Still the king of big-truck attitude, the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 can handle the diverse duties of comfortable daily driver and capable workhorse with equal ease.

• Pros

Strong output from top-line V8, sharp steering, compliant ride, very spacious interior in Mega Cab, available side curtain airbags.

• What's New for 2006

Dodge has significantly updated its full-size Ram pickup this year with a new body style, new luxury-oriented features and enhanced hardware. The big news, so to speak, is a new super-sized Mega Cab model. It features a 20-inch-longer cabin to provide best-in-class interior room. All Ram 1500s feature a new dash, center console, seats and radios. A navigation system and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system are newly optional on the Dodge truck. Hardware updates include a stiffened frame and, for 4WD models, a new independent front suspension (excluding the Mega Cab) and a front-axle disconnect system tied into a new electronic transfer case. Dodge has also fitted the Ram's 5.7-liter V8 with a multidisplacement cylinder deactivation system that's said to improve fuel economy in certain driving situations. Wrapping things up for the 2006 Dodge Ram is freshened front-end styling and new wheels.

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• 1-touch down
• Driver vanity mirror
• Tilt steering wheel
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Air conditioning
• Garage door transmitter
• Front beverage holders
• Speed control
•        Illuminated entry
•  Front dual zone A/C
• Rear beverage holders
• Power windows
•        Adjustable pedals
• Passenger door bin
•         Remote keyless entry
• Overhead console
• Passenger vanity mirror
• Driver door bin
•        Ground clearance (min): 188mm (7.4")
•        Approach angle: 15 deg
•               Departure angle: 24 deg
•        Ramp breakover angle: 20 deg
• Ground clearance (max): 196mm (7.7")
•         AM/FM radio
• CD player
• Rear seats: split-bench
•        Leather steering wheel
• Front center armrest: w/storage
•         Power driver seat
• Leather upholstery
• Split folding rear seat
•       Right rear passenger: conventional
•       Bodyside moldings
• Power door mirrors
•        Bumpers: body-color
•        Rear step bumper
• Heated door mirrors
• Left rear passenger door: conventional
• Rear legroom: 925mm (36.4")
•         Front headroom: 1,036mm (40.8")
• Exterior height: 1,880mm (74.0")
• Exterior body width: 2,019mm (79.5")
• Front legroom: 1,041mm (41.0")
• Interior maximum cargo volume: 1,161 L (41 cu.ft.)
• Exterior length: 5,784mm (227.7")
• GVWR: 3,039kg (6,700lbs)
• Front hiproom: 1,648mm (64.9")
• Passenger volume: 3,444L (121.6 cu.ft.)
• Turning radius: 7.0m (22.9')
• Front shoulder room: 1,702mm (67.0")
•        Wheelbase: 3,569mm (140.5")
•       Rear hiproom: 1,641mm (64.6")
• Rear headroom: 1,016mm (40.0")
• Interior cargo volume: 1,161 L (41 cu.ft.)
• Rear shoulder room: 1,694mm (66.7")
• Security system
• 4 wheel disc brakes
• Panic alarm
• Ignition disable
• Dual front impact airbags
• Front wheel independent suspension
• Front anti-roll bar
• Power steering
• Alloy wheels
• Outside temperature display
• Tachometer
• Oil pressure gauge
• Front reading lights
• Delay-off headlights
• Front fog lights
• Trip computer
• Compass
• Variably intermittent wipers
• Voltmeter
• Speed sensitive wipers