Canada Picks New Dodge Ram as "Best New Pickup Truck"

Take that Texas; Dodge strikes back at Ford's recent win of the Truck of Texas mantle by earning the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada's "Best New Pickup Truck" award for its all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The Dodge Ram beat out the 2009 Ford F-150, itself new for '09, after an "intensive week of vehicle evaluations" conducted by journalists at AJAC's annual Test Fest on Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

Naturally, Dodge is pleased with the win. Reid Bigland, president and CEO of Chrysler Canada, said: "we thank AJAC for this recognition which confirms that the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 is the best pickup truck in Canada." Too bad it seems Texans might not necessarily agree, as U.S. sales of the new Dodge Ram are crucial for a struggling Chrysler. And just how significant is a win way up near the 49th parallel as trucks pile up on lots down in the United States?

Bully for you, Dodge--we love the revolutionary new coil-spring suspension on the rear axle of your 2009 Dodge Ram, not to mention a great interior with sumptuous leather hides, smart storage nooks, and classy trim. TCC feels "the quality level and design of the interior are among the best in any pickup." Our testers also report greatly improved ride and handling--with no penalty in capacity or towing ability--in comparison with the leaf-spring axles in both competitors, the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado.

But ouch, those hokey names for truck competitions. If it's not the Truck of Texas Rodeo, it's a Test Fest up in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Are pickup owners all about a theme party, or are truck makers and fans resorting to splashier names as truck sales slip?--Colin Mathews 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 SLTEnlarge PhotoTake that Texas; Dodge strikes back at Ford's recent win of the Truck of Texas mantle by earning the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada's "Best New Pickup Truck" award for its all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The Dodge Ram beat out the 2009 Ford F-150, itself new for '09, after an "intensive week of vehicle evaluations" conducted by journalists at AJAC's annual Test Fest on Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Naturally, Dodge is pleased with the win. Reid Bigland, president and CEO of Chrysler Canada, said: "we thank AJAC for this recognition which confirms that the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 is the best pickup truck in Canada." Too bad it seems Texans might not necessarily agree, as U.S. sales of the new Dodge Ram are crucial for a struggling Chrysler. And just how significant is a win way up near the 49th parallel as trucks pile up on lots down in the United States? Bully for you, Dodge--we love the revolutionary new coil-spring suspension on the rear axle of your 2009 Dodge Ram, not to mention a great interior with sumptuous leather hides, smart storage nooks, and classy trim. TCC feels "the quality level and design of the interior are among the best in any pickup." Our testers also report greatly improved ride and handling--with no penalty in capacity or towing ability--in comparison with the leaf-spring axles in both competitors, the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado. But ouch, those hokey names for truck competitions. If it's not the Truck of Texas Rodeo, it's a Test Fest up in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Are pickup owners all about a theme party, or are truck makers and fans resorting to splashier names as truck sales slip?--Colin Mathews