Nothing says badass like a quartet of scowling, scalped headlamps, even if the centermost two are amber daytime running lamps (DRLs). The mood, flavor, sounds and acceleration each evoke nostalgia for all things shaggy. Road-holding, however - a notoriously weak aspect of early muscle cars - is mind-blowing, particularly when one’s SRT-8 is equipped with sticky summer Goodyear tires, a bargain 50-dollar option.

While the 2009 model makes one heck of a police car, the Charger SRT8 is very limited as a personal vehicle. Straight-line action – thanks to a powerful 6.1-liter V-8 – is solid, we’ll give it that, and the interior is arguably upscale for a Dodge. However, the driving dynamics are painfully poor and the car is too cumbersome to use as anything but a weekend fun-mobile. And at a hair over $41,000 it’s a full 10 grand more than the identically-powered Camaro SS.

Most people buying an SUV hybrid aren’t going to expect a sedan -like ride. And it’s a good thing they don’t get their hopes up. With a high command position, huge dash and thick pillars, driving the Durango feels a bit like taking the Queen Mary out for a spin.

A new coil-spring, five-link rear suspension drastically alters the cornering capabilities of the Ram, making turns more solid and softening bumps. Your coffee will remain firmly in its cup holder now. We doubt you could fill the 42 storage bins found throughout the cabin and the optional RamBox in the bed.

Unlike a Ford Econoline van or a Chevy Express, the Sprinter is intimidating to approach. In the parking lot, the long wheelbase model takes up a full two parking spots, and the height positively dwarfs anything parked at its flanks.

With the 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI, you can really feel the Ram dig into the road. Towing an Airstream , as we were able to do, is a piece of cake with the 10,500-lb tow rating. The steering is heavier and more direct than the previous generation’s, and the Ram feels good and grounded. Many trucks ride over the road, giving you a disconnected feeling – not so with the Ram.

With the available 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel pumping out 650 lb-ft of torque at 1500 rpm, there is very little the Ram can’t pull or haul. The available Mega Cab with fold-flat rear seats make for cab that is 9 inches longer and almost a full sleeper. Also, the segment-exclusive diesel exhaust brake gives a whole new level of control when towing. The new dually bedsides are aerodynamic and now full stampings instead of flimsy plastic.