2002-2005 Dodge Ram 1500: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2005 Dodge Ram 1500
View the Photo Gallery
View the Photo Gallery
2002-2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup ▼
- Price Range: $4,000 - $21,600
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Dodge Ram
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2002-2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Instruments/controls
- Trailer-towing capability
- Available all-wheel drive (2004)
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Ride (w/20-inch wheels)
Vehicle Highlights
Dodge's full-size pickup was redesigned for 2002, with fresh styling, two new engines, bigger cabs, and available curtain-type side airbags. Only the half-ton Ram 1500 models were affected. Heavier-duty 2500/3500 trucks were to switch over to the new design for 2003. Ram's two-door extended Club Cab was scuttled, leaving a regular cab and Quad Cab. The Quad Cab became a crew style, with four front-hinged doors. Prior Quad Cabs had rear-hinged back doors. Both cab styles came in three trim levels, with a 6.3- or 8-foot cargo bed. Exterior dimensions changed little, but both body styles gained 3 inches in cab length from a corresponding reduction to the bed. All had a 40/20/40 split front bench seat. Quads got a three-passenger rear bench, available in 60/40 split form. Available power-adjustable pedals and front/rear curtain side airbags were new. Dodge said both were "firsts" for full-size pickups. A 3.9-liter V6 gave way to a new 3.7-liter V6, while a 4.7-liter V8 replaced the previous Ram's 5.2-liter V8. An optional 5.9-liter V8 continued with automatic transmission. The other engines came with either manual or automatic. All Rams were offered with rear-wheel drive or 4WD, which must be disengaged on dry pavement but included low-range gearing. Dashboard buttons to engage 4WD were newly optional, in place of a floor-mounted lever. Ram 4x4s got an independent front suspension instead of the previous solid axle. Four-wheel disc brakes with rear ABS were standard; four-wheel ABS was an option. Other changes included standard 17-inch wheels (instead of 16s), and newly optional 20-inch alloy wheels.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Dodge Ram 1500 SLT reg. cab 4WD w/4.7-liter V8, auto. Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 39 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2002-2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2002-2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup.
Year to Year Changes
2003 Dodge Ram:
A budget-priced Work Special option package with grey exterior trim emerged for 2003, along with an optional four-wheel-drive Off-Road Group for 4WD SLT models. The Off-Road option included all-terrain tires and skid plates, among other rugged extras. The top-of-the-line trim option, formerly called SLT Plus, switched its name to Laramie.
2004 Dodge Ram:
All-wheel drive and a navigation system became available for 2004 models. Offered on SLT editions, the AWD system included low-range gearing, At midyear, Dodge introduced a high-performance Ram SRT-10 with a Viper V10 engine, six-speed manual gearbox, sport suspension, 22-inch wheels and special trim.
2005 Dodge Ram:
Wider availability of a 6-speed manual transmission and a sunroof made available for Quad Cab models are new for '05. For 2005, the V6 and 4.7-liter V8 offer a 6-speed manual transmission, replacing the 5-speed. Also for '05, a Quad Cab SRT-10 joins the carried-over regular cab. It has a V10 engine mated with a 4-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, sport suspension, 22-inch wheels, and special trim.
Our road test for the 2002-2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2002-2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2002-2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Dodge Ram 1500 SLT reg. cab 4WD w/4.7-liter V8, auto. Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 39 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Dodge Ram includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Dodge Ram .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
The air conditioning and/or defroster may quit working because the condenser fan motor draws too much current and blows the fuse, which can also be caused by ice buildup in the fan shroud preventing fan rotation. (2002)
Air conditioner:
The fan for the A/C condenser may repeatedly blow fuses on the 5.7L Hemi engine requiring an upgrade fan motor and redesigned fan shroud. (2002)
Audio system:
Front door speakers (Infinity sound system) may rattle or buzz and removing the mesh cover from the speakers is required. (2002)
Doors:
Power door locks may lock/unlock by themselves, especially in rain or after a carwash, requiring replacement lock cylinder switches. Also, rear door power locks may not work requiring repair to the lock rod in the doors. (2002)
Hood/trunk:
The hood may have dents, or low spots, from how it was glued down at the factory. Melting the glue with a heat gun generally relieves the dents. (2002)
Rough idle:
The 4.7L Hemi engine may idle too slowly when coming to a stop in gear requiring an update to the powertrain computer software. (2002)
Seat:
The power seats may be loose and rock or chuggle when accelerating or braking, requiring replacement of the seat track(s). (2002)
Steering noise:
Snapping or clicking noise in steering caused by defective upper bearing retainer for which there is a fix kit. (2003-05)
Water leak:
A water leak at the grab handle on the A-pillar (the section between the windshield and door) is likely due to a leak in the roof seam or the retainer that holds the door seal in place, while a leak at the rear window requires resealing from the inside. (2002)
Windows:
Water may leak into the interior via the secondary door gasket or the rear window. (2002)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $465 |
| Alternator | $255 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,995 |
| Brakes | $420 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $455 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $740 |
| Exhaust System | $310 |
| Radiator | $295 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $555 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $895 |
Our price chart for this generation Dodge Ram details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2005 | |||
| Quad Cab 2WD | $10,000-12,200 | $9,000-11,000 | $5,200-6,300 |
| Quad Cab 4WD | $12,500-14,700 | $11,300-13,200 | $7,100-8,400 |
| Ram SRT-10 | $21,000-23,500 | $19,300-21,600 | $13,700-15,300 |
| Regular-cab 2WD | $7,500-10,500 | $6,800-9,500 | $3,800-5,300 |
| Regular-cab 4WD | $10,500-12,000 | $9,500-10,800 | $5,600-6,400 |
| 2004 | |||
| Quad Cab 2WD | $8,500-10,800 | $7,700-9,700 | $4,400-5,600 |
| Quad Cab 4WD | $11,200-13,300 | $10,100-12,000 | $6,000-7,200 |
| Ram SRT-10 | $18,500-20,000 | $17,000-18,400 | $11,800-12,800 |
| Regular-cab 2WD | $6,400-9,000 | $5,600-7,900 | $2,800-4,000 |
| Regular-cab 4WD | $9,200-11,400 | $8,300-10,300 | $4,800-5,900 |
| 2003 | |||
| Quad Cab 2WD | $7,200-9,200 | $6,400-8,200 | $3,500-4,500 |
| Quad Cab 4WD | $9,800-11,800 | $8,800-10,600 | $5,100-6,100 |
| Regular-cab 2WD | $5,400-7,800 | $4,600-6,700 | $2,200-3,200 |
| Regular-cab 4WD | $7,700-9,700 | $6,900-8,700 | $3,900-4,900 |
| 2002 | |||
| Quad Cab 2WD | $6,400-8,000 | $5,600-7,000 | $2,800-3,500 |
| Quad Cab 4WD | $8,400-10,200 | $7,600-9,200 | $4,400-5,300 |
| Regular-cab 2WD | $4,800-7,000 | $4,000-5,900 | $1,800-2,700 |
| Regular-cab 4WD | $6,800-8,500 | $6,100-7,600 | $3,200-4,000 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Dodge Ram include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | crew cab long bed | crew cab short bed | reg. cab long bed | reg. cab short bed |
| Wheelbase, in. | 160.5 | 140.5 | 140.5 | 120.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 249.7 | 227.7 | 229.7 | 207.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 79.9 | 79.9 | 79.9 | 79.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 74.5 | 74.7 | 74.1 | 74.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5102 | 4802 | 4722 | 4516 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 35.0 | 26.0 | 35.0 | 26.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.8 | 40.8 | 40.9 | 40.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.0 | 41.0 | 41.0 | 41.0 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.0 | 40.0 | -- | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.4 | 36.4 | -- | -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Half-ton Ram 1500s came with a choice of three engines: a V6 and a pair of V8s. All except the 5.9-liter V8 were offered with either five-speed manual shift or a four-speed automatic transmission. Only automatic was available with the top engine. Rams could have either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive (including low-range gearing). The new-for-'05 SRT-10 comes with a V10 engine mated with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Also in 2005, the 3.7-liter V6 and 4.7-liter V8 offer a 6-speed manual transmission, replacing the 5-speed.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V8 | 5.7 / 345 | 345 | 375 | 5-speed automatic: 14/18 | 5-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V10 | 8.3 / 505 | 500 | 515 | 4-speed automatic: -- | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc V8 | 4.7 / 287 | 235-240 | 295-300 | 5-speed manual: 14/17 6-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 14/19 |
5-speed manual: -- 6-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.9 / 360 | 245 | 335 | 4-speed automatic: 12/17 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc V6 | 3.7 / 226 | 215 | 235 | 5-speed manual: 15/20 6-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 15/19 |
5-speed manual: -- 6-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Mexico, USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Dodge Ram include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2002-2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2001-2002 Ram van with automatic transmission:
The transmission lever may potentially be shifted out of park with the key removed and without depressing the brake pedal, or the key may be removed when the shifter is not in park which fails to comply with Federal regulations. Dealers will replace the gearshift blocker and bracket assembly.
2002 w/4WD:
Rear axle flange weld could fatigue and allow brake caliper assembly to rotate resulting in loss of braking ability. Dealers will install rear brake caliper reinforcements on the rear axle assemblies.
2002:
Detent on exterior mirror may lose functionality resulting in restricted rearward vision. Dealers will install a kit to correct this condition.
2002:
Incorrect terminal for HVAC blower-motor circuit could cause the blower motor to become inoperative. Dealers will install a wiring harness overlay to correct this condition.
2002:
Trucks equipped with the snowplow preparation package may have tires that exceed the maximum load capacity. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2003:
On vehicles with antilock brake systems that have aftermarket batteries, the batteries may leak electrolyte into the control module and short circuit it. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2004 Ram 1500:
Vehicle certification label on some pickups lists incorrect tire and wheel sizes, and incorrect recommended inflation pressure.
2004 Ram 1500/Ram 2500:
The transfer case may not be attached properly, causing a possible leak of fluid and damage to system components. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2004 w/4.7-liter V8:
Generator wiring harness may short-circuit due to contact with valve cover stud; could cause an underhood fire.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
