For years, Dodge had been something of a fringe player in the truck market. Then Dodge debuted its "big rig" design in 1994 and suddenly began to sell more trucks. Now Dodge has introduced the fourth-generation trucks of the same theme, the 1/2-ton models in 2009 and the HD series in 2010, and these could well position the company to sell even more.

For 2010, the diesel Dodges come with an exhaust brake standard, which helps keep brake temperatures in check on long downhill grades, enhancing safety and driver control. It is the only pickup on the market to offer such a feature.

Diesel models comes standard with a six-speed manual, but for our money we'd opt for the six-speed automatic, which comes with tow/haul mode to optimize engine and transmission performance for towing and for everyday use when it's switched off. Buyers who tow often also will want the optional trailer brake controller, which is available with the towing package. The system displays controller data on the electronic vehicle information center on the dashboard.

In the new models it's easy to see that Dodge is serious about the heavy-duty pickup market, particularly when you look at the steps it has taken to build durability into its products. For example, the Cummins diesel is equipped with common-rail injection for quieter operation and has a 350,000-mile major overhaul service interval, which according to Dodge literature is 100,000 more than the competition.

Of course, that means nothing if the truck falls apart, right? For that reason, Dodge has employed new standards of strength and utility. For instance, the fully boxed frame is now Hydroformed, which reduces the internal stresses in the manufacturing process because the metal is cooled as it is formed. The result, according to Dodge, is improved ride and handling-empty and fully loaded. To isolate noise, vibration, and harshness from the cabin, the heavy-duty Rams employ fluid-filled body-mount cushions beneath the C-pillars.

The good ideas continue inside the truck. The center console features its own power outlet, an upper compartment large enough for a laptop computer, and a lower bin that accommodates hanging files. It's almost as if the overarching theme in designing the Heavy Duty Rams was more, as demonstrated in the list of available features. Mind you, this is just a partial list.

You can get premium front seating with heat and ventilation, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. Automatic temperature control is available, as are two-tone upholstery, memory seats, radio, and mirrors, a navigation system, and adjustable pedals. Rear passengers can benefit from options such as Sirius backseat TV with three channels of programming and 10-speaker surround sound. Yes, TV with surround sound.

These features and intelligent design make this our favorite 3/4-ton truck. And it's just the kind of product Dodge needed to make a serious run at the competition.