Whether you drive a pickup because you haul and tow cargo regularly, whether you drive a pickup because you like the performance, or whether you drive it because you like its looks, the 2011 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 is well worth your attention. The Dodge Ram 1500 is an excellent vehicle that is popular with many buyers. For the new model year, the 2011 Dodge Ram will probably see a difference in its engine choices. There should be no major differences to the style, but some features may be changed or moved to different trim levels. The new Ram 1500 should be available in the fall of 2010.

Specifications

The following specs are what we know about the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500:

• Pricing: this half-ton rig falls into the $22,000 to $48,000 price range, depending on your cab selection, bed length, engine choice, and other options.
• Fuel economy: official EPA fuel estimates haven?t been released for the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500, but the V8 models should be similar to this year?s. A Hemi V8 engine is likely to have 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway.
• Engine: The manufacturer has outfitted its basic pickup model with its all-new Chrysler Pentastar V-8 engine. A power upgrade from the 3.7 liter V-6 that formerly powered the Ram 1500, the Pentastar 4.7-liter engine, with twin cams and 280 horsepower, represents a significant advance. For heavy-duty propulsion, Dodge?s 5.7 Hemi Magnum V-8 engine tows heavy loads effortlessly with 390 hp and 407 pound-feet of torque.
• Drivetrain Choose between 2 or 4 wheel drive according to your intended usage, and your transmission options include manual or the fuel-efficient 5 speed automatic.
• Acceleration: 0 to 60 time for last year?s four-wheel-drive model was 7.6 seconds. With the engine changes, that time could change.
• Car safety features: safety features should continue unchanged for the new model year. These include side curtain airbags as well as an antiskid system that controls trailer sway.
• Suspension: The Ram 1500 uses a coil-spring suspension that gives the vehicle a car-like ride.
• Warranty: three-year/36,000 mile basic warranty; five-year/100,000 mile power train and corrosion warranties; three-year/36,000 mile roadside assistance

Exterior Features

The 2011 model of the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 stays with its aggressive, lead-with-the-chin profile that garnered kudos with the previous year?s model. Part of this style?s allure is that it adds function to form. The body style is aerodynamic, cutting gas consumption on the highway, and reduces wind resistance noise. Dodge offers the 2011 Ram 1500 in three cab options: standard two-door, extended Quad Cab, or the full-size Crew Cab with full-size back seating. These three cab styles will be offered as follows: a regular cab with two doors, and extended cab with two regular doors and two small rear doors, and a crew cab with four regular-sized doors. Two cargo beds are also likely to be offered; one 6.3 feet long, the other 8 feet long. A rear step bumper, automatic headlights, and 17-inch wheels come standard. Bed liners, heated door mirrors, and running boards should be available as options.

Interior Features

The interior of the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 should remain similar to its current configuration. A variety of trim levels should be available to meet the needs of all sorts of truck owners, including a basic truck that will be a good company workhorse, a Sport model, and a luxury Laramie trim. Features will vary by trim level. The basic model should offer air conditioning, a stereo with a CD player, and an auxiliary audio port. Higher level trims will offer options like leather upholstery, navigation, Bluetooth compatibility, an upgraded audio system, and remote engine start.

Your passengers will luxuriate in the comfort of this rig?s roomy 3-person front bench seat and optional rear seat video including surround sound features. You can add satellite TV and voice-activated navigation capability, too. For road trips in style, choose the lined rear wells option to accommodate the beverages of your choice plus ice. Add on a Ram Box cargo bed with lockable plastic bins for all your tools and toys, and you?re good to go anywhere.

Performance

The Dodge Ram is a vehicle that offers a comfortable ride, and even has car-like qualities. The engines are powerful, and the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 should offer excellent performance. The Hemi engine should be able to tow up to 10,250 pounds when equipped for towing. The Ram 1500 is offered in rear and four-wheel drive models. Current Ram trucks are available with four or five speed automatic transmissions.

Your family will appreciate the smooth ride afforded by the Ram 1500. Utilizing coil springs in its rear suspension rather than the stiffer rear leaf springs installed in most pickups, the Dodge Ram 1500 rides more like a limo than a hay wagon. Reviewers rave about the stability of the ride and the ample power of the Hemi engine. Not only is this rig smooth, it?s snappy, going from 0 to 60 mph in a scant 6 seconds. But with the 5-speed automatic Hemi V-8, it?s no gas hog. 13 city and 18 highway deliver un-truck-like fuel efficiency.

Pros

The pros of purchasing a 2011 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 abound. Compared to other vehicles in its class, the Ram rises to the top echelon. A smooth, stable ride, better fuel efficiency than similar pickups, top of the line audio/visual tech features, and plenty of power to tow optimum loads make this rig a top contender.