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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab

Overview

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2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab Review

By KBB.com Editors

How big is too big? At Dodge, the question seems not to have crossed anyone's mind. How else can one explain the massive 2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab pickup? As if the Ram Quad Cab isn't more truck than most folks need, the Mega Cab stretches its interior by replacing the standard eight-foot box with a six-foot bed and filling the remaining gap with an additional 20 inches of cab. The Mega Cab now boasts the largest interior of any full-size pickup and features so much rear-seat legroom it's only a matter of time before someone starts using it as an off-road limo! The true beauty of the Mega Cab's design is that its stem-to-stern dimensions remain identical to the eight-foot bed Ram Quad Cab pickup, meaning it will still fit in your garage -- but just barely.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want capacious rear-cabin room for people and cargo, this is your truck. With a limo-like 44.2 inches of rear-seat legroom and 71 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded, the 2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab is the King of the Hill.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If your towing, hauling and rear-cabin roominess needs are more modest than this Mega Cab provides, or your fuel budget is limited, the Quad Cab is probably all the truck you need. The smaller six-foot bed may also pose a problem for some.

What's New for 2008

A new SXT trim joins the line, while 2500 and 3500 models receive a standard 7x10-inch trailer-tow mirror. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 3500 4x4 models with the 6.7-liter diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission climbs from 23,000 to 24,000 pounds.

Driving the Ram 1500 Quad Cab

Driving Impressions Despite their bulk, these Mega Cabs steer, ride, handle and brake at least as well as competitive long-wheelbase heavy-duty pickups. The HEMI V8 delivers its 375 pound-feet of peak torque...

at 4200 rpm and its 345 maximum horsepower at 5400 rpm, and the five-speed automatic provides smooth power at any reasonable speed. The Cummins Turbo Diesel, by contrast, unleashes its monster 610 pound-feet of max torque at just 1600 rpm and its 325 peak horsepower at 2900 rpm. This is great for launching with heavy loads and for off-road creeping, but on-road, if you start in first gear, you'll need to shift to second almost immediately and to third before reaching 20 miles per hour. The available automatic upshifts smoothly and quickly enough to mask this musclebound diesel's narrow torque band.

Favorite Features

Cabin Capacity
The primary disadvantage of a pickup truck versus a truck-based SUV is the latter's enclosed, theft-resistant and weather-protected cargo capacity. This truck's aptly-named Mega Cab goes a long way toward eliminating that disadvantage, yet retains a substantial conventional bed out back for your dirty, heavy stuff. Unlike any other pickup, it will seat an NBA basketball team and its sixth man off the bench in commodious comfort, plus a fair amount of gear behind the back seat.

HEMI V8 Engine
Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota and Nissan all offer strong, reliable V8 power in full-size pickups, but none beats this Dodge powerhouse for its balance of smoothness, muscle and efficiency. Partnered with the robust five-speed automatic, it's simply the most powerfully pleasing big-pickup powerplant available.

2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab Details

Interior

The spacious six-passenger cabin has a wide front-center console, with generous storage bins and cup holders and an optional "business console" under the middle front cushion for a laptop and other mobile office needs. The gauges and controls have a precise look and feel, and the fittings and materials are good even in mid-level SLT models. Besides prodigious room and reclining seats, rear-seat riders get their own HVAC outlets, reading lamps, stowable center armrest with cupholders and (available) DVD with integrated game ports and wireless headsets. Behind the 60/40 fold-flat rear seats is a unique and useful 7.6 cubic feet of cargo space, plus another 1.8 cubic feet in covered bins.

Exterior

Dodge has distinguished its pickups from competitors with aggressive "big-rig" styling featuring lowered front fenders and big, bold cross-bar grilles. The 2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab SLT builds on that theme with chrome grille bars inside a thick chrome collar, contemporary new headlamps and a massive front bumper. Uplevel Laramie models also wear chrome on their front bumpers and side sills. The front-hinged rear doors swing out nearly perpendicular (85 degrees) to the body, opening a cavernous 34.5 by 35.5-inch portal to the rear compartment for easy entry and exit, and for loading and unloading large, bulky items.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Base SXTs come well-equipped with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine (6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel on 3500), air conditioning, AM/FM/CD four-speaker stereo, speed control, power windows and locks, keyless entry, overhead console with "mini" trip computer and compass, black grille billets, 17-inch chrome-clad wheels and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS).

Optional Equipment

SLT trims add chrome grille billets and a sliding rear window, while the uplevel Laramie models add leather upholstery, six-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, power sliding rear window, chromed aluminum wheels, security alarm, Sentry Key engine immobilizer and upscale audio with a six-disc CD changer, Infinity speakers, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and steering wheel-mounted controls. Additional options include full-screen navigation (integrated into the radio), rear-seat DVD, power sunroof and power-adjustable pedals.

Under the Hood

Two very different engine choices are available to Mega Cab customers, who will decide based on individual needs -- both work and play -- and desires. The standard HEMI gas V8 delivers outstanding power and torque, but despite the efficiency-enhancing Multiple-Displacement System, which disables four cylinders under light loads, don't expect much in the way of fuel economy in a truck this massive. The optional Cummins Turbo Diesel offers torque enough to pull a house off its foundation and better on-road economy, at the cost of diesel noise and roughness. Those with diesel needs or tastes will love it, others won't.

5.7-liter V8 HEMI
345 horsepower @ 5400 rpm
375 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18 (2WD), 13/17 (4WD)

6.7-liter in-line 6 Cummins Turbo Diesel
350 horsepower @ 3013 rpm
650 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1500 rpm (automatic), 610 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1400 rpm (manual)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab vehicles for sale near you.

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2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 1853 Ratings for the 2002 - 2009 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

8.8/10

Styling

8.9/10

most capable factory offroad package like raptor

By mrsparky (NY) on Thursday, May 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 53,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "off road capable"

Cons: "lousy mileage and high price"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"My only complaint is replacing the water pump at 45000 because the previous owners mechanic used the wrong coolant i later found out caused problem This truck is very capable for a large truck with the front and rear lockers and swaybar disconnect offroad and rides very good on road for a big vehicle with 35 inch tires and has good power from the hemi engine as well. Its a texas caddilac for sure when traveling . The best mileage i have gotten so far was 15mpg doing highway driving."

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Great towing family 4wd truck

By Cabrian (CA) on Sunday, May 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 139,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Fuel efficient"

Cons: "Not much room in the back seat of quad cab"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I really like the 5.9 ho diesel motor. Only real complaint is the ball joints only last about 50,000 miles. Do your regular maintenance and this truck will run."

3 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Big Truck for a Big Man

By JEBB (OH) on Monday, May 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 94,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "fun to drive, plenty of room for big/tall indiv.,"

Cons: "fuel milage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I am 6`8`` and have 2 daughters that ride in the back. I can put my seat all the way back and be comfortable because of the rear room in the mega cab. I love the fact that they can`t kick my seat. Doesn`t get any better than that to me. Truck rides very smooth for a big heavy truck and of course the Hemi is Awesome!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Love it

By Slim (NE) on Wednesday, May 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 66,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Huge, Very Comfortable"

Cons: "Bad MPG, Parking"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Love it. More room then you know what to do with. Tower over everybody on the street. I am 6'2" and can stretch out in any seat, even the back seats. I would buy another one."

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Best pick up ever

By Bubba (TX) on Sunday, April 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 230,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Power, comfort, hauling, looks all unbeatable"

Cons: "No cons that I have found"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I always bought Chevy but in 1996 my wift bought a dodge pick up and I must say I was impresses with it so in 2006 I was ready to buy a new. Truck she talked in into looking at a dodge hers had almost 400,000 miles at the time so I went and was sold and I have to say I will buy another for sure as a matter of fact my family and my wife's family all drive dodge cars and trucks I love the mega cab comfort it drives very smooth the turning radias is great but the power when hauling our three horse trailer or our 32ft fifth wheel travel trailer is unbeatable even going threw the mountians of yellow stone park pulling the fifth wheel there is no downfall with this truck"

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It has been an awesome vehicle!.

By scuba (NV) on Friday, April 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 134,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Durability, good milage 4.7L has just enough grunt"

Cons: "a little big for parking lots"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"This truck has been great for work and family. No major issues 4wd works great, tows nicely lots of room inside, Very durable. Might not buy 20" wheels again as tires are very costly. Otherwise Id buy another on the spot if I knew it would be as good as this one!"

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