2004 DODGE RAM 2500 REGULAR CAB 4X2 NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500?
Diesel engine lovers can appreciate the Dodge Ram 2500’s new Cummins 600 motor, which makes 600 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,600 rpm and 325 horsepower at 2,900 rpm. With this engine and the proper equipment, tow ratings rise to 16,400 pounds and a GCWR of 23,000 pounds. Oil change intervals for this turbodiesel engine are 15,000 miles, and zero-throttle starts are possible with the standard six-speed manual transmission. Otherwise, for 2004, the Dodge Ram 2500 sees minor changes. Models equipped with the Cummins high-output turbodiesel engine have a new automatic transmission, and there’s an Off-Road package available. Laramie models are dressed up with chrome grille accents, chrome side moldings, silver interior trim and improved leather upholstery. All Quad Cabs come equipped with adjustable rear head restraints, Deep Molten Red is a new color selection, and the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 can be equipped with a navigation radio and Uconnect Bluetooth wireless communications technology. The Magnum V10 engine has been dropped from the lineup this year.

Advantages of the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500:

• Front seat comfort
• Interior materials look and feel better than some competitors’
• Class-leading low-rpm torque with turbodiesel engine

Objections to the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500:

• Quad Cab’s rear seat is very small and uncomfortable

Editor's Advice:
Unlike the 2004 Dodge Ram 1500, the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 does not have new competition to battle this year, making it our top pick among heavy-duty pickup trucks unless you need a true crew cab capable of carrying six adults. The biggest shortcoming of the Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab is the small and uncomfortable rear seat. Otherwise, you get a rugged, well-constructed workhorse with excellent front seat comfort, a simple and nicely trimmed interior, and when equipped with the optional Cummins 600 turbodiesel engine the most torque at the least rpm of any heavy-duty pickup.