As we look back on an exciting 2009 here at Ram, there’s certainly a reason for us all to celebrate: Ram hauled in a ton of awards in ’09, a tribute both to all the hard-working employees who help build the world’s greatest trucks and to the intelligent consumers who support us by buying them. But why toot our own horn? All these people have done it already:
Ward’s AutoWorld Interior of the Year: The 2009 Ram 1500 rolled over competition from Ford, Toyota, and Chevrolet. The magazine called the vehicle “comfortable and well-conceived” based on its finishing touches — like the seats’ saddle stitching, upscale instrument gauges, and chromed accents.
Ward’s 10 Best Engines of 2009: Ward also announced its 10 favorite engines of the year, and Ram’s refined and powerful 5.7L Hemi OHV V-8 made the list.
Strategic Vision Top of Its Class: In the 15-year history of Strategic Vision’s Total Quality Index of the best of the best in the auto industry, a truck has never scored as high as the Ram 1500.
AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award: Ram was ahead of the pack in the Large Pickup Truck category, scoring top ratings in owner contentment with operation, comfort, safety, and overall experience.
Edmunds’ Inside Line’s Best Full-Size Pickup Truck: The widely read website for auto enthusiasts compared a range of pickups head-to-head, and Ram emerged on top.
Rocky Mountain Automotive Press Association’s Truck of the Year: The Ram 1500 beat the Ford F-150 and the Nissan Titan in this annual competition, thanks to its unmatched design, handling, and technology.
MotorWeek’s Drivers’ Choice: Marking the third time an all-new Ram earned the title, the 2009 Ram 1500 was named Best Pickup for its innovative storage system, coil-spring rear suspension, and interior fit and finish.
Consumer Guide’s Best Buy for 2009: Consumer Guide tipped its hat to Ram’s quiet, comfortable cabin and innovative storage systems, calling it best in the pickup truck category.
Car.com’s Work Truck of the Year: This group of automotive experts gave the Ram 1500 top marks in its Lifestyle Awards based on power, durability, and cargo space.
International Truck of the Year: The board of renowned auto editors and journalists at International Car of the Year picked Ram for this prestigious award based on innovation, functionality, and safety, beating out the new Ford F-150 and Subaru Forester.
Truckin’ Magazine’s Truck of the Year: Singing the praises of the game-changing 2009 Ram, the editor pointed to its dramatic, new sleek design and quality materials, calling it a truly “luxurious” ride.
New England Motor Press Association’s Best-in-Class Pickup Truck: Ram took home the gold, judged best suited for handling New England’s long and raging winters.
Autobytel.com’s 2009 My Ride/Editors’ Choice Award’s Truck of the Year: The evaluation committee was most impressed by Ram’s focus on ride quality.
Automobile Journalists’ Association of Canada’s Best New Pickup: The Ram 1500 scored highest with Canada’s auto media, based on everything from handling and visibility to engine smoothness and ride comfort.
Four Wheeler’s Pickup Truck of the Year: Calling it “quite nearly the best of all worlds,” the magazine bestowed top honors on the 2010 Ram Power Wagon as it praised the truck’s ability to “simply go places, and do things, that no other fullsize truck on the planet can.”
And even though the 2010 trucks are just rolling out, the new year’s Ram 3500 has already stolen the show at the annual Truck Rodeo in San Antonio, being named Heavy Duty Pickup Truck of the Year by the Texas Auto Writers Association. Here’s to that being just the beginning!