Bill00Formula

iTrader: (4)

That's awesome. GM should do that as well.

Blackened2k

iTrader: (4)

Wow I don't think I've ever wanted to buy a new truck. Or a new dodge. But for that I'd make an exception. Unless GM really does bring the Ute over here.

TriShield

There you go (sans the R/T badges, the R/T comes loaded with everything for $30k).

LS1LT1

iTrader: (16)

I really like it.

LS1LT1

iTrader: (16)

I agree. A regular cab short bed Silverado/Sierra with the 6.2L L92 and 6L90 6 speed automatic trans with 2WD and lowered.

It'llrun

Not quite... That package is a tad under 31k on the Dodge site, excluding delivery($975). It also only comes with a 4.10 rear gear and a 6200 lb tow capacity. It gets 22" wheels, and I'd prefer smaller than 20's in general. Adding in the few options I'd want and it's over 33k delivered.

For that, I'll stick with GM or Ford. The F-150 XLT with the 3.5L gets the longbed and more options (securicode, side steps, tailgate step and Sirius) for less coin, just under 30k delivered. It has 17" wheels, but I'm good with that. It'll be a hair short on power, but make up for it in torque and get the same economy or better. With the 5.0L engine, it costs even less. Plus, the blue paint won't cost me extra. Throw in the onboard computer and with the 5.0L, you'll still be 100 under the 30k mark including delivery, while getting a much higher tow capacity. For right at 30k, a 5.3L powered(lower than the others anyway) Silverado LT can be delivered with plenty of added options.

I really DO like the Dodge offering(though I'm still not sold on the look), but when equipped as I like it, GM or Ford still wins overall. The low dollar high hp setup is great, but I prefer a bit more than base. I race my car(used to anyway), not my trucks. I've grown to enjoy my power windows, etc. My current DD has more standard equipment than most trucks get, including stuff I just don't need, like adjustable pedals.

Irunelevens

I think wheels smaller than 20" now look weird on the Ram... it just seems like a bigger truck than it is, I suppose.

gocartone

iTrader: (4)

Looks great, all I can really say is WTF took so long for them to make cool trucks?? Never understood the point of limiting the big engines to the big (crew/extended cab) trucks. Now they just need to make a short box 2500 with the cummins and M6

TriShield

This Is Why We Can’t Have Compact Pickups



By Edward Niedermeyer on February 16, 2011

We often find ourselves bemoaning the lack of compact pickups on the US market, and trying to determine if that fact is due to weak demand or a lack of OEM investment into the segment. But now Chrysler has announced a new entry-level Ram 1500, codenamed “Adventurer,” which proves that fullsizers are ultimately the reason compact pickups are doomed in the US.

The price? Just $23,830, including destination charge.

That’s less than a V6, automatic 2WD Toyota Tacoma and nearly identical to a V6, automatic, 2WD Nissan Frontier. And at 20 MPG hwy, the Adventurer’s efficiency tradeoff is relatively small considering the performance and hauling advantages of its 390HP HEMI V8. Though we applaud Chrysler’s decision to bring an entry-level, utilitarian pickup to the table, we bemoan the fact that this makes selling a compact pickup that much harder.

Irunelevens

I still loved my Frontier, and will probably get another one.

Jon5212

iTrader: (2)

Meh... i've been contemplating getting a standard cab shortbed 4x4 Duramax 2500. I'll gut it and throw a built allison, some fuel and some tuning at it and it'd be scary fast for a truck.

LS1LT1

iTrader: (16)

Can you actually order it that way, regular cab with a short bed?
I'd want that but with 2WD only (burnouts much? ).
That's the way to do it, the lightest possible body backed by 1000+ pound/feet of torque!

gocartone

iTrader: (4)

You can't now, and I'm not sure you ever could. They do make the regular cab/long box trucks with the Duramax, Cummins, or Powerstroke (or whatever Ford is calling it now). I need a ******* diesel

Jon5212

iTrader: (2)

^^Yes they did make a few of them I believe... they may have been standard cab longbeds... but I could have sworn i've seen a couple shortbed standard cabs.