Dodge put the Ram 1500 pickup through a total revamp for 2009. The goal was to include every significant feature called for by owners and approach every change as an upgrade.

Back in 1994, Dodge reinvented the pickup truck with the new Ram and its “big-rig” look that quickly became an icon. At the same time, Dodge introduced the “Quad Cab,” which, for the first time, made the pickup truck a practical family vehicle. With the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, a completely new pickup hits the road. True to form, Dodge has a breakthrough look, the “head-down” grille, a reinterpretation of the “big-rig” concept that appears to jut out. It’s bold, aggressive and unlike the front end of any other pickup on the market. In addition, Dodge is introducing, for the first time, a new Crew Cab body style responding to demand for more room, luxury and convenience.

The other “first” for 2009 is the use of coil springs under the bed. Dodge says the Ram's multi-link coil spring rear suspension gives the truck a better ride and improves handling without sacrificing load capacity. It doesn’t hurt that the new coil system weighs 40 pounds less than an equivalent leafspring setup. There appears to be no sacrifices in the new suspension considering the 1,850 pound payload (there is also an optional tow package that hauls 9,100 pounds). The 2009 Ram is the only truck in its size category that uses coil spring suspension.

Dodge faced a problem with its existing four-door Quad Cab since owners felt it wasn’t roomy enough. The four-door Mega Cab option on a Ram 1500 measured 249 inches overall, too long for some garages. The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 will feature a more practical Crew Cab configuration with a 140-inch wheelbase and a more reasonable 229-inch length.

Overall, the Ram 1500 manages to look meaner, yet less boxy. After all, even a pickup truck has to get the aerodynamics right these days. The Crew Cab's available weatherproof Ram Box is integrated into the bed, while the tailgate has a sporty, spoiler-like design and features a tailgate lift-assist feature.

You have a broad choice of engines for 2009: A 3.7-liter V6 producing 215 hp and 234 lb/ft of torque, a 4.7-liter V8 producing 310 hp and 330 lb/ft of torque and a new 5.7-liter HEMI engine producing 380 hp and 404 lb/ft of torque.

The 5.7-liter HEMI features variable valve timing (VVT), which ensures smooth-shifting, improved economy and exceptional performance. The HEMI has improved engine breathing (Dodge-speak) that improves airflow into the engine and further boosts fuel efficiency. The result is an upgrade in both horsepower and engine torque, as well as a four percent improvement in fuel economy. Dodge's HEMI features chrome-tipped factory dual exhaust.

Every 2009 Ram 1500 model features a six-speed manual, four-speed automatic or or five-speed automatic transmission, depending on engine choice. On-demand and part-time four-wheel drive systems are available, too.

Active safety equipment on the Ram 1500 is topnotch starting with an all-important electronic stability program (ESP).  The Ram 1500 is one of the few pickups in its class to offer four-wheel disc brakes as standard equipment. Other active safety features include Brake Assist, which compensates for drivers’ tendency to not hit the brakes hard enough during an emergency. Instead, the system safely applies them as hard as possible if it senses you don’t have your foot into it. Those who tow will be pleased to know Trailer Sway Control comes standard. A full set of front, side and curtain airbags are fitted to the Ram 1500 series.

Dodge did not ignore the interior of the 2009 Ram 1500, focusing on making it more comfortable, yet more robust with higher quality materials. For the first time, a center console with shifter is available on the truck, and for the first time in any pickup truck, you can have heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats in the Ram 1500. Another first for pickups is the inclusion of SIRIUS Satellite TV^™ in the Ram 1500. What’s more, you can have surround sound with your high-end stereo if you wish. The '09 Ram comes in ST, SLT, TRX, Sport and Laramie trim levels, each representing a higher degree of luxury and equipage. MSRP prices begin at $22,170 for the Ram 1500 ST Regular Cab.

Space precludes a truly thorough rundown on all the improvements in the 2009 Ram 1500 pickup, so we invite you to schedule an appointment to check one out and give it a spin for yourself.