2006 Dodge Viper Review, Prices, Photos

2006 Dodge Viper (continued)

Walkaround

The Viper SRT10 convertible is pretty sleek with its top up or down, but the new coupe is simply stunning, with its double-bubble roofline for helmet clearance, tucked-in taillamps and bawdy side exhausts. There is more bump to the rear fender tops, and the Viper sits nose-down and ready to rock with its big, big stickies mounted on five-spoke 18- and 19-inch wheels built for maximum brake cooling.

The car is handbuilt around a central cage structure using various kinds of reaction-injected or sheet-molded plastic body panels, door skins, hood and decklid. The cage makes its presence known in the form of the very tall, wide central tunnel that houses the shifter, handbrake, and window switches, newly turned out in brushed metal instead of black plastic. They have left plenty of room for a roll cage inside the car.

The first and second generation Vipers were pretty wavy here and there, but the plastic body panels on the Vipers we drove were straighter, flatter, better fitting, and more uniform than on any previous Viper, so they have apparently improved their plastic parts manufacturing processes while they were finding more power, more torque and more chassis stiffness.

Interior Features

One thing the Viper doesn't lack for is interior room for two tall Americans and a little bit of stuff or luggage. On the convertible, there is a great deal more headroom than on the last folding-top Viper. The top goes up or down with one hand and latches easily. The 2006 Viper is almost a foot wider on the outside than the 2006 Corvette, but not all of that width translates into additional occupant space. It's not easy to get in or out of a Viper (or a Corvette, for that matter) with any grace, but once inside, there's plenty of comfort and lots to see.

The form-fitting tall bucket seats will hold your upper body in the corners very well, and the seat will bump up against the rear wall when extended all the way back, and that's it. No more rear travel or recline. If you're very tall, you'll be more comfortable in the convertible. The floor pedals can be power-adjusted by a dashboard button through four inches of reach, a big improvement over the old manually adjustable pedals.

The new instruments and controls are canted to the left in the new car, toward the driver, and you can see all the faces in one quick left-to-right sweep of the eyes. The large tachometer sits directly in front of the driver, to its right a smaller 220-mph speedometer (but 190 is more like it). All of the switches and vents are easier to see and reach.

The throttle, brake and clutch pedals are closely spaced for heel-and-toe downshifting. A new feature is the dead pedal for your left foot, good for bracing in the corners at the race track or on your favorite country road. A returning feature is the use of acres of cheap plastic on the interior.

2006 Dodge Viper Review, Prices, Photos

2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Review, Prices, Photos

2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab (continued)

Walkaround

The Dodge Ram Mega Cab offers a striking presence, taking the Big Rig look to another level. From the front, a more refined crosshair grille with strong, full-chrome collar remains instantly recognizable as a strong Dodge Ram signature. New, angular headlamps are distinctive, and deliver 22 percent more light intensity by use of halogen bulbs. The front bumper is massive, integrated with the equally bold hood and fender combination. The ram's head emblem is moved to the center of the grille for 2006. Chrome accents add to the bold, metallic design.

From the side, the Mega Cab makes an even more dramatic impression. Very wide rear doors are unique to the immense Mega Cab, with a very large proportion of window glass to door. The second-row window glass is tinted, suggesting a limousine. Behind this huge cab, the bed looks small, but it remains significantly large: 6 feet, 3 inches in length and 51 inches wide between the wheel wells. Wheels are sparkling 17-inch chrome units, with tires nicely proportioned to the Ram's physical size.

The front grilles of the SLT and Laramie trim levels are differently styled, providing an external visual cue.

Interior Features

All Ram pickups offer unusually wide, roomy cabs with lots of storage. The Mega Cab's interior space is nearly identical to that of a Quad Cab with the exception of rear legroom. The Mega Cab adds some 22 inches of cab length to the already-wide interior, taking second-row spaciousness beyond any previous concept. The Mega Cab's rear seats offer 44.2 inches of legroom, compared with 36.7 for a Quad Cab. And there is room for the rear seats to recline, tilting up to 37-degrees for added comfort. The rear seats also have their own separate rear air conditioning and heat outlets, reading lights and a center armrest with cup holders.

DVD entertainment for rear seat passengers is available, with wireless headsets and integrated game ports. Behind the passengers is a power sliding rear window for flow-through ventilation. Because of the added length of the second-row seating area, the air bag system had to be redesigned with larger side curtain air bags. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor in order to trigger the air bag on the side where impact occurs.

From the driver's seat, the view is of a wide center stack with large knobs and buttons, precisely finished with consistent angles and cut lines throughout. The instrument panel cluster, revised for 2006, is located under a more prominent dash brow to reduce glare and improve visibility of six white-faced gauges. A substantial four-spoke steering wheel houses cruise control buttons and available stereo controls. Rectangular, slat-type air vents close flush.

There is a marked distinction between the SLT and Laramie trim levels. In SLT trim, the dash is textured plastic. The Laramie package makes extensive use of wood trim inside, with less use of plastic, for a more distinctive appearance.

The seats are generously padded and proved to be comfortable, especially the six-way driver's seat in the Laramie, which can be shifted around as any particular position becomes tiresome on long trips. The leather upholstery adds a rich appearance to the interior of Laramie models. With the optional front bucket seats, a new center console extends from the dashboard.

Everything about the Ram screams full size. Even those of us used to operating domestic pickups and tow vehicles will be taken aback by the Ram's imposing size. Inside the cabin, it is a long reach to hand something across the console to a passenger, and there would be no hope of leaning across to open the passenger door, or grab something from the opposite door pocket. Interior door handles are large and heavily built, consistent with the large size of the Ram doors.

The cabin is loaded with nicely sized trays, slots and pockets. It seemed there was always a safe place to put something down, yet keep it within easy reach. The center console is big enough for a laptop, and is designed with fold-down dividers.

The optional 5.8-inch navigation screen is surrounded by buttons and knobs. With the standard front bench seat, a very wide center console flips up to allow makeshift center seating. There is additional storage under the front seat.

Several power outlets are provided for the front seats. The dash power outlet is ignition switched, while the cigar lighter is always on, so we used it to charge a cell phone. A third outlet is available in the center console.

Testing the rear seat was a defining moment. One passenger, six-feet, three-inches tall, had no problem stretching out completely with the rear seats reclined. A rear-seat passenger spent an entire day with us, and declined to move up front at the halfway point.

Getting in the Mega Cab requires a big step up, but the rear doors swing open almost 90 degrees, so access is easier for people or cargo. Behind the rear seats is even more storage, in the form of bins that are designed to accommodate tools or sports equipment.

We found the optional seven-speaker, 384-watt Infinity sound system to be remarkably good for a truck of any kind, and especially a pickup. Our suspicion is that this is at least partly due to superior sound deadening and wind noise control, providing an environment in which the sound system can really be appreciated.

2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Review, Prices, Photos

2006 Dodge Ram Review, Prices, Photos

2006 Dodge Ram (continued)

Walkaround

The Dodge Ram presents a bold, distinctive appearance with its big horse-collar grille and Freightliner fenders. The basic look dates back a dozen years, but it received a major redesign for 2002, and now a more subtle makeover for '06. New headlamps cut back deeper into the fenders, and a flattened front bumper on Sport and Laramie looks even more big-rig-like than before. Dodge claims the new lights are improved 22 percent in intensity and 40 percent in beam spectrum. A slot in the front bumper aids engine cooling and air conditioner performance.

Ram's trademark front grille has been recontoured slightly to fit the new bumper, but it remains one of the most instantly recognizable front ends on the road. A thick band of chrome surrounds the grille on ST, SLT and Laramie; the band is body color on Sport models and grey on Work Specials. The broad, sloping hood has a pronounced crown that falls over the sides to the prominent front fenders.

Moving rearward, the Ram continues to present a robust appearance. A fast, raked-back windshield enhances aerodynamics and water management, while gracefully blending modern sleekness with Ram's retro lower body. The leading edge of the front door overlaps the A-pillar, creating a smooth transition from the front of the cab to the side. Everything is smooth and integrated. The big side mirrors, great for visibility, are mounted on platforms to minimize wind noise, and a channel has been specially designed to keep water off of the mirrors. A small spoiler at the top of the tailgate, new for '06, is said to improve fuel efficiency.

Rams sit relatively high off the ground, particularly the four-wheel-drive models. Tailgate load height is 34-1/2 inches on four-wheel-drive models, 33 inches with two-wheel-drive. That seems high when trying to heave heavy gear aboard. All beds are fitted with boat cleats designed to handle 1,000 pounds each.

SRT-10 features a body-color grille surround surmounted by a hungry-looking hood scoop. Additionally, SRT-10 boasts its own front bumper, which looks lighter and less truckish than the standard unit and features its own gaping, air-gulping opening. A body-color aluminum tonneau cover for the pickup bed, outfitted with a unique spoiler for aerodynamic efficiency, is standard for 2006. Gas struts help in raising and lowering the tonneau cover for easy access to the pickup bed, which features a bed tray for protecting bed and cargo.

Interior Features

The Dodge Ram is among the roomiest of the full-size pickups and its cab is a pleasant place to be. Its short pickup box is more than three inches shorter than a Ford F-150's or Chevrolet Silverado's because Dodge put that extra three inches into the cab. So you sacrifice a little bed space for a lot more wiggle room. Regular Cab and Quad Cab versions offer identical roominess in the front seats.

The Ram is available with a front bench seat split 40/20/40. The narrow center section features a large fold-down armrest with a compartment big enough to hold a laptop. We've found both the cloth and the leather seats comfortable, and the previously flabby side bolsters have been beefed up in the '06 redesign. The driving position is good, with good visibility in all directions, though the aerodynamic front end makes it impossible to see the front corners. Big mirrors on the Ram make it easy to see what's behind.

The seats, along with the dashboard and a lot of interior trim, have been redesigned for 2006. We found the bucket seats in a 2006 Sport model we drove very comfortable and supportive. We really liked the sporty fabric, which looks durable. Laramie models get silver trim adorning the door panels and instrument bezels. Laramie comes with distinctive leather trim, with higher-contrast color seat inserts.

The Ram interior shows attention to details that add utility and convenience. The big fold-down center armrest/console comes with adjustable dividers and a power outlet. A hook on the passenger-side floor well is provided for securing a plastic grocery bag or anything else with suitable handles. Premium amenities such as the full-screen GPS navigation radio, Bluetooth hands-free communications are available, along with a rear-seat DVD system for Quad Cabs. We found the navigation radio to be a nice design and relatively easy to operate; these systems are getting better all the time and the latest Chrysler Group's systems work quite well.

We found most of the Ram's interior materials to be of good quality, and Dodge is clearly working to improve the few that aren't. The available faux wood surface on the center stack has been upgraded this year; it looks okay, though it's clearly not wood, partly because of the way it's molded around the nooks and crannies. White-faced instruments with turquoise numbers look sporty and trendy, but don't offer the legibility of traditional white-on-black designs, particularly at dusk. The top brow of the instrument panel has been extended for '06 to provide better glare protection in bright sunlight. At night, the instruments are nicely illuminated in green.

Three-point shoulder belts are provided at all locations, including the rear center seat. Power adjustable pedals let shorter drivers adjust their seating position better so they aren't sitting so close to the airbag. This improves comfort, safety, and drivability. Power adjustable pedals are optional on ST, SLT, and Sport; standard on Laramie and SRT-10; they're a smart choice for two-driver families because they allow shorter drivers to move farther away from the airbag-armed steering wheel, reducing the chance of airbag injuries.

Side-curtain airbags are optional and we strongly recommend getting them. These curtain-style airbags are designed to provide head protection in a side impact along with protection in the event of a rollover; head injuries are the leading cause of death in side impacts. The Ram was awarded the highest possible rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's offset frontal crash test. The SRT-10 does not offer side-curtain airbags, but instead offers door-mounted side-impact airbags on the Quad Cab version designed to provide torso protection in a side impact.

Overall, the center dash is a paradigm of convenience. Large heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) buttons can be operated while wearing gloves. A textured fabric is used for trim around the audio and HVAC controls that gives the center dash a nice look and feel. Just below the HVAC controls is a slot lined with a rubber mat that's perfect for a wallet. A big panel below that folds down with adjustable cup holders. Overhead is a console with an effective pair of map lights, a trip computer, a compartment for sunglasses, and a compass, which every self-respecting truck should have.

As indicated, we prefer the optional navigation radio. The design of the standard audio system could be improved for ease of use. Sometimes you have to search for the right button to press. Setting a preset for a station, for example, requires pressing a separate Set button, rather than just holding the preset button down. Small, sliding bass and treble controls are harder to adjust than knobs when bouncing around in a pickup truck. Steering wheel audio controls improve this situation with brilliantly designed buttons behind the steering wheel that are easy to use. Likewise, cruise controls on the steering wheel are easy to operate and come packaged with a tilt steering column.

Regular Cab models come fitted with a tray behind the seats big enough to hold a large bucket. Dodge even supplies the bucket, and a tray designed to carry tools and such. Big hooks behind the seats are handy for hanging dry cleaning or plastic shopping bags.

About 80 percent of all Ram buyers opt for the Quad Cab for its ability to carry passengers and shelter cargo. The rear seat is roomy, with enough rake to the seatback to make it comfortable for two adults, though there isn't a lot of legroom. The size of the rear bench makes it suitable for child safety seats, and all three rear seating positions are fitted with tether anchors. With one hand you can flip the Quad Cab's rear seat down. An optional metal frame then folds into place to create a rigid platform designed to support 500 pounds, useful for carrying cargo. The rear doors open 85 degrees, making it easy to get in or load gear, and the rear windows glide all the way down. Overall, the Quad Cab is a friendly, practical design for hauling people and gear.

2006 Dodge Ram Review, Prices, Photos

2006 Dodge Neon Review, Prices, Photos

2006 Dodge Neon (continued)

Walkaround

Neon's appearance hasn't changed much, but it's still distinguished from other small cars by its cab-forward profile, arched roofline and ovoid headlamps. The cab-forward design pays practical dividends. Neon's long wheelbase and wide track contribute to its roomy interior, smooth ride quality and high-speed stability. Full-frame doors reduce wind noise and create a tight seal.

For years Dodge made some effort to distance the high-performance SRT4 from other Neons, even calling it the Dodge SRT4 in promotional literature, dropping the Neon label entirely. The concept seemed to make even less sense when Dodge decided to offer an SRT Design package for the standard Neon SXT. This borrows a number of the appearance tweaks previously reserved for the high-performance model.

The air intake in SRT4's deep front bumper/air dam looks like an inverted version of the standard Neon grille, with two square openings where the standard grille would otherwise be. Just behind the lower opening sits a cast-aluminum intercooler; Dodge left it visible in keeping with the car's racy intent. A functional hood scoop and fog lamps set into what look like brake cooling ducts emphasize SRT4's road racer demeanor.

Out back, the SRT4's basket-handle spoiler is designed to look outrageous, and it succeeds. (It restricts rearward vision, but not unduly.) Sill-mounted ground effects give SRT4 the look of a sport compact. Big tires fill the wheel wells. The SRT4's 17-inch wheels are designed to channel air to the brakes to help keep them cool.

Interior Features

The Neon is roomy inside. In fact, an accommodating cabin is one of its strengths compared with some of the other compacts. The driver sits high for good visibility, and the front seating area has lots of hip room and legroom.

Back-seat passengers benefit from the Neon's big interior, as well. The rear seat is not a bad place for short- to medium-length trips, even for average-size adults.

The trunk is about average for the class at 13.1 cubic feet. Gooseneck hinges intrude into the cargo space, but afford a relatively large trunk opening. Lift-over height is on the high side. The rear seat splits 60/40 and folds down for carrying additional cargo.

The standard Neon SXT seats are quite comfortable, cushy and supportive. The side bolster appears a bit soft, but felt fine while driving. The cloth upholstery feels good and looks durable. Vinyl trim on the front edges of the seats gives them a nicely finished look.

Dash and door trim are made of a premium material that's soft to the touch, providing an attractive appearance and feel and avoiding the plastic look that afflicts so many compacts. The Sport Appearance and SRT Design packages include body-colored bezels around the gauges that add a racy accent to the SXT. Map lights are mounted on the rear-view mirror, not the best location as your co-driver may accidentally adjust your mirror when using the light switch. Most switchgear is easy to use and works well, though the turn signal stalk on our test car wasn't smooth. The standard stereo sounds mediocre, and having to press a button to get the key out of the ignition slot is annoying and archaic.

Our SRT4 test car had special interior trim, including a satin-silver center stack, shift knob and door handles. The SRT4 seats are modeled after those in the Dodge Viper sports car, with enhanced lumbar and lateral sections for better support when cornering. Agate-colored cloth is designed to grip the driver. Cast aluminum pedals look like those in race cars. A turbo boost/vacuum gauge sits to the right of the instrument cluster, underneath the dash brow, hinting at the extra performance under foot.

2006 Dodge Neon Review, Prices, Photos

2006 Dodge Magnum Review, Prices, Photos

2006 Dodge Magnum (continued)

Walkaround

The styling of the Magnum is so distinctive that a picture will say far more than words can. It's a long, low, beefy station wagon on a wide track with big bold grille and a chopped top. It would be an understatement to say the Magnum has presence. In fact, there is nothing like it on the road.

However, it's not called a station wagon any more. The EPA classifies it as a sport utility. Dodge calls it a sport tourer. Others call this new direction a sport wagon. That's what it is in our book: a sporty wagon, a cross between muscle car and station wagon, a hot rod hauler for grown-ups who haven't grown up, or haven't needed to, but eminently civilized, of course.

The grille is clearly from the Dodge Ram truck family, but it's smaller, softer and classier. The headlamp units are a nice integrated wedge shape. We like them better than those on the new Chrysler 300, a Magnum sibling, which try harder to be retro. The air dam/bumper cover wraps up under the headlamps and grille, and looks impressively beefy and functional. The SRT8 gets a mesh grille insert surrounded by a blockier fascia with a more aggressive air dam and enlarged, brake-cooling ducts.

From the side, the Magnum looks like it could be rolled onto the floor of a custom rod show. The wheel cutouts are profound, especially imposing with the 18-inch, 10-spoke wheels on the RT and borderline brutish with the SRT8's 20-inchers and ultra-low profile rubber. A big visual effect is created by the tinted glass and roofline sloping back and pinching the rear window. This serves an innovative purpose. The one-piece liftgate is hinged about two feet up into the roof, providing a vast and liberating opening to the cargo area. It requires less ducking to reach things in there, and will be easier on lower backs of all ages. The SRT8's roof-mounted wake diffuser is deeper, and its rear bumper mirrors the front's blockiness, with cutouts for the two, oversize, chrome exhaust tips.

Interior Features

If you have any doubts about the Dodge Magnum carrying as much as your SUV, fold the rear seat down flat, lift the gate, easily climb inside and crawl around a bit. Dodge lists the cargo capacity as 27.2 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 71.6 cubic feet with them down, while the EPA total interior volume indicates 133.1 cubic feet. But those numbers don't sway buyers as much as their own eyes, so have a look. We did, and the cargo area looks wider, flatter, longer and easier to access than most SUVs. It's just not as tall; but how often do you stack loads to the ceiling? It's usually the length and width and flat floor that matter, and the Magnum excels by those measurements.

We also climbed in the back seat and crawled around a bit. There was room to do so, only 10 percent less than in the front seat, according to the SAE volume index. In people terms, the rear seat's measurements come within an inch of the front's except in legroom, where the rear seat gives up just over an inch and a half to the front. The 60/40 split rear seat seats three people, but a wide, center armrest with cupholders drops down to make it more comfortable for two. There's plenty of head clearance despite the roofline, which poses no rear visibility problem for the driver. Even so, the chopped-top proportions left us feeling a touch claustrophobic.

The driver should have no problem finding a comfortable position. The steering wheel offers both tilt and telescope adjustments and the pedals are power adjustable. If anything, this is overkill, but adjustable pedals can help people of small stature (petite women, for example) position themselves farther away from the airbag-equipped steering wheel, lessening the chance of airbag-related injuries.

Fabric covers the seats in the SE and SXT, with leather optional in the latter and standard in the R/T and the SRT8. We found the regular seats generally supportive. The SRT8's deep-dish sport seats were especially effective in keeping our backside in place during aggressive motoring. However, all of the seats were somewhat short in thigh support.

We really liked the Magnum's gauges, handsome and all business, white background with black numbers and stainless trim rings. We detested, however, the Mercedes-Benz column stalks with the turn indicator lever drooping down around 7 o'clock and the wimpy cruise control stick perched up at 11 o'clock. (We dislike these controls just as much on Mercedes cars.) The four-spoke steering wheel was sharp, with buttons for cruise and sound control.

The center stack was clean and tidy in black, with switches that were easy to click and knobs where knobs should be for the climate control and radio. The navigation system's screen displaces the stereo faceplate, with controls for both functions arrayed around the perimeter.

The console compartment is decent sized, with two levels, the upper stamped with recesses for holding sundry items, and contains practical coin holders. There's also a sunglasses holder within the driver's reach. And speaking of specialized holders, the optional cargo organizer keeps grocery bags from topping over and incorporates a nook designed for holding a one-gallon milk jug.

The Magnum takes an innovative approach to placement of the entertainment system's video screen. In lieu of suspending it from the ceiling or planting it in the backside of the front seat head restraints, Dodge pivots the Magnum's up out of the front center console. This positions it for viewing between the front seats at just above knee level. We're not sure what this will do for passengers susceptible to motion sickness, but it does preserve the driver's view out the back window. If your Magnum is to be used frequently as a station wagon, that is, to haul stuff, don't pop for the upgraded sound system that parks a monster subwoofer in the cargo area right behind the rear seat.

2006 Dodge Magnum Review, Prices, Photos