Menace to Society III

Dodge Ram Sport: Did I mention it's Big?

By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor

The 1996 Dodge Ram is really oversized, that's what makes it a perfect addition to our menace to society series. Being oversized, looking down on almost everyone with the sinister Ram look up-front and the monochrome finish make this even more of a menace.

Where other trucks are as aerodynamic as a brick, the Ram is as aerodynamic as a cinder block. No attempt was made at a soft look for this truck. It was full blown Ram toughness from the word go. Our sport-appearance packaged Ram featured an all black exterior with sport logos. The sport appearance package includes: body color bumpers, body color grille, fog lamps and upgraded 245/75R16 tires with chrome wheels. As the sport edition, it also had the short 6'6" box.

The interior design is truly outstanding with few exceptions. The large split bench seat is comfortable but lacks lateral support for even the most basic of corners. The glove box was designed so that when opened all the junk that gets thrown in there won't spill out. Big buttons abound inside from the radio to the overhead temperature and compass display. Dodge provides three 12v outlets inside the Ram for items like cellular phones or even portable computers. Storage is abundant with a large center armrest and modular containers mounted behind the seats. There is also a convenient net behind the seats to help hold stuff down.

The Dodge Ram Sport we tested had an optional Infinity sound system with CD player, something a few years ago would have been unthinkable in a truck. Other features inside were: dual cupholders up high and out of the way of the controls. To make driving easier, there was cruise control, air conditioning, power drivers seat, power windows, power mirrors, power locks, and an automatic dimming night mirror.

Safety features on the Ram included optional 4-wheel anti-lock brakes and a drivers side air bag. While the Ram is well featured, I would add 4 wheel drive and a step in bar (running boards) just for convenience. Our 2 wheel drive test truck was a handful in icy conditions without any added weight in the box.

The Ram is powered by a 5.2L, V8 engine which produces 220 hp @ 4400 rpm and 300 ft-lb. of torque at 3200 rpm--plenty of power to pull the boat to the lake or the stump out of the yard. Fuel mileage ratings are 14 city and 19 highway. I got a miserable 16 mpg; making this truck a menace on your wallet. On the other hand total price with all optional equipment was $21,636 a reasonable price for a special edition truck. Recently introduced was the Indy Ram Pace Truck with special graphics and paint job, reminiscent of the Viper GTS. Either way with the Ram pick-up you get a menace to society.