Acceleration

ST reg cab 2WD, V6 man.	SLT Plus reg cab 2WD w/ Sport pkg, 4.7 man.	SLT Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto.	SLT Plus Quad Cab 4WD w/Sport pkg., 5.9 V8	Class Average
3	5	4	5	4.6

V6 labors, particularly when passing or climbing hills. The 4.7 V8 has ample power, but only the 5.9 feels really strong in these heavy trucks. Test 2wd regular-cab with 4.7 and manual transmission did 0-60 mph in 8.8 sec. Maximum towing capacity is 3800 lb with the V6, 7750 with the 4.7 V8, and 8650 with the 5.9.

Fuel Economy

ST reg cab 2WD, V6 man.	SLT Plus reg cab 2WD w/ Sport pkg, 4.7 man.	SLT Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto.	SLT Plus Quad Cab 4WD w/Sport pkg., 5.9 V8	Class Average
3	3	2	2	2.1

Test SLT Plus Quad Cab 4WD with the 5.9 averaged just 11.9 mpg. With 4.7 V8, test 4WD automatic-transmission Quad Cab averaged 12.6 mpg and with 2WD and manual, regular cab averaged 14.1. Expect the overworked V6 to return no more than 15-16 in daily driving. All engines use regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

ST reg cab 2WD, V6 man.	SLT Plus reg cab 2WD w/ Sport pkg, 4.7 man.	SLT Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto.	SLT Plus Quad Cab 4WD w/Sport pkg., 5.9 V8	Class Average
4	2	3	2	3.5

No full-size pickup rides really smoothly, but Ram with 17-inch wheels is among best in class despite mild bounding over big dips and crests and some vertical jiggle on bumpy pavement. Sport package's 20-inch wheels turn ride uncomfortably busy, with abrupt vertical motions over even slightly rippled surfaces. Try before you buy.

Steering/Handling/Braking

ST reg cab 2WD, V6 man.	SLT Plus reg cab 2WD w/ Sport pkg, 4.7 man.	SLT Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto.	SLT Plus Quad Cab 4WD w/Sport pkg., 5.9 V8	Class Average
3	3	3	3	3.1

Good for a full-size pickup. Body lean fairly well controlled. Grip adequate. New rack-and-pinion steering pays dividends in precise road feel. Standard 4-wheel disc brakes furnish more-than-ample stopping power in routine use, though some testers complain of poor pedal modulation. And Dodge should follow Ford and GM with standard instead of optional 4-wheel ABS.

Quietness

ST reg cab 2WD, V6 man.	SLT Plus reg cab 2WD w/ Sport pkg, 4.7 man.	SLT Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto.	SLT Plus Quad Cab 4WD w/Sport pkg., 5.9 V8	Class Average
4	5	5	5	4.3

Cabin impressively hushed for a truck, but Ram does suffer highway wind noise. Tire noise modest. V6 is raucous when worked hard, which it often needs to be. V8s emit a muted rumble in cruising, a pleasing roar in hard acceleration.

Controls

ST reg cab 2WD, V6 man.	SLT Plus reg cab 2WD w/ Sport pkg, 4.7 man.	SLT Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto.	SLT Plus Quad Cab 4WD w/Sport pkg., 5.9 V8	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.7

Simple layout, clear and mostly handy, though climate and audio controls are a reach for the driver. New 4WD dashboard controls similarly distant, but more convenient than standard floor lever. High nose hides nearby objects from driver, hampering sense of control in tight spaces. Dashtop vents cast distracting windshield reflections. Cabin decor ranges from rubber floor covering and vinyl seats to carpeting and leather/suede seats; materials quality competitive with domestic rivals. Test models were rattle-free.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

ST reg cab 2WD, V6 man.	SLT Plus reg cab 2WD w/ Sport pkg, 4.7 man.	SLT Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto.	SLT Plus Quad Cab 4WD w/Sport pkg., 5.9 V8	Class Average
7	7	7	7	8.5

Spacious even for tall adults, though center floor hump protrudes into passenger foot room, and the lankiest would be better served by more seat travel in regular cabs. Seat itself is fairly comfortable, but too flat for ideal support. Power adjustable pedals improve comfort and help shorter drivers position a safe distance from steering-wheel airbag. Doors are heavy, and 4x4s have extremely high step-up.

Room/Comfort (rear)

ST reg cab 2WD, V6 man.	SLT Plus reg cab 2WD w/ Sport pkg, 4.7 man.	SLT Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto.	SLT Plus Quad Cab 4WD w/Sport pkg., 5.9 V8	Class Average
0	0	6	6	4.4

Quad Cab has good head room but can cramp legs if front seats are more than half-way back. Backrest more-reclined than in Ford and GM rivals and thus more comfortable--and Toyota doesn't offer a crew cab. Cabin wide enough for three, though floor hump limits center rider's foot clearance. Larger rear doors would help entry/exit.

Cargo Room

ST reg cab 2WD, V6 man.	SLT Plus reg cab 2WD w/ Sport pkg, 4.7 man.	SLT Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto.	SLT Plus Quad Cab 4WD w/Sport pkg., 5.9 V8	Class Average
2	2	6	6	5

Generous storage behind regular-cab seat--standard plastic storage tray holds a row of tall buckets. Quad Cab rear seat cushions fold to expose storage bins or handy available fold-out steel load floor.

Value within Class

ST reg cab 2WD, V6 man.	SLT Plus reg cab 2WD w/ Sport pkg, 4.7 man.	SLT Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto.	SLT Plus Quad Cab 4WD w/Sport pkg., 5.9 V8	Class Average
6	4	8	7	6.7

The previous Ram was a sound design made popular by "big-rig" styling. The '02 is better in every way, with body styles and equipment to meet most needs. Dodge's latest merits attention from every full-size pickup shopper.

Total Score

ST reg cab 2WD, V6 man.	SLT Plus reg cab 2WD w/ Sport pkg, 4.7 man.	SLT Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto.	SLT Plus Quad Cab 4WD w/Sport pkg., 5.9 V8	Class Average
38	37	50	49	48.9

Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score		35
Average Score		48
High Score		61