Dressed with a chin-forward prow, Ram light-duty 1500 trucks show stepped-hood styling of a big-rig Peterbilt. New issues, derived from the overhaul of 2002, are obviously built for macho truck-type work like toting two-by-four lumber, towing a big trailer or hauling hay. Despite the muscular styling, Ram also carries comfortable fittings in expansive cabins. Powertrains for the light-duty 1500 Ram include a 3.7-liter V6, 4.7-liter V8 and optional 5.9-liter V8. Ram's single-cam V6 produces 215 hp, the 4.7-liter V8 climbs to 235 hp but optional 5.9-liter V8 makes 245 hp. A five-speed manual or four-speed automatic shifter goes with the V6 and 4.7-liter V8, while the 5.9-liter V8 mates strictly with a heavy-duty four-speed automatic. Ram brings traction options of either rear two-wheel-drive (2WD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) for two-door Regular Cab and four-door Quad Cab styles plus two box lengths, with everything segmented through trim levels of SL, SLT and deluxe new Laramie. Further, new packages appear. The Work Special puts practical gear in an affordable rig with wash-and-wear durability, while the Off-Road gets equipment for tough 4WD excursions, including skid plates, a limited-slip differential, fog lamps, heavy-duty cooling system and tow hooks.