How do you like your new 06?

[Walker]

Besides the cosmetics, are there any big changes from the 03-05's as far as driveability?

 

[JonathanBurk]

I had an '02, an '03, an '04, and now an '06.



Here's my opinion:



#1 Definitely quieter. I'm not sure what they did, I was reading about details in some review but don't remember what they changed, but it is so much quieter than my previous trucks, and when you shut the doors you can just hear that nice seal. Much more solid. Not to mention the dash just sounds more solid as well, as I think they did a better job putting the '06 together. Maybe less clips or something.



#2 I'm not sure if this is because I went from a 1500 to a 2500, but the ride is much more smoother. My friend asked me when I got it, "Rides pretty rough though eh?" Because it's such a huge truck, but I was like, "Man this thing rides smoother than my other truck. " I think they changed some suspension stuff on the '06 but don't take that for gospel, and it's nothing drastic. I was just reading they changed something but again, that may be the 1500's, so maybe mine is just smoother because I went to 2500, but anyway...



That's about all I've noticed other than the cosmetic differences.

 

[Rosco]

For '06 DC made improvements in the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness)area. I know multiple changes were made to accomplish this and after driving an '06 I can assure you it worked. The '06 I drove was much quieter and more refined feeling than my current 2004.

 

[Rosco]

I had an '02, an '03, an '04, and now an '06.



Here's my opinion:



#1 Definitely quieter. I'm not sure what they did, I was reading about details in some review but don't remember what they changed, but it is so much quieter than my previous trucks, and when you shut the doors you can just hear that nice seal. Much more solid. Not to mention the dash just sounds more solid as well, as I think they did a better job putting the '06 together. Maybe less clips or something.



#2 I'm not sure if this is because I went from a 1500 to a 2500, but the ride is much more smoother. My friend asked me when I got it, "Rides pretty rough though eh?" Because it's such a huge truck, but I was like, "Man this thing rides smoother than my other truck. " I think they changed some suspension stuff on the '06 but don't take that for gospel, and it's nothing drastic. I was just reading they changed something but again, that may be the 1500's, so maybe mine is just smoother because I went to 2500, but anyway...



That's about all I've noticed other than the cosmetic differences.

I know the 1500's had a big change to the frame and suspension for '06 but I don't think the 2500/3500's were changed. However, the new laminate glass, improved door seals, and other NVH improvements are model wide.

 

[JCleary]

I don't own one, but I test drove a 3500 4x4 Megacab SLT with the G56.



On turning the key to start it, I could tell it's a different animal. My girlfriend and I were quite surprised at how much quieter the new truck is at idle.



When driving around, the truck is super quiet. If you listen hard with the radio off you can hear a faint turbo sound, and hardly any engine noise. There is no 70mph vibe, there's no buzzing in any panels or pedals. It is amazing how quiet it is, even turning 2400+ rpm at 75mph. I drove it for a while between 2000 and 2400 in top gear, but I found nothing to complain about.



Once we find out if there's a power bump mid-year, I'll probably take the plunge and get an '06 auto. I like the truck that much better.



And the ride is incredible for a 3500 as well. I guess that's due to the longer wheelbase and heavier curb weight. I don't care, it's just great.

 

[Reb.B]

I noticed my 06 is much quieter and idles much smoother than my 03. I wanted increased features in the transmission, little bit increase in computer, couple parts inside, and the ability to go out of O/D. The other thing was that the 05's and below will look out sone when a lot of 06's and 07's are out and i'm planning on keeping this truck for a while. I like how the throttle pos. sen. is in the cab now, it makes sence, less enviromental problems and it frees up a lot of area inside the engine compartment, ... not sure what year they changed this though. I drove a truck we were selling back in 03 that was identical to this and the vibrations in the 03 were all over and the 06 has none. I just need to get some weight in the back to soften the ride a little bit.

 

[Walker]

It sounds like nothing but good things so far. I know I'll like the new quieter motor (must finally be gettin' old ). And, the o/d lock-out and tow mode will be nice it sounds like too. I sure miss my 01, but there's plenty of new improvements to like from the sounds of it.



And it's a little early, but I guess we'll see what kind of "glitches" we'll have in the new model after a few more miles. But, since they are using the same running gear as the previous 3 years, I'm thinking there won't be any new surprises with the axel vibes/failures like when they switched in 03. They should have the bugs out by now.

 

[JonathanBurk]

Well you didn't ask for the bad things.



Bad things I've noticed:



The seats being a lighter grey seem to stain easier. My dad was moving some tools and stuff and stains show up pretty easily on them, but nothing to be freaked out about... just not as "dirt hiding" as the previous dark grey interior.

 

[Grizzly]

I have an 05 and the engine is very quite. I have been told that as the engine has more miles on the clock it gets louder. Is that true?

 

[LDobie]

On turning the key to start it, I could tell it's a different animal. My girlfriend and I were quite surprised at how much quieter the new truck is at idle.



When driving around, the truck is super quiet. If you listen hard with the radio off you can hear a faint turbo sound, and hardly any engine noise. There is no 70mph vibe, there's no buzzing in any panels or pedals. It is amazing how quiet it is, even turning 2400+ rpm at 75mph. I drove it for a while between 2000 and 2400 in top gear, but I found nothing to complain about.

Dang, that is quite if you can hardly hear the turbo. Man do I miss my Uncles' '99 24 valvers. Had to turn the radio up and talk loud to pass the sound of the engine :-laf I almost wish we could get those original 24 valvers in the 3rd gens. I couldn't go back to a 2nd Gen I think, the 3rd Gens just have so many upgrades.



Dr. Zietche said that he wants to match Toyota's quality soon, it seems like we are well on the way. Much less rattles and improved fit and finish are found throughout the line for sure. Just not crazy about all the plastic and new cloths, but we are moving in the right direction.

 

[DPKetchum]

MY 03 is still NEW. Just turned 20k and owe less then 10k on it! I thought IT was the best thing since buttered bread. (still do)LOL. YET I miss my 93 W250 Club Cab. mine was prestine. Sold it with 113k on it. Still have folkes me were MOBY went. It had CHARACTER! Always caught folkes doing a WALK AROUND were ever it was parked.

 

[osiris]

Well this is my first dodge and i love it. I had a 2002 powerstroke before this and a 1997 powerstroke before that. I find myself always wanting to go out and just sit in my truck not even drive it. I am pretty sure that it is not just because it is new however that does play some part in it. It is super quiet compared to either of the powerstrokes i owned previously. Better power and better economy as well.

 

[TowRig]

One of the reasons the 06 is so quiet is they added an extra door seal, you notice it when you close the door, this is my first Dodge (06 3500) so can't compare it to an earlier model but it is very quiet in the cab. I find myself doing 90 MPH thinking I'm running about 75 and have to back down, well sometimes.

Had the rain hit the front seats a few times and the rain drops left water marks on them, not sure what that is about, but I plan on covering them with Katzin leather at some point anyway.

 

[mgause]

Last month and 3500 miles ago got an 06 quad cab long bed. Previous truck was 96 12v with essentially straight exhaust and many other goodies. The 06 is really, really quiet, and quieter than our company's 05s. Ride is very plush and great for long highway hauls, unfortunately when off road the front end bottoms way too easily for my taste. Turbo noise is almost non-existant, would like a little more. Tow-haul mode is great, actually prefer it to normal program for everyday driving. Mileage has been steady 15. 3 by the computer, hope it gets better. Dash is hideous and A/C vents are challenging to adjust without thinking (at least for now). Wish the foglights had lexan lenses, already lost one (2nd day on a gravel road). Still trying to figure out if limited slip is actually unlimited slip. Other than that, very happy.

 

[Arcticat]

I agree with the previous remarks about cab noise and ride quality, they are much improved. I love the new interior layout, and the lighter color is much more pleasant to be around than the previous charcoal, almost black. They do stain easier, but I had planned on adding katzkin anyway and the ups guy just dropped it off yesterday. I drove my fathers 05 the other day, and already the interior and exterior of that truck seem dated to me, noisier and harsher ride also. I also drove my 02 the other day for the first time in three weeks and I couldn't believe how noisy it was and how harsh the ride was. I guess it's all a matter of perspective.



PS first two tanks of fuel 17 and 16. 6 figured by hand

 

[Cumminsman]

ive got 481 miles on my mc. its quiet, smooth, and tows my g/n very well. plenty of power for being stock. but an edge is already ordered.