2002 Dodge Ram 2500/3500: Road Test
2002 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 ▼
- MSRP: $21,560 - $29,330
- Invoice: $19,122 - $25,879
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Our road test for the 2002 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Dodge Ram 2500/3500, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 help you decide if a 2002 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2500 reg. cab, 5.9 V8 | 3500 ext. cab, 8.0 V10 | 2500 ext. cab 4x4, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
The V8 is adequate, but the V10 and diesel are the choices for really heavy hauling and towing. With the turbodiesel/6-speed, you can skip half the gears if unloaded.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2500 reg. cab, 5.9 V8 | 3500 ext. cab, 8.0 V10 | 2500 ext. cab 4x4, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 3 | 2.1 |
We averaged a dismal 8.2 mpg with a V10, though a turbodiesel with manual returned 15.3 mpg. Neither were carrying or pulling any load.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2500 reg. cab, 5.9 V8 | 3500 ext. cab, 8.0 V10 | 2500 ext. cab 4x4, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 3.5 |
Even a 4x4 2500 diesel rode acceptably well, absorbing bumps easily but often pitching a bit after impacts. Overall, however, Dodges are not quite as good as newer-design Ford and General Motors rivals.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2500 reg. cab, 5.9 V8 | 3500 ext. cab, 8.0 V10 | 2500 ext. cab 4x4, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3 | 3.1 |
Decent handling, but competition is better. Steering is rather slow and heavy at low speeds, and wheel doesn't return to center quickly. Nice, firm brake-pedal feel on diesels.
QUIETNESS
| 2500 reg. cab, 5.9 V8 | 3500 ext. cab, 8.0 V10 | 2500 ext. cab 4x4, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 1 | 4.3 |
Newer-design Ford and GM trucks are superior, particularly in road and wind noise isolation. Turbodiesel is much louder than competitors' diesels, making a constant racket that becomes nearly deafening under full throttle.
CONTROLS
| 2500 reg. cab, 5.9 V8 | 3500 ext. cab, 8.0 V10 | 2500 ext. cab 4x4, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.7 |
Clear and handy, except for hard-to-reach transfer-case floor lever on 4x4s; Ford and GM offer convenient pushbutton operation. Interior materials and painted-on instrument markings shout low-budget, but workmanship is truck-tough.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2500 reg. cab, 5.9 V8 | 3500 ext. cab, 8.0 V10 | 2500 ext. cab 4x4, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.5 |
Ample head space and leg room, plus enough shoulder width for three burly adults.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2500 reg. cab, 5.9 V8 | 3500 ext. cab, 8.0 V10 | 2500 ext. cab 4x4, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 3 | 3 | 4.4 |
Quad Cab no substitute for true 4-dr crew cab, though its back doors greatly assist aft-cabin access. Still, seat is hard, upright, and cramped, and front seatbacks block rear inside door handles, complicating entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 2500 reg. cab, 5.9 V8 | 3500 ext. cab, 8.0 V10 | 2500 ext. cab 4x4, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Regular cab has more behind-seat space than other domestics. Quad Cab's rear seat folds to reveal handy covered plastic storage bins and nets.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2500 reg. cab, 5.9 V8 | 3500 ext. cab, 8.0 V10 | 2500 ext. cab 4x4, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 6.7 |
Popular because of its big-rig styling, Ram earns our recommendation for its functional design and competitive prices, though lack of a crew cab hurts.
Total Score
| 2500 reg. cab, 5.9 V8 | 3500 ext. cab, 8.0 V10 | 2500 ext. cab 4x4, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 40 | 41 | 48.9 |
Total Score: 35
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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