2001DodgeRam VanDodge Ram Van2001 Dodge Ram Van 1500 Base Maxi LWBFull-size VanExtended LengthRWDWindsor, Ontario, CanadaMinor changes come with the 2001, the last year of production for Dodge's full-size van, in the form of a new trailer tow package and a Class IV receiver hitch. The tilt steering wheel comes with three new settings to find that perfect driving position, you get a choice of two new interior colors, and your passenger gets an "Oh God" handle. Also new for the year are front seatbelt pre-tensioners that minimize seatbelt slack during a frontal collision.Bargain pricing, lots of options for customization.Hasn't had a serious redesign in nearly 30 years, fuel-sucking engines.Dodge's full-size vans and wagons haven't changed all that much despite nearly three decades of existence. Squint your eyes and the latest big Rams could almost be mistaken for the 1971 models. But this does not matter to Dodge fans. Chrysler hasn't yet found a need to change the brawny trucks in order to keep up with rivals from Ford and General Motors. In fact, the company is killing the Ram Wagon at the end of the year, replacing it with a full-size SUV. So for 2001, only minor refinements were needed. First, let's break down the Dodge lineup: There's a cargo van and a conversion van (built by factory-approved conversion specialists). The convert comes in three lengths and three load ranges, while the van is offered in three levels -- a 1500, a 2500, and a 3500. The base engine in the 1500 and 2500 series is a 3.9-liter V6, but most buyers would be better off with an optional V8, either a 5.2-liter or a 5.9-liter. With 295 foot-pounds of torque on tap, the 5.2-liter yields a rewarding combination of strength and economy, but no Ram vehicle ranks miserly at the gas pump. For demanding applications, your best bet might very well be the 5.9-liter, which packs 335 foot-pounds of twisting force. Standard on the 3500 is the 5.2-liter, but you can also step up to the 5.9. To compensate for thirsty engine choices, there's a 32-gallon gas tank on the 109-inch wheelbase vans and wagons, and a 35-gallon tank on all other models. The V6 is hooked to an automatic three-speed transmission, and both V8s are attached to an automatic four-speed. The vans have standard rear-wheel antilock braking, but four-wheel ABS is optional on both. Your Ram Conversion Van rides on heavy-duty gas-charged shock absorbers and a wishbone-type independent front suspension with a stabilizer bar, but remember, if your parked van's a-rockin', don't come a-knockin'. And if you're a tradesman, you'll appreciate the equipment packages available, including ones with shelving (with three sets of four-tiered shelving units), a ladder rack (a slide-down rack) or a shelving/ladder-rack combo (you guessed it, equipped with both features). The conversion van can be outfitted with a variety of high-tech goodies, including a video player, a TV monitor and game-ready electronics, and the rear passengers can have their own air conditioning and power seating. Also, a wheelchair lift can be added and the roofline easily raised for the physically challenged, according to Dodge. The Dodge Ram Van has remained virtually the same for 30 years, as has its value, in-demand conveniences and practical price. As they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Chevrolet ExpressFord Cargo VanGMC Safari CargoGMC Savana Cargo336,000336,000336,0005100,000NANANA63.9 litersV6175 hp @ 4800 rpm225 ft-lbs. @ 3200 rpm300 cu.ft.2118 lbs.4200 lbs.234.5 in.78.8 in.79.8 in.4482 lbs.127.2 in.46.3 ft.9.1 in.38.9 in.NANANANANANANA2Not AvailableStandardNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested35 gal.15 mpg / 17 mpg525 mi. / 595 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$18,441$20,8507.35%$690N/A3% of the Total MSRP1500 BASE CARGO VAN SWB (3A): 3.9L V6 OHV SMPI 12-valve engine; 3-speed automatic transmission; 600 amp battery; 117 amp alternator; rear-wheel drive, 3.55 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; HD ride suspension, front independent suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, HD front shocks, rigid rear axle leaf spring suspension, HD rear shocks; power recirculating ball steering; front disc/rear drum brakes with rear wheel antilock brakes; 31 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; 3 doors with split swing-out right rear passenger door, split swing-out rear cargo door; front and rear argent bumpers with black rub strip; clearcoat monotone paint with bodyside accent stripe; aero-composite halogen headlamps; driver's and passenger's manual black folding outside mirrors; 15" x 6.5" black steel wheels; P235/75SR15 BSW A/S tires; full-size steel spare wheel; AM/FM stereo radio, clock, seek-scan, cassette player, 6 speakers, fixed antenna; 1 power accessory outlet, front lighterelement(s), smokers' package; instrumentation display includes oil pressure gauge, water temperature gauge, volt gauge, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low washer fluid; driver's front airbag, passenger's cancelable front airbag; tinted windows; variable intermittent front windshield wipers; seating capacity of 2, front bucket seats with fixed headrests, driver's and passenger's seats include 2-way adjustment; 2nd row seat; front height adjustable seatbelts; vinyl seats, front headliner, front vinyl floor covering; interior lights include dome light; sport steering wheel; day/night rearview mirror; engine cover console with storage, locking glove box, front cupholder; vinyl cargo floor, cargo light; argent grille, black side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and black door handles.
1500 BASE CARGO VAN LWB/1500 BASE MAXIVAN LWB (3A) (in addition to or instead of 1500 BASE CARGO VAN (3A) equipment): 35 gal. capacity fuel tank.
2500 BASE CARGO VAN LWB/2500 BASE MAXIVAN LWB (4A) (in addition to or instead of 1500 BASE CARGO VAN LWB (3A) equipment): 5.2L V8 OHV SMPI 16-valve engine; 4-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; 3.92 axle ratio; 16" x 6.5" silver steel wheels; LT225/75SR16D BSW A/S tires.
3500 BASE CARGO VAN LWB/3500 BASE MAXIVAN LWB(4A) (in addition to or instead of 2500 BASE CARGO VAN LWB/2500 BASE MAXIVAN LWB (4A) equipment): HD radiator; LT245/75SR16E BSW A/S tires (Maxivan).