2010 Used Dodge Ram 1500 Utah

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The 2010 Ram 1500 has the bold and brash style for which it is well known, and it's a refined package with loads of amenities for the occupants. For 2010 there are only minimal changes. There is a slightly higher Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), with the V6 engine there is a fuel-saver indicator, all engines have a deceleration fuel shutoff for improved economy, there is an available integrated trailer-brake controller, and a few other details of trim or options. The 2010 Ram comes in ST, SLT, Sport, TRX, and Laramie trim levels. Special edition models, such as Big Horn and Lone Star, are regional offerings and primarily cosmetic or packaging changes.  Cab choices include a Regular Cab with short (6.3 feet) or long (8 feet) bed, four-door Quad Cab with short bed, and the Crew Cab with a short bed. A V6 and four-speed automatic are standard on 2WD Regular and Quad Cabs, the 4.7-liter V8 and five-speed automatic on virtually everything else. The 5.7-liter V8 Hemi is offered across the board. No manual transmissions are offered.

Powering the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500

There are three available engines: A 3.7-liter V6 of 215 horsepower, a 4.7-liter V8 of 310 horsepower, and the famous 5.7-liter Hemi of 390 horsepower. The V6 is fitted with a four-speed automatic transmission and the two V8s have a five-speed automatic. The V6 is available with two-wheel drive only, but the two V8s are available with either two- or four-wheel drive. Transmissions work as expected with modern, electronic-authority automatics. If you wish to select a gear manually use the thumb toggle on the column-mount stalk or slide the floor shift left for downshifts and right for upshifts. To revert back to full automatic control, simply hold the toggle on the column shifter or push the floor shifter right for about one second. A Tow/Haul mode is standard and is useful when towing. Activating Tow/Haul may take the truck out of top gear but it does not lock it out; you can still cruise in overdrive with tow/haul on.

Used Dodge Ram 1500 Design

One distinction of the Ram is that a lot of the usual gaps and spaces are noticeably narrow and tight, such as spaces between tires and fender openings, and between the cargo box and the cab. This not only looks nice and clean, but it also helps reduce wind noise and improve efficiency. From the outside the Ram looks neat and tidy. The side mirrors stand off from the door glass, the sides are fairly flat, and the tailgate spoiler and windshield are both rounded for improved aerodynamics. Seen from behind where the tires appear almost flush with the body panels, the truck looks quite trim. The RamBox Cargo Management System, available only on the Crew Cab, includes a cargo box with a rectangular interior and no wheel-well intrusions. It measures 49 inches wide inside, so it can accommodate the ubiquitous 4x8 sheet of building material flat on the floor. Side rails with cleats secure the cargo, and a bed divider that locks into place segments the bed into smaller areas or can be flipped over and used as a bed extender with the tailgate down. Moving the interior walls inward results in sidewalls with much thicker sections, and in the tops of the two sides of the RamBox are two locking bins, capable of holding 120 standard 12-ounce cans on the left side and 130 on the right, or anything else of that same volume, such as dirty clothes, tools, golf bags and so forth. These boxes have locking lids, drains, lights and 90-degree opening lids; together the volume exceeds that of a 55-gallon drum. You can fill them with ice and beverages for tailgate parties and camping. They might even hold trailer sway control equipment, though the heavy bars may be pushing the limits of the boxes.

Inside the '10 Dodge Ram 1500

With so many trim levels to choose from you should be able to find one that meets your requirements. We found the basic ST work truck model particularly impressive. Entry-level pickups have a tendency to be penalty boxes lacking any amenity beyond a seat cushion and an ashtray, but we didn't feel penalized at all in the ST. 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 budget-conscious price. As trims and prices rise so too do standard goodies and optional extras. The key goes in the dash on base trucks but others have pushbutton start, and mid-grade trucks add a voltmeter and an oil pressure indicator. Chrome rings the gauges, leather wraps the wheels on upper models, and the vehicle information center between the larger gauges offers myriad functions from trip computer and transmission fluid temperature to radio data. Storage in all models is good, including double gloveboxes. On some four-doors you can get under-floor insulated storage compartments, which are a clever idea and handy. The Crew Cab has a pair of AC vents mounted low in back, coat hooks that will hold plastic hangers, and cupholders in the center armrest, but there are no reading lights in back. The tunnel hump in the floor is just a couple of inches high yet plenty wide enough for the center rider to have both feet on the same level.

2010 Dodge Ram 1500 Lineup

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. Options include chrome wheels, two-tone paint, cruise control, trailer mirrors, limited-slip differential and alternate axle ratios, sliding rear window, and Sirius radio.

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. Options include the 5.7-liter V8, RamBox Cargo Management System, on-demand transfer case for low-range 4WD, power sunroof, power-adjustable pedals, 10-speaker Alpine Surround Sound, UConnect/navigation system and hands-free communication system with Bluetooth technology, Sirius Backseat TV radio, low-back bucket seats with cloth upholstery, ten-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear defroster, and 20-inch aluminum wheels.

The Ram TRX has SLT-level trim with some notable exceptions. The 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, tilt steering column, remote keyless entry and standard two-tone paint. Pay extra for an engine block heater, power-sliding rear window, heated power folding mirrors, bedliner, 3.92:1 axle ratio, limited-slip differential, Tip Start, cruise control, and UConnect Studios Sirius Satellite Radio.

The Ram Sport  is available in all three cab styles and is labeled Sport 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.

Conclusions

For those looking for a solid and reliable pickup, the 2010 Ram truck will get the job done. The Ram cabin at or near the top of its class. It is closest in design and style to GM and Ford. Payload, or how much weight in cargo and passengers a truck can carry, varies by cab, bed, drive wheels, and engine. Ram payload ratings run from 1340 pounds (for a 2WD regular cab, short bed, 4.7-liter) to 1900 pounds (for a 2WD regular cab, long bed, V6) and that's for trucks without options; if you routinely carry more than 1000 pounds of cargo it may be better to think about a Ram 2500 or another heavy-duty pickup. Tow ratings top out at 10,200 pounds (for a Quad Cab or Crew Cab 2WD Hemi with the 3.92:1 axle ratio and 17-inch wheels), but range from a meager 3450 pounds with the V6. Most V8 models will be comfortable with a 5000-pound boat and a full load on board. Remember that the more options you add the less weight you can tow. For the latest updates on this model, visit the official Ram 1500 website.

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com