Ram review

1. Introduction

Of all the American pick-up trucks, the Dodge Ram is by far the most commonly seen on UK roads, simply as a consequence of the vehicle being made available through official importers back in 2006. However, the fact that the truck was only on offer here in 1500 Quad Cab form and with a choice of just two models, the 5.7-litre 4x4 and the 8.3-litre SRT-10 4x2, was something of a disappointment to British customers wishing to make an Arnold Schwarzenegger-like statement of excess. Furthermore, as this supply line dried up after just six months, it’s only with great difficulty that used models can be sourced on the second hand market.
Thankfully, for those wanting a US truck with zero compromise, the personal importer channels are still open, offering to bring the vehicle over in a wider and more extravagant variety of forms. With its huge dimensions and ultra aggressive stance, the Ram is a vehicle that presents a defiant index finger to concerns of global warming and rising oil prices. If you’re worried about running costs, investing in the model is about as sensible as scaling the Empire State Building when you suffer from vertigo.
Even Dodge has recently considered it sensible to dispense with the range’s 8.0-litre V10 and 8.3-litre units, and the 2008 model only comes with the 5.7-litre V8 Hemi taken from Dodge and Chrysler’s range of sedans, together with a 6.7-litre power house that’s fitted to the largest models.

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