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What's New: Minor changes come with 2001, the last year of production for the full-size Dodge van, in the form of a new trailer tow package and a Class IV receiver hitch. The tilt steering wheel comes with three new settings to find that perfect driving position, you get a choice of two new interior colors, and your passenger gets an "Oh God" handle. Also new for the year are front seatbelt pre-tensioners that minimize seatbelt slack during a frontal collision. Type: Full-size van Pros: Bargain pricing, room for up to15 passengers. Cons: Hasn't had a serious redesign in nearly 30 years, fuel-sucking engines. Review Dodge's full-size vans and wagons haven't changed all that much despite nearly three decades of existence. Squint your eyes and the latest big Rams could almost be mistaken for the 1971 models. But this does not matter to Dodge fans. Chrysler hasn't yet found a need to change the brawny trucks in order to keep up with rivals from Ford and General Motors. In fact, the company is killing the Ram Wagon at the end of the year, replacing it with a full-size SUV. So for 2001, only minor refinements were needed. The passenger wagon comes in two lengths and three load ranges -- a 1500, a 2500, and a 3500 Maxi Wagon. The first two models, the 1500 and 2500 seat eight. The 3500 has a payload of up to 4,245 pounds, standard floor covering and seating for 15 passengers. An optional sliding door on the passenger side facilitates ingress/egress. The base engine in the 1500 and 2500 series is a 3.9-liter V6, but most buyers would be better off with an optional V8, either a 5.2-liter or a 5.9-liter. With 295 foot-pounds of torque on tap, the 5.2-liter yields a rewarding combination of strength and economy, but no Ram vehicle ranks miserly at the gas pump. For demanding applications, your best bet might be the 5.9-liter, which packs 335 foot-pounds of twisting force. Standard on the 3500 is the 5.2-liter, but you can also step up to the 5.9. To compensate for thirsty engine choices, there's a 32-gallon gas tank on the 109-inch wheelbase wagons, and a 35-gallon tank on all other models. The V6 is hooked to an automatic three-speed transmission, and both V8s are attached to an automatic four-speed. Rear-wheel antilock braking is standard, with four-wheel ABS optional on both. Keep your passengers happy by opting for the rear air conditioning and heater ducts. Keep yourself happy by getting the convenience group, which includes power windows and locks. A power driver's seat is available, as well as an option for a CD player to hook up to that standard six-speaker audio system. Also, a wheelchair lift can be added and the roofline easily raised for the physically challenged, according to Dodge. The Dodge Ram Wagon has remained virtually the same for 30 years, as has its value, in-demand conveniences and practical price. As they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Styles & Prices at Edmunds.com | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
