The 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 comes in three configurations: as a 2-door Regular Cab or one of two 4-door cabs, the Quad Cab or Crew Cab. The Regular Cab can be paired with a 6.4-ft or 8-ft cargo bed. Both the Quad and the Crew cabs use four conventional doors and can seat up to six people, while the Regular Cab can seat up to three.
Three choices of engine power the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. The base engine is a 3.7L V6 that makes 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. It's mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The midrange engine is an E85-capable 4.7L V8 with 310 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. It comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The engine at the top of the range is a 5.7L Hemi V8 that makes 390 horsepower and 407 pound-feet of torque. It's available with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Across the lineup, all Dodge Ram 1500s are available with either rear-wheel drive or shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive. Maximum towing capacity is 8,700 lb when properly equipped.
Standard safety equipment on all 2011 Ram 1500s includes 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, hill-start assist, trailer sway control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, integrated trailer brake controller, trailer-tow mirrors and a tire-pressure monitor system. In government crash tests, the Ram 1500 was awarded the highest score of five out of five stars for frontal and side-impact protection for all passengers. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also gave the Ram 1500 its highest score of "Good" for frontal-offset crash protection.
Standard and optional equipment will vary depending on the combination of features. The base ST trim offers a split bench seat, tilt steering wheel, air conditioning, CD/MP3 stereo and auto-on headlights. ST Quad Cabs add folding rear seats and power accessories.
The SLT adds 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior trim, heated outside mirrors, carpet floor covering, power accessories, trip computer and satellite radio. Options on the SLT include 20-inch alloy wheels, mirrors with integrated turn signals, sunroof, RamBox storage bins, fog lamps, rear park assist, rear parking camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable pedals, power front bucket seats, rear under-seat storage (for Crew cabs), leather upholstery, heated front seats, rear-seat entertainment system, navigation with real-time traffic and Bluetooth.
The Sport package includes some of the SLT options plus a body-colored grille, distinctive bucket seats and a standard touch-screen stereo with hard drive.
The Ram Big Horn features the Hemi V8 and dual exhausts, 20-inch chromed alloy wheels, a full-time transfer case, a leather steering wheel with audio controls, quad headlamps and more.
New this year is an Outdoorsman trim in either Quad or Crew cabs. It replaces last year's TRX trim and offers quad halogen headlights, fog lights, heavy-duty cooling, durable all-terrain tires, power heated mirrors and 4- and 7-pin trailer light connection.
The top-of-the-line Laramie Longhorn trim sets a new standard for luxury pickup trucks. It comes in exclusively in Sagebrush exterior paint with White Gold details and Western-style exterior badges. It rides on 20-inch chromed alloy wheels and boasts a cabin rich with leather and unique western accents. Standard features include navigational radio, remote start, a back-up camera and ventilated front and heated rear seats.
Bold Styling Inside And Out
Excellent Off-road Capabilities
Powerful Towing Capacity
Plenty Of Interior Storage Space
Capable Yet Smooth Ride
For 2011, the Dodge Ram 1500 receives some minor trim and accessory updates. New in the SLT trim is an Outdoorsman package, which replaces the previous TRX package and includes various off-road goodies. Also new is the luxury-oriented Laramie Longhorn package. Optional on Ram 1500s is a spray-in bedliner and a new hard-drive navigation system. Sport models will get a standard touch-screen stereo with hard drive.
For 2011, there are over a dozen possible combinations of the Dodge Ram 1500 full-size pickup. All 1500s ride on a fully boxed frame and a rear suspension that features coils springs and multi-links with a solid axle. Once again, all trims will feature the RamBox storage system, complete with locking bins along the bed of the truck.
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