Java Jive

Despite all the hand-wringing generated by Toyota's quality woes, accusations of government neglect/complicity during safety probes and GM's incessant management churn, some day-to-day challenges seem to matter more. Like that first cup of coffee.

Uninterrupted java during the sunrise commute should be an unalienable right. But until now, that was nearly impossible behind the wheel of a fullsize pickup.

Enter the redesigned Ram with its coil-spring rear suspension. Unfairly maligned for limiting the truck's capability, this setup made me a true believer just the other day.

En route to the office, I had an open cup of Joe cradled in the console. Bleary-eyed, I failed to see a frost crater in time. From that moment on, I recall everything in slow motion.

The front wheels hit. I glanced down to see the coffee shift like a tidal wave toward the edge of the cup. The back wheels hit and my mind started to race.

"How will I clean this up? Did I really have to put sugar in my coffee? Will Chrysler notice if I return the tester with a sticky mess in the cupholder?"

Incredibly, the coffee sloshed back and forth a few more times as the truck quickly settled. Not a drop was lost.

(Tip of the hat to Ford here because the F-150's design no doubt inspired Chrysler engineers to place the Ram's rear shocks outside its frame rails.)

Anyone still have a bean to pick with the Ram?