MotorTrend Tests the 1500's

AndrewM wrote:
So if your main concern is fuel economy, not in a hurry, and don't tow much more than 5,000#, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is the best choice.

I find the comments about being slow and not being in a hurry very interesting. I certainly understand the need for speed, but many here make it sound like the Ecodiesel does not have enough power to get out of its own way.

In 1990 the Chevy 454SS pickup was introduced as a hot half ton, and it was rated at 230 horsepower and 385 ft lb torque, both numbers lower than the Ecodiesel. Yes, I know, things have changed over the last 25 years, but the Chevy 454SS had enough power to get out of its own way.

There are plenty of stock Ford 7.3 Powerstroke trucks out there towing large loads that have lower output numbers than the new Ecodiesel, and nobody complains about them.

When I drive around the city in my 201 horsepower Ford Freestar van that weighs 4200 lb, I am usually the first person away from a stop light regardless of who is next to me, and it tows 3500 lb very easily. Most half ton drivers are more concerned about texting or surfing the net while driving instead of being the first one out of the hole when the light changes to green.

There is certainly a market for an efficient light duty diesel pickup that gets great fuel mileage even when you are not intentionally trying to hypermile.