While retaining the power and utility of a functional workhorse pickup, as well as off-road capability and a towing capacity of up to 9,000 pounds, the 2008 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 also works nicely as a spacious family truck, depending on the trim level. The half-ton pickup receives few changes for 2008, aside from a more-powerful standard 4.7-liter V8 that now gets 310 hp. Other engine choices are the 3.7-liter, 215-hp V6 in the base utility ST trims only, and the 5.7-liter, 345-hp HEMI V8 that features cylinder deactivation for better fuel economy. A choice of 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual comes with the V6 and 4.7 V8, while the HEMI gets a 5-speed automatic only.

The 2008 Ram Pickup 1500 is available in either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive with low-range gearing. All-wheel drive can be substituted on the higher-end SLT and Laramie trims. You also have the choice of either a 6.3-foot or 8-foot bed (you may want to start a grid here to keep track of all the choices). There are four trims altogether. The base ST features one row of seats, while the SXT, SLT, and Laramie seat up to six in three rows. Three cab choices vary the passenger comfort. Regular cabs are two-door pickups. The Quad cab has four regular doors. The Mega Cab is the same as the Quad, but adds 20 more inches in the cabin (meaning it only comes with the smaller pickup bed) for a roomy 44 inches of rear legroom. In Quad and Mega Cabs, the rear seats fold flat into the floor.

All trims come with 4-wheel ABS brakes and dual front-side airbags for the front row. Purely functional, the ST features few trimmings beyond air conditioning and a CD player, but you get power features, leather seats, and power front seats as you move up to the top-of-the-line Laramie. Options add a DVD player and navigation system. There are also off-road and sports packages. Of course the 14/19 mpg is terrible, and if that's a concern, you probably shouldn't be buying a half-ton truck, although it's worth mentioning that the revamped 4.7 V8 is available as an E85 vehicle. Overall, owners love the V8 power, towing capability, and interior comfort of the 2008 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500.