Ram 1500 , hemi 5.7 is a good motor , current bodystyle looks good too , the transmission they use SUCKS ... MoPar single handedly keeps tranny shops in business. “Outstanding Handling” ,, maybe our definitions differ ,, I see handling as good road feel and getting around a corner real quick with good balance... you NEVER get good balance in a truck because of the wide variance between loaded and unloaded rear weight ,, maybe your definition just means “plows ahead straight and true with minimal driver input” ,, and then don’t get me started on MoPar interiors ,,, the plastic is so bad that on their NEW Jeep products the interior door panels crack apart leaving the door handles flopping around http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3le7u3scEfs ... I’m in Florida , we have SUN here ,, when was the last time you saw a Dodge that didn’t have a full length crack in the dash?
Not a fan?
Handling, well it is a truck. But having spent all week test driving Ford, GMC, Tundra, and the Ram. The RAM wins in my book. I especially loved the light touch steering, the excellent throttle response, and the smooth ride.
The interior: has all the features you could want. Nice stereo, instruments simple and easy to understand, cup holders galore, various trays, etc. Nice storage areas in the center console and behind the seats of the single cab.
As for the transmission, I don’t know enough about that. My brother has a 1500 with 100,000 miles and no problems. I suppose you can find others who have a different experience. I guess I will find out for myself because I think I am going to buy one in the near future.
Compared to the others I looked at, RAM seems to be a better value. Ford and GMC were several thousand dollars more for similar options. The Tundra, don’t get me going there, they were even more pricey then Ford and GMC.