2002-2005 Dodge Ram 1500: Overview

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.