Topic: Test Drive: 2015 Ram 1500 Express

[Autos_Editor]

Ram 1500 Express forms a great foundation for customization in a first pickup
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[JohnnyMac]

Very handsome truck indeed.  Something about a basic RWD truck with a big V8 and bench seats that make me think about adding a truck to our family.  Then I remember we don't haul anything, would use the bed to its full cargo holding capacity a maximum of once per year, and that our preference for not paying $100 per week on gas.

[OliverD]

Definitely a neat truck. I'd take one in 4x4 trim.

[JohnnyMac]

Definitely a neat truck. I'd take one in 4x4 trim.

They probably don't offer it in 4X4 trim.

[OliverD]

Definitely a neat truck. I'd take one in 4x4 trim.

They probably don't offer it in 4X4 trim.

They do.

[JohnnyMac]

Definitely a neat truck. I'd take one in 4x4 trim.

They probably don't offer it in 4X4 trim.

They do.

Well then for sure go for the 4X4.

[greengs]

Very handsome truck indeed.  Something about a basic RWD truck with a big V8 and bench seats that make me think about adding a truck to our family.  Then I remember we don't haul anything, would use the bed to its full cargo holding capacity a maximum of once per year, and that our preference for not paying $100 per week on gas.

If you were to pay $100/week for gas in the Ram it means you're paying around $70/ week now if you were to believe the EPA numbers.  (I assumed you had a V6). 

On another note, there seems to be a $6,500 allowance of these trucks right now so that helps keep the price down.

[Fobroader]

This thing would look good slammed with some properly wide rims and tires......but I still couldn't imagine buying a 2wd pickup new off the lot.

[dave_b]

Love the column shift, over the rotary dial.

Mr. Pritch, are you sure its not the 8 speed?

2WD or 4WD, I consider an LSD absolutely necessary equipment, and wish they were available on every vehicle, period.

[Winterpeg]

All black gives it a "evil" look. Myself, need a little color like the wheels. That's about all.

[Winterpeg]

P.S. It is surprising those projector headlights are only average according to Justin.

[MR2Pritch]

This grade gets the 6 speed to save money,  presumably

[OliverD]

You can pay an extra $700 to get the 8-speed according to the configurator.

[Firm]

Had this truck last week and loved it. I am usually not a fan of reg cab trucks, but the cab is so well laid out, and there's enough storage behind the seats that I really can't complain. I agree 2wd seems a little silly, but the weight savings mean this thing goes like stink  And on a trip up to Wasaga on Saturday we averaged 10.8L/100km - really decent for a fullsize v8 truck IMO. Still garbage mileage in city though, close to 15L/100 - lack of the 8-speed shows here.

This is what a pickup was designed to be, I like the new Cowboy Cadillac's as much as anyone, but this really has it's own charm; badass looking, big power v8, no non-sense rwd truck - yes please!

[Ex-airbalancer]

Had this truck last week and loved it. I am usually not a fan of reg cab trucks, but the cab is so well laid out, and there's enough storage behind the seats that I really can't complain. I agree 2wd seems a little silly, but the weight savings mean this thing goes like stink  And on a trip up to Wasaga on Saturday we averaged 10.8L/100km - really decent for a fullsize v8 truck IMO. Still garbage mileage in city though, close to 15L/100 - lack of the 8-speed shows here.

This is what a pickup was designed to be, I like the new Cowboy Cadillac's as much as anyone, but this really has it's own charm; badass looking, big power v8, no non-sense rwd truck - yes please!

Why would the 8 speed be better in town ?
My first truck was a basic 1988 Chevy,reg cab, 2 wd ,  no AC, no radio , no power windows , had it for 5 years 350,000 km,  never again , give me the Cowboy Caddillac version please

[Fobroader]

Had this truck last week and loved it. I am usually not a fan of reg cab trucks, but the cab is so well laid out, and there's enough storage behind the seats that I really can't complain. I agree 2wd seems a little silly, but the weight savings mean this thing goes like stink  And on a trip up to Wasaga on Saturday we averaged 10.8L/100km - really decent for a fullsize v8 truck IMO. Still garbage mileage in city though, close to 15L/100 - lack of the 8-speed shows here.

This is what a pickup was designed to be, I like the new Cowboy Cadillac's as much as anyone, but this really has it's own charm; badass looking, big power v8, no non-sense rwd truck - yes please!

Why would the 8 speed be better in town ?
My first truck was a basic 1988 Chevy,reg cab, 2 wd ,  no AC, no radio , no power windows , had it for 5 years 350,000 km,  never again , give me the Cowboy Caddillac version please

My dad had an 84 or 85 Ram D100 with absolutely no options on it.....I concur AB....cowboy caddy FTW.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

^Turn in your man cards, both of you.

[Fobroader]

^Turn in your man cards, both of you.

Until you start commuting in a deuce and a half, you cannot pull our mancards Mr. Subaru 

[Firm]

Had this truck last week and loved it. I am usually not a fan of reg cab trucks, but the cab is so well laid out, and there's enough storage behind the seats that I really can't complain. I agree 2wd seems a little silly, but the weight savings mean this thing goes like stink  And on a trip up to Wasaga on Saturday we averaged 10.8L/100km - really decent for a fullsize v8 truck IMO. Still garbage mileage in city though, close to 15L/100 - lack of the 8-speed shows here.

This is what a pickup was designed to be, I like the new Cowboy Cadillac's as much as anyone, but this really has it's own charm; badass looking, big power v8, no non-sense rwd truck - yes please!

Why would the 8 speed be better in town ?
My first truck was a basic 1988 Chevy,reg cab, 2 wd ,  no AC, no radio , no power windows , had it for 5 years 350,000 km,  never again , give me the Cowboy Caddillac version please

Having driven both the 8-speed and the 6-speed (granted the 8-speed was a heavier crew cab 4x4) highway cruise rpm feels roughly the same...Which makes some sense, the optimal highway cruise rpms can be achieved in as many or as few gears as you like..it's all about how you get there.
I did better in the 8-speed in the city. My guess is that the extra cogs keep the rpms down while you're accelerating from lights. Heck, even while you're cruising along at city speeds, having those extra gears to choose from would give the computer more options to maximize efficiency at you're given speed. Nothing scientific, just the way I am thinking it out in my mind....


I agree with AB and Fob that the Cowboy Cadillac's are awesome vehicles...Definitely my guitly pleasure, and I love every week that I get to spend with one. But I also apprecaite the other side; this truck has an MSRP around $37,000, with the $6500 rebate already mentioned that puts it just over $30K for a brand new truck, with a HEMI! It's comfortable (I spent 4+ hours in it on Saturday), fast, looks great and the fuel economy is livable. I am not a big Dodge truck guy, nor do I like regular cabs, but if I were a single guy looking to spend $30K for something a little different to bomb around in, this would be high on my list.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

^Turn in your man cards, both of you.

Until you start commuting in a deuce and a half, you cannot pull our mancards Mr. Subaru 

I commute on Regina Transit.