.  Five-speed automatic is optional with the 4.7-liter V8 and standard with the 5.7-liter.

Ram Style and Design

The 2007 Dodge Ram carries a big horse-collar grille and Freightliner fenders, suggesting a bold a powerful appearance. The headlamps cut back deeper into the fenders, and a flattened front bumper on Sport and Laramie emphasizes Ram's big-rig image. All heavy-duty Ram models have a Sweptline (slab-sided) cargo bed. A slot in the front bumper aids engine cooling and air conditioner performance. Ram's trademark front grille remains one of the most instantly recognizable front ends on the road. Tailgate load height is 35 inches on four-wheel-drive models, and a little over 33-1/2 inches with two-wheel-drive. The long bed adds 20 inches to the wheelbase of a Dodge Ram. And a Quad Cab wheelbase is 20 inches longer than a Regular Cab. So a Quad Cab long bed has 40 more inches of wheelbase than a Regular Cab short bed. Long-bed Rams also get a bigger fuel tank, 35 gallons in place of the standard 26.  From its mammoth big-rig grille on back, Ram Mega Cab ranks high on the macho scale. Visually, the extra cab length can be noticed behind the rear doors.  A body-colored grille goes on Rams with the Sport Appearance Group. 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.

Body Types

Ram Regular Cabs

These are the smallest models, starting with the light-duty Ram 1500.  The regular cabs drive smooth and refined. 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.  The Ram 1500 is easy to steer, and it responds predictably.  The Ram 1500 pickup changed considerably for 2007. Four-wheel-drive models have a standard electronic transfer case and Hemi-equipped Rams have fuel-saving cylinder deactivation technology.   Ram 1500 models come with cloth seats that have YES Essentials stain-, odor- and static-resistant seat fabric. An electronic stability system and remote starter are optional.

Ram Quad Cabs

Ram Quad Cab models offer a greater cabin space and an excellent combination of comfort and utility. The 4.7-liter V8 is responsive, and delivers good acceleration.  It is paired well with the smooth, responsive five-speed automatic. The 5.7-liter Hemi delivers strong acceleration performance and is an excellent choice for towing.   Quad Cab models come with either a 6.3- or 8-foot cargo bed and ride a 140.5- or 160.5-inch wheelbase.

Dodge Ram Mega Cab

This is the biggest Dodge Ram in the family, and, considering its size and heft, it drives pretty well; certainly no worse than any big pickup.  The wheelbase is 160.5 inches, the overall length is 247.7 inches, and the curb weight comes in at 6,529 pounds. The transmission is a five-speed automatic, and the Mega Cab gets an EPA rating of 14 city, 18 highway. Dodge calls the Ram Mega Cab model the longest-cab pickup truck ever. 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.  Overall the Mega Cab offers huge interior space, decent drivability, powerful engine.

2007 Ram Lineup

ST starts as the base truck and comes standard with air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo, rear-wheel ABS, 17-inch steel wheels and a full-size spare tire. Options include a bed liner, trailer tow mirrors, speed control, four-wheel ABS, power adjustable pedals, 17-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, and a power sliding rear window for the Quad Cab.

SLT is next in line.  It comes standard with the 4.7-liter V8, six-disc CD changer, power windows and door locks, keyless entry, overhead console with mini-trip computer and compass, speed control, and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Options include a navigation system, Sirius Satellite Radio, UConnect Bluetooth hands-free wireless communication, bucket seats with leather upholstery, six-way power driver seat and 20-inch aluminum wheels. A power sunroof and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system are available for SLT Quad Cabs.

The Laramie offers a hint of luxury and comfort.  It comes standard with dual-zone climate control, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, four-wheel ABS, security alarm, and Sentry Key engine immobilizer. Leather seats are standard, with a split 40/20/40 bench up front and power adjustment for the driver. The Ram Sport, an option package comes with the Hemi engine and five-speed automatic transmission, unique cloth-faced bucket seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, body-color grille and bumper fascia, fog lamps, and 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels.

Dodge Ram Cabin

The Ram's cabin sets a comfortable and pleasing mood.  The controls are well-appointed, and there is a load of luxury features. Quad Cab models have a folding rear seat. Leather upholstery and adjustable pedals are standard in the Laramie model.  Long seat bottoms in the Ram 2500 offer an easy-chair experience. Interior space is plentiful, especially in the Quad Cab. A sunroof is available on Quad Cab models, and Sirius Satellite Radio is offered.  An Electronic Stability Program and remote start are available.  Safety features include optional side-curtain airbags designed to provide head protection in a side impact or rollover. 

Engine Options

The power a Dodge Ram puts out depends on its engine, and there are a few variations.  Fuel efficiency is enhanced on all Ram 1500s by reduce-drag brake calipers and low-rolling-resistance tires. On four-wheel-drive models, the standard transfer case is electronically controlled, and a front-axle disconnect system reduces friction in 2WD mode. Ram's optional Hemi engine delivers power and efficiency, and is the most popular model used.  Ram's standard 4.7-liter V8, while not as powerful as the Hemi, delivers responsive performance and is smooth and sophisticated, benefiting from a modern overhead-cam design. Full-time four-wheel drive (all-wheel drive) is available with the 4.7-liter V8 for improved stability in slippery conditions.    The Hemi's peak power and torque ratings are 345 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 375 pound-feet of at 4200.   Equipped with the 4.7-liter, the Ram feels eager around town and on winding roads. The 4.7-liter V8 revs higher than an overhead-valve engine and generates 235 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. The optional five-speed automatic is responsive.

Towing Capabilities

Trailer towing capacities range from 2,900 pounds for the V6 to 9,100 pounds for a Hemi 2WD Regular Cab.  A 4WD Quad Cab with the 4.7-liter and automatic transmission is rated to pull a 7,050-pound trailer with the 3.92 rear axle ratio.  For a different view on the Dodge Ram, read an Edmunds.com review.  The available 20-inch wheels reduce towing capacity by about 1,000 pounds.  For more details on pricing and specs, click here.