2005 Dodge Ram 1500 | Review | Buying Guide
One of the kings of the full-size pickup segment returns for 2005 with a tuned-up powertrain offering and all of the power, aggression and towing capacity that have made it a true customer favorite. Strong, dependable and surprisingly comfortable, it isn’t hard to figure out why people return year after year to the Ram 1500.
Diversity of models, features and engine offerings is just one of the ways in which the Ram satisfies. There are two body styles: a two-door regular cab and a four-door crew-cab Quad Cab. Regular cabs use a 40/20/40 split front bench seat; Quad Cab versions have a folding 3-passenger rear bench seat. Both body styles are available in ST and uplevel SLT trims.
Unlike many full-size pickups, two cargo bed lengths are spread across the entire lineup. That means that both models offer 6.3 and 8-ft-long cargo beds.
Under the Hood
There are three engines spread across the 1500 line for 2005. In addition, ST and SLT Rams are available with rear-wheel drive or with 4WD that should not be left engaged on dry pavement. Optional for SLT models is all-wheel drive; like Ram's 4WD, it includes low-range gearing.
The base engine, with all 2WD ST models except the Quad Cab long bed, is a 3.7-liter V6 with 215 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 235 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm. The rest of the lineup uses a 4.7-liter V8 engine. It generates up to 235 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque at 3200 rpm.
Optional for 2005 is a monster HEMI engine. The 5.7-liter Magnum V8 cranks out 345 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 375 lb-ft of torque at 4200 rpm.
For 2005, the V6 and 4.7-liter V8 offer a 6-speed manual transmission, replacing a 5-speed unit. The V6 also comes with a 4-speed automatic; the V8s with a 5-speed automatic.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
Standard features on the entry-level ST model include air conditioning, power steering, a tilt steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, cupholders, an AM/FM/cassette player and a digital clock.
Top-line SLTs have more in the way of goods. They include cruise control, cloth upholstery, heated power mirrors, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, an AM/FM/CD player, a trip computer and more.
For options, there’s curtain side airbags, a power sunroof, heated front seats, leather upholstery and much, much more.
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Dodge Ram 1500 Buying Resources...
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