2001 Dodge Ram Van

What's New: Minor changes come with the 2001, the last year of production for Dodge's full-size 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, lots of options for customization.

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.

First, let's break down the Dodge lineup: There's a cargo van and a conversion van (built by factory-approved conversion specialists). The convert comes in three lengths and three load ranges, while the van is offered in three levels -- a 1500, a 2500, and a 3500.

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 very well 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 vans and 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. The vans have standard rear-wheel antilock braking, but four-wheel ABS is optional on both. Your Ram Conversion Van rides on heavy-duty gas-charged shock absorbers and a wishbone-type independent front suspension with a stabilizer bar, but remember, if your parked van's a-rockin', don't come a-knockin'.

And if you're a tradesman, you'll appreciate the equipment packages available, including ones with shelving (with three sets of four-tiered shelving units), a ladder rack (a slide-down rack) or a shelving/ladder-rack combo (you guessed it, equipped with both features).

The conversion van can be outfitted with a variety of high-tech goodies, including a video player, a TV monitor and game-ready electronics, and the rear passengers can have their own air conditioning and power seating. Also, a wheelchair lift can be added and the roofline easily raised for the physically challenged, according to Dodge.

The Dodge Ram Van 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