By Greg Migliore
Automotive News / September 02, 2005

http://www.autonews.com/news.cms?newsId=13225

DETROIT -- The 2006 Dodge Ram 1500, which features a new suspension and interior, will have a price starting at $21,700 -- a $245 increase over 2005.

The Ram, now arriving in showrooms, offers regular or quad cab models with a four-wheel-drive option.

The truck's base engine is a 3.7-liter V-6. Dodge is offering options for a 4.7-liter V-8 and a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. The Hemi features cylinder deactivation, which turns off four cylinders for better fuel mileage.

The Ram, assembled in Warren, Mich., and St. Louis, is offered in several packages:

The base ST package starts at $21,700 and has air conditioning, a CD player and 17-inch wheels.

The SLT level starts at $24,850 and adds a mini-trip computer, power windows and locks, and keyless entry.

The sport package, starting at $30,110, has the 345-hp Hemi engine, bucket seats, and body-colored fascia and grill.

The four-wheel-drive TRX4 off-road package starts at $29,670 and comes with an electric-shift transfer case, off-road tires, tow hooks, body decals and Sirius satellite radio.

The Laramie package starts at $30,120 and has dual climate control, heated front seats, leather upholstery and steering-wheel audio controls.

The Chrysler group also announced prices on some other trucks. Heavy-duty packages start at $26,085 for a Ram 2500 and rise to $42,615 for a top-of-the-line Ram 3500. Heavy-duty trucks offer a 5.9-liter turbodiesel engine. Prices for the Ram Power Wagon begin at $36,380.

All prices include $900 shipping.

Still too high-especially for the base ST trim level. The wheels on 2004-05 ST's just absolutely ruin the truck-it used to be the best looking base-trim truck, but it should be $19,000 or 20,000. And they should dump that V-6 while they're at it-it just isn't appropriate for anything sized above Grand Cherokee. The Sport package sounds nice-upgraded too-now the HEMI and front bucket seats are standard.

The wheels on 2004-05 ST's just absolutely ruin the truck-it used to be the best looking base-trim truck, but it should be $19,000 or 20,000. And they should dump that V-6 while they're at it-it just isn't appropriate for anything sized above Grand Cherokee.

[post="11260"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Aren't ST's the Ram versions of GM's W/T? If so, who cares about the wheels? Its a work truck.