1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500

Review

Dodge has been refining the Ram Wagon and Ram Van models for 25 years. This year, the side and rear doors have been revised to open wider for easier loading and unloading. The Ram's front end was completely restyled in 1993 and the steering and suspension systems were re-engineered for a more controlled ride.

The Dodge uses welded steel unit-body construction instead of the body-on-frame design employed by the GM and Ford products. Nonetheless, the Dodge is a stout van built to commercial truck standards. It also offers good value.

When outfitted in SLT trim, the Dodge Wagon is a comfortable place to spend some long days. A driver's air bag is standard, but anti-lock brakes are optional on all models. The spare tire is mounted in the floor.

Two wheelbases are offered, a short 109.6-inch version and a 127.6-inch platform. Maxi bodies add 26 inches to the overall length of the standard long-wheelbase models for hauling up to 15 passengers. The Maxi Van offers 304.5 cu. ft. of cargo space.

The front suspension consists of upper and lower arms with coil springs, with conventional load-carrying leaf springs at the rear and anti-roll bars at both ends. Overall, this system works well, but it does not boast the ride quality and isolation from road vibration of the Ford and GM vans.

Dodge Ram Vans retail for $17,460 for the short wheelbase and $18,120 for the long wheelbase 1500 models; $18,280 for the short wheelbase, $18,325 for the long wheelbase and $19,975 for the Maxi 2500 models; and $20,915 for the 3500 and $21,490 for the Maxi 3500 models. The Ram Wagons: $20,355 for the 1500, $22,555 for the 2500, $23,755 for the 3500 and $25,565 for the Maxi 3500.

Engine choices include the base 3.9-liter V6. The $590 optional 5.2-liter V8 (standard on the 3500 models) produces 225 hp at 4400 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. of torque at 3200 rpm. The $860 optional ($270 on 3500 models) 5.9-liter V8 produces 235 hp at 4000 rpm and 330 lb.-ft. of torque at 3000 rpm. No diesel is available, but a compressed natural gas engine is an option.

A three-speed automatic is available, but the four-speed automatic overdrive transmission drives nicer, gets about 4 mpg better fuel economy on the highway and is much better equipped to handle heavy loads and adverse conditions. Fuel economy barely suffers with the 5.2-liter engine option on 1500 models when it is ordered with the four-speed automatic because the overdrive gear reduces rpm at highway speeds.

We drove the Maxi Wagon 3500, the heaviest version available, with an extended body and seating for 15 passengers. The big 5.9-liter V8 produces lots of power, but lacks some of the smoothness of the newer Ford and GM engines. The Dodge Ram Vans are less expensive, however, making them popular for hotel and airport shuttle services and other fleet operations.