- • New Cars
2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Review:
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2.
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4.
2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Review
The midyear return of Chrysler's fabled Hemi V8 engine highlights 2003 for Dodge's full-size pickup. This report covers the half-ton Ram 1500 models, which offer two body styles: a 2-dr regular cab and the Quad Cab 4-dr crew cab. Both come in ST and uplevel SLT trim and with cargo beds of 6.3 ft or 8 ft. A 40/20/40 split bench is the only front seat available. Quad Cabs offer a folding 3-passenger rear bench. Front and rear curtain side airbags are optional for both cabs.
The base engine is a 3.7-liter V6. V8s of 4.7 and 5.7 liters are available. The 5.7 is the Hemi, named for its hemispherically shaped combustion chambers. Its ancestors were last used in early 1970s Chrysler muscle cars. Available as an option on all models, the 345-hp Hemi replaces a 245-hp 5.9 V8 in the Ram lineup. It comes only with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The V6 and 4.7 V8 offer manual transmission or a 4- or 5-speed automatic, respectively. All Rams are available with rear-wheel drive or 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. 4WD Rams have independent front suspension. Four-wheel disc brakes with rear ABS are standard; 4-wheel ABS is optional. SLT models offer power-adjustable pedals with both manual and automatic transmission. Standard 17-inch wheels and optional 20s are available. New for '03: a Work Special package as a $400 credit option for ST models, an optional Off-Road Group for 4WD SLTs, and a name change from SLT Plus to Laramie for Ram's top-line trim-option package.
The base engine is a 3.7-liter V6. V8s of 4.7 and 5.7 liters are available. The 5.7 is the Hemi, named for its hemispherically shaped combustion chambers. Its ancestors were last used in early 1970s Chrysler muscle cars. Available as an option on all models, the 345-hp Hemi replaces a 245-hp 5.9 V8 in the Ram lineup. It comes only with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The V6 and 4.7 V8 offer manual transmission or a 4- or 5-speed automatic, respectively. All Rams are available with rear-wheel drive or 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. 4WD Rams have independent front suspension. Four-wheel disc brakes with rear ABS are standard; 4-wheel ABS is optional. SLT models offer power-adjustable pedals with both manual and automatic transmission. Standard 17-inch wheels and optional 20s are available. New for '03: a Work Special package as a $400 credit option for ST models, an optional Off-Road Group for 4WD SLTs, and a name change from SLT Plus to Laramie for Ram's top-line trim-option package.
Competition
With the advent of crossover vehicles, this segment has become less defined. Once the domain of work-related heavy-duty pickups, buyers are now demanding that their full-size trucks do double duty. Our Best Buys remain Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra. These trucks offer a wide range of powertrain combinations, plenty of luxury accommodations, and ample towing power--though the GM twins are the only ones to offer full-time 4WD and convenient 4-wheel steering.
Big-rig-styled Dodge Ram matches the new Ford and GM models in most aspects but can't match their ride comfort or civility. We also like the expensive Toyota Tundra. What it lacks in brute strength, it more than makes up for with refined road manners.
Big-rig-styled Dodge Ram matches the new Ford and GM models in most aspects but can't match their ride comfort or civility. We also like the expensive Toyota Tundra. What it lacks in brute strength, it more than makes up for with refined road manners.
News
Helped by redesigned light-duty models, Ram sales surged 15.2 percent in 2002 after a 9.5-percent year-to-year drop in calendar 2001. Trucks change far less often than cars, and these Dodges are still newbies, so near-term alterations should be few and minor, though powertrains will likely be tweaked.
Due later this year is a rip-roaring short-bed Ram called SRT-10. Answering Ford's F-150 SVT Lightning and Chevy's new Silverado SS, this muscle truck packs a 500-hp 8.3-liter V-10 borrowed from Dodge's hot Viper sports car, linked to mandatory 6-speed manual transmission. Dodge claims "fastest truck" honors, quoting 0-60 mph at less than 5 sec. Special trim features inside and out, along with standard ABS, fortified suspension, and bruiser 22-inch wheels and tires. SRT-10 will be a limited edition sold only in solid red or black.
A hybrid-power Ram had been slated for 2005 or '06, but its current status is unknown. Though gas/electric powertrains are suddenly all the rage in Detroit, no U.S. manufacturer yet sells one, and Dodge recently postponed a somewhat different hybrid option for its redesigned 2004 Durango SUV. At last report, Dodge's big-truck system used a three-phase induction motor to assist a 3.9-liter gasoline V6, rather than drive any wheels directly. The concept is similar to Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), where the motor cuts in to boost acceleration and for interim restarts of the gas engine, which shuts off on coming to a stop to reduce fuel use. Dodge had talked of a $5000 price and said the hybrid option could account for 10-15 percent of light-duty Ram sales, but that may be academic, at least for now.
Due later this year is a rip-roaring short-bed Ram called SRT-10. Answering Ford's F-150 SVT Lightning and Chevy's new Silverado SS, this muscle truck packs a 500-hp 8.3-liter V-10 borrowed from Dodge's hot Viper sports car, linked to mandatory 6-speed manual transmission. Dodge claims "fastest truck" honors, quoting 0-60 mph at less than 5 sec. Special trim features inside and out, along with standard ABS, fortified suspension, and bruiser 22-inch wheels and tires. SRT-10 will be a limited edition sold only in solid red or black.
A hybrid-power Ram had been slated for 2005 or '06, but its current status is unknown. Though gas/electric powertrains are suddenly all the rage in Detroit, no U.S. manufacturer yet sells one, and Dodge recently postponed a somewhat different hybrid option for its redesigned 2004 Durango SUV. At last report, Dodge's big-truck system used a three-phase induction motor to assist a 3.9-liter gasoline V6, rather than drive any wheels directly. The concept is similar to Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), where the motor cuts in to boost acceleration and for interim restarts of the gas engine, which shuts off on coming to a stop to reduce fuel use. Dodge had talked of a $5000 price and said the hybrid option could account for 10-15 percent of light-duty Ram sales, but that may be academic, at least for now.
2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Instruments/controls | Fuel economy |
| Trailer-towing capability | Ride w/20-inch wheels |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
| Low Score | 38 | |
| Average Score | 49 | |
| High Score | 61 |
2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/10/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD ST regular cab, short bed | $18,735 | $16,692 | $795 |
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| 2WD ST regular cab, long bed | $19,020 | $16,937 | $795 |
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| 4WD ST regular cab, short bed | $22,995 | $20,406 | $795 |
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| 4WD ST regular cab, long bed | $23,335 | $20,698 | $795 |
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| 2WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, short bed | $23,210 | $20,591 | $795 |
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| 2WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, long bed | $24,080 | $21,339 | $795 |
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| 4WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, short bed | $27,000 | $23,875 | $795 |
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| 4WD ST Quad Cab crew cab, long bed | $27,330 | $24,159 | $795 |
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| 2WD SLT regular cab, short bed | $22,040 | $19,534 | $795 |
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| 2WD SLT regular cab, long bed | $22,325 | $19,780 | $795 |
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| 4WD SLT regular cab, short bed | $25,460 | $22,526 | $795 |
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| 4WD SLT regular cab, long bed | $25,800 | $22,818 | $795 |
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| 2WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, short bed | $25,765 | $22,788 | $795 |
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| 2WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, long bed | $26,045 | $23,029 | $795 |
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| 4WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, short bed | $28,835 | $25,453 | $795 |
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| 4WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab, long bed | $29,165 | $25,737 | $795 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
ST
Powertrain
3.7-liter V6 engine (regular cab, Quad Cab short bed), 4.7-liter V8 engine (Quad Cab long bed), 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes, rear antilock brakes, dual front airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, vinyl upholstery, split bench seat, cupholders, folding rear seat (Quad Cab), front-hinged rear doors (Quad Cab), AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, cargo-box light, variable-intermittent wipers, black vinyl floor covering.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bright front and rear bumpers, 4-wire trailer harness.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, P245/70R17 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 4.7-liter V8 engine.
SLT adds to ST:
Powertrain
4.7-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, trip computer, passenger-side visor mirror, carpeting, floormats.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Chrome steel wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Work Special Group
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ST (credit)
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$-400
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$-352
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Gray bumpers and grille, gray steel wheels. NA w/SXT Value Group.
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Value Group ALR
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2WD ST regular cab
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$925
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$814
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4WD ST regular cab
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$1,055
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$928
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Tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, AM/FM/CD player, P265/70R17 tires (4WD), chrome steel wheels.
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Value Group ALE
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2WD SLT Quad Cab
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$550
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$484
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2WD SLT Quad Cab w/Sport Appearance Group
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$410
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$361
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4WD SLT Quad Cab
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$460
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$405
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4WD SLT Quad Cab w/Sport Appearance Group
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$320
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$282
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4WD SLT Quad Cab w/Off-Road Group
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$190
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$167
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4WD SLT Quad Cab short bed w/Off-Road Group and Security Group
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$190
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$167
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4WD SLT Quad Cab w/Sport Appearance Group and Security Group
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$130
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$114
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Remote keyless entry, fog lights, front hood protector, P265/70R17 tires.
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Lone Star Value Group
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2WD SLT Quad Cab short bed
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$1,675
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$1,474
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4WD SLT Quad Cab short bed
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$1,675
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$1,474
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Limited-slip differential, special axle ratio, remote keyless entry, fog lights, P275/55R20 tires (2WD), P275/60R20 tires (4WD), alloy wheels.
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Laramie Quick Order Pkg. 26H
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2WD SLT regular cab
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$4,080
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$3,590
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4WD SLT regular Cab
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$4,230
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$3,722
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2WD SLT Quad Cab
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$4,365
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$4,841
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4WD SLT Quad Cab
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$4,775
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$4,202
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Front and rear antilock brakes, electric part-time 4-wheel-drive transfer case (4WD), dual-zone manual climate controls, power-adjustable pedals, leather upholstery, 8-way power driver seat, 8-way power passenger seat (Quad Cab), split folding rear seat (Quad Cab), fold-flat load storage (Quad Cab), center-cushion storage, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, remote keyless entry, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, woodgrain interior trim, sliding rear window, theft-deterrent system w/alarm, fog lights, unique grille, bodyside moldings, skid plates (4WD), tow hooks (4WD), P265/70R17 white-letter tires, machined alloy wheels. Requires automatic transmission.
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Sport Appearance Group
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SLT
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$470
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$414
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SLT w/Laramie
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$170
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$150
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SLT Quad Cab w/Lone Star
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$230
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$202
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Color-keyed bumpers and grille, fog lights, painted alloy wheels.
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Security Group
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SLT
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$415
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$365
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SLT w/SXT or Lone Star
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$225
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$198
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Remote keyless entry, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.
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AJK Convenience Group
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ST
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$390
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$343
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Tilt steering wheel, cruise control.
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Off-Road Group
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4WD SLT
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$1,405
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$1,236
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4WD SLT w/Laramie
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$870
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$766
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Limited-slip differential w/special axle ratio, heavy-duty engine cooling, fog lights, skid plates, front tow hooks, LT275/70R17 all-terrain white-letter tires, cast alloy wheels.
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Light Group
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SLT
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$175
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$154
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Illuminated visor mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, dome and ashtray lights, underhood light.
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Trailer Tow Group
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automatic transmission
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$465
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$409
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manual transmission
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$335
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$295
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Class IV trailer-hitch receiver, 7-wire trailer harness, heavy-duty engine cooling and battery, transmission-oil cooler (automatic).
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Powertrain |
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4.7-liter V8 engine
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2WD ST regular cab, 2WD ST Quad Cab short bed
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$590
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$519
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5.7-liter V8 Hemi engine
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2WD ST regular cab, 2WD ST Quad Cab short bed
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$1,485
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$1,307
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SLT, 2WD ST Quad Cab long bed, 4WD ST
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$895
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$788
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Requires 5-speed automatic transmission, front/rear antilock brakes.
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4-speed automatic transmission
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SLT, ST
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$1,095
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$964
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Requires 3.7-liter V6 engine.
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5-speed automatic transmission
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SLT, ST
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$1,170
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$1,030
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Requires 4.7-liter or 5.7-liter V8 engine.
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Limited-slip differential
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SLT, ST
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$285
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$251
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Special axle ratio
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SLT, ST
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$50
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$44
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Std. 4WD Quad Cab long bed.
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Electric transfer case
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4WD SLT
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$150
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$132
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Safety |
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Curtain side airbags
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regular cab
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$390
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$343
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Quad Cab
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$490
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$431
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Front and rear antilock brakes
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SLT, ST
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$495
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$436
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Power-adjustable pedals
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SLT
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$120
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$106
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Remote keyless entry
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SLT
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$190
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$167
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Rear defogger
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SLT
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$210
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$185
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SLT w/Laramie
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$70
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$62
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NA w/sliding rear window.
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Cloth upholstery
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ST
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$110
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$97
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Premium cloth split bench seat
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SLT regular cab
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$405
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$356
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SLT Quad Cab
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$455
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$400
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Includes 8-way power driver seat, center-cushion storage.
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Leather upholstery
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SLT Quad Cab
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$1,425
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$1,254
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Includes 8-way power driver seat, heated front seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, center-cushion storage, split folding rear seat, fold-flat load storage.
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Heated front seat
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SLT
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$140
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$123
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Requires Laramie Pkg.
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Fold-flat load storage
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SLT Quad Cab
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$100
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$88
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AM/FM/CD player
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ST
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$125
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$110
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Infinity AM/FM/cassette/CD player
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SLT
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$750
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$660
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Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
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SLT
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$950
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$836
|
|
Steering-wheel radio controls
|
||
|
SLT
|
$75
|
$66
|
|
Requires optional radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel.
|
||
|
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
|
||
|
SLT
|
$45
|
$40
|
|
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
|
||
|
SLT
|
$50
|
$44
|
|
Carpeting
|
||
|
ST
|
$110
|
$97
|
|
Includes floormats.
|
||
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Fog lights
|
||
|
SLT
|
$140
|
$123
|
|
Trailer-tow mirrors
|
||
|
ST
|
$100
|
$88
|
|
Power trailer-tow mirrors
|
||
|
SLT
|
$80
|
$70
|
|
Sliding rear window
|
||
|
SLT, ST
|
$140
|
$123
|
|
Bedliner
|
||
|
SLT, ST
|
$245
|
$165
|
|
Tonneau cover
|
||
|
SLT, ST
|
$290
|
$212
|
|
Two-tone paint
|
||
|
SLT, ST
|
$225
|
$198
|
|
NA w/Work Group.
|
||
|
Bodyside moldings
|
||
|
SLT, ST
|
$75
|
$66
|
|
Front hood protector
|
||
|
SLT, ST
|
$90
|
$63
|
|
Engine-block heater
|
||
|
SLT, ST
|
$90
|
$79
|
|
|
||
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
|
Protection Group
|
||
|
4WD
|
$140
|
$123
|
|
Skid plates, front tow hooks.
|
||
|
Heavy-duty cooling
|
||
|
SLT, ST
|
$70
|
$62
|
|
Requires automatic transmission. Requires V8 engine.
|
||
|
Front tow hooks
|
||
|
2WD
|
$50
|
$44
|
|
NA w/3.7-liter V6 engine.
|
||
|
Chrome steel wheels
|
||
|
ST
|
$300
|
$264
|
|
Painted alloy wheels
|
||
|
SLT
|
$100
|
$88
|
|
Chrome or polished alloy wheels
|
||
|
SLT
|
$995
|
$876
|
|
SLT w/Sport Appearance Group
|
$895
|
$788
|
|
SLT w/Laramie Pkg.
|
$770
|
$678
|
|
SLT w/Sport Appearance Group and SXT Group
|
$765
|
$673
|
|
SLT w/SXT Group
|
$865
|
$761
|
|
2WD includes 275/55R20 tires. 4WD includes 275/60R20 tires. Requires limited-slip differential. NA long bed.
|
||
|
P265/70R17 on/off-road tires
|
||
|
4WD ST
|
$225
|
$198
|
|
4WD ST w/Lone Star
|
$95
|
$84
|
|
P265/70R17 white-letter tires
|
||
|
SLT
|
$225
|
$198
|
|
P265/70R17 on/off-road white-letter tires
|
||
|
4WD SLT
|
$400
|
$352
|
|
4WD SLT w/Laramie
|
$175
|
$154
|
|
|
||
2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Dodge Ram 1500 regular cab short bed | Dodge Ram 1500 regular cab long bed | Dodge Ram 1500 crew cab short bed | Dodge Ram 1500 crew cab long bed |
| Wheelbase, in. | 120.5 | 140.5 | 140.5 | 160.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 207.7 | 229.7 | 227.7 | 249.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 79.9 | 79.9 | 79.9 | 79.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 74.4 | 74.1 | 74.7 | 74.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4516 | 4722 | 4802 | 5102 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1830 | 1830 | 1550 | 1550 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 26.0 | 35.0 | 26.0 | 35.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 3 | 3 | 6 | 6 |