2006 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Review
Price Estimate: $3,762 - $6,190





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful engine lineup, huge payload and towing capacities, very spacious interior in Mega Cab, compliant ride, available side curtain airbags.
Cons
- Stunted standard bed, cramped rear seat in Quad Cab.
What’s new
For the 2006 Ram 2500, Dodge adds a new body style called Mega Cab. It features a 20-inch-longer cabin than the Quad Cab to provide best-in-class interior room. All Ram 2500s also feature a new dash, center console, seats and radios. A navigation system and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system are newly optional. Wrapping things up for the 2006 Ram is freshened front-end styling.
Edmunds says
The heavy-duty Dodge Ram 2500 offers serious diesel power, stout suspensions and a well-built, functional interior -- all of which make it an impressive package for hard-core truck users.
For sale nearby
167 listings
- Photos not available$19,995fair price$1,746 below market
- 172,456 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 6'4” bed, 5.9l, 6cyl
- Lockwood Cadillac (139 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
- 6ft Bed
- Crew Cab
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Located in Marshall, MN
EquipmentWhen you encounter slick or muddy roads, you can engage the four wheel drive on the Dodge Ram Pickup and drive with confidence. The Dodge Ram...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 3D7KS29C46G160386
Stock: 29161A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-09-2025 - New ListingPhotos not available$15,995good price$2,394 below market
- 227,899 miles
- 8'2” bed, 5.9l, 6cyl
- Billion Auto Mazda (179 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Upgraded Stereo
- Upgraded Engine
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
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Located in Sioux Falls, SD
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary Unavailable.
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 3D7KS28C16G280633
Stock: G31818B
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-15-2025
Vehicle overview
Although Dodge has been producing trucks since 1917, it wasn't until 1994 that Americans started paying attention. It was then that the all-new Ram was introduced. This full-size truck was an immediate hit thanks to its combination of big-rig styling, powerful engine lineup and carlike interior. The heavy-duty models -- the 2500 and 3500 -- were particularly popular with contractors who appreciated the trucks' rugged nature. A completely redesigned Ram 1500 debuted for 2002, followed in 2003 by the 2500 and 3500 series trucks that saw similar changes.
For the Ram redesign, Dodge figured that most folks don't often fill up their pickup's bed to full capacity and subsequently took 3 inches from the standard bed length (previously 6 feet 6 inches) and added it to the passenger compartment. For heavy-duty truck users with more serious hauling needs, there's an 8-foot bed option. Because Ram 2500 trucks carry much heavier loads than their light-duty siblings, their frames are noticeably more robust. Extensive use of hydroforming construction technology offers outstanding frame stiffness. Dodge says this improves ride and handling characteristics as well as payload ratings.
As you would expect, two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive configurations are offered. The 4WD system is manually or electronically controlled, depending on trim level. Four-wheel-drive trucks have a solid front axle, while two-wheel-drive Rams get an independent front suspension. Additionally, the 2WD trucks have a rack and pinion steering system, while 4WD trucks utilize a recirculating ball setup. The Dodge Ram 2500 is also host for the Power Wagon model. Available as a regular cab or Quad Cab, the Power Wagon is a highly specialized for off-road duty and features electric locking front and rear differentials, an electronic disconnecting front antiroll bar, 33-inch tires, a 12,000-pound winch, a 2.5-inch taller stance and unique suspension tuning.
The Ram pickup 2500 interiors are essentially identical to their half-ton counterparts, a trait that we would consider a good thing. There's plenty of room in every direction, simple controls that are easy to master at a glance and solid construction. Though not as roomy as its competitors, Quad Cab models have enough room to seat a few extra passengers as well as carry sensitive cargo if the need arises thanks to a flat load floor. Need more room? Go for the huge Mega Cab model. To make it Mega, Dodge takes uses the extended 160.5-inch wheelbase frame and adds a short bed to allow 20 more inches for the oversized cabin. This makes for a lot of "biggest" and "first" claims for the Mega Cab: The largest, longest cab in its class, at 142.2 cubic feet and 111.1 inches, respectively. Largest interior cargo volume of any full-size pickup, largest second-row legroom, largest rear-door open angle, at 85 degrees; and the first ever reclining rear seats, which go from a 22-degree seatback angle to 37 degrees.
Overall, the 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 is an excellent all-around heavy-duty truck. Particularly this year, with the introduction of the Mega Cab model, it would be our choice for a heavy-duty truck over competing domestic offerings.
Performance & mpg
Dodge's 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is the standard engine for the 2500. Rated at 345 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque, it out-muscles both of GM's and Ford's standard offerings. A Cummins turbodiesel engine is also offered: a 5.9-liter inline six with 325 hp and a towering 610 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come with a standard six-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic is optional for the V8, while the diesel can be equipped with a four-speed overdrive automatic. A properly equipped Dodge Ram 2500 regular cab with the Cummins has a 13,700-pound tow rating.
Safety
Side curtain airbags are optional on all Dodge Ram 2500 models. All center seats have three-point seatbelts. Optional on the SLT and standard on the Laramie are power-adjustable pedals, which allow shorter folk to find a comfortable driving position without having to sit too close to the steering wheel. The trucks also feature standard antilock disc brakes. Although heavy-duty versions of the Ram have not been crash tested, the Ram 1500 received a "Good" rating (the highest possible) from the IIHS.
Driving
Although it's built to take on the most demanding tasks, the 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 is still a surprisingly comfortable truck for daily use. Between its quick steering and supple ride, it's nearly as comfortable as most half-tons. The Hemi V8 is a competent all-around engine, but for serious towing and hauling, the turbodiesel is essential.
Interior
Interior room is generous, and the overall design is very functional with comfortable seats and simple controls. If you've got more cargo than passengers, you can fold up the rear seats in Quad Cabs. The rear seats also recline in Mega Cab models, or you can fold them flat to reveal an expansive load space.
2006 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 models
Heavy-duty Dodge Ram 2500 pickups are available in three cab styles: regular, Quad Cab (crew cab) and Mega (really big crew cab). The regular and Quad Cab models come with either a short or long cargo bed. The Mega Cab rides on the same wheelbase as the Quad Cab long bed but pairs an even bigger cabin with the short bed. The regular cab and Quad Cab come in ST, SLT or Laramie trim; the Mega Cab is SLT or Laramie only. The Ram ST is pretty bare-bones, offering 17-inch wheels, vinyl seating, air conditioning and a CD player. Go with the SLT for alloy wheels, cruise control, cloth seating, keyless entry and power windows, locks and mirrors. The luxurious Laramie comes with standard upgrades like dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seating, a power driver seat, a six-CD changer and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Many other features, such as a rear-seat entertainment system, are optional. The Ram 2500 line is also home to the Power Wagon model, which is highly specialized for off-road duty with a raised suspension, front and rear differential locks, an electronically disengaging front stabilizer bar, 33-inch tires, a 12,000-pound winch and full skid plates.
Compare 2006 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

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Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Great Tow Vehicle
5 out of 5 starsfraubro, 11/07/2006
2006 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Laramie 4dr Quad Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6M)
This truck with a diesel will move mountains. With a travel trailer (7000 lbs.) in tow and a 600 lbs. quad in the bed, this baby rides like a dream. You can't feel anything behind you. Granted, the truck rides a little rough when empty, but when loaded, it smoothes right out. It's designed for the load and it shows. Loaded down, mountains rarely slow you down, the torque is awesome. I've … driven Silverados, but go with the Dodge.
2006 dodge quad cab cummins diesel, great truck
4 out of 5 starsromanc15, 09/30/2012
2006 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 SLT 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6M)
the truck is solid been driving for a few hundred miles now and i really like it. there is lots of power for when you need to get up to speed. the ride comfort is what you would expect from a heavy duty truck. i average 22
mpg on the hwy and 20 in the city. its worth the money. yes the interior quality is not the best but its ok. good truck. i drove a 2003 ford f250 with the 6.0 the … aceleration sucked and the turbo lag was horrible. i would rev it all the way up to 3500 rpm and it would barley move the the dodge is a better choice.
Cummins
4.75 out of 5 starsCummins Power, 03/06/2010
2006 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 SLT 4dr Quad Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6M)
I love it! And I really love the gas mileage,I have got 28 MPG on a curvy uphill state highway! This thing almost has too much power for its own good!!! We tow a 7,500 lb bumper pull Travel Trailer up the rocky mountains and still get 15 MPG! I also tow a 16ft trailer that i tow a 3,500 Lb Antique Tractor and It pulls it like a piece of thread.
First Diesel and First Dodge
4.63 out of 5 starsROB98024, 03/30/2010
2006 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 SLT 4dr Quad Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6M)
I bought this '06 Ram Diesel when it had 51000 miles and it runs great. I changed all the fluids with synthetic but am staying with Delo 400 15-40 for the engine and changing it every 5000 mile along with a fleetguard filter. I added an AFE stage 2 intake, BD tranny pan, and Smarty Jr. Recent trip from Denver to Seattle averaged 19.7 mpg unloaded at average speed of 70. Did not burn a … drop of oil. The dealer changed the ball joints and u-joints when I bought the truck. I can see these are going to be a weak area but the Cummins diesel can't be beat. I was a Chevy person for 30 years and even though I loved the Silverado I will drive this Dodge till it won't go anymore.
2006 Ram Pickup 2500 Highlights
Quad Cab
ST
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $28,335 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Seating | 6 seats |
rear wheel drive | |
Max Towing Capacity | 13,500 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Ram Pickup 2500 include:
- Alarm
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