The bumper fascia, grille, headlamps, fenders and wheels are all new, but far more significant are less visible improvements, including a new hydroformed frame that's boxed its full length to provide more strength than in any previous Ram. You can't see the new suspension and body mounts, either, but they improve ride, handling, and quietness.

Inside the '06 Ram, the instrument panel, center console and seats have been redesigned for more car-like comfort, while new radios and entertainment features help the miles roll on by.

Those miles will roll quicker still when you order the Hemi engine, which has drawn much attention for its power and efficiency as well as the heritage its name evokes. It is an exceptionally good engine, smooth and very responsive. For 2006, the Hemi features the new Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which shuts down four of the Hemi's eight cylinders when they are not needed. Dodge claims the switchover is seamless, and that fuel economy is improved by as much as 20 percent. Step on the gas, however, and the cylinders reawaken, ready to deliver the 345 peak ponies that make the Hemi-powered Ram the most potent mass-production light-duty pickup on the market. Adding to the Hemi's responsiveness is a five-speed automatic transmission.

As if the Hemi wasn't enough, enthusiasts can choose the SRT-10, which looks like a NASCAR Craftsman Truck and runs like a race car, with stunning performance from its Viper V10 engine. Super-duty brakes and suspension help keep it on the road. The Guinness Book of World Records called the SRT-10 the world's fastest production pickup. Like other Rams, the SRT-10 is offered in either Quad Cab or Regular Cab configurations.

Ram's popular 4.7-liter V8, while not as powerful as the Hemi or SRT-10, delivers responsive performance and is smooth and sophisticated, benefiting from a modern overhead-cam design. Full-time four-wheel drive (all-wheel drive) is available with the 4.7-liter for improved stability in slippery conditions.

The light-duty Ram 1500 models are smooth and refined. Their cabs are comfortable and convenient, among the roomiest in their respective classes. The Quad Cab is handy for hauling friends and family but even the Regular Cab is roomy. Arguably, the Ram is the best-looking truck on the market. Its styling is bold and handsome, even more so in its latest incarnation.

This may indeed be the golden age of the full-size pickup. The Ford F-150 and Nissan Titan made headlines with their engineering. Coming soon are all-new versions of the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tundra. In spite of all this, the Dodge Ram remains an excellent choice. Re-engineered for 2006, it may be the best choice, depending on what you want from a truck.