2002 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Review
2002 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Review
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Used Ram Pickup 2500 for sale
Appraise This CarDodge Ram Pickup 2500 model years
Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 types
- Regular Cab
- Quad Cab
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- User-friendly cab, competent handling on- and off-road, powerful V10 and diesel options.
Cons
- Dated design, Quad Cab lacks rear-seat room when compared to GM full-size trucks.
What’s new
Three new colors: Atlantic Blue and Light Almond Pearls and Graphite metallic are added for 2002. Although the Ram 1500 was completely revamped this year, the heavier-duty 2500 Ram pickup must wait one more year for its update.
Edmunds says
Even though this is the last year for this generation Ram pickup, the attractive 2500 is still worth a look from those seeking a real workhorse.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 2dr Regular Cab ST 2WD LB (5.9L 8cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
Not EPA tested for Ram Pickup 2500 ST
Ram Pickup 2500 ST
vs
$257/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
Even though its little brother, the Ram 1500 was redesigned this year, the brawny 2500 is not exactly lagging behind. With a variety of handsome body styles and power options to choose from, the 2500 can still handle any job assignment, be it ranch duty or snowplowing.
The heavy-duty Ram 2500 comes in Regular, Club and Quad Cab three-quarter- and one-ton configurations. A 5.9-liter V8 with 245 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque is the standard powerplant. Optional is an 8.0-liter V10, good for 310 horsepower (305 for California) and 450 pound-feet of torque (440 for California).
And the macho 5.9-liter 24-valve inline six turbodiesel that makes huge power (235 horsepower, 460 lb-ft) is available if you envision some serious hauling duties and have an extra 5 grand to spend.
Speaking of hauling, a properly equipped Ram 2500 can handle up to 3,730 pounds of payload and pull a trailer weighing up to 14,150 pounds.
Regular Cab models have bench seating for three, while the Club Cab can cram up to six inside, although access to the rear for seating (and storage) is difficult. With the Quad Cab, rear-access doors on both sides make that easier, yet they're not separate full-size doors like on the new Ram 1500 Quad Cab. Inside, the Ram features sound ergonomics with large controls that are properly placed and functional even if the operator is wearing gloves.
Underway, automatic transmission shifts are firm, but not harsh, and the column-mounted shifter operates easily. The manual transmissions are simple to shift, with well-spaced gates. The five-speed manual tranny has a granny-low first gear for getting going while hauling a heavy load. And mated to the Cummings turbodiesel is a six-speed manual transmission. Of course, a four-speed automatic is available across the board.
Although it's a bulky vehicle, the Ram is surprisingly agile and reasonably surefooted, but think twice before making any quick maneuvers. Ride and handling are so competent you almost forget you're in a full-size pickup, except if it's unloaded, in which case, you'll be reminded over every bump in the road. Beefy disc brakes with standard antilock technology are standard. And just as it's capable on pavement, the Ram does extremely well on trails and during other off-road excursions, able to clamber through technical sections with the best of 'em. Just keep in mind the Ram's size when negotiating the off-pavement stuff.
Even as it awaits next year's rebirth, the Ram 2500 pickup is ready to serve those who actually need a heavy-duty rig to manage big loads or travel off the beaten path.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500.
5 star(86%)
4 star(10%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(4%)
29 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
High Output Cummins Diesel
Kevinschar, 11/27/2002
2002 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 4dr Quad Cab ST 4WD LB (5.9L 8cyl 5M)
I purchased this truck used though the
online listings on the Edmunds web
page. The truck is a 2002, SLT 2500
Ram, 4x4, with the High Output Cummings
Diesel. I purchased the truck used
with 80,000 miles on it and immediately
fell in love with the truck. The HO
Cummings has plenty power,(235 HP & 500
lbft of torque), while still achieving
an outstanding 18-MPG … highway. Even
when loaded down with a 10,000 lb 5th
wheel trailer it still manages to get
15-MPG Highway.
4.5 out of 5 stars
cummins diesel
Lindrosucs, 06/01/2002
2002 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 2dr Regular Cab ST 4WD LB (5.9L 8cyl 5M)
Comfortably Truck.I owned a F350
powerstoke before this.I tow a 6000 pnd
trailer practically every day.The Dodge
tows better at lower speeds(i.e better
bottom end)but it could not keep up
with the Ford wide open on the
highway.If your towing long highway
miles the Ford is better, But if your
towing off road like I do The Dodge is
much better.The Dodge also gets …
slightly better fuel mileage also.
4.63 out of 5 stars
2002 Dodge Ram Ext SLT 4x4 5.9L Cummins
cam2v33, 05/09/2003
2002 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 4dr Quad Cab ST 4WD SB (5.9L 8cyl 5M)
Great fuel economy for a 7000lb truck.
I average 19mpg hwy/city commuting.
This truck rides like a truck so don't
think you are buying a soft riding
vehicle. The interior noise is much b/c
of the engine and road noise. The 4x4
is the best with the solid axle and
positive engagement with the manual
shifter. These trucks are a good
investment if you plan on keeping it …
for an extended amount of time. On the
diesel make sure that your lift pump on
you fuel system checked. If the lift
pump is bad the VP-44 injection will
draw the fuel but this will prematurely
wear your $2000 Injection pump to
failure.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Miss my 02 Dodge Ram
E_HILLMAN, 02/15/2010
2002 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 4dr Quad Cab ST 4WD SB (5.9L 8cyl 5M)
I loved my 02 Dodge Ram but traded it in January 2007 for a new one. The new models indeed have more power but it was not needed. I towed and hauled to the MFG limits of the trucks and never had an issue. The 02 Ram had a better stance and a firmer suspension for heavy duty use off road and on, thus allowing me to go over the payload limits all the time and never notice a difference. … Many days my truck ran with 3,000lbs in the bed and a 900lb snow plos on the front. GREAT TRUCK! VERY TOUGH! If you get a Dodge and can choose always go for the stick shift. ;-)
2002 Ram Pickup 2500 Highlights
Regular Cab
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $21,560 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Seating | 3 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 14,100 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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