2002
Dodge Ram reviews and buying guide.
2002
Dodge Ram resources:
2002 Dodge Ram review
continued...
BOLD DESIGN IS 100-PERCENT
RAM...
Perhaps no other truck in the past 25 years became so
easily and immediately recognizable as the 1994-2001
Dodge Ram. It became a design that was often followed
but never matched. The essence of the truck was its
massive horsecollar grille, reminiscent of over-the-road
haulers.
In keeping with the amplification
of every feature on the new truck, the grille is bolder
and—believe it or not—even bigger. Each of
the models in the Ram lineup—ST, SLT, Sport and
SLT Plus—gets a unique interpretation of this design
element, which has become the ‘signature’
for the Dodge brand. From the chrome grille with gray
honeycomb center on the Ram SLT to the body-colored
grille with the new chrome billet-bar center on the
Sport, there is a different statement to match the nature
of each model, while keeping true to the overall Dodge
theme of bold, powerful and capable.
From the grille rearward,
the robust nature of the truck continues with the broad,
sloping hood and fender combination that is so recognizably
Ram. A more pronounced crown to the hood drops dramatically
to the sculpted front fenders. The windshield slopes
much more than the previous model, enhancing the truck’s
strong stance, while aiding in aerodynamics and wind
and water management. The compound curvature of the
windshield flows easily into the door surface. The doors
overlap the pillar, completely eliminating the cut line
and smoothly transitioning from the front of the cab
to the side.
While further establishing
Ram as the boldest-looking truck in the segment, virtually
every change made to the exterior design for 2002 helped
improve aerodynamics, functionality and/or cooling.
An integrated air dam aids in engine cooling and air
conditioning condenser airflow. Extended edges on the
door frames are tapered to aid in air flow and reduce
wind noise while channeling water over the roof rather
than around to the side windows. The dual-lamp headlamps
offer a more striking design while performing noticeably
better than the previous lamps.
NEW MAGNUM ENGINE
AND TRANSMISSION CHOICES
ADD POWER AND CAPABILITY
Well-known for its wide
range of powerful Magnum engines, the 2002 Dodge Ram
1500 gets two new, more powerful and efficient engines
and an all-new transmission. The all-new 3.7-liter Magnum
V-6 engine replaces the 3.9-liter V-6. While smaller
in displacement, the new V-6 is more powerful and delivers
better gas mileage. It produces 210 horsepower, compared
to 175 horsepower with the 3.9-liter engine.
The 4.7-liter Magnum
V-8 engine replaces the 5.2-liter V-8. Like the new
Magnum V-6, it delivers more peak power and fuel economy.
Horsepower is increased to 235 on the 4.7-liter engine,
from 230 on the 5.2-liter engine.
When mated to the 45RFE
automatic transmission (new for Ram), these new engine
choices offer a whole new level of quietness and responsiveness.
The 45RFE is the only transmission in its class with
the reverse gear ratio equal to the low gear ratio.
It also features a unique alternate second gear ratio
for use in difficult towing and grade climbing situations.
A third engine choice,
the 245-horsepower, 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 returns on
the 2002 Ram to give buyers a wide range of powerful
engine options.
Along with the increased
power and fuel efficiency comes better towing and payload.
Maximum towing on the Quad Cab improves to 8,350 pounds,
from 7,650. Maximum towing on the Regular Cab is now
8,660 pounds, up from 7,950 pounds on its predecessor.
Payload on the Quad Cab improves from 1,567 pounds to
1,750 pounds. Both the Gross Combined Weight and Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating increase on Regular Cab and Quad
Cab.
CAB DESIGN MAXIMIZES
CAPABILITY AND CUSTOMER COMFORT
Two Dodge Ram cab choices will be available for 2002:
Regular Cab and Quad Cab. Both models feature larger
cabs and offer improved head, shoulder, leg and hip
room.
Like the current Ram
Quad Cab, the all-new model strikes the balance between
interior functionality and exterior capability. Only
with the 2002 Ram Quad Cab, this balance is taken to
a new and exciting extreme. The all-new Quad Cab features
four conventional doors and a larger, more comfortable
cab. However, it remains essentially the same length
as the previous model, which keeps it easy to maneuver
and put in the garage. This was done by taking three
inches out of the bed length (from 6'6" to 6'3")
and adding it to the rear of the cab. This creates a
larger rear seating area with improved leg and hip room,
but doesn’t reduce payload capacity.
The 2002 Ram Quad Cab’s
doors are front-hinged, all with inside and outside
handles to improve entry and exit. The rear doors open
85 degrees and the windows go down all the way.
In addition to the increased
seating room and comfort, the rear of Ram Quad Cab features
a host of storage compartments and conveniences. The
rear seats feature an optional 60/40 split to accommodate
passengers and cargo together. The seat cushions fold
up to create a tall storage area from floor to ceiling.
An optional steel section under the rear seats can fold
open to form a flat load floor, with ample additional
storage in the footwells.
“The increased cab
size is as much about seating comfort as it is storage,”
Julow said. “With the 60/40 folding seat, you have
the option of carrying passengers and gear in the back
at the same time. By allowing the seats to fold up,
tools and other items can be securely locked away on
a job site.”
The Ram Regular Cab is
the largest in the segment, with the cab size having
been increased more than three inches for 2002. This
not only aids in rear storage behind the seats but also
allows for improved seat travel and ease in reclining
for driver and passengers.
Both the Quad Cab and
Regular Cab feature improved front seat storage and
convenience features. The 40/20/40 front seat provides
for comfortable seating for three people or ample center
storage for one or two occupants. The popular center
“business console” still can hold a laptop,
and now features fold-down dividers. The center “20”
portion of the seat offers under-cushion storage. Optional
power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals help shorter
drivers feel more comfortable.
The all-new instrument
panel features bright white gauges and a modern, ergonomic
design built with convenience and style in mind. There
are two power points—in the instrument panel and
the storage console (on SLT and SLT Plus models)—and
an optional dual-zone climate control system. On four-wheel
drive models, an available electronic shift transfer
case dial is mounted on the instrument panel. Heated
leather seats are available the SLT Plus model.
SUSPENSION AND STEERING
SYSTEM MAXIMIZES COMFORT AND CONTROL
With the current Ram regarded as best in the full-size
class for ride and handling, Dodge Truck engineers set
and achieved functional targets beyond current pickups
on the 2002 Ram 1500. Using some of the top luxury sedans
as the standard-bearers, they developed an even better
balance of ride, handling, brake performance and quietness
than the current Ram.
“While we were very
happy with the overall suspension and steering setup
on the 2001 Ram, we knew there was an opportunity to
distance ourselves even further from our competition
by honing steering feel, ride comfort and driver control,”
said Frank Klegon, Vice President—Dodge Truck Engineering.
“We have delivered an integrated handling package
that is even more durable, more responsive and more
comfortable. And for four-wheel drive models, our system
handles rough roads efficiently and comfortably whether
the bed is empty or full.”
Rack and pinion steering
on both the two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive Ram
models provides a precise and firm steering feel. The
system is not only lighter in weight but is more durable
than a conventional recirculating ball steering system.
Steering ratios have been recalibrated on all models,
helping maneuverability and turning ease.
A new torsion bar independent
front suspension on four-wheel drive models improves
ride quality and quietness. For extreme conditions,
ground clearance is a comfortable 9.5 inches, while
suspension travel improves to 8.5 inches in 2002 from
8 inches on the 2001 Ram. The rear suspension continues
to use leaf springs, but the springs are lengthened
by 3 inches to reduce wheel hop and improve durability.
An all-new braking system,
featuring the largest four-wheel disc brakes in the
segment, is designed to be best-in-class. The new system
improves stopping ability and reacts to driver input
quicker and more precisely. Rear-wheel anti-lock brakes
remain standard on all models. Four-wheel ABS is an
option.
The standard P245/70R17
tires with steel 17-inch wheels is the largest standard
tire and wheel combination in the segment. In addition
to the numerous other wheel and tire options are the
massive P275/55R20 tires with 20-inch polished cast
aluminum wheels.
NEW RAM 1500 IS JUST
PART OF RAM TRUCK RENAISSANCE
The 2002 Ram 1500 will be available in two cab choices—Regular
Cab and Quad Cab—and both 2WD and 4WD. The base
model is the ST, with Sport, SLT and SLT Plus packages
available. Production began on the 2002 Ram 1500 in
the summer of 2001, at Chrysler Group’s Dodge City—Warren
Truck (Mich.); St. Louis North (Mo.) and Saltillo (Mexico)
Assembly Plants. Production of the current 2500 and
3500 models will continue for one more model year. All-new
versions of the 2500 and 3500 will be introduced for
the 2003 model year.
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