2003 Dodge Ram 1500: Road Test
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2003 Dodge Ram 1500 ▼
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- MSRP: $18,735 -$29,165
- Invoice: $16,692 -$25,737
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Our road test for the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 help you decide if a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Reg cab 2WD, V6 man. | Reg cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 man. | Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto. | Quad Cab 4WD, 5.7 V8 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
V6 labors under a heavy load or when passing or climbing hills. The 4.7 V8 has ample power: Test 2WD 4.7 regular cab with manual transmission did 8.8 sec 0-60 mph. Heavier test 4WD 5.7 Quad Cab did 9.5. The 5.7 should be the choice for heavy hauling or towing. Maximum towing weight is 3750 lb with V6, 7700 with 4.7 V8, 9200 with 5.7.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Reg cab 2WD, V6 man. | Reg cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 man. | Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto. | Quad Cab 4WD, 5.7 V8 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2.2 |
Test 4WD automatic-transmission Quad Cabs with 4.7-liter V8 averaged 12.6 mpg. Extended-use 4WD Quad Cab with 5.7 averaging 13.4 mpg in its first 4108 miles. Test 2WD manual-transmission regular cab with the 4.7 averaged 14.1. Expect the overworked V6 to average around 15 mpg. Dodge recommends 89 octane or higher for 5.7, regular-grade fuel for the others.
RIDE QUALITY
| Reg cab 2WD, V6 man. | Reg cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 man. | Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto. | Quad Cab 4WD, 5.7 V8 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
No full-size pickup rides smoothly, but Ram with 17-inch wheels is among best in class despite mild bounding over dips and crests and some jiggle on bumpy pavement. Available 20-inch wheels and tires turn ride uncomfortably busy, with abrupt vertical motions on even slightly rippled surfaces.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Reg cab 2WD, V6 man. | Reg cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 man. | Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto. | Quad Cab 4WD, 5.7 V8 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.3 |
Good for a full-size pickup. Body lean fairly well-controlled. Grip adequate. Steering provides good road feel. Standard 4-wheel disc brakes perform well in routine use, though some testers complain of poor pedal modulation. But Dodge should follow Ford and GM with standard instead of optional 4-wheel ABS.
QUIETNESS
| Reg cab 2WD, V6 man. | Reg cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 man. | Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto. | Quad Cab 4WD, 5.7 V8 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.5 |
Modest highway wind and tire noise make Ram impressively hushed for a truck. But V6 raucous when worked hard, which it often needs to be. The 5.7-liter V8 roars loudly under acceleration and is noticed even at cruise. The 4.7 is quieter under most conditions.
CONTROLS
| Reg cab 2WD, V6 man. | Reg cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 man. | Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto. | Quad Cab 4WD, 5.7 V8 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.8 |
Simple, mostly handy layout, though most drivers must stretch to reach climate, audio, and dashboard-mounted 4WD controls. High nose hides view of nearby objects, hampering sense of control in tight spaces. Dashtop vents cast distracting windshield reflections. Cabin decor ranges from rubber floor covering and vinyl seats in Work Special to leather and suede in Laramie; materials quality competitive with domestic rivals. Test models rattle-free.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Reg cab 2WD, V6 man. | Reg cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 man. | Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto. | Quad Cab 4WD, 5.7 V8 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8.5 |
Spacious even for big adults, though the lankiest may want more seat travel in regular cabs. Center floor hump eats into passenger foot room. Seat too flat for ideal support. Power-adjustable pedals improve comfort and help shorter drivers sit a safe distance from steering-wheel airbag. Doors are heavy, and 4x4s have extremely high step-up.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Reg cab 2WD, V6 man. | Reg cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 man. | Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto. | Quad Cab 4WD, 5.7 V8 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 4.4 |
Quad Cab has good head room but can cramp legs with front seats more than halfway back. Backrest more comfortably reclined than in Ford and GM rivals. Cabin wide enough for three, though floor hump limits center rider's foot space. Rear doors open nearly 90 degrees, but larger portals would help entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Reg cab 2WD, V6 man. | Reg cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 man. | Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto. | Quad Cab 4WD, 5.7 V8 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
Generous storage behind regular-cab seat, where standard plastic storage tray is handy. Quad Cab rear-seat cushion folds to expose storage bins or clever available fold-out steel load floor.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Reg cab 2WD, V6 man. | Reg cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 man. | Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto. | Quad Cab 4WD, 5.7 V8 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 6.9 |
Ram's "big-rig" styling shouts for attention, but its performance, comfort, and solidity earn it our recommendation. With body styles and equipment to meet most every need, Ram merits consideration from every full-size pickup shopper.
Total Score
| Reg cab 2WD, V6 man. | Reg cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 man. | Quad Cab 4WD, 4.7 V8 auto. | Quad Cab 4WD, 5.7 V8 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | 41 | 52 | 51 | 49.8 |
Total Score: 46
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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