I just saw a post that talk about America hates dakota bt look at those frontlight on the 2006 ram

local://upfiles/14470/19A7B7012B744A5EAFA784287C899604.jpg

Seen a Bright White and Flame Red Mega Cab models on the road... look a ton better in person... the new styling look blah w/out changes to bed styling and placement of tailgate emblems.

redriderbob

The Ram has lost alot of its luster since the 2nd gen model going into the 06' 3rd gen. I wish they wouldn't add that stupid bar in front.



-Matt-

I love it and I think there is nothing wrong with it.

will have to wait till I see one without the chrome to know if I like it or not, regardless of how good it could look all the chrome on the front makes it look horible imo.

Bottom line is that a few of us that do like or do not like what they have done does not matter unless we are buying a full-sized truck. They have mimicked the Dakota and Warren Truck has just scheduled at least two weeks of downtime due to the Dakotas piling up all around town. DCX has had to rent parking areas at the airport and other places to stock these Dakotas that are not selling. The union guys are saying more down weeks are coming soon besides these first two. The MEGA cab will sell some initially and there will be interest in the 2006 Ram and with a good choice of engines they will sell some, especially with new transmissions and better mileage coming but with Dakota styling..............

There is one of these sitting on the plant floor right now. Its a red sport. I actually kinda liked it. Matt that front bar was not there so maybe its a mega cab only thing. Yes we are scheduled for downtime the last two weeks in May. More is probably coming. Rumor has it as 1 week in June, 2 weeks in July, and 3 weeks in Aug. After the Aug shutdown 3rd shift might be gone. JNAP or SHAP here I come.[:@]

Joe

ORIGINAL: Danko
DCX has had to rent parking areas at the airport and other places to stock these Dakotas that are not selling.


Ive seen one. it was a mall that has closed down, but there huge ass parking lot is there full of Dakotas. i like the Dakota though. i would buy one over a ram. at least in my opinion the 06 rams look good.

Matt that front bar was not there so maybe its a mega cab only thing.

That's good, but I still don't like the headlights. Sorry to complain. [&:]




-Matt-

MAybe it will grow on us. It looks OK IMO, but I like the styling of mine better.

The chrome bar on the facsia is an option. Both mega,regular, and quad will have the option for chrome. Otherwise the trucks will have the full painted facsias.

In my opinion, the truck looks sweet. I've seen the pilots and the new 20" wheels as well other refresh revisions (interior and exterior) makes the refresh look good but doesn't ruin from the current truck design.

I like that bar. Without that bar, its too plain! Eventhough this is a bigger design of the Dakota ( and I hate the Dakota) I like the '06 Ram. The design looks better on the Ram than the Dakota, and its still beefy looking unlike the Dakota.

The '05 Ram was the only full size truck that had a "round look" and I think they wanted to make them more appealing to those who like the shape of the other brand trucks. To seel more, I dunno, just a guess.

This is just my opinion, but when Dodge Redesigned the Ram for 1994, everyone said it uas ugly!!! then looked what happened - everyone loved it. Same thing happened in 2002. Now I keep hearing the same thing for 2006. Dodge is on top of the truck market and all of you know it. By the way - so does every other truck manufacturer.

ORIGINAL: Viper-GTS

The Ram has lost alot of its luster since the 2nd gen model going into the 06' 3rd gen. I wish they wouldn't add that stupid bar in front.



-Matt-




actually the '06 is the forth generation i believe


1st is 94 and older 2nd is 94-01 and 3rd is 02-05 then its remodeled for 06











i liek the 2006 ram that bar looks sweet IMO

moparman, You overuse the word "everyone," as in everyone hated then loved the Ram. I never hated the 1994 and thought its styling was a major leap forward except the tires looks SO small in the big wheelwells. The newer version looked improved as soon as I saw it, but the 2006 has not hit me in that positive manner. It is going to take a lot of advertising, gimmicks, and rebates and Warren Truck and St. Louis and Mexico are going to have some down weeks, for sure. 345 h.p. hemi's in the 2500 and 3500 are not enough to sell them when the competition offers 362 with more torque and h.d. 5 speed autos. They need a bigger gas engine and maybe the 6.1 is it.

and thats why they have a deisil danko;)

http://www.dodge.com/autoshow/img/gallery/enlarge/mega_cab/01_mega_gallery.jpg

I still think they should keep the 2002-2005 Ram styling for the Ram pickup lineup, and could use this new 2006 Ram styling for a full-size SUV (a step above the Durango), like a new Ram Charger. Could battle it out against the Chevrolet Suburban and 2007 Ford Expedition Maxx.

redriderbob

i still think it is a very nice looking truck. better then any f?50

Amen to that!


-Matt-

RamFan 2006 is still 3rd Generation Ram, same platforms, and internals.

hey guy I have to say that I dont like the change in the ram front end, not because it looks bad but because they change it too fast i think in 3 to 4 years that is not good for a good companys reputation, that makes me think that the 2002-2005 ram was not the best they could do at the time and now they are trying to make it right, I think when a company makes good decisions at their decings they should not change it for at lest 6 years I really like the 2002-2005 ram body and i think the change is only an excuse for the dakotas new look and now they have to change the big brother ram, dodge should had done this new body desing for the ram from the begining and then redo the dakota, is not good for us that have the 02-05 body dodge ram, now it will be consider an old body desing in less than four years. thanks.

the same thing happened with the 02-03 and the 03 and on rams engine from 5.9l to an 5.7l hemi they should have introduce the hemi from the 02 desing and on, not one year later, my opinion is that chrysler is trying to keep up with the the other makers and they dont do things right the first time, too many changes in a little time is not good for a car maker

a good car maker is known to make good decisions the first time

is like chevy and ford they always go side by side trying to be better all the time trying to outperform eachother and to be clear chrysler is one step behind and i think is time chrysler to be side by side with the other car makers and not to follow to much.


02 dodge ram QC 5.9l.
01 ford f150 supercab.

and could use this new 2006 Ram styling for a full-size SUV (a step above the Durango), like a new Ram Charger. Could battle it out against the Chevrolet Suburban and 2007 Ford Expedition Maxx.

Bad idea with rising gas prices and stuff, full sized SUV's aren't that big of a seller now anyways. The Durango how it is now is all the size it should ever be.

actually the '06 is the forth generation i believe
1st is 94 and older 2nd is 94-01 and 3rd is 02-05 then its remodeled for 06

I'm right as Pillbox said, the 2006 Ram is still third gen.


-Matt-

i am pretty sure they are doing the facelift in 2007
and they are also dropping the cummins engine
for the mercedez diesel engine
i wish they wouldnt touch the look or the engine of the 3rd gen
ram

-Jesse-

hey guy I have to say that I dont like the change in the ram front end, not because it looks bad but because they change it too fast i think in 3 to 4 years that is not good for a good companys reputation, that makes me think that the 2002-2005 ram was not the best they could do at the time and now they are trying to make it right, I think when a company makes good decisions at their decings they should not change it for at lest 6 years I really like the 2002-2005 ram body and i think the change is only an excuse for the dakotas new look and now they have to change the big brother ram, dodge should had done this new body desing for the ram from the begining and then redo the dakota, is not good for us that have the 02-05 body dodge ram, now it will be consider an old body desing in less than four years. thanks.

the same thing happened with the 02-03 and the 03 and on rams engine from 5.9l to an 5.7l hemi they should have introduce the hemi from the 02 desing and on, not one year later, my opinion is that chrysler is trying to keep up with the the other makers and they dont do things right the first time, too many changes in a little time is not good for a car maker

a good car maker is known to make good decisions the first time

is like chevy and ford they always go side by side trying to be better all the time trying to outperform eachother and to be clear chrysler is one step behind and i think is time chrysler to be side by side with the other car makers and not to follow to much.


02 dodge ram QC 5.9l.
01 ford f150 supercab.

(in reply to MG42pillbox)

ORIGINAL: garciaraf

hey guy I have to say that I dont like the change in the ram front end, not because it looks bad but because they change it too fast i think in 3 to 4 years that is not good for a good companys reputation, that makes me think that the 2002-2005 ram was not the best they could do at the time and now they are trying to make it right, I think when a company makes good decisions at their decings they should not change it for at lest 6 years I really like the 2002-2005 ram body and i think the change is only an excuse for the dakotas new look and now they have to change the big brother ram, dodge should had done this new body desing for the ram from the begining and then redo the dakota, is not good for us that have the 02-05 body dodge ram, now it will be consider an old body desing in less than four years. thanks.




that is very true

but what if theymake a **** design


that doesnt sell


so for 6 years they have a truck that no1 whants to see or buy

No, the market demands that changes and upgrades must come sooner than they did in the past. Why would I trade in my 04 for an 06 if its the same truck. It needs to be different sooner. The market is just too volatile to get complacent.

Joe

ORIGINAL: Viper-GTS

and could use this new 2006 Ram styling for a full-size SUV (a step above the Durango), like a new Ram Charger. Could battle it out against the Chevrolet Suburban and 2007 Ford Expedition Maxx.

Bad idea with rising gas prices and stuff, full sized SUV's aren't that big of a seller now anyways. The Durango how it is now is all the size it should ever be.

-Matt-


I agree, the Durango is as big as it should be.

If a design change signals a "bad decision" then the automakers must have been making bad decisions every year or so in the '50's and '60's. Frequent refreshes are not a new phenomenon. And there's nothing wrong with "continuous improvement".

WOW LMAO, this shows just has little the public knows, Its amazing how ignorant some are. Ram sales are the fastest growing vehicle in America, and in the top 5 is the LX Platform. Ford is down 3% and GM is down 12%. It helps to pay attention in life sometimes.

care to elaborate on that oh-so deep insult to the members of the board, or do you want to leave it as an insult to everyone who has commented on this thread? or at least revise it so it makes sense?

ORIGINAL: MG42pillbox

WOW LMAO, this shows just has little the public knows, Its amazing how ignorant some are. Ram sales are the fastest growing vehicle in America, and in the top 5 is the LX Platform. Ford is down 3% and GM is down 12%. It helps to pay attention in life sometimes.


Thanks for the info there, MG... not all of us are ignorant, lol

Yep ram sales are so great thats why I've been laid off for two weeks for "inventory adjustments." This is the first time warren truck has been down for this reason in almost 15 years. But hey sales are going up right?:eek:

Joe

hoe does stating sales figures show that the ram and charger are doing well? are you implying that every person who contributed to the 3% drop by ford, and the 12% drop by GM has bought a ram or LX platform vehicle?

(Remember this is only a different point of view}

this is no to say anythig wrong about bc products (dodge) because I have one my self any differet point of this discussion is weell taken too, but my point is that there had been not too many changes to this truck but the changes they had mede are big in so little time, I know costumers espect better products each year but once the costumer gets what they like, they may change it the next and that is the problem, ussually when a very nice, good and strong product comes out to the market it stays there for a long time.

take the f150 it was in the market for 7 years with the same body and on the o4 they still made the (heritage) and thats because lots of people like it "but this is only en example, and when some of you guys say that dodge went up by % that is true but that is because dodge es a little more shipper than ford, and chevy went down the most because ford and dodge are shipper, and people like good looks and nice prices "that it is why you see a new dodge ram in every street.

also when they change the engine and desing is so little time that mekes me thing that we are been treated like guinnie pigs, they do the 5.9 magnum one year the next a 5.7 with greater performance but what about the ones thath bough a magnum 5.9l they paid the same as buying a hemi, but one year later is change they should have done hemi from the year 02, now they are changing the ram body and engine again, but that is just what I think and this is only for this part of the forum other than that sitill love my ram no matter the future changes.
thanks

02 dodge ram QC 5.9l.
01 ford f150 supercab.

hmm....interesting way of looking at it, but what do you mean by 'the dodge is a little more shipper'?

when I say that ram is a little more shipper I m trying to say that in this generation of ram (2002 and on) we got more for our money for example ram have the Quad Cab desig and bigger look but with the same amout of money if you go to a ford or chevy dealer you get a super cab truck or extended cab with only 2 doors and the small ones in the back and with an smaller look, and that is good for dodge and I like it but I only say that because of the % notes I read before, and maybe that is why dodge went up the % on sales, people see a bigger and four door truck more appealing for the same cost to get a smaller one but this is an other theme thanks.


02 dodge ram QC 5.9l.
01 ford f150 supercab.

The engine swap thing makes sense when you consider that the Hemi was first available in the 2500/3500 Rams, where the Cummins Turbo Diesel tends to have a very high take rate. I would suspect that it was kept out of the 1500 that first year to allow the factory and its suppliers (and their suppliers, on down the line) to get ramped-up to full production levels on Hemi components so that it could be put in the 1500 where it would see much more production volume. The 4.7 V8 got phased in much the same way -- started in the Grand Cherokee, appeared a little later in Dakotas and Durangos, then replaced the 5.2 in the Ram.

by the way: by "shipper" do you mean "cheaper"? (Of course that has bad connotations -- I'd prefer to say that the Ram is a good VALUE over its competitors, since value tends to take into effect both product cost and product features/capabilities...)

There are reasons the rams are cheaper. Look at some of the materials that are used. Take an F150 for example the interior is just awesome. Ours well... its okay but its not great. Also dodge will nickle and dime you to death with options that should be standard. And why in the world can we not build a trans with a second gear start. For 2wd trucks in the snow that is a Godsend! GM and ford have both had that standard for years.

hey guys whats up (the sky) hey I want to thank (ptschett) for the correction on the word cheaper, in my last post I got it now.

no matter future changes still love my dodge.

02 dodge ram QC 5.9l.
01 ford f150 supercab.

ORIGINAL: jgralka

Yep ram sales are so great thats why I've been laid off for two weeks for "inventory adjustments." This is the first time warren truck has been down for this reason in almost 15 years. But hey sales are going up right?:eek:

Joe

Yea Ram sales are down 13 percent so far this year, Even the Gm trucks have been up this year and they are ancient!

Currently, Dodge Ram and Dodge Dakota Push Truck Sales to 4 Percent Increase

Chrysler Group truck sales increased 4 percent to 48,106 units, compared to last year sales of 44,441 units. Truck sales were led by the company's volume nameplate leader, the Dodge Ram pickup, which posted sales of 35,986 units, an increase of 4 percent over April 2004 sales of 33,284 units. The all-new Dodge Dakota pickup posted sales of 10,535 units, 3 percent higher than April 2004 sales of 9,814 units. Retail results for the Dodge Dakota were particularly strong, posting an increase of 11 percent over April 2004.

Yea Ram sales are down 13 percent so far this year, Even the Gm trucks have been up this year and they are ancient!

[sm=icon_blah.gif]As you can see, you are completely wrong. [sm=icon_rofl.gif]Do you even check the facts before you start talkin'?[sm=laughat.gif]

DaimlerChrysler is leading the way of the Big 3......[sm=icon_rock.gif]

I think they did the same thing chevy did. They made changes that don't look good with the style of the rest of the truck...The silverado went from kinda rounded to brick square in the front but the rest of the truck is still rounded....I think they could have gotten at least a few more years out of the current design with minor changes. I especially don't like the new dash. Didn't alot of designers leave recently...I think one guy went to gm.

ORIGINAL: MidnightBlueNeon

Currently, Dodge Ram and Dodge Dakota Push Truck Sales to 4 Percent Increase

Chrysler Group truck sales increased 4 percent to 48,106 units, compared to last year sales of 44,441 units. Truck sales were led by the company's volume nameplate leader, the Dodge Ram pickup, which posted sales of 35,986 units, an increase of 4 percent over April 2004 sales of 33,284 units. The all-new Dodge Dakota pickup posted sales of 10,535 units, 3 percent higher than April 2004 sales of 9,814 units. Retail results for the Dodge Dakota were particularly strong, posting an increase of 11 percent over April 2004.

Yea Ram sales are down 13 percent so far this year, Even the Gm trucks have been up this year and they are ancient!

[sm=icon_blah.gif]As you can see, you are completely wrong. [sm=icon_rofl.gif]Do you even check the facts before you start talkin'?[sm=laughat.gif]

DaimlerChrysler is leading the way of the Big 3......[sm=icon_rock.gif]


That was coming from a Ford guy so obviously it wasn't thought over [sm=icon_rofl.gif]



-Matt-

Chase I think he was referring to year to date sales. Which I know are down. I don't know how much though, I'm sure they will tell us today on our first day back at work.

Joe

whateva, back on topic.


i dont like the front clip as much as the current one http://www.edmunds.com/pictures/VEHICLE/2003/Dodge/100179376/003260-396x249.jpg

It's not just Dodge that's idling plants for "inventory adjustment". My son-in-law works at Ford's Michigan truck plant and he's home this week. Third time this year he's been off for a week and he's telling me they expect to be down two weeks in July in addition to the two weeks downtime for plant changeover.

Oh I know, we already had 2 weeks in Jan. 2 in May. 2 more coming the last week of June, and the first week of July. Then 3 weeks are scheduled in Aug. After Aug. our third shift will probably be gone. My point was there is no way dodge truck sales are up overall. April yes, but for the year, no.

Joe

i have finally seen one...in the megacab trim.



local://upfiles/2745/4EBF9B901ECC41F585D0138E2993C11D.jpg

local://upfiles/2745/52733D2D9E5743E78D90849E1253751F.jpg

local://upfiles/2745/BC94EE3C216643428B91169C3395434F.jpg

Way to grab the camera quick Pat.

I love the new grill, I think it's even more mean and agressive. It's just that chrome bar on the bottom that gets to me, but it's still not enough for me not to like the truck over-all.

I just cant stand those headlight.....they couldve left the design alone for a few more years easily.[sm=boosign.gif]

hey pat did you see the pictures i got a few days ago of one.

here is the link: http://www.dodgeforum.com/fb.asp?m=264579

nice picks nick

[X(] Damn i Dont love those headlights, look like a Dakota but bigger ( I love the Dakota cuz it fit with it ) but on a Ram [X(]

The new Hemi badge is ok but I dont like the spot ...

The grill with the chrome rulz and the taillights still good

Headlights : 6/10
Tailights : 9.5/10 ( Nothing Perfect :D )
Chrome : 10/10 This is perfect !

Overall : 7.8/10 I prefer the 2003 model

I think the headlights look cool. It gives the Ram a bold look, it's distinguished among others, and finally, it has that "Ram Tough" look!

I prefer the 2003 model then the 2006 ...

Just came back from my trip to Utah and saw alot of very nice modded HD series trucks for all the big 3 name. But most of the them are the nicer 2500 series RAM. Big fat offroad tires and all of them are Cummins! Now I am thinking of wanting one myself with a cummins to save on gas and have longevity. But if they really plan to drop the cummins, I ain't gonna touch their new mercy dizzies truck.

Honestly, Mercedes doesn't make a crap diesel. However, I would strongly disagree with Dodge if they did go to Mercedes for their HD trucks. Dodge is better off with the Cummins because it's an American truck, and Cummins is an American diesel company. It is best, in my opinion, to keep the Dodge trucks as American as we can. Not to offend Mercedes, 'cause they do make great diesel engines, but American is better.;)

The truck is mechanically WAY superior to the 2003 design. And they don't actually bad in person. It just doesn't photo well.

I think your all crazy lol Just Kidding, I just picked up my new 2006 Ram Quad Cab Flame Red With The Chrome 20's and a hemi. I Love it the new rims look much better than the onld 20's, the chrome on chrome grille makes the front end stand out above anything else, but yes the new lights do look "different" but seeing them everyday there definily growing on me.. thanks just stating my opion since i just bought one...later....."madman"

I currently own a 98 Ram and am looking at getting a new 06 at the end of the month. Sorry Dakota fans, I don't like the box look. As for the 06 Rams, I like the tweak on the front end. I didn't like in until I saw it in person, then it changed my mind.

My only wish is that the MegaCab came with the 8 ft. bed. Then again, that would make that truck as long as a limo!! I'll stick with the Quad Cab and the 8 ft. bed. Oh yeah, I'm after the Diesel too.

Just my 5 cents worth (must account for inflation)

http://dodgeforum.com/m_333370/tm.htm

The more I see the 06' Ram, the more I like it. The 06' SRT-10 Ram looks hot as well, I can't tell which is greater until they're side by side though...


Thread from the dead

-Matt-

just my 2 cents after reading all threads and looking at a few 2006s non mega havent seen there intioer yet but i have a 01 3500 cummins and love it the newer dases look (to me) like a cheap plastic toy compaered to the 2nd gens the seats ( i run hot shot so my truck and my freinds trucks see many miles in a hurry) the seats in the 2nd gens as long as there inst a 400lb driver in the will hols up for i no 200,000 and still feel new buds 2004 seat at 100,000 will kill ya i hate to say dodge needs to redisgn the insides in a bad way
for them haven the 5.9l(360) in 02 dropen the next year for the hemi well we as dodge lovers have been with our 360s for more year than most engines ever see and well it was time to step up help the next yer sale, gave the buyer a new option, as for them dropin cummins well that will break my heart but i dont no if 1 has to do with another but in 2007 new epa regs go on all diesels from 18 wheelers to our beloved rams and as for the mb diesels i no that they hit the market big in 2003 in semis with 475hp and around 1700fp i now this will not be same einge in our little truck but on the road i havent herd 1 bad thing about them expet for dang its got a mb in it as for the lights i dont like them but well im happy with my 2nd gens but hey this is just me but i still have and drive the truck i have my first memory in life in a 78 dodge (440-727) thank god for the new srt-10 tried of hearing svt guys say dodge hasnt built a truck that would run since 78 LONG LIVE ALL DODGE RAMS just my apinion