Engine: 5.7-liter Hemi Magnum overhead-valve V8

Engine Options: 215-hp 3.7-liter sohc 12-valve V6; 235-hp 4.7-liter sohc 16-valve V8; 345-hp 5.7-liter ohv 16-valve V8; 500-hp 8.3-liter ohv 20-valve V10

Transmission: five-speed automatic

Transmission Options: 6-speed manual; 5-speed automatic; 4-speed automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: rear-wheel ABS, dual front multi-stage airbags

Optional Safety Equipment: side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags for front and rear seats; four-wheel ABS

Basic Warranty: 3 years/50,000 miles

Assembled In: St. Louis, Missouri; Warren, Michigan; Saltillo, Mexico

Model Tested: Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab Laramie 4WD SWB ($35,640)

Standard Equipment: dual-zone air conditioning, 5-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel ABS, tilt steering column, speed control, power windows w driver-side auto-down, power locks w keyless entry, tachometer, security alarm, power adjustable pedals, AM/FM/CD, steering-wheel audio controls, deluxe overhead console, leather-trimmed seats, split folding rear seat, rear underseat compartment, auxiliary power outlet, fog lamps, P265/70R17 all-season tires on 17x8-inch cast-aluminum wheels

Options as Tested: 5.7-liter V8 ($995); anti-spin differential ($285); 3.92 axle ratio ($50); H Package ($960) includes seven-speaker Infinity audio, 6-CD changer, MP3, and Sirius; Protection Group ($140) includes tow hooks, skid plates; trailer tow package ($335); heated front seats ($140); under-rail bed liner ($245)

Destination Charge: 900

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: four-wheel drive

Horsepower: 345 @ 5400

Torque: 375 @ 4200

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 13/17

Wheelbase: 140.5 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 227.7/79.5/75.9 inches

Track Front/Rear: 68.0/67.9 inches

Turning Cycle: 46.0 feet

Seating Capacity: 6 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 40.8/64.9/41.0 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 40.0/64.6/36.7 inches

Trunk Volume: cubic feet

Payload: 1250

Suspension, f: independent, double-wishbone, coil springs over gas-charged shock absorbers, anti-roll bar

Ground Clearance: 9.5 inches

Curb Weight: 5486 pounds

Towing Capacity: 8350 pounds

Tires: P265/70R17

Brakes: disc/disc with four-wheel ABS

Fuel Capacity: 26.0 Gallons