U.S. News & World Report Names 2011 Ram 1500 Best Full-Size Pickup

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. News & World Report has named the 2011 Ram 1500 the best full-size pickup. In the magazine's ranking of top vehicle choices, Ram 1500 scored the highest among the eight full-size pickups available to U.S. buyers.

The rankings are based on an in-depth analysis by U.S. News editors of all published vehicle ratings, reviews and test drives.

"This honor recognizes, in aggregate, the consistent, positive reactions we've been getting since we launched the current Ram 1500 model," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO, Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC. "In developing the Ram 1500, our team worked hard to understand what truck customers want. Ram Truck is committed to being the truck technology and innovation leader, and that commitment will guide us as we continue to improve what is already the most awarded Ram truck ever."

Ram drew praise for its interior comfort, class-leading handling and HEMI® V-8 performance.

"The 2011 Ram 1500's smooth, car-like ride, well-designed and comfortable interior and powerful V-8 engines make it a top pick in its class," said the U.S. News editors.

"When Ram's designers updated the Ram 1500 for 2011, they managed to make improvements to an already-impressive truck," the magazine went on to say. "The result is a full-size pickup truck that many in the auto press say is the best in its class.

"Reviewers love the Ram 1500's ride, handling, power, and interior, even on less expensive trim levels. The Ram 1500 offers many convenient cargo solutions, such as storage cubbies underneath the rear seats on Crew Cab models. Other models offer the RamBox, lockable storage containers built into the truck bed above the wheel housings."

The magazine cites other third-party accolades in naming the Ram 1500 the best full-size pickup:

"The Ram 1500's interior is as good as it gets in the pickup segment." --   Edmunds

"The available V-8s are impressive performers, the chassis is well suited to heavy work and the Ram's cabin is a class leader in terms of design, ergonomics and materials." -- Edmunds

"Ram earns high marks for ride comfort, creative storage options, and abundant available power. Impressive cabin trappings are a nice bonus as well. Chevy, Ford, and Toyota loyalists would do well to have a look. You may well be won over by this Best Buy." -- Consumer Guide

"When towing various size trailers on a short loop, the HEMI-powered Ram acted as if nothing was attached to the rear. It just chugged along, getting up to 60 mph with ease, even with a 9,000-pound Air Stream attached on a simple hitch" -- Detroit News

"There are lots of nooks and crannies (more than 40) to hold cell phones, gloves, tools, folders and just about anything else. There are even two floor storage bins that include removable containers for easy cleaning." -- Detroit News

"Storage spaces abound: under the rear seats; in the doors, the center console, and the dual glove boxes; and within the new drainable, lockable 'RamBox' bins in the bed walls." -- Car and Driver

About Ram Truck Brand

The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its own identity and clearly define its customer.

As a stand-alone brand, Ram Truck is focused on truck customers – how they use their trucks and what features they'd like to see. Whether it's a family that drives their half-ton Ram 1500 every day, a hard-working Ram Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its commercial vehicles without fail, Ram is going to be there for them.

For 2012, the Ram Truck brand increases the capabilities of its hardest-working trucks – the Ram

3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab trucks – and adds a new Ram Cargo Van, which expands Ram's reach into the Class 1 segment.

Also for 2012, Ram 1500 – the most-awarded Ram truck ever – and Ram 2500 / 3500 Heavy Duty pickups get new safety, fuel efficiency and convenience features.

Ram Truck has emerged as a full-size truck leader by investing substantially in new products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and features that further enhance their capabilities.

Ram trucks now boast these segment exclusives:

• Coil spring rear suspension on Ram 1500 for best-in-class ride and handling
• Available RamBox® lockable and lighted bedside storage
• In-floor storage on all Ram crew cabs
• The largest cab in the market – Ram HD Mega Cab
• Standard six-speed manual transmission on all diesel models
• 3,600-lb. towing for Class 1 cargo vans

The Chassis Cab trucks provide customers with first-time innovations and features along with new standards of strength, utility and driveability. Building on Ram Truck's leadership in the heavy-duty pickup segment, Ram's commercial-grade work trucks are built on proven frames and chassis, and engineered for maximum uptime, low cost of ownership, optimum performance and enhanced commercial capability.

Equipped with a choice of engines, including the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine or the powerful 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel, Ram Trucks offer the best powertrains in the industry and are known for their reliability. The 5.7-liter HEMI engine offers an amazing combination of power and fuel economy with 390 horsepower and 20 mpg highway. The Cummins Turbo Diesel-equipped Ram pickup is the only heavy-duty pickup to meet 2012 EPA compliance rules, without the need for a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).

Truck customers – from half-ton to commercial – have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. The Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 pickups; 3500, 4500 and

5500 Chassis Cabs and Ram Cargo van are designed to deliver a total package. Follow Ram and Chrysler Group LLC news and video on:

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SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC