2004 Dodge Ram 2500 in Lynchburg, VA - $12,995

Strong, roomy and comfortable, Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck features a weight- bearing frame designed to meet and exceed the needs of the heavy-duty truck buyer. With carlike handling behind the wheel, brute-force strength at the draw bar and plenty of room for up to three large adults, Dodge is in its "take no prisoners" mode.

Last year, Dodge gave the Ram 2500 a freshened exterior look and redesigned interior amenities. Exterior changes included a new front fascia; fully chrome grille, larger headlamps, new fenders and wheels.

The 2500 Regular Cab body is offered in ST, SLT, Sport, Power Wagon and TRX4 Off-Road trim levels and available in two- or four-wheel drive configurations. The long (8 ft) cargo bed is the only cargo bed available for the Regular Cab.

Base power for the big Ram pickup is generated by a 5.7L HEMI V8 engine. A Cummins 5.9L six-cylinder High Output turbo diesel was an available option (until January, 2007). The big news is the availability of an all-new 6.7L Cummins I-6 turbo diesel engine that became available earlier this year. The new 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine features life-to-major overhaul intervals of 350,000 miles, providing more than a 100,000 mile advantage over the competition, as well as standard duty oil change intervals of 7,500 miles.

Torque is communicated to the ground through a choice of gearboxes: Getrag G56 six-speed manual, 48RE four-speed automatic with overdrive and a new 68RFE Orion six-speed automatic transmission for the new Cummins motor.

On the road, the Ram 2500 equipped with the Cummins turbo-diesel engine is strong and responsive. Despite all that power at the ready, the large Dodge truck is actually quite easy to drive with above average road manners.

Maximum capability are the watchwords in this segment -- and the Dodge starts with a robust chassis that features a full-length, hydroformed heavy-duty frame. The frame utilizes stiff "boxed" sections -- resulting in reduced NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) characteristics, improved steering and handling precision. Other benefits of the hydroformed, boxed frame are fewer welds which improves dimensional integrity and durability.

Inside the cabin, Dodge engineers attacked road and wind noise in the cabin with a vengeance. The result of their efforts is a cabin that is five decibels quieter than last year's model.

Interior appointments include a modern instrument panel cluster placed underneath a redesigned cluster brow is designed to reduce glare. A wide center stack contains an updated audio system and new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning controls.

The outward view of the road is outstanding. The 40/20/40 seating is very comfortable while the large store-it-all center armrest can hold everything including a laptop computer. At the back of the large regular cab is a shelf with a rubber mat insert for hauling items that require secure stowage.

Dimensions & specifications

2WD models

Wheelbase: 140.5; overall length: 229.7; width: 79.6; height: 73.9.

4WD models

Wheelbase: 140.5; overall length: 229.7; width: 79.6; height: 78.1 -- all vehicle measurements in inches.

Engine: 5.7L HEMI V8 -- 345 hp at 5,400 rpm and 375 lbs-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm; 5.9L high-output Cummins I6 turbo diesel -- 325 hp at 2,900 rpm and 610 lbs-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm; 6.7L Cummins I6 turbo diesel -â€" 350 hp at 3,013 rpm and 650 lbs-ft of torque at 1,500 rpm.

Transmission: six-speed manual, four-speed automatic with overdrive, five-speed automatic.

Payload capacity: 3,290 lbs.

Towing capacity: 13,200 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, engine immobilizer and full-size spare tire. SLT adds power automatic door locks and remote keyless entry. Optional safety features include alarm system, navigation system, limited slip rear axle, remote engine start, fog lights and side-impact airbags.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile (Cummins turbo-diesel only).

Corrosion: 5-year/100,000 mile.

Roadside assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 Regular Cab pickup truck starts from $25,905 for the base ST/2WD up to $37,600 for the Power Wagon. Destination charges add $900.

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