For decades, the Dodge offerings in the full-size pickup truck segment soldiered on mostly under the radar. Sales were adequate, but it wasn't until the Dodge Ram 1500 received a major redesign in the mid-1990s that consumers snapped to attention and checked out their neighborhood Dodge dealer.

The previous-generation Dodge Ram 1500 pickup was produced for 2002 through 2008. Trim levels included the basic ST, the volume-seller SLT and the plush Laramie (which replaced the SLT Plus in 2003). Club and Quad Cabs were offered, with the stretched Mega Cab arriving in 2006. Initially, two of the three engine options were new: a 3.7-liter V6 (215 hp) available only on the 2WD regular cab and a 4.7-liter V8 (235 hp). An older but torquey 5.9-liter V8 (245 hp) preceded the arrival of the 5.7-liter V8 Hemi (345 hp) in 2004, and for the 2007 model year the 4.7 V8 got a power boost to 310 hp. Transmissions were steadily updated: Five-speed manuals gave way to six-speeds, and four-speed automatics were replaced by five-speeds.

The light-duty Ram 1500 models are 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 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.

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All Rams come standard with big four-wheel disc brakes that are smooth and easy to modulate. The Ram's rigid chassis minimizes road vibration.

Quad Cab models have a folding rear seat. Long seat bottoms in the Ram 2500 offer an easy-chair experience. A sunroof is available on Quad Cab models, and Sirius Satellite Radio is offered. The Dodge Ram offers big power and big capabilities. Dodge Ram is available as a Regular Cab or four-door Quad Cab. The Mega Cab is the biggest in the group. Two bed lengths are available and several engines are offered: A 3.7-liter overhead-cam V6, 4.7-liter V8, and the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Five-speed automatic is optional with the 4.7-liter V8 and standard with the 5.7-liter. The available 20-inch wheels reduce towing capacity by about 1,000 pounds. The 2007 Dodge Ram presents a bold, distinctive appearance with its big horse-collar grille and Freightliner fenders. Rams sit relatively high off the ground, particularly the four-wheel-drive models. 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. From its mammoth big-rig grille on back, Ram Mega Cab ranks high on the macho scale. All heavy-duty Ram models have a Sweptline (slab-sided) cargo bed.