2011 Ram Slt Quad Cab 4wd 57l 392 Axle Review
Review
The Practiced Upgraded cabins, V8 ability, smooth v-speed transmissions, come up-hither looks, a heavenly ride (for a truck) and loads of motel space, especially in the Crew Cab versions, accept the 2011 Ram 1500 standing alpine. A spotty reliability record, tepid and inefficient base V6 engine, and dated v-speed automated transmission keep the classy 2011 Ram 1500 pickup from its true potential. Flawless it's not, but the Ram 1500 has improved immeasurably in the past two years. Award-winning and eminently competitive in a fiercely contested market place, Contrivance'southward latest variation of its venerable full-size pickup, now produced past the new Ram brand, does nothing to hurt the automaker's rising star. Watch out, Ford and GM, for the 2011 Ram 1500! Chrysler/Dodge finally seems to get it. After a number of boneheaded corporate decisions, not to mention the economic disaster of '08/'09 that left the automaker flirting with insolvency, Dodge got it right with the 2011 Ram 1500 pickup. Actually, a total redesign in 2009 began the process, but this honour-winning hauler remains substantially unchanged from last yr except for a few tweaks to some of the trim-specific details. Oh, and this brash pickup is at present known solely as the Ram, not the Dodge Ram. Alas, old habits dice hard, and this full-size truck is all the same listed as the "Dodge Ram 1500" almost everywhere. Nonetheless, the junior fellow member of what was formerly known every bit the Big Three has a heavy hauler that it can exist proud of, a truck that may anytime challenge the mighty Ford F-150 for market supremacy. Available in four trim levels, the base ST, midlevel SLT, trail-oriented Sport and top-shelf Laramie, the Ram lineup comes with standard rear-wheel drive (RWD), simply all trims can be delivered with role-time, shift-on-the-fly four-cycle drive (4WD). All trims except the Laramie are available in a three-passenger Regular Cab version, the half-dozen-passenger Quad Cab version or the roomy Coiffure Cab configuration, also seating 6. The Laramie is offered only in Quad or Crew Cab variations. Regular Cab trims conduct either a standard 6.4-human foot bed or an 8.2-foot bed, while Quad Cab versions sport simply the 6.4-foot bed. Crew Cab Ram 1500s, meanwhile, mount a stunted 5.vii-foot bed, merely lack of hauling space is made up for by hefty rear-rider legroom. A 3.55:1 axle ratio is standard beyond the lineup, with iii.92:i or iii.21:1 axle ratios available as options, depending on towing needs and mileage concerns. With various options packages, the SLT and above trim levels can exist transformed into the Quad and Coiffure Cab Outdoorsman, Large Horn, and, in Texas, the Lonestar edition, while the college Regular Cab Ram 1500 trims tin can be upgraded to the Express or Tradesman subtrims. A tepid V6 engine that's standard equipment in the base ST is rapidly left in the dust past two powerful V8s, 1 the vaunted Hemi, that are available beyond the lineup. Indeed, the five.7-liter Hemi is standard for the Ram Sport and is touted to tow over 10,200 pounds with the proper equipment. Much-ballyhooed rear coil springs complement the multilink rear finish in all Ram trims for a ride that's universally described as nearly car-like. Heady praise indeed. Traditionally, Ford's F-150 leads the march of the full-size pickups, with Chevy's Silverado and Jimmy'south Sierra keeping in stride just behind. Even the Toyota Tundra has fabricated surprising inroads into the U.Due south. truck marketplace, about burial the poor Ram a few years agone. The parade road has changed, nonetheless, and the well-wrought 2011 Ram 1500 has the pedigree to make doubters sit upward and take notice. Iii engine choices, a V6 and a pair of V8s, grace the 2011 Ram 1500 lineup. The base RWD ST Regular and Quad Cab each carry a standard 3.7-liter V6 that mates with a standard four-speed automatic transmission for 215 hp at v,200 rpm and 235 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. The half-dozen-banger is good to tow some 3,750 pounds when properly equipped, and gas mileage is estimated at a less-than-stellar 14 mpg metropolis/20 highway. Standard power for the SLT trim level and the Laramie as well as all ST 4WD trims and RWD Crew Cab trims is a 4.vii-liter Flex Fuel (ethanol-capable) V8 engine that combines with a 5-speed automated transmission for 310 hp at 5,650 rpm and 330 lb-ft of torque at 3,950 rpm. This stiff powerplant provides some 7,650 pounds of towing capacity with the proper equipment, and mileage is in the 14/xix range with RWD, 13/18 with 4WD. Finally, Chrysler's highly regarded 5.7-liter Hemi V8, pounding out 390 hp at 5,800 rpm and 407 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm using the 5-speed automatic transmission, is standard for the 2011 Ram 1500 Sport and available for the Laramie, SLT, and ST 4WD Quad and Crew Cab trims. This monster tin can tow up to 10,400 pounds in RWD versions when properly equipped, with mileage a fairly respectable 14/20. Mileage drops to 13/nineteen and towing to 10,250 pounds max in 4WD Ram 1500 trims equipped with the Hemi engine. Both the iv- and v-speed automatics sport a brake hill-holder, with the Hemi V8's 5-speed drivetrain also boasting a standard limited-slip rear differential. Additionally, all trims come equipped with an auxiliary manual cooler. The Ram 1500's function-time 4WD system, meanwhile, stars electronic hi-lo gear selection and car-locking hubs for a most seamless transfer between RWD and 4WD. Reviewers are merciless on the Ram 1500'due south V6 powerplant, with the kindest describing it as underpowered and inefficient. The ii V8 engines, notwithstanding, are noted past the majority of reviews every bit having more than than adequate acceleration, with the Hemi, of course, a superstar off the line. One examination of a 4WD-equipped Hemi V8 had information technology sprinting from 0-60 in seven.2 seconds, which isn't bad for a pickup. Several reviewers, alas, question the wisdom of retaining the 5-speed transmissions accompanying both V8 engines, with several pointing out the advantages in both power and fuel economy of a 6-speed version. A number of reviewers, however, betoken out that an available 3.92:1 axle ratio (in place of the standard 3.55:1) goes a long way toward mitigating the 5-speed'southward feeble towing ability. With its unique and well-received rear coil-spring suspension organisation complementing the multi-link rear terminate, about all reviews of the 2011 Ram 1500 rave about its almost carlike ride. Gone are the frustrating rear-bike jitters and skitters common to empty pickups, with the result that the Ram now boasts what well-nigh all reviews telephone call "best-in-class" ride comfort, with simply small-scale compromises to payload capacity. Sure, with some excess body lean in corners, a bit of jiggle on rough pavement and a somewhat ponderous steering feel, this total-size pickup will never exist considered agile, but, hey, information technology's a truck! The base of operations ST and mid-level SLT trims sport standard 17-inch steel and blend wheels, respectively, with the Sport and Laramie each delivered with 20-inch alloy wheels. Reviewers note a tendency for those trims equipped with 20-inch wheels to wander a bit on the highway, with the issue existence an overabundance of steering correction. Braking, meanwhile, is described as powerful and true, with a flake of noseplow only otherwise no surprises, even in emergency stopping situations. Overall, the new Ram 1500 draws laudable reviews for its surprisingly compliant ride and improved motel placidity. This is a truck that can be driven for business or pleasure with equal aplomb and has an eye toward occupant comfort when hauling and towing. Once Spartan and uninspired, the Ram 1500 motel is at present, if not palatial, at to the lowest degree comfortable and more than occupant-friendly. Standard amenities in the base of operations ST trim level, for instance, include vinyl upholstery, tilt-bike steering and air conditioning, with amusement via a single-CD actor with auxiliary MP3 input and 6 speakers in all cab configurations. Pre-wiring for cell phone service is also part of the ST'southward improved cabin ambiance, while six-rider Quad and Crew Cab variations factor standard power door locks, windows and heated ability mirrors into the equation. On superlative of all this, the SLT trim level throws in standard cloth upholstery, front end bucket seats, remote power door locks, cruise control and a trip reckoner, with Sirius satellite radio adding to the amusement offerings. Moving up to the Ram 1500 Sport trim level begets a standard eight-manner ability-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, front end bucket seats, a universal remote garage door opener and a leather steering wheel with mounted audio controls. Coiffure Cab versions avowal under-seat storage in the rear, while additional techno-goodies in the Sport include a DVD-capable video monitor, a USB connection and Bluetooth hands-free communications technology. The peak-shelf Laramie boasts standard heated front saucepan seats, leather upholstery and simulated wood trim on the nuance, and simulated blend and woods cabin accents. Ability-adjustable pedals, a heated steering bicycle, rear parking sensors and remote engine outset, meanwhile, complement retentiveness for driver's seat, mirror, and audio settings. A 506-watt sound organization with auxiliary iPod interface and 10 premium speakers finishes up the impressive listing of the Laramie's standard animate being comforts. Speed control, upgraded exterior chrome, chrome side-steps and bedrails, a spray-in bedliner, Course IV trailer hitch and sliding rear window are some of the standalone options with the ST trim level. Packages, meanwhile, include the Hemi-equipped Tradesman with upgraded 17-inch wheels and dual exhaust, and the 4WD-but Outdoorsman versions, with 17-inch styled wheels, skid plates, all-terrain tires and the ST Quick Order Bundle, too with the Hemi V8, 20-inch alloy wheels and chrome-tipped dual rear frazzle. Options for the Ram 1500 SLT and higher trim levels include the Lonestar and Bighorn Packages with skid plates (4WD-simply), premium cloth upholstery, the popular RamBox lidded bed storage compartments, rear-seat DVD entertainment (Quad and Coiffure Cabs), UConnect Bluetooth-enabled vocalization-activated sound control and communications service, a rear-view camera system, and voice-activated Garmin navigation. The Sport trim level, meanwhile, can be delivered with a ability sunroof and a number of the Laramie's standard features, while the Laramie adds an available rear window defroster. Reviewers tin't say plenty about the 2011 Ram 1500'south new-await cabin. In front end, gauges are described every bit large and eminently readable, controls are well marked and easily accessible, and seats are wide and supportive. Quad Cab and Crew Cab trims, however, are noted by a number of reviewers to exist noticeably less well-endowed in the rear seating areas. More hard plastics abound in these nether regions, and the Quad Cab variations are significantly short on legroom, with a loftier footstep-in and smallish rear doors (thankfully, front-opening) making entry and go out a challenge without the optional side-steps. Motel storage, meanwhile, is lauded by nearly all reviewers, even in the Regular Cab versions, with the optional RamBox bed-mounted storage bins complementing all the various cabin cubbies, pockets and bins quite nicely. Complementing the 2011 Ram 1500's hefty size are such standard safe items every bit 4-wheel disc antilock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency braking assist, likewise as the traditional traction and stability command. Occupant protection includes dual forepart side-mounted airbags also as front end and, in Quad and Crew Cab versions, rear head airbags. Further standard safety equipment in the SLT and above includes dusk-sensing headlights, while the Sport and Laramie boast standard front fog/driving lights and turn-bespeak-integrated mirrors, both of which are available with the ST and SLT trim levels. A standard active antitheft alert system comes with the Laramie's remote engine start feature and is available for the SLT and Sport trims. Finally, an integrated trailer brake control is optional across the lineup. Though pickups are often ignored by regime and insurance testing agencies, the 2010 Ram 1500 lineup got 5-star ratings for front end driver and passenger protection from the National Highway Traffic Safe Administration (NHTSA). Additionally, the NHTSA awarded the Ram 1500 four stars for RWD rollover protection and three stars for 4WD rollover protection. The 2011 versions, meantime, garner the highest rating of Skilful from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in front touch on testing, but only its 2nd-lowest rating of Marginal in side-impact and roof-strength tests. As is mutual with owners of big vehicles mounting big engines, gas mileage is thought either tolerably adept or abysmal. In the case of the 2011 Ram 1500, fuel efficiency is regarded by most owners as okay, but certainly worthy of improvement. Several owners also question the Hemi V8'southward demand for 89-octane gasoline, while many are well aware that driving habits, payload needs and towing frequency all contribute to greater or lesser engine efficiency. The base V6 engine is panned by well-nigh all owners as underperforming and gas-hungry, with some owners lamenting the fact that no diesel option is available in the Ram 1500. A few rattles and squeaks pb several owners to question build quality, while Dodge's traditionally weak reliability leaves many owners with a "expect-and-run into" mindset while living for the moment and enjoying their brand-new pickup. On the positive side, the 2011 Ram 1500'southward impressive interior improvements are a definite hitting with owners, as is its bold and beautiful exterior. The vastly improved suspension of the next-gen Ram 1500 lineup has owners praising its ride quality and impressed that towing and hauling abilities keep to exist strong fifty-fifty with the tamed rear suspension system. Cab storage capabilities, complemented by the available RamBox bed storage bins, draw kudos from a number of owners, while the availability of V8 ability and functioning gives owners reason to celebrate the Ram 1500's considerable towing abilities.The CarGurus View
At a Glance
Drivetrain
Ride & Handling
Cabin & Condolement
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What Owners Think
Updated
Have Laptop. Will Travel. I'm retired and travelling the country in a 34' motor home. I'm really excavation meeting people . . and sometimes their cars . . . getting a sense of what makes this nation tick. The plan is to visit all the national parks in the continental Usa, and then cruise to Alaska to visit Denali, and to Hawaii to check out Haleakala and the Hawaii Volcano's national parks. Anyway, when I'thousand not horsing the motor home around the roadways, I'1000 tooting effectually in the 2012 Ford Focus that nosotros tow behind, or making runs to Habitation Depot and various malls with the 2004 F-150 that just won't die.
Source: https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/2011-RAM-1500-Overview-c22895
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