Want a king of the road driving feel? Then slide behind the wheel of the 2002 full-size Dodge Ram pickup truck, which has been revamped to become more of a family vehicle. However, buyers better have a big garage because the new Ram has lengths ranging from 207.7 to a whopping 249.7 inches.
The 2002 Ram is very important to DaimlerChrysler because it generates lots of profits. The rugged, but crude, pre-1994 Ram pickup was largely ignored, selling only about 70,000 units a year. It was radically redone for 1994, when it got a "big rig" look, wide range of engines and good ride, handling and roominess. Sales eventually soared to 350,000 units a year--putting it among the top-selling vehicles.
DaimlerChrysler has given the 2002 Ram even more carlike steering, handling, ride and braking. But the ride sometimes got a little bouncy on highways despite long wheelbases (distance between front and rear axles) that go from 120.5 to 160.5 inches. The rear end also hopped around a little on bumpy curves.
However, the precise new rack-and-pinion steering has good road feel, and handling is generally quite good; pop the hood and you'll see that even the biggest Ram engine is set far back to allow better weight distribution for the best roadability. Also, four-wheel-drive models have a new independent front suspension for better on-road comfort and off-road capability.
Larger brakes stop the Ram quickly. Rear anti-lock brakes are standard, but four-wheel anti-lock brakes are optional and should be put on this new truck.
The new Ram is roomier, quieter, more powerful and has a bunch of new convenience features that make it more user-friendly. Available new power adjustable accelerator and brake pedals go a long way toward making it easier for shorter drivers.
Ignore the Ram's intimidating appearance. It's reasonably easy to drive it in the city or suburbs--as long as there's enough room to pass vehicles on, say, side streets with cars parked on both sides. And it's a genuine "king of the road" truck on highways, where its size and appearance cause vehicles ahead of it to move to other lanes. Ain't nothin' to mess with here!
DaimlerChrysler figured it wasn't wise to tamper with success, so it's improved the Ram in numerous, strategic areas. The new model makes the 2001 model feel very dated.
The 2002 Ram looks even tougher than its predecessor with items such as a bolder, larger grille, although it retains the same basic styling. Styling changes on everything from the headlights to the big outside mirrors were made to improve aerodynamics and reduce wind noise.
The new model also feels stronger because of stiffer construction, which results in crisper handling and a better ride. Towing and payload capabilities have been increased.
There are two new more-powerful engines that deliver better fuel economy, roomier interiors and a responsive new automatic transmission.
Safety features? The 2002 Ram is the first full-size pickup to offer optional side curtain air bags. All models include more than $800 worth of standard items that previously were optional, including air conditioning, rear disc bakes and bigger wheels and tires.
There are a variety of trim levels, including the base ST, mid-range SLT, Sport and top-line SLT+, which has such features as leather upholstery.
Helping make the 2002 Ram more of a family vehicle are four carlike front-hinged doors on the extended-cab (Quad Cab) model. They replace the previous rear-hinged back doors that were rather awkward to use.
The only model offered now is the mainstay 1500 half-ton model, with a 6.3-foot or 8-foot cargo bed. Revised versions of the heavier-duty, more work-oriented 2500 and 3500 models are due for 2003.
Rear- or four-wheel drive are offered. A floor-mounted lever or newly optional dashboard switch activates the four-wheel-drive system, which is not for use on dry roads.
The rear-wheel drive Regular Cab ST two-door model costs $16,955, while the four-wheel-drive version lists at $21,215. The four-door, rear-drive Quad Cab ST is $22,150. It's $25,350 with four-wheel drive, although options on my test Quad Cab ST four-wheel-drive model raised the bottom line to $35,350 without the $715 freight charge.
As with all full-size pickups, the new Ram's price escalates a lot if you add a bunch of options. My test truck's $7,085 Customer Preferred Package option seemed overpriced because its main items only included such things as an improved sound system, cruise control and a keyless entry system.
But the $1,185 Sport Appearance Group seemed worth the money because it has such things as a body color front end and rear bumper, anti-slip differential and special tires on unique alloy wheels. If you've got a truck that looks this tough, you might as well get that option group to enhance its awesome appearance.
My Ram was powered by the smooth 5.9-liter pushrod V-8, which was available for the 2001 model. Generating 245 horsepower and gobs of torque, it's generally the best engine for the Ram because it gives it very strong acceleration and can best handle heavy loads. It also allows easy long-distance cruising, loafing at 2,200 rpm at 75 mph.
However, the new engines have a more modern overhead-camshaft design. They're a 3.7-liter, 215-horsepower V-6, which replaces a 175-horsepower V-6, and a 4.7-liter, 240-horsepower V-8 that replaces a 230-horsepower V-8. The new engines can be had with an acceptable five-speed manual transmission or the slick new four-speed automatic, which is the only transmission offered for the 5.9-liter V-8.
Miles per gallon? About what you'd expect with a big, heavy pickup: in the low to mid-teens in the city with the new engines and about 11 in the city and 15-18 on the highway with the 245-horsepower V-8.
Happily, all engines can run on regular-grade gasoline. And large 26- and 35-gallon fuel tanks allow fairly long driving ranges. Occupants sit high. Getting in and out of the tall truck calls for extra effort, but doors open wide and it's easy to use the big inside-outside door handles. The quiet interior can seat up to six tall adults, although the center of the front bench seat isn't comfortable. The front seat also should provide more side support. All three rear seating positions in the Quad Cab can accommodate a child-safety seat and are fitted with tether anchors. On Regular Cab models, both center and passenger seats can be fitted with child seats.
The glovebox is small, but there is a large available front armrest--or "business console"--that can hold a laptop and fold-down dividers. Front doors have storage pockets. Sturdy cupholders pull out from the dashboard. Climate controls are decently sized, but sound system controls should be larger. Rear windows roll all the way down, and storage features include a fold-down flat rear load floor in the Quad Cab.
With all its improvements, the Ram again should be a big hit.
2002 DODGE RAM
Prices
$16,955-$25,350
Likes
Nicely redesigned. Powerful. Roomy. Bolder styling. Solid construction.
Dislikes
High step-in. Low fuel economy. Occasionally bouncy ride. Small radio controls.
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