2009 Dodge Ram 1500

For 2009 the Dodge Ram 1500 is redesigned and better than ever. The 2009 Dodge Ram incorporates Dodge's forward-thinking style and refinements to cosmetics and engineering. The Dodge Ram is a light-duty full-size pickup, a so-called half-ton truck.  It now has an emphasis in aerodynamic styling with a unique "grille-forward" design, ride comfort with a coil-spring rear suspension and storage innovation with the RamBox.  Also for 2009 Dodge replaced the too-big MegaCab 1500 with a more conventional crew cab.  The Dodge Ram 1500 offers three cargo-bed lengths (5 feet, 7 inches; 6 feet, 4 inches and 8 feet) to match with the appropriate cab. The five trims from previous years, ST, SLT, TRX4, Sport and Laramie return.  Also, the 2009 Ram gets more power in its Hemi engine.

'09 Ram 1500 Design

 The bodywork is all new and more aerodynamic. The new storage solution, RamBox is available only on the crew cab. It features integrated, lockable storage boxes on eac  side of the bed. These boxes basically take up the awkward space around the wheel wells, leaving a clean, rectangular cargo bed. The crew cab also features in-floor storage near the second-row seats.

Inside the Dodge Ram

The Crew Cab has more cabin space than the Quad Cab but in more manageable dimensions than the retired Mega Cab.  2009 Dodge now offers more amenities, including premium seating with soft-touch materials and a console-mounted shifter that will entice cosmopolitan owners, too. The seats' stylish full-width contrasting stitching comes on the Sport and Laramie trims. Overall, the interior is a noticeable and welcome improvement over the capable but uninspired passenger cabs of the past.  Interiors have been given new styles and materials, new center console with shifter for some models, and new amenities and gadgets. Virtually every mechanical and air management system has been refined to limit noise and vibrations that become fatiguing over time.

Driving the Ram

A new rear suspension employs a design returning to full-size pickups after a decades-long absence and currently used on some sport-utilities like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chevy Tahoe that see off-pavement use. The multilink, coil-spring suspension is based on proven designs used by Jeep and Dodge in its SUVs. The Dodge design provides an uncompromised ride, especially when the cargo bed is empty.  Dodge revamped the half-ton braking system in 2006 so the brake system has already proven effective. Antilock and stability functions are standard.  Using the truck as a daily driver is easy and does not take to much effort, the Ram 1500 is very maneuverable. 

Powertrain Options

In addition to 3.7-liter V6 and 4.7-liter V8 engines, the new 5.7-liter HEMI V8 provides more horsepower (390 hp) and torque (407 lb.-ft.).  The V6 and 4.7-liter V8 engines (overhauled recently), the brake system (upgraded), and transmissions have not been substantially changed for the 2009 model year. For 2009, the 5.7 Hemi has been upgraded with variable intake, revised ports for better airflow, higher compression, and variable cam timing. The Hemi has gained 45 horsepower and 32 pound-feet of torque, now rated at 390 hp and 407 lb-ft respectively, and the powerband is wider.  The Hemi's Multiple Displacement System (MDS) essentially shuts off h alf the engine when not needed to save gas, and Dodge says the new truck can be run past 70 mph with the MDS active.

Ram Lineup

The 2009 Dodge Ram is available in many trim levels and options, so selecting the right model when considering your needs is important.  The basic ST work truck model is actually particularly impressive. The ST models have plastic door panels that are easy to clean and fairly scuff resistant. The standard radio does an exceptional job in light of the basement price.  Common operating controls such as lights, wipers and cruise control are on column-mounted stalks. Ram ST models are workhorses, with standard vinyl floor and manual windows, although they do include chrome bumpers and grille outline, air conditioning, ABS, CD player, variable intermittent wipers, locking tailgate, Sentry Key and on 4WD, electric-shift.  Ram SLT models upgrade with carpet floor covering, floor mats, 40/20/40 split-bench seat, overhead console, cruise control, remote keyless entry, power windows and door locks, heated mirrors and 17-inch painted aluminum wheels.

Ram TRX comes in Quad Cab and Crew Cab styles and has SLT-level trim with some notable exceptions. TRX features electric-shift transfer case on 4WD models, unique shocks and ride height, 17-inch aluminum wheels and a full-size spare tire, heavy-duty vinyl floor covering, cloth 40/20/40 split-bench front seat, folding rear bench seat (Quad Cab models), tilt steering column, remote keyless entry and standard two-tone paint.

Ram Sport is available in all three cab styles but is labeled R/T on the regular cab.It adds a 5.7-liter Hemi, slate-gray contrast-stitched bucket seats, body-color fascia, fog lamps and 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels.R/T models use a 4.10:1 rear axle for superior acceleration but will still tow 5000 pounds.

Ram Laramie is the top of the line, with leather heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, chromed door handles and mirrors, and security alarm.  Laramie models come with two-tone paint but you can specify a single shade, and rather than chrome-plating the aluminum wheels plastic chrome covers are used for dress-up. The two longer beds are typical pickup design and include four tie-down loops a few inches above floor level.

Safety Features on the '09

Standard safety features include multi-stage airbags, three-point belts in all seating positions with constant-force retractors, LATCH child-seat anchors, child-protection rear door locks, side curtain airbags, stability control, traction control and trailer sway control. Power adjustable pedals, rear parking sensors, and a rear backup camera are available.



For more on how the Ram drives read a Test Drive by Popular Mechanics.  The Dodge Ram 1500 is ideal for work and play.  The new 2009 Dodge Ram has the bold and brash style that typifies Dodge, but now it's in a more refined package with more amenities for the occupants. The decision to keep the light-duty Ram in the light-duty work realm pays dividends in comfort and is beneficial in terms of fuel economy. For more specifications and pictures, click here.