2009 Dodge Ram | Redesigned truck is main reason Chrysler might still be worth something

As bad news swirls around Chrysler, the 2009 Dodge Ram pickup reminds us that the automaker is very good at some important things.

The sophisticated and stylish full-size pickup could serve as a rolling prospectus as Chrysler's owners shop the company to buyers.

"You want to know why Chrysler's worth owning? Here are the keys; take the 2009 Ram for a spin."

The pickup showcases the styling flair and innovation that have always distinguished Chrysler's best vehicles. It complements them with a high-quality interior that rectifies one of the company's longstanding weaknesses.

Prices for the 2009 Dodge Ram start at $21,270 for a rear-wheel-drive regular-cab model with a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine and four-speed automatic transmission. Like most pickups, the Ram comes in a bewildering array of models.

Choices include rear- or four-wheel drive, three cab sizes, three bed lengths, three engines and two automatic transmissions.

I tested a near top-of-the-line model, a rear-drive Crew Cab — the roomier of two four-door models — with an upgraded 390-horsepower version of Chrysler's 5.7-liter Hemi V8, five-speed automatic transmission and a base price of $40,020. It was well-equipped at $45,520.

The Ram's prices compare well with other leading full-size pickups like the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra.

Some people will argue that introducing a new pickup in the face of recent high gasoline prices and an economic slowdown is a symptom of the inept management that's crippled Chrysler, but they're mistaken.

There will be a big and profitable market for pickups as long as there are farmers and contractors and plumbers.

Chrysler builds pickups, minivans and big sporty cars as well as anybody in the business. The company's dire state stems from not putting the same effort into building great small and midsize cars.

The solution to Chrysler's problems, if there is one, will come from hooking up with a partner who values vehicles like the Ram and has equally good vehicles in segments where Chrysler suffers.

Dodge broke the mold with the 2009 Ram, offering a raft of unique new features that make the truck more useful and comfortable than the competition.

The Ram I tested had four new optional storage bins: two under the floor in the rear seat and two in the rear fenders.

The twin fender bins — Dodge calls them the RamBox — provide 7.4 cubic feet of storage space to hold tools, fishing gear or up to five cases — 120 cans — of 12-ounce drinks on ice. The RamBox is only available on Crew Cab models.

The interior is spacious, comfortable and attractive. It's trimmed in high-quality, well-fitted pieces and provides limo-like passenger space and luxury options.

Mechanically, the Ram is equally impressive. Chrysler reworked its Hemi V8 for more power and better mileage.

The engine's output rises to 390 horsepower and 407 pound-feet of torque, topping the Chevrolet Silverado's 6.0-liter V8, Ford F-150's 5.4-liter V8, Nissan Titan's 5.6-liter and Toyota Tundra's 5.7-liter V8.

At the same time, EPA fuel economy ratings for V6 and Hemi-powered Rams improves to 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. That's about 1 mpg lower than a comparable Silverado or F-150, but considerably better than either the Titan or Tundra.

The Ram's 8,800-pound towing capacity is lower than other full-size pickups offer, but Dodge compensates for that with improved sedan-like handling thanks to a unique new coil-spring rear suspension. All the other pickups use rear leaf springs.

The Ram's steering is correspondingly sharp and precise.

These are dark days at Chrysler, but the new Ram is a shining example of the company's ability. If Chrysler doesn't get a new lease on life, it won't be the 2009 Dodge Ram's fault.