2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Quality Review

June 26, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Well-laid out interior
Edmunds

Dark Maple Burl wood grain for the instrument panel and door accents is now available on Laramie models
Cars.com

Materials are in line with Ram's rugged character
ConsumerGuide

Reviewers generally don't praise trucks for comfort, but the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 is no slouch when compared to its competitors.

For the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500, Cars.com writes that "a front bench seat holds up to three occupants in a 40/20/40 configuration" in any cab variation. For the "Dodge Ram 1500 regular cab," that is the extent of the seating capacity; however, Edmunds notes that "crew cabs can seat up to six people" thanks to the addition of a rear bench seat. In terms of room and comfort inside the Dodge Ram 1500 2008, ConsumerGuide finds that "a center floor hump eats into passenger foot space" up front, while "the seat is too flat for ideal long-distance support."

In the rear of the Dodge Ram 1500, the "Quad Cab has good headroom and a comfortably reclined backrest," although "narrow door openings hamper entry and exit," Notes ConsumerGuide. They also point out that the massive 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab "offers vast legroom, large doorways, and a reclining split seatback" for rear occupants.

As one would expect on a pickup like the Dodge Ram 1500, 2008 versions offer utility and storage space that are on the high side of the space spectrum. Edmunds writes that, on the crew cabs, "the rear seats fold up to reveal a flat load floor for carrying large items inside." Automobile adds that interior storage is aided by an optional "massive, multi-function armrest that Dodge calls a 'business center,' useful for storing a notebook computer and travel sundries," while the rear features "hidden storage bins."

While some newer trucks are going for more luxurious interiors with all the creature comforts, the Dodge Ram 1500 2008 sticks with "materials [that] are in line with Ram's rugged character" says ConsumerGuide, a statement that leans toward positive despite the fact that "hard plastic dominates the Ram's cabin." Kelley Blue Book writes that the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 sports "gauges and controls [that] have a precise look and feel, and the fittings and materials are good even in mid-level SLT models." Although Edmunds appreciates the "straightforward, user-friendly design," they also feel that the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 is showing its age because its "cabin's materials quality trails that of newer competitors."

In terms of road noise, ConsumerGuide commends the 2008 Dodge Ram, saying "modest highway wind and tire noise make Ram impressively hushed for a truck."

Conclusion

The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 is at least as luxurious and as spacious as its prime competition.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Well-laid out interiorEdmundsDark Maple Burl wood grain for the instrument panel and door accents is now available on Laramie modelsCars.comMaterials are in line with Ram's rugged characterConsumerGuide Reviewers generally don't praise trucks for comfort, but the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 is no slouch when compared to its competitors. For the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500, Cars.com writes that "a front bench seat holds up to three occupants in a 40/20/40 configuration" in any cab variation. For the "Dodge Ram 1500 regular cab," that is the extent of the seating capacity; however, Edmunds notes that "crew cabs can seat up to six people" thanks to the addition of a rear bench seat. In terms of room and comfort inside the Dodge Ram 1500 2008, ConsumerGuide finds that "a center floor hump eats into passenger foot space" up front, while "the seat is too flat for ideal long-distance support." In the rear of the Dodge Ram 1500, the "Quad Cab has good headroom and a comfortably reclined backrest," although "narrow door openings hamper entry and exit," Notes ConsumerGuide. They also point out that the massive 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab "offers vast legroom, large doorways, and a reclining split seatback" for rear occupants. As one would expect on a pickup like the Dodge Ram 1500, 2008 versions offer utility and storage space that are on the high side of the space spectrum. Edmunds writes that, on the crew cabs, "the rear seats fold up to reveal a flat load floor for carrying large items inside." Automobile adds that interior storage is aided by an optional "massive, multi-function armrest that Dodge calls a 'business center,' useful for storing a notebook computer and travel sundries," while the rear features "hidden storage bins." While some newer trucks are going for more luxurious interiors with all the creature comforts, the Dodge Ram 1500 2008 sticks with "materials [that] are in line with Ram's rugged character" says ConsumerGuide, a statement that leans toward positive despite the fact that "hard plastic dominates the Ram's cabin." Kelley Blue Book writes that the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 sports "gauges and controls [that] have a precise look and feel, and the fittings and materials are good even in mid-level SLT models." Although Edmunds appreciates the "straightforward, user-friendly design," they also feel that the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 is showing its age because its "cabin's materials quality trails that of newer competitors." In terms of road noise, ConsumerGuide commends the 2008 Dodge Ram, saying "modest highway wind and tire noise make Ram impressively hushed for a truck." ConclusionThe 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 is at least as luxurious and as spacious as its prime competition.  2008 DODGE RAM 1500 STYLING | [8 out of 10] ConsumerGuide: "Ram's 'big-rig' styling shouts for attention" Edmunds: "Striking exterior design, with a clean and thoughtful cabin" The Auto Channel: "the Ram is as a truck man's truck" Automobile: "chiseled, look-at-me styling" Reviewers ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Among the domestic brands, the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 has been relegated to third place in the sales race for years. More recent upgrades from Ford and Chevy have kept their light-duty pickups selling at a ratio that is nearly 2:1 over the Dodge, but the Ram wins over lots of buyers with its style, value, and HEMI power.

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See the Dodge Ram 1500 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

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