Used Dodge Ram vs Used Toyota Tundra

Used Dodge Ram

The Dodge Ram 1500 has become one of the most well known pickups throughout the years. The Ram offers bold styling, big power and many cabin features that make it fu whether you are using it for work or leisure. The used Ram 1500 offers something for everyone, with the choice of three engines, three cab styles (regular, Quad and Mega cabs), three wheelbases and either 4x2 or 4x4 drive types. When properly equipped the Ram 1500 can tow up to 9100 lbs.

Dodge Ram Generation Two

The second-generation Dodge Ram 1500 debuted for 1994 and marked the turning point for Dodge's full-size pickup truck. There were a number of important features that debuted, such as a standard driver side airbag, available four-wheel antilock brakes and a center console box big enough to hold a laptop computer. Cab styles included the Club Cab and the Quad Cab. Trim levels were the Work Special, LT, ST and luxurious Laramie SLT.

Dodge Ram Generation Three

The previous-generation Dodge Ram 1500 pickup was produced for 2002 through 2008. Trim levels included the basic ST, the volume-seller SLT and the plush Laramie (which replaced the SLT Plus in 2003). Club and Quad Cabs were offered, with the stretched Mega Cab arriving in 2006. Initially, two of the three engine options were new: a 3.7-liter V6 and a 4.7-liter V8 (235 hp). Transmissions were steadily updated: Five-speed manuals gave way to six-speeds, and four-speed automatics were replaced by five-speeds.

Ram Power

For 2008, the Ram 1500 added a new more powerful and more efficient 4.7-liter V8, two new colors and available trailer sway control. The Dodge Ram 1500 light-duty pickups are smooth and refined. Ram was extensively re-engineered for 2006, with a new hydroformed frame that's boxed its full length; plus new suspension and body mounts that improved ride, handling, and quietness. Ram's optional Hemi engine delivers power and efficiency. The Hemi features Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System, which shuts down four of the eight cylinders when they are not needed. The switchover is seamless, and fuel economy is improved by as much as 20 percent, says Dodge.

Used Ram Design

The 2008 Dodge Ram presents a bold, distinctive appearance with its big horse-collar grille and Freightliner fenders. The concept dates back a dozen years, but it received a major redesign for 2002 and a makeover for 2006. The headlamps cut back deeper into the fenders, and a flattened front bumper on Sport and Laramie emphasizes Ram's big-rig image. A slot in the front bumper aids engine cooling and air conditioner performance. Ram's trademark front grille remains one of the most instantly recognizable front ends on the road. A thick band of chrome surrounds the grille on ST, SLT and Laramie; the band is body color on Sport models. The broad, sloping hood has a pronounced crown that falls over the sides to the prominent front fenders, helpful for clearance, less so for seeing edges in tight quarters.

Used Toyota Tundra

The Toyota Tundra is a full-size, half-ton pickup that raises the competitive bar in its class. It's also built to Toyota's high standards of quality, durability and reliability. Like the Ram, the used Toyota Tundra lineup comes in a variety of sizes and variations. The Tundra was considered by many people to be the first import-brand full-size pickup truck to truly go head-to-head against the Big Three's pickups. It had a lot of things in its favor, including a refined V8 engine and the backing of Toyota's reputation for reliability and durability and has proven itself in a tough class.

First Generation Tundra

The first-generation Toyota Tundra found more of an audience with recreational pickup buyers than with hard-core users. Not quite full-size in dimensions or work capacity, the Tundra appealed to those seeking an easy-to-drive commuter or utility vehicle capable of handling weekend trips to the local home improvement center. Independent contractors, or those with heavy trailers or boats to pull, were put off by the original Tundra's limited body configurations, smaller size and lower tow ratings.

Second Generation Tundra

When the Tundra pickup was redesigned, Toyota aimed to will finally attract serious pickup truck buyers. An American-built half-ton truck with true full-size proportions, the second-generation Tundra features three cab sizes, three bed lengths and a choice of three engines. In every measure, the Toyota Tundra now stands on equal or higher ground than competing half-ton pickups.

Tundra Configurations and Power

The Regular Cab offers only storage space behind the front seat, and either a 6.5-foot standard bed or 8-foot long bed. The Double Cab features rear side doors, forward-hinged like on an SUV, and seats for as many as six; the Double Cab comes with the standard bed or the long bed. Then there's the CrewMax, with full-size rear side doors, and a 5.5-foot short bed. The base engine is a 236-hp 4.0-liter V6. Next up is a 276-hp 4.7-liter V8. At the top is a 381-hp 5.7-liter V8. The 4.0-liter and 4.7-liter engines come with a five-speed automatic; the larger V8 gets a six-speed automatic. All have a manual gear-selection feature.

Design of Used Toyota Trucks

Originally, the Tundra was available in regular and extended-cab versions. Regular-cab versions came only in long bed form, while the extended-cab models (Access Cab) came only with the short bed. The latter did include two rearward-opening doors for easier rear-seat access, but the backseat was cramped for a full-size pickup truck. Only detail changes carried through to 2003, at which point Toyota expanded the Tundra's lineup to include an available sporty new StepSide cargo bed for V8-powered Access Cabs.  All Tundras received freshened front-end styling that year, as well as standard antilock brakes and an upgraded center console. A power sliding rear window was also added to Limited models. The big news for 2004 was the arrival of the Double Cab, a crew-cab version of the Tundra.

Summary

For full-size pickup buyers, there are some excellent options out there. For those looking for used truck, pickups from the last five years will provide the latest in comfort, power, and technology. Both the Dodge Ram and Toyota Tundra compete well in their class, and both have gotten significant updates within the past few years.  Never before have trucks been more capable for hauling and towing nor more competent at making passengers happy. Moreover, today's trucks make bold styling statements.
It was the Ram that started the high-style-truck trend back in 1994 when Dodge took a risk with a bold, retro big-rig design. That truck transformed Ram from a bit player with staid styling to a big-stage event. The Dodge Ram has run with the top runners ever since, sometimes leading, sometimes trailing, but always solidly on the bill. The Tundra's smooth and refined V8, easy maneuverability in urban areas and roomy Double Cab configuration make it a desirable truck. Whether a used truck owner chooses the Ram or the Tundra is merely a matter of personal preference than anything else. The Ram always remains true to its work horse heritage, while the Tundra works perfect for family hauling, and weekend towing purposes.