If you aren’t an avid reader of all of our test drives, you might not be aware that we recently visited a nice group of dealerships nestled among beautiful natural scenery directly off of route 64. We can’t imagine you could miss this automotive group, but, in case you did, it’s located behind the new buzz word of Wendell: Sheetz. Yes, we made a return visit to Leith of Wendell. More specifically, we got to enjoy a test drive at Leith Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM.
When we arrived, a cordial, young gentleman welcomed us and ushered us into the showroom where an impressive front desk sat larger than life and spanned a great portion of the room. More people inside issued us a warm welcome to the dealership, and we were promptly taken care of. On today’s agenda – a test drive of the 2014 RAM 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab Edition – a truck in every sense of the word.
Regal Display of Power
Our brand ambassador today is Quincy Steele, a man who employs a sort of tranquil method in which he is engaged and enthusiastic, but you never feel an ounce of pressure. He’s congenial, and it is very easy to begin a conversation about the truck, his life, yourself, or any topic that should cross your mind. He walked us through the lot, up the small grassy incline, and onto the flat knoll where multiple RAMs stood regally to display their power like an alpha over its pack. Over its domain.
Quincy gave us a brief walk-around of the truck, explaining specifics about its capabilities and design. One of the most interesting facts is that RAM gives the same ground clearance to all of its trucks, whether two-wheel or four-wheel drive. The lustrous charcoal paint was perfectly accented by a smattering of chrome: bumpers, door handles, exhaust pipe tips, and grille. In fact, on this particular model, the standard honeycomb grille was replaced by a more aggressive looking vented grille – long, narrow slices of chrome from top to bottom.
With ample room in the rear of the cabin, an automatic rear window, and enough cargo space in the bed, you can fulfill any purpose. Perhaps you need to take a whole crew and a few supplies to any job site; or your whole family and the dogs for a weekend getaway; or you and a few friends pack up for a quick camping trip. Whatever the need may be, the 2014 RAM 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab can get it done.
Beyond Beowulf
When it was time to get in the truck, we saw that the features are as brawny as the truck itself. A broad dash and center console house various compartments, jacks, and an actual outlet. A large 8-inch infotainment display is easily navigated from the steering wheel or with a gentle press and swipe on the touchscreen. Two rows of bucket seats do not come close to filling this spacious cabin, which makes for a comfortable driving experience.
Quincy got us in the truck and turned the key. Its predatory growl upon ignition is a manifestation of the pure power of a 5.8-liter V8 that lurks beneath a finely sculpted hood. This is one beast even Beowulf couldn’t overcome.
When he reached to put the truck in gear, we were quite befuddled at first. Where’s the shifter coming out of the steering column, we wondered?
Now some traditionalists might be turned away by the knob-dial gear shift; however, do not be dissuaded from a finely tuned pickup truck because of one (truly) inconsequential modification. The knob-dial actually opens up the front of the cabin surrounding the steering column, maximizing space for the driver and eliminating obstruction from the infotainment system and meter cluster. So withhold the guffaws until you actually try it like we did. Change can be good! And this one is.
Moves Like Fred Astaire
When it was our turn to drive, we were seething with anticipation. The RAM with a Hemi sounds, looks, and, as we came to find out, feels like a true master of the roadway. Placing our hands on the steering wheel, our only reaction was to brace ourselves. Sitting up high in such a broad, robust truck while its engine growls, rumbles, and roars for the road, you feel as though you’re in the pinnacle of power and security. At the same time, knowing just how much power and weight you have under your control is a very sobering experience.
The steering wheel is solid and turning the wheel, while easily manageable, is a reminder of the immensity of the truck. Surprisingly, it is not a daunting immensity but one that evokes a safe feeling. Never once did we feel as though the truck may be difficult to control at any level of performance: highway travel, towing, etc. It managed the corners with moves like Fred Astaire. Though it idled and coasted well, a simple flick of the toe churned out that incredible torque to get us moving when needed. The 2014 RAM 1500 is a very reactive drive, which also makes it incredibly fun.
Pulling back into the dealership was the only disappointment.
We would like to thank Leith Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM and, more specifically, Quincy Steele for creating such an enjoyable experience for yet another successful and educational test drive.
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