2002 Dodge Ram 1500: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Dodge's full-size pickup is redesigned for 2002. It has fresh styling, two new engines, bigger cabs, and available curtain side airbags. The redesign affects only the half-ton Ram 1500 models; heavier-duty 2500/3500s switch over for '03. Ram's 2-dr extended cab is scuttled, leaving a 2-dr regular cab and 4-dr crew cab Quad Cab. The Quad Cab has four front-hinged doors; the previous Quad Cab had rear-hinged back doors. Both cab styles offer 6.3- or 8-ft cargo beds. Exterior dimensions change little, but both body styles gain three inches in cab length from a corresponding reduction to the bed. All have a 40/20/40 split front bench seat. Quad Cabs have a 3-passenger rear bench available in 60/40 split form. Power adjustable pedals and front and rear curtain side airbags are newly available; Dodge says both are firsts for full-size pickups.

A 3.9-liter V6 gives way to a new 3.7-liter V6. And a 4.7-liter V8 replaces Ram's previous 5.2-liter V8. Both come with manual or automatic transmission. An optional 5.9 V8 continues with automatic only. All Rams are available with rear-wheel drive or 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. Dashboard buttons to engage 4WD are newly optional in place of a floor-mounted lever. Ram 4x4s get independent front suspension instead of the previous solid axle. Four-wheel disc brakes with rear ABS are standard; 4-wheel ABS is optional. Other changes include standard 17-inch wheels instead of 16s, and newly optional 20-inch alloys.

COMPETITION

With the advent of crossover vehicles this segment has become less defined. Once the domain of work-related heavy-duty pickups, buyers are now demanding that their full-size trucks do double duty. Our Best Buys remain the Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra. These trucks offer a wide range of powertrain combinations, plenty of luxury accommodations, and ample towing power--though the GM twins are the only ones to offer full-time 4WD.

The big-rig-styled Dodge Ram matches the new Ford and GM models feature for feature but can't match their ride comfort or civility. We also like the expensive Toyota Tundra. What it lacks in brute strength, it more than makes up for with refined road manners.