2002-2005 Dodge Ram 1500: Road Test

A V6 engine in the half-ton Ram feels labored under heavy load, particularly when passing or climbing hills. The 4.7 V8 has ample power; a 2WD regular-cab Ram with manual shift accelerated to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. Still, only the 5.9 V8 feels really strong in these heavy trucks. A test SLT Plus Quad Cab 4WD with the biggest engine averaged just 11.9 mpg. With 4WD and automatic, a Quad Cab with the 4.7 V8 averaged 12.6 mpg, and the overworked V6 should return no more than 15-16 mpg in daily driving. A slightly lighter 2WD version will do a little better. All engines use regular-grade fuel. No full-size pickup rides really smoothly, but a Ram with 17-inch wheels is among the best in class despite mild bounding over big dips and crests, and some vertical jiggle on bumpy pavement. Available 20-inch wheels turn the ride uncomfortably busy, with abrupt vertical motions over even slightly rippled surfaces. Try before you buy. Steering/handling is good for a full-size pickup. Body lean is fairly well-controlled, and grip adequate. New rack-and-pinion steering pays dividends in precise road feel. Standard all-disc brakes furnish more than ample stopping power in routine use, though pedal modulation isn't the best. Cabins are impressively hushed for a truck, with some wind rush at highway speed but only modest tire noise. The V6 is raucous when worked hard, which it often needs to be. The V8s emit a muted rumble while cruising, a pleasing roar under hard acceleration. Instruments and controls are clear and mostly handy in a simple layout, though climate and audio controls are a reach for the driver. New 4WD dashboard controls are similarly distant, but more convenient than the standard floor lever. Dash-top vents cast distracting windshield reflections. Spacious up front even for very tall adults, the Ram has a center floor hump that protrudes into passenger foot space. Seats are fairly comfortable, but too flat for ideal support. Power-adjustable pedals improve comfort and help shorter drivers position themselves a safe distance from the steering-wheel airbag. Doors are heavy, and 4x4s have an extremely high step-up. Quad Cab models offer good rear head room but won't feel roomy unless front seats are more than halfway forward. Otherwise, taller adults' knees press against seatbacks. The rear cabin is wide enough for three, though the floor hump limits a center rider's foot clearance. Generous storage is provided between regular-cab seats. Quad Cabs' rear seat cushions fold up to expose storage bins or a handy available fold-out steel load floor.

Value for the Money
The previous Ram was a sound design, made popular by attention-grabbing "big-rig" styling. The current model is better in every way--performance, comfort, solidity--and merits attention from every full-size pickup shopper.