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2009 Dodge Ram SLT Crew Cab 4X4

Date: October 2009

Miles: 2,600

We recently took delivery of this 2009 Dodge Ram SLT Crew Cab 4X4 pickup truck. Like most families, we love having a big pickup around for weekend chores. But the new Ram is so much more. Its crew cab space and style are on par with a large premium utility. Plus, our Ram had the innovative RamBox cargo bed boxes for secure exterior storage, and a backup camera to manage its length. We've only covered 2,600 miles in the six weeks the Ram's been with us. Still, we already know the 310-horsepower, 4.7-liter V8 tows well. But fuel economy is a thirsty 16.3 miles per gallon of regular.

Date: November 2009

Miles: 4,000

We picked the new Dodge Ram 1500 as a MotorWeek Drivers' Choice winner for a lot of reasons. But, paramount was that never before had a truck builder succeeded in delivering a big pickup targeted so precisely at the personal use buyer. Past efforts were work trucks molded into weekend warriors. But the Ram is different. From its smooth, all-coil spring ride, to its clever RamBox cargo bed, this is a true family duty pickup. After 4 months and 4,000 short haul miles in our SLT Crew Cab 4X4, we've grown to love its softer style. Still, and despite the fact Ram Box makes the cargo bed narrower than standard, we have used our Ram for some pretty heavy hauling and towing. But all done in fine comfort, since the Crew Cab body has ample space for six adults. Fuel economy from the 5.7-liter V8 is not great, but we've done little highway traveling, and it has improved to 16.7 miles per gallon of regular. With our light duty Ram now joined by a Heavy Duty model, Dodge once again has big pickups for work and play. Only, with the Ram, you never have to settle for a compromise.

Date: January 2010

Miles: 7,100

The Dodge Ram 1500 is another MotorWeek Drivers' Choice winner. It took pickup honors for its focus and innovation for the personal use buyer. From its smooth, all-coil spring ride, to its clever if smallish RamBox cargo bed, this is a true family duty pickup. Our SLT Crew Cab 4x4 has generous room for six, and its all-road comfort is outstanding. At four months in, and after some 7,100 mostly short-haul miles, fuel economy from the 5.7-liter V8 is about par for its type, yet still disappointing at 16.0 miles per gallon of regular. With the sales of big pickups well off their peak, competition is furious. But, in our book, the Ram still comes out on top.