Ram 1500 wins Consumer Reports fullsize truck test ~ Used Car Values

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Ram 1500 wins Consumer Reports fullsize truck test

4:00 AM Thomas Ponco No comments

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RAM 1500 RANKS AT TOP IN CONSUMER REPORTS' TESTS OF FULL-SIZE PICKUPS

Ram 1500 delivers impressive class-leading performance

YONKERS, NY- The freshened 2013 Ram 1500 now tops Consumer Reports' rankings of, full-size pickups, delivering impressive performance and outpointing strong competitors, both domestic and foreign.

"The Ram 1500 is surprisingly luxurious and refined-but still fully capable of doing hard work when needed," said Jake Fisher, director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. "Continued interior and powertrain improvements make the Ram a particularly well-rounded choice."

For 2013, the Ram got a lighter and stiffer frame, a revised interior with a new infotainment system, and updated powertrains. Consumer Reports tested a four-wheel-drive Ram 1500 Crew Cab, with the most popular engine option-the 5.7-liter Hemi V8-and the new efficient eight-speed automatic transmission. The combination delivers seamless power and still returns a class-leading 15 mpg overall in CR's own fuel economy tests.

The complete tests and ratings of the Ram 1500 appear on www.ConsumerReports.org. Updated daily, ConsumerReports.org is the go-to Website for the latest auto reviews, product news, blogs on breaking news and car buying information. Check out CR's ongoing Twitter feed at @CRCars.

The Ram 1500 earned a 78-point overall road test score. Other tested full-size pickups include, the Toyota Tundra (69) and the iconic Ford F-150 (68). Consumer Reports is evaluating the redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and will announce its findings later this summer. First impressions are that the Silverado is a well-rounded and refined truck that will strongly challenge the Ram in our Ratings. Ford's F-150 will be redesigned for 2015.

While the Chevrolet Avalanche currently outscores the Ram by two points, Avalanche production ended after the current 2013 model year.

Prior versions of the Ram have been reliable so Consumer Reports is Recommending the freshened truck. To be Recommended, a vehicle must perform well in CR's battery of tests, have average or better reliability in CR's Annual Auto Survey and perform well in government and industry crash tests.

The Ram delivers one of the best rides of any pickup, thanks to its unique coil spring rear suspension. It has a super-quiet, super-roomy crew cab, and the optional UConnect infotainment touch screen is one of the best in the business. On the downside, the step up to the cabin is very high, and-unlike some other pickups-the Ram's tailgate isn't damped or sprung, so it's heavy.

Consumer Reports is the world's largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.