2005 DODGE RAM 2500 QUAD CAB 4X4 NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Dodge Ram 2500?
Dodge brings back a familiar face this year; the Ram Power Wagon joins the 2500 lineup for 2005. Reborn with electric locking front and rear differentials, and an electronic disconnecting front sway bar, the new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon features 33-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, a 12,000-pound Warn winch, and extensive underbody armor. Three-inch tubular rock rails are an option on the Power Wagon. Other changes for the Ram 2500 this year include a more powerful version of the Cummins turbodiesel engine, now rated at 600 lb.-ft. of torque, and the availability of a power sunroof and Sirius satellite radio on Quad Cab models. Quad Cabs can also be equipped with the new Thunder Road Value package, which adds towing equipment, alloy wheels, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Finally, Dodge is also producing 100 diesel-electric Ram 2500s for fleet sales as it explores hybrid technology as applied to full-size pickups.

Advantages of the 2005 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 2005 Dodge Ram 2500:

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

Editor's Advice:
Ford's freshly redesigned F-Series Super Duty steals some of the heavy-duty Dodge Ram's thunder this year, but the new Ram Power Wagon is a compelling four-wheeler, and the upgraded Cummins 600 turbodiesel engine delivers the most torque at the least rpm of any heavy-duty pickup. The biggest shortcoming of the Dodge Ram 2500 is the Quad Cab's 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 plenty of power.