Never before have trucks been more capable of hauling and towing, nor more competent at coddling passengers. Today's trucks also make bold styling statements. Ram started the high-style-truck trend back in 1994 when Dodge took a risk with a bold, retro, big-rig design. The truck transformed Ram from a bit player with staid styling into a big-stage event. The Dodge Ram 1500 light-duty pickups are smooth and refined. The cabs are comfortable and convenient, and among the roomiest in their respective classes. The styling is bold and handsome, even more so in its latest incarnation. Ram 1500 is available in three trims, SXT, SLT and Laramie. A six-speed manual transmission as well as four-speed and five-speed automatic transmissions are available.

The standard 3.7-liter V-6 produces 215 horsepower. Dodge Rams can be equipped with a new 310-horsepower, 4.7-liter, magnum V-8 that can run on regular unleaded fuel or on E85, and even on a combination of the two. A 345-horsepower, 5.7-liter, Hemi V-8 is also available. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while the four-speed automatic is optional. With the 4.7- and 5.7-liter engines, the automatic is a five-speed unit. Rear-wheel and four-wheel-drive models are available. The latter use a part-time transfer case that can be shifted electrically from two-wheel drive without stopping. Shifting into 4WD high locks the center differential. A fulltime four-wheel-drive system is also available. Under normal driving conditions, the fulltime system delivers 48 percent of the torque to the front wheels and 52 percent to the rear wheels.

The 2008 Dodge Ram is bold and distinctive with a big horse-collar grille surrounded by a thick band of chrome, and freightliner fenders. The concept dates back a dozen years, but it received a major redesign for 2002 and a makeover for 2006. Ram's trademark front grille remains one of the most instantly recognizable front ends on the road. The headlamps cut back deeper into the fenders, and a flattened front bumper on Sport and Laramie emphasizes Ram's big-rig image. Everything is smooth and integrated. The big side mirrors, great for visibility, are mounted on platforms to minimize wind noise, and a channel has been specially designed to keep water off the mirrors. A small spoiler at the top of the tailgate, new last year, is said to improve fuel efficiency. Wheels are becoming a big part of vehicular style and Ram rolls on 17-inch steel wheels with a black center cap, on chrome-clad steel wheels, and aluminum machined wheels. The 20-inch aluminum chrome-clad wheels are optional. The interior shows an attention to detail and provides utility and convenience. The big fold-down center armrest/console comes with adjustable dividers and a power outlet. A hook on the passenger-side floor well is provided for a plastic grocery bag or anything with a suitable handle. Premium amenities such as the full-screen GPS navigation radio and Bluetooth hands-free communication are available, along with a rear-seat DVD system for quad cabs. Materials are of good quality.

All-disc brakes with a rear-wheel anti-lock feature are standard in all Dodge Ram 1500s. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are standard on the Laramie. Side-curtain air bags and an electronic stability system are optional. For 2008, trailer sway control was added to the electronic stability system. It assures safety with huge brakes. Large calipers and rotors (13.9 inches) contribute to greater stopping power.