First drive Ram 1500 diesel

otrfun wrote:
It's the **average** truck buyer that determines what sells and doesn't. The average 1/2 ton truck buyer doesn't tow 10,000 lbs, lift their truck with big-tires, tune-it, or put a huge priority on 0-60 times.

IMO, what sets the Ecodiesel apart from all other 1/2 ton trucks are its very high MPG numbers and high torque output at low RPM diesel capability. These two things can save lotsa money and do real work--an excellent combination--and a very easy concept for the average, not-techy, truck buyer to grasp. Preliminary tests tend to confirm it's going to get close to EPA estimates in the realworld without requiring the driver to learn how (see next paragraph). When you put a negative spin on this truck with a mish-mash of it can't do this, can't do that, then you're really missing the big-picture. The average 1/2 ton truck buyer does not go into a dealership with laundry list of must-have requirements, like sub 7 sec 0-60 times, massive tow capacity, and massive payload requirements.

IMO, what sets the Ecoboost apart from all other 1/2 ton trucks are its claimed EPA MPG numbers, high torque output at low RPM's (turbo), and HP. And, to a lesser extent its perceived reliability after several years in production. I've driven the Ecoboost many times. Yes, it has the potential to meet its EPA MPG numbers (16/22), but it requires practice. One has to learn how to stay completely off the boost--for some this is an unreasonable way to drive. Personally, I think what really sells the Ecoboost to the average truck buyer is their first test drive. Many folks have never driven a vehicle with a turbo before. For many it's an eye-opening experience to have nearly max torque available below 2k. It gives the impression of unlimited power--a very powerful and addictive first impression, and one of the big reasons the Ecoboost has been such a success IMO.

My two cents . . .