2010 Dodge Ram 1500 Review

November 10, 2009

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

big-rig look
Edmunds

more shapely
Autoblog

cleaned up and streamlined
Cars.com

Huge gauges are boldly marked
ConsumerGuide

The 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 is related to the previous generation of Ram, but the forward-tilted grille and the beefy tractor-trailer fenders of the last generation are toned down. The new look is derivative and frankly could use more of the last Ram's aggressiveness, but the 2010 model's still the best-looking full-size truck.

The 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 is a "large pickup truck" that "is offered as a two-door regular cab and two four-door cabs with conventional doors-the Quad Cab and the Crew Cab," according to ConsumerGuide. In either body, the Ram's distinctive grille is big, tall, and chromed; the side view has enough detail in the headlamps and taillights to identify it as a Dodge; and the proportions of glass to sheetmetal and, on some trucks, two-tone paint is still better than the Ford F-150's robotic angles and the softer looks of the Chevy Silverado. (Never mind the bizarre looks of the latest Toyota Tundra.) Edmunds reports this newer exterior design "intensifies the Ram's big-rig look via more angular and aggressive lines," while Car and Driver says it "steps up the macho with bossy new sheetmetal." Cars.com asserts that the "new styling is an improvement over the previous truck's," and Autoblog remarks the "Ram's new hood is more shapely than the model it replaces." Some details seem plain-the Ram's tailgate isn't as cleverly stamped as that on the F-150-but dual exhaust pipes are tucked into the rear end, and that big, "forward-swept crosshair grille that replaces its predecessor's upright design" is flanked by "new headlights," Cars.com adds. Reviewers at the Detroit News love the "big, bold and distinctive" exterior that "incorporates function with art."

Inside, the Ram's taken a lesson from the F-150 and the GMC Sierra by adopting their high-quality, upscale styling elements. Base versions are workhorses, to be clear-but the Ram and the others can be dolled up with wood trim, leather, DVD screens, and navigation systems, and in the Ram the execution's probably the best. Car and Driver notes the complete interior overhaul brings "sophisticated gauges, soft-touch materials, and plenty of brightwork to the cabin." Automobile calls it "the nicest interior of any Chrysler product." ConsumerGuide admires the "huge gauges" that are "boldly marked and easy to read at a glance" and appreciates that the "major controls are mostly convenient to access." On Laramie versions, wood grain trim rises into the center stack, framed by big vents and the dash is "stitched" in a luxury-car fashion. The Detroit News sums it up perfectly by proclaiming that "the interior offers everything a trucker needs, and everything a passenger wants."

Conclusion

With a recent makeover success, the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 continues to set the styling pace among full-size trucks.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:big-rig lookEdmundsmore shapelyAutoblogcleaned up and streamlinedCars.comHuge gauges are boldly markedConsumerGuide The 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 is related to the previous generation of Ram, but the forward-tilted grille and the beefy tractor-trailer fenders of the last generation are toned down. The new look is derivative and frankly could use more of the last Ram's aggressiveness, but the 2010 model's still the best-looking full-size truck. The 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 is a "large pickup truck" that "is offered as a two-door regular cab and two four-door cabs with conventional doors-the Quad Cab and the Crew Cab," according to ConsumerGuide. In either body, the Ram's distinctive grille is big, tall, and chromed; the side view has enough detail in the headlamps and taillights to identify it as a Dodge; and the proportions of glass to sheetmetal and, on some trucks, two-tone paint is still better than the Ford F-150's robotic angles and the softer looks of the Chevy Silverado. (Never mind the bizarre looks of the latest Toyota Tundra.) Edmunds reports this newer exterior design "intensifies the Ram's big-rig look via more angular and aggressive lines," while Car and Driver says it "steps up the macho with bossy new sheetmetal." Cars.com asserts that the "new styling is an improvement over the previous truck's," and Autoblog remarks the "Ram's new hood is more shapely than the model it replaces." Some details seem plain-the Ram's tailgate isn't as cleverly stamped as that on the F-150-but dual exhaust pipes are tucked into the rear end, and that big, "forward-swept crosshair grille that replaces its predecessor's upright design" is flanked by "new headlights," Cars.com adds. Reviewers at the Detroit News love the "big, bold and distinctive" exterior that "incorporates function with art." Inside, the Ram's taken a lesson from the F-150 and the GMC Sierra by adopting their high-quality, upscale styling elements. Base versions are workhorses, to be clear-but the Ram and the others can be dolled up with wood trim, leather, DVD screens, and navigation systems, and in the Ram the execution's probably the best. Car and Driver notes the complete interior overhaul brings "sophisticated gauges, soft-touch materials, and plenty of brightwork to the cabin." Automobile calls it "the nicest interior of any Chrysler product." ConsumerGuide admires the "huge gauges" that are "boldly marked and easy to read at a glance" and appreciates that the "major controls are mostly convenient to access." On Laramie versions, wood grain trim rises into the center stack, framed by big vents and the dash is "stitched" in a luxury-car fashion. The Detroit News sums it up perfectly by proclaiming that "the interior offers everything a trucker needs, and everything a passenger wants." ConclusionWith a recent makeover success, the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 continues to set the styling pace among full-size trucks. 2010 DODGE RAM 1500 STYLING | [8 out of 10] Edmunds: "big-rig look" Autoblog: "more shapely" Cars.com: "cleaned up and streamlined" ConsumerGuide: "Huge gauges are boldly marked" The 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 is related to the previous generation of Ram, but the forward-tilted grille and ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

The 2010 Dodge Ram has a significant edge over its competition, but the other full-size pickup trucks appeal to wider audiences. The Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra are among the oldest trucks in this class, but still have nicely balanced ride quality, considerable towing capacity, and well-executed interiors. The Toyota Tundra struggles with an awkward style inside and out, as well as a unique history of being late to the truck game when it counts. The Nissan Titan brings up the rear of this group; it's older than the GM trucks, and has an uncertain future since a plan to build a new Titan off the Ram's platform has been scuttled. The Ford F-150 competes most closely with the Ram on capability, but its blocky styling aside, it doesn't quite have the ride or the steering finesse of the Ram.

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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

Comments (1 total)

  1. By  Cheap used cars #1, Posted: 11/12/2009

    This truck looks awesome, I saw one that was red and grey at the OC autoshow.
    One thing I do wonder is, the mpg on this

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