Sunday, January 2, 2011

2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon

2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon
2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon

I think it’s easier to describe what the Power Wagon isn’t. This is not your everyday, city-slicker pickup truck. Dodge took their 2500 series heavy duty truck and brought it up another notch. The 2500 HD is already a stout truck, but Dodge improved the off-road capabilities significantly. They lifted the truck 2 inches, gave it 36” tires and changed a significant number of suspension components including new Bilstein dampers, locking differentials and even a front stabilizer bar that is electronically deactivated. Why would you want to deactivate your stabilizer bar you ask? It gives you even more capability to go over large rocks and boulders.
As you can see from the pictures, this truck is quite large. It’s especially big when you are trying to park somewhere. The interior room and full 6’ 4” bed is appreciated, though, and provides more room than you’ll probably ever need. The interior cabin is so large that when I reached over from the driver seat, my arm fell not even to the midway point of the passenger seat. I tend to keep my cell phone in one of the cup holders in the center console, and it is quite the extended reach down there.

Dodge Ram trucks recalled for brake-light problem

Dodge Ram
Dodge Ram

Only 2010 and 2011 Dodge Rams with diesel engines are affected. The trucks were built from March 2009 through October 2010.
The recall is expected to begin in February. Ram owners will be asked to bring their trucks in to a dealer for inspection. "If there is an issue, we replace the cap for nothing," Mr. Muniga says.
Owners with questions can call Chrysler at 800-853-1403. They can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 888-327-4236 or at www.safecar.gov.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Dodge Ram recall: Chrysler / Dodge recalls almost 150,000 trucks and SUVs

http://www.csmonitor.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/images/1231-dodge-ram/9269485-1-eng-US/1231-dodge-ram_full_380.jpg
Dodge Ram

The front of a Dodge Ram may resemble a snarling cougar, but the truck shouldn't actually growl.

When customers reported a growling or grinding sound in their brand new trucks, engineers investigated and found a faulty rear axle, which prompted the recall of almost 57,000 of the popular trucks.

That recall joins two others that Chrysler, Dodge’s parent company, announced about the same time, for a total of over 144,000 recalled trucks and SUVs.
RELATED: What were the Top 10 recalls in 2010?

Over 65,000 Dodge Journeys from model year 2009 are being recalled for an electrical problem with the side airbags, while Dodge Rams are facing two different recalls:

* Over 22,000 Ram 4500 and 5500 trucks from model years 2008-11 are being recalled for a faulty left ball stud on the tie rod, which may result in a loss of steering control.

* Ram 1500 trucks from model year 2011, which have been manufactured since September 2009, have a growl-y rear axle bearing which might seize, possibly causing the truck to stall.

If you own a Ram or Journey, you should call your dealer for an appointment. Your dealer will replace the faulty part at no cost to you.

Chrysler will send the official recall letters to affected SUV and truck owners in February. Chrysler representatives did not respond to repeated attempts to make contact.

If you have questions, call Chrysler toll-free at 800-853-1403 or go to their website. (Recall information is well buried, but you can look for information about your car here.) You can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 800-424-9153)

Friday, July 30, 2010

Review Of 2010 Dodge Dakota Pick Up Truck

Introduction of 2010 Dodge Dakota

The 2010 Dodge Dakota priced at MSRP: $22,755 – $33,180 is a perfect sized pick up truck which is neither too big nor too small. This Dodge edition creates its popular image with its sharp exterior styling, impressive towing and hauling capabilities, and appealing interior accommodations.

What’s on offer?

The 2010 Dodge Dakota receives Tokico shock modules and Arvin springs which assist in improving its performance. Dodge has dropped the six speed manual transmission for the 3.7 liter edition leaving with the option of only a four-speed automatic for the six-cylinder engine and a five-speed automatic for the 4.7-liter V-8.

Silhouette

The 2010 Dodge Dakota offers a perceptible different silhouette which is different from its predecessors or its bigger siblings. The new edition looks angular unlike the rounded predecessor. Dodge has managed to maintain the aggressiveness of this edition intact.

2010 Dodge Dakota

The new edition is available in two body styles viz. the extended cab and the crew cab. The extended cab features rear hinged aft doors, while the crew cab has conventional four doors.

Inside the cabin

The 2010 Dodge Dakota has exciting interiors with abundance of storage space. The interiors are dressed in hard plastic that feels hard however, the instrument panel features black on white color scheme which makes it easy to read. The controls and gauges are placed at comfortable places which add convenience to the operator.

There is ample of under seat storage space which makes the cabin spacious and practical.

Overall, good quality material would have been appreciated and would assist in making them self felt in this competitive automotive segment.

Features of 2010 Dodge Dakota

The 2010 Dodge Dakota is available in four trim levels. The standard trim features 17 inch aluminum wheels, cruise control and power windows. The luxury Laramie trim includes heated leather seats, chrome grille, chrome rear bumper, remote start, and premium audio. The TRX4 off road package adds skid plates, off road wheels and tires, and sliding rear window.

2010 Dodge Dakota

The new Dodge edition sports a dual position tail gate that assists as a support for extra long cargo extending beyond its bed size.

2010 Dodge Dakota Powertrain

The 2010 Dodge Dakota is powered by 3.7 liter V6 engine which generates 210 horsepower and 235 pounds feet of torque. The V6 engine is mated with a four speed automatic transmission. This burly engine offers an estimated fuel economy of 15/20 mpg on 2WD and 14/18 mpg on 4WD. When fully equipped it offer a towing capacity of 7,250 pounds.

This edition offers an option of 4.7 liter V8 engine which generates 302 horsepower and 329 pounds feet of torque. This V8 engine is teamed with five speed automatic transmission. The V8 engine offers a fuel economy of 14/19 mpg on 2WD , 14/19 mpg on (4WD, gasoline), 9/13 mpg on (4WD,E85). When fully equipped this edition offers a towing capacity of 5,500 pounds.

This rugged vehicle features Tokico shock modules and Arvin springs which a smooth ride.

2010 Dodge Dakota

2010 Dodge Dakota Safety

The 2010 Dakota Dodge is equipped with seat belt pretensioner, latch child seat anchors, and electronic brake distribution. Full length side curtain airbags, and four wheel antilock brake system are available as optional features.

During the various crash tests that were conducted to check the efficiency of these features it scored five stars for passenger and driver protection in the front a well as rear seats.

Review Of 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 Pick Up Truck

Introduction of 2010 Dodge Ram 1500

The 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 priced at MSRP $20,610 – $42,650 is a full size pick up truck which is well crafted and completely desirable. This edition is extremely reliable and affordable and hence is preferred by the masses. This edition offers strong competition to tough machines like Ford F150 , Toyota Tundra, GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado.

What’s on offer?

The new 2010 Edition offers higher towing capacity. It is also equipped with integrated trailer brake controller. The other notable feature that the new edition includes is improved ipod connectivity.

Silhouette

The 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 can be rightly said that it is the best looking full size pick up truck. Its front end grille is impressive with tall big chrome colored grille. The headlamps and taillights enhances its front and side look of this rugged vehicle. Its hood is more curvy and shaped than its predecessors.

2010 Dodge Ram 1500

This half ton vehicle is available in numerous body style and bed lengths.

Inside the cabin

The 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 has picked up its interior styling cues from Ford F150 and GMC Sierra. The interiors have been designed using high quality materials and offer an upscale element. The controls are boldly marked which are easy to read and placed in manner to offer convenience to the driver.

The interiors are well designed to woo traditional buyers and cosmopolitan owners with amenities which include premium seating with soft touch materials and a console mounted shifters. The front row seats are very comfortable with nice bolsters to hold the passengers in place even when driving off road or on the highways. We noted that the back seat row in the quad cab is very cramped.

The storage space inside the cabin is also abundant with lots of hooks and crannies to hold cell phones, tools, folders etc.

Features of 2010 Dodge Ram 1500

The 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 is available in three trims. The standard trim comprises of 17 inch wheels, air-conditioning, heated power mirrors, full power accessories, and AM/FM/CD player. The SLT trim furthers adds remote keyless entry, cruise control and Sirius while the premium trim encompasses of heated leather wrapped steering with audio controls and dual zone automatic climate control.

2010 Dodge Ram 1500 engine

The new edition offers options of Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel radio control, DVD player for front and back seats, rear back up camera. The most impressive feature that dodge offers which is not found in many high end luxury cars is uconnect system which includes in car TV and internet access.

2010 Dodge Ram 1500 Powertrain

The 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 is powered by 3.7 liter V6 engine which can generate 215 horsepower and 235 pounds feet of torque. It is teamed with four speed automatic suspensions and emits a fuel economy of 14 mpg city levels and 20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined.

The mid level offers an option of 4.7 liter V8 engine which produces 310 horsepower and 330 pounds feet of torque. It is coupled with five speed automatic transmission and emit a fuel economy of 14/19/15 mpg with two wheel drive and 13/18/14 mpg with four wheel drive.

It also offers the options of a powerful 5.7 liter HEMI engine which generates a healthy output of 390 horsepower and 407 pounds feet of torque. It is also teamed with five speed automatic transmission and cylinder deactivation technology. This edition offers a fuel economy of 14/20/16 mpg with two wheel drive and 13/19/15 mpg with four wheel drive.

Dodge Ram 3500 Mega Cab 4×4

The diesel engines are quite older ideas but still are modified in quite different ways by the truck manufacturers and are manufacturing the trucks that are quite efficient and energetic. The Dodge is one of the leading names in truck manufacturing and they also have launched many of the truck models that are operated by diesel engines. Dodge 3500 is one of the most popular and preferred models of company. Here are some of the details of Dodge 3500 Mega Cab 4×4 diesel trucks.

Dodge Ram 3500 Mega Cab

The decent and deliberate display

Dodge is one of the most popular truck models in the truck lovers who prefer to have smarter trucks. Dodge is the revolutionary name which has changed the entire meaning and impression of trucks. They changed the entire concept of trucks as the trucks were considered as the tools of carriers but Dodge trucks not only gave huge performance to the truck models but also gave better and smarter looks to the truck models. Even the latest model of 3500 Mega Cab is having one of the finest exteriors and outlook that is truly attractive for any viewers. The longer cab, shorter proportion for rear beds and huge wheel flares that adds more passion to the truck display.

Dodge Ram 3500 Mega Cab

The cab is smaller than the bed as the bed is being extended to 6ft. 4 inch to haul more of the goods and also to make the goods carrying smoother and smarter. The crew cab has been kept smaller to ad more space to haul more of the goods. Dodge 3500 is one of the most suitable trucks that can make the transporters enriched with larger space for transporting and smaller place for traveling. Even the structure of the trucks is created in such way that the door space also gets added to the space for hauling goods and cargo. The doors are opened and they are made available for the owners who wish to have more space for carriage.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Dodge Ram 1500 — buying American again

Dodge Ram 1500Like a lot of Americans, I was downright irate when the federal government announced it was bailing out General Motors (GM) and Chrysler.

This is, after all, a capitalist economy — companies that can’t compete fail and are replaced. Bailing out a company that can’t cut it seems, well, fundamentally wrong.

After fuming over bailouts for awhile, I swore to never buy an American car again (I drove a Toyota Matrix at the time). I then swore to never buy an American car again unless it was made by Ford. Yes, Toyota and Ford were worthy of my cash, but Chrysler and General Motors were not.

I now own a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 with a crew cab and a ridiculously powerful V-8 under the hood.

So, what happened? Simply put, the threat of financial ruin seems to have inspired Chrysler officials to put some serious thought into the vehicles they were releasing to the public.

The Dodge Ram has always been a good truck, but this new batch of them is nothing short of impressive. The build quality, ride, features, warranty and price are hard to touch. My wife and I test drove Ford F-150 and liked that very well. We also enjoyed the Toyota Tacoma we looked at but, surprisingly, decided the Dodge was the best of the lot for our needs.

We can haul up to 1,700 pounds of stuff and have enough room in the cab to fit four adults (at least) in comfort. Chrysler’s decision to use coil springs on the back axle instead of leaf springs means the truck glides down the highway with car-like smoothness (that’s right — the Dodge has the least “truck like” ride of anything we drove). The interior is very comfortable and attractive rather than merely utilitarian.