Who would have imagined that a long-gone muscle car engine would reemerge in the 21st century as a punch line to sell pickups? The clever Dodge marketing campaign built around the Hemi V8 engine did just that and made the 2004 Dodge Ram the most famous half-ton truck on the market. But what happens when the Dodge Ram goes up against some real competition instead of two local yokels in a clapped-out Buick?

More often than not, the Dodge made good on its promise of serious performance. It may have been beat out on paper by the Nissan Titan, but when it came to seat-of-the-pants observations, the performance of the Dodge Ram impressed every driver who got behind the wheel. More than just raw power, the truck also delivered precise road feel, tight handling and a sharp interior. In the end, a cramped backseat, steep price tag and lack of innovative features dropped the Ram to second place, but it was a truck that left more than one editor wondering if he really needed that extra room in back.

Our test truck was a loaded Dodge Ram SLT Quad Cab that included just about every option and feature on the checklist. Not only did this make for an expensive truck, it also added a few options we might have left off had it been our choice. Most notable among these were the 20-inch wheels and tires. They may have made the truck look good on the street, but they put it at a disadvantage at the track, allowing the Nissan to run away with virtually every acceleration category. The Dodge Ram turned in solid braking and slalom numbers, however, so its track performance wasn't completely offset by the more cumbersome rolling stock.

During less structured driving conditions, the Ram proved to be every bit as entertaining as the Titan. Plant the pedal in this truck and you get instant gratification, thanks to the ample power of the Hemi V8 and quick reactions from the five-speed automatic transmission. Passing on the highway is effortless and the steering feel of the Ram rivals that of some sport sedans. When loaded down with our 6,000-pound trailer, the Ram powered up the grade with a faster top speed than even the mighty Titan could manage.

A few editors panned the truck for its stiff ride in day-to-day commuting, but here again the low-profile street tires were the likeliest culprit. During our off-road excursion, the Ram's taut ride made for plenty of teeth-grinding jolts over rough terrain, but the tires did manage to maintain good grip even in the soft, sandy washes. While negotiating more difficult terrain, we were a little disappointed that the Ram's low-range gears did little to help slow the big truck down while descending steep slopes, and the lack of a two-wheel-drive setting for the transfer case bars any tail-swinging, rally-style fun.

Given that the Dodge Ram was going head-to-head against three all-new trucks (Ford, Nissan and Toyota), the fact that its interior design and materials scored so well was surprising. "I never remember thinking of the Ram's interior as its strong point before, but after driving all five trucks I think it might be the best-looking interior here," one editor wrote. Build quality was excellent as another editor noted, and "the overall look of the cabin reflects its elevated price point."

Like the Nissan, the Dodge Ram feels huge up front with more than enough leg-, head- and shoulder room for even the biggest drivers. Its upgraded multiadjustable leather seats weren't rated as highly as the Silverado's, but most editors felt that the driving position was more natural than the Titan's. The interior layout is the most traditional of all the trucks with a straightforward gauge cluster, dual-zone manual climate control and Chrysler's standard stereo head unit. As in the Nissan, the Ram's center console is big enough for just about all of your loose belongings, which is good since there's not an abundance of available storage space otherwise. Side curtain airbags are a stand-alone option for enhanced safety, but stability control is not offered.

If there was one thing that held the Dodge Ram back from challenging the Nissan Titan more effectively, it was the lack of room in the rear seat. Contrary to what you might think from its exterior design, the Dodge Ram is more of a four-door extended cab than a true full-size crew cab. Put two adults in back and their knees are sure to be brushing the backs of the front seats regardless of their size. The seats themselves aren't bad and they fold up to reveal a trick fold-out storage tray, but if you're going to buy a crew cab, you might as well get one with seats that are big enough to be useful.

The Dodge Ram presented an interesting situation in that several editors noted that although they personally liked the pickup the best, they couldn't overlook some of its shortcomings when it came to handing out their recommendations. A few cited its good looks as part of their attraction, while most said that the power of the Hemi engine and the sleek style of the interior were its most compelling features. Needless to say, with a slightly more accommodating cab, smaller wheels and a more attainable price tag, the 2004 Dodge Ram might have given the Titan a more legitimate run for its money.

Second Opinions:

Editor in Chief Karl Brauer says:
Going into this test I wasn't sure which truck I would like the best, but the Dodge seemed to have all the right ingredients. I already knew I liked its styling and drivetrain better than the other competitors', and I was pretty sure it had the best ride and handling characteristics. I also knew it had available side curtain airbags, the segment's best warranty and one of the largest interiors. It seemed to me (at least going in) that the Ram would be tough to beat.

What I learned during the test was that while the Ram has the most responsive steering, it doesn't have the best overall steering or ride qualities (Ford gets that). And while it has a large interior, it actually has the weakest second-row seat in terms of space and ease of entry, because the rear door is so thin (though Dodge does get points for making these rear doors open to 90 degrees). In terms of rear seating, both the Ford and Nissan are far better. Also, seat comfort in the Dodge was nothing to write home about — once again the Ford and Nissan are superior in this area.

When all was said and done, the Ram remained my second favorite truck because of its excellent drivetrain, available side curtain airbags and segment-leading style (plus, the overall ride and handling qualities are still superb, even if they aren't quite industry benchmarks anymore). If Dodge could address the lackluster rear seat on the crew cab models, and maybe throw in some innovative features (like a factory spray-in bedliner or exterior cargo compartments in the bed), I'd move it back into my number-one spot. For now it's a strong runner-up that, depending on the incentives in any given week, might still earn my hard-earned dollars.

Photo Editor Scott Jacobs says:
If I were to buy a truck purely on looks alone, the Dodge Ram would be my choice without hesitation. It exudes moxie with its 16-wheeler-styled hood and grille, chunky proportions and a mean-sounding engine. Add on the chrome wheels wrapped with massive tires and this thing's dominating presence is hard to ignore. The love that swept me off my feet wasn't meant to last long, however. I fell back to earth with its disappointingly basic interior. I'm a stickler for nice interiors and I've liked what's happened to the redesigned Dodge/Chrysler vehicles debuting this year. I just wish those tastefully styled and sumptuously appointed interiors would make their way into the Ram lineup.

Looks aside, this is a powerful, capable and fun-to-drive truck. I don't know if I'd say that it's the ideal work truck, but it'll easily tow your boat, haul your latest purchases at Home Depot and thrill you with its stoplight tire-smoking.