Used 2002 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Consumer Reviews
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2002 Dodge ram 1500 quad cab 2wd 4.7
I am the second owner of my Dodge ram and have owned it for five years. It has the 4.7 liter v8 backed by the 5 speed manual transmission at 140k now. I average 20-21 hwy and 15 in the city. I have the 17 inch stock tires and its 2wd and I follow the maintainance to the book. It pulls our 18 ft travel trailer great at a weight of 3450 lbs loaded and hauling a family of five. I will probably die with this truck as it is very reliable and comfortable and they no longer offer five speed manual transmission which is the best for towing. The dash is simple and the knobs are big and easy to see and read. I also love all the storage under the seats and the flip out shelf in the back. Happy cust.
Great truck - second owned ...
I have owned 2 of the 2002 to 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 ST trucks and loved them both - zero issues outside the normal maintenance on both - no complaints and find the truck reliable, fun, comfortable, and an overall fantastic truck. I've tried Fords in the past and find this a much better truck myself. Gas mileage is about 15 average, but I'm ok with that with a powerful V8 and expected. I love the truck and feel you won't be disappointed.
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- STMSRP: $13,999165 mi away
- SLTMSRP: $4,000210 mi away
- ST Regular CabMSRP: $5,999230 mi away
Great Truck
I purchased my RAM with 123,000 miles in May 2006 to use it as a workhorse at my first job in residential construction. Lost the job, but kept the truck - and what a great decision it was! This was my first American car (after a honda and a BMW) and I loved the utility. Lots of storage in the cab, great towing power, and the previous owner put a single-pipe flowmaster on it (and it sounded mean). Towed a 4,000lb boat no problem with a full bed of cargo. True workhorse! Only non-wearable part I ever had to replace was the radiator (and it was DEFINITELY a do-it- yourself job). Keep the fluids changed and this truck will treat you well!
RAM 1500 Durability Problems
I bought this truck new and have complied with all maintenance schedules without fail, using a Dodge dealer for all maintenance. I love the truck - when it's not broken. I've had the following failures in the first 88,000 miles - electric fuel pump, instrument cluster, rear axle seals, throttle position sensor, upper left control arm, right tie rod, front anti- sway bar bushings, and right front wheel bearing. Dealer has botched routine front end alignments, exhaust system repairs and front end repairs. Lack of durability/reliability has me looking at a sale/trade.
2002 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 4x4 4.7 v8
I have had this truck for 6 years now and still love it. The places I have gone in it off road have been amazing and I have yet to get stuck in any conditions (been close but never stuck). The only time I have had to put her in the shop where due to my abuse and there has been a great deal of it. When I first got the truck it was hard to find good off roading tires for the 20in rim but now days I can find them every where. I will be driving this truck until the wheels fall off and then I might just ductape them back on for another few hundred miles.
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Best Truck On The Road
I've had this truck about a month, except for the mileage you can't beat this truck for looks and comfort. As you can see it's almost a 10 hands down.
Best I've owned
My wife wrecked my front end when she took out most of a guard rail in Kodiak, AK. Without anywhere decent to fix the truck, we were left with waiting until I got transferred to another station to get it fixed. We drove it for a year and even from Alaska to Michigan with the damage and it still performed like a champ. 4600 dollars worth of damage and it still ran beautifully. I have yet to have a single issue with it still today after having it fixed. 4x4 works splendidly, but it does shutter a little bit when accelerating to highway speeds. One of my only complaints. All in all, I would definately purchase another dodge based on this one's reliability.
02 Ram
This Truck has been truoble free, Fuel mileage averages 19.2 in town and 24.1 on the highway it is equiped with a 3.7 V6 it has more power than thhe f150 302fi that I traded in on it. With the 35 gallon fuel tank the range on this truck is impressive I would buy another one tomorrow if it were needed. The Boys in the White Hats are Back!!
A well spent 13,000
Does everything well except go. the 3.7 sounds more powerful than it si. It is a great improvement over the old 3.9. For daily driving however I don't notice the horsepower disadvantage. It more comfortable than anything else; handles and brakes well. And of course it has that distinctive look.
Reliable truck sorry service
Almost immediately after the initial 3/36 warranty the dash cracked in 6 pieces. No problem since I purchased the 10 year/100K warranty. When I took the truck in I was told the dash is not covered since trim is not covered. (I dont feel the entire dash is trim). I was also told by the service manager that this is a problem they have never seen before, but they would see what they could do to help. The help turned out to be replace the dash at $600 each for the two parts! So I contacted Dodge directly and asked what could be done. Next I googled Dodge truck dash cracks and discovered this is a widespread problem. The Dodge rep never called back after he promised to.My last Dodge.
5.9 4x4 Sport
This truck has such a great look. It's a shame people beat these trucks up. Trucks today are really too nice abuse. No wonder so many people complain. But this model Ram is one nice truck and holds up well if you take care of it. Simply love it.
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My new truck!
I was searching for a family sized truck. We have a 2 yr old and another on the way (Sept). I wanted a truck, and yet a MiniVan seemed more appropriate. Being a Ford guy, I tried to make sense out of the F150 Crew Cab's short-short bed, but I can't fit the family in the SuperCab. The Ram Quad Cab was PERFECT. I love it! It's the best of both worlds.
Great
I really like this truck overall. I was a GMer, but the Ram has been so far the best truck I have owned.
Horrible
Radiator hose blew at 29000 miles. Blinkers don't work properly. And now the head gaskets blew at 36,800 miles and I don't even tow with it. Also the rear end hops real bad at highway speeds.
good truck
Anybody that says the 4.7, is better than the 5.9 doesn't know what they are talking about. Check out the towing rating for the 4.7, and 5.9 on dodge's website, almost 3000 lbs less than the 5.9. The 360 has been around for along time, all bugs are out of it. The 4.7 l is also much noisier, i had both. The hemi, aluminum this aluminum that, to me that spells dollars. Dodge did cheap out on the interior on the 2003 as well, more plastic, less stuff. I owned the 2002, now own 2003, was vey dissappointed when truck arrived, dealer says thats the way they come know.
My first Truck Dodge Ram
I still own my dodge ram since 2004, bought it from a salvage dealer main reason it's a salvage title because it auto thief. It had 26k miles and right now has 99k miles and no mechanical problems at all. Recently I only drive it on the weekends and use to work only. But it was my daily truck in my college years and cruise around town. It does have poor mpg I average 11 city and 13 hwy with combine 12 mpg mixed driving. I personally like the 3rd generation design 2002-2009, don't like the new design it resemble to much of Toyota tundra not that I don't like it but it just look alike. I'll try not to sell it no matter how high gas prices is. Is going to be classic soon.
Dodge has a problem.....................
I love the design of this truck but have had numerous problems, mostly small, except for one. Other reviews of this vehicle refer to "rear end hop at highway speeds". Dodge actually has a name for it.They call it "beaming". It is an engineering flaw with the suspension. They are aware that the truck vibrates at highway speeds but have no fix for it.I have just lemon lawed mine. I went to test drive a replacement vehicle and it does the same thing as my lemon. BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sold on Dodge RAM
I bought this truck used in Nov 02. It now has 22,000 miles on it. So far, great truck at a great price. I bought this primarily due to the safety crash results so I could have peace of mind carrying my kids around town. I have taken it to Canada to fishing trips on rough dirt and gravel roads with no problems. It just keeps purring. I had already replaced my brakes on my GMC at this mileage point a couple of years ago. My 5 STAR Dodge Service Dealer has already given it the once over and so far it hasn't cost me another dime since I got it (I couldn't say that about my Ford Explorer and GMC Sonoma that I had in the past).
2002 DR 1500 SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92/LSD 20s
I've owned 2 dodge ram's previous to this one and i have to say that in many area's this truck is MUCH improved. -Ride quality is greatly improved and almost car like -the ole nv3500 5speed is AWESOME -the truck is SHARP...its arguably as good looking as my 2001 model but the 20s are simply beautiful -interior design is even more improved over previous model rams -i dont know how roy gets that this truck has any more plastic on it than a 2001 or previous model (BECAUSE IT DOESN'T)
Never lets me down
Bought this truck 18 months ago at a Dodge dealership as a local trade in. I got it off the back lot before they were able to detail it and hide anything. The 5.9L 360 V8 is very powerful and reliable. I hardly ever lift the hood (just for oil changes). It has an after market Imco dual exhaust and sounds mean. K & N filter. 4x4 works great. Truck handles great in corners even though it has 35" tires. Drives smooth on the highway at high speeds. Fuel economy is decent (15-18) and I don't do any city driving. It'll haul a car on a trailer without any effort. The hard tonneau cover I put on it looks good. I really dig the interior too, heated leather!
02 Ram SLT Quad review
I purchased this truck new after trading in a 98 Quad cab. Excellent design...give a few flaws that were corrected later. Great ride and reliability. Mirrors had always been a sore spot for me with Dodge vehicles, the tow mirrors are a plus. Very minimal maintenance in four years. The 4.7 litre engine is great, but not a big improvement in mileage over the hemi.
a Ram guy
I had the truck since 2012 with 72,000 miles and it just went over 100,000.The Blender door went bad 3yrs ago,never had an issue with sludge(4.7eng).I drive the truck just around in town and keep it in top shape(as funds allow).I been doing some body work on the rear wheel wells the best I can(a body man says I,m wasting my time it won,t last long).I have replaced front end parts due to normal wear.No engine or tranny issues thus far.I enjoy driving the truck it has a few shortcomings but I would buy a newer one(Quad or Crew).
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I'll never have another make of truck...
I've made some normal hot-rodding mods to my truck. It can almost run even with a Hemi Q/C, yet now gets 19 MPG on the highway. I love this truck, and can't pry my keister out of the seat (hence the abnormally high miles on it per year). It's reliability is rock-solid, and I can easily drive twelve-hour days or more. I'm a GM convert, and will always have a DCX Ram from here on out.
the rotors will warp!!!!
found out it's made in mexico. oh noooo. but the truck is great only a little jittery over rough surfaces. also i need to warn others of the rotors, they will warp. your first roadtrip and it will happen. go to dodge truck world.com and look under forums and brakes. warping rotors have 4 pages. plus this defect is only covered for 12 months or 12000 miles. after that, the local dealer for me chages 100 bucks to turn rotors.no aftermarket company makes em yet, so be forewarned.but other than that i love my truck. i have a 2002 qc with the 17 inch alloy option wheels
Great truck
This has been an excellent truck. Problems: Computer crashed at about 3000 miles and everything in the truck stopped working. Took the dealer 4 days to get another computer installed. Got the high end infinity sound system that is horrible and a real waste of money. Gas milage 12 in town 17 highway---not good for a 2-wheel drive and a driver that tries hard to get good MPG out of their vehicle.
WHATATRUK!
I'm very impressed with all aspects of this truck. It has the best looks of any big truck out there. The 4.7L engine is an excellent compromise between power (plenty for a 1/2 ton) and fuel economy (14-15 mpg). Excellent handling; and it can stop on a dime. It rides excellent except on the bumpiest of roads (where it can get a little bouncy in the rear end.) Overall impressive.
Good truck but with flaws
Bought it brand new and now paid for but the gas mileage is about 16MPG. The dash has cracks all over it after only 5 years. It was realy upsetting that they couldn't have foreseen that. The AC did go out after 5 years too. Just when the warranty was out. I have done all maintenance and there have been no other issues. I haven't even changed the break pads. Overall it's been good but Nissan and Toyota seem to be better these days.
Anybody need a good truck?
In the first 10K miles: transmission failure, drive shaft out of balance, bad brake rotors. The 4.7 is underpowered, a gas hog, the ride is rough. So, it sits in the garage a lot, only 40K miles. Looks like brand new. Oh, and my 2003 Town and Country is worse. Any wonder that the US car companies are in trouble?
Outstanding Truck
I've driven/owned Ford, Chevy, and now Dodge. This Ram is the best overall by far. No mechanical problems, drives like a dream. The Dodge folks really put some thought into this. Biggest difference: Dodge has more interior room, no mechanical problems, and the layout was well thought out.
Truck value
My Ram 1500 is basicly a good truck over all, but I think that it is severly under powered with it`s 4.7 liter engine. As far as driving and handling goes, it does allright. I think that the rear seating area could use some major attention. The back of the bench seat is by far too straight up and down. It should lean back to a more relaxed position, and unless you're a short person and have a small family, the back seating area is going to be pretty cramped for you!!!
Ram Needs Gas Again
The ride and looks of this truck are good, especially with the sport package and 20" wheels. Lowered mine 2" front, 4" back. Really makes it stand out. The 5.9L lacks in power and performance. It is a gas hog! 10/City 13/HWG with 2 wheel drive. It's been back to the dealer 7 times for emmission system problems and an entire new front steering rack. Not overly impressed with Dodge trucks mainly due to gas mileage. This was my first & last one. Can't wait to get back to GMC
Wake up, this truck stinks!
My views about this truck changed drastically since I paid it off. I paid the 5 year loan and then all hell broke loose. I guess I was lucky getting 129000 miles on it before having to replace the engine on a 5 1/2 year old truck. Thanks oil sludge prone 4.7L.I next had to replace the fan clutch and radiator at about 6 years old. Now I have to replace the front control module and the power distribution module due to both of them shorting out for no reason. I am one to keep a vehicle beyond the 5 year payoff. I have an 11 year old ford aerostar with 159,000 miles and I have only had to replace an oxygen sensor and one other emmision control valve. With 150,000 miles on my Ram, $5500 since I paid off.
Best I've ever owned (#1 of 12)
My Dodge Ram 1500 SLT plus Crew Cab Sport 4X4, with the 5.9L is the perfect truck except for the gas mileage. My Mileage is about 12 mpg with mostly to and from work (elevation climb of 1300 feet). The trailer towing package even has dual wiring harnesses. Very tough truck, I backed over a cement curb into a drainage ditch, and high centered on my driveshaft, springs and muffler. Wheels were 12 off of ground. I rolled down a boulder, placed it under the back wheels, put in 4 wheel drive lock and pulled right off. The amazing thing is there was not even a scratch on the body, or undercarriage.
love this truck
great looking, drives great, fun to drive,plenty of room frt and rear, paint is solid, performance is superb and, like it better every time i drive it.
Best bang for the buck
Have had this 2dr 4x4 4.7L auto 8' box truck for 6 months now. I love it. It had done everything I have asked of it. like everyone else the gas mailage needs improved. I live in a very hilly area & get 11.6 in the city & 17.5 on the highway. also the transmision shifts alot on the hills as well, that needs improvement. But the looks are sharp, the ride is excelent for a 6000 lb truck & the few problems I have had were corrected very quickly. this truck also has lots of interior room even for a standard cab. I researched trucks heavily for 3 months before I bought the new Ram & by far it is the best built & running for the dollar you pay.
Stylin & Profiling
For me to go to a Dodge takes a great product & this is!Reasonable price with great features,got mine out the door for $24300 incl tax and 100K/7YR warr,bedliner,sliding window & fog lamps.Had the truck for 4 mths & mileage in the city of 13-14 avg & I got a 18.5 hwy @70-75MPH with no tonneau.The auto tranny is not bad but shifts alot going up a hill.Looked at Ford & Chevy & found more bang for the buck with Dodge,feature wise,style wise and price wise.Just like everything else you cant have enough power & this is no exception!The fit & finish are good as well & the truck in the colour of Atlantic Blue has my neighbours drooling.
TEXAS TRUCK
SO FAR THIS HAS BEEN A PRETTY GOOD TRUCK. IT HAS GOOD POWER. GREAT RIDE FOR REG. CAB PICK-UP, AND IT LOOKS GOOD.
Outstanding
I owned a 97' Dodge SS/T 5.9L 360, Let me tell you, don't be affraid of the 4.7L its just as fast. The truck rides just like a car(very smooth) The interior is sweet. I have owned this truck for 2 days now and everyone I have seen wants one or are jealous.
King of all Trucks
Bought this truck with only a 1500 dollar rebate.. now they have 6000 dollar rebates. But guess what just finished paying for it and I dont need another vehicle because it is still working great! At the time had a seven year 100,000 mile powertrain..I took the complete warranty ..did use it on the windows and some minor radiator repairs. Now tempted on the lifetime warranty but the gas might prohibit me from keeping it twenty years if I only use it to drive! Still lifetime warranty on a truck is might tempting.. especially since the first one off the line has had so much good reviews and results. 5.9 engine has been great.. wouldnt have a 4.7 if gas was the same.. kudos Dodge.
I Luv It
I have enjoyed my new truck. A truck I can fit in with my family. Great over design
used to be a chevy man
i used to be a chevy man but after our purchase of a 2000 z-71 and being in the shop every month... need i say more about that. our purchase of a 2002 ram quad cab 4wd leaves us to wonder why havent we been driving them alot longer. i just hope our next several years of useing this truck will be as pleasant as the first month.
Excellent Buy
If you're looking for a solid new truck this is the one...I love it and I'd recommend it to anyone for a new truck or a second. Four real doors and a lot of power, even for the new 4.7L V-8. I got to test-drive a comparibly equiped Chevy (with the 5.7 L V8) and it didn't drive as well mine, and the transmission whined a little too much for my liking.
Bought it used
I'm not sure what to say other then get a warranty. I bought my Ram used and have had nothing but problems with it. I'm not sure if it was abused before me but is surley abusing me. I bought it with 47,000 miles and have replaced the motor, rear end, radiator, and now have to replace the AC condenser fan and a control module. The check engine light is on more then off. Love the truck but it is getting pricey to keep and the warranty which covers very little is almost up.
This truck fits
Steering – big improvement, and the manual transmission shifts nicely and has a decent set of ratios. The clutch is nice, too. The 4.7L engine is a good mate for this tranny, but it has a lower than expected toque feel at the lower rpms. No biggie, I just need to relearn the shifting and acceleration methods. Towers using this engine should try the higher ratio diff. The ride height is excellent. The shorter bed is an excellent comprimise with the rear cab space. The storage spaces are great - although the brochure is somewhat misleading - talk to your dealer. Driven 500 miles so far. Mileage: City ~15, hwy ~18 - better than EPA! It does not "feel" as large as it is.
2002 Dodge Ram Quad Cab Long WB SLT 5.9
I love this truck. Can't seem to stop driving it. Great big long white truck gets a lot of looks from just about everyone.
Good solid truck
The new Dodge Ram 1500 truck is a very solid truck. Most trucks in it's class do not match the stock height of the Ram 1500 4 X 4. I love the interrior of this truck. A few months ago I moved and the rear cargo area of the truck came in very handy because of the extra space in the back. She steel floor is great when folded down. This creats a flat surface, this way things are level and safe. Also if the rear passengers are over 6 feet long they have plenty of leg room in the back which Chevy,GMC and Ford do not have.
Will dodge Dodge now
Almost immediately after the initial 3/36 warranty was up the dash cracked. Im not talking a small crack the dash looks like a mine field and is actually now in about 6 pieces. No problem since I purchased the 10 year/100K warranty. When I took the truck in I was told the dash is not covered since trim is not covered. (I dont feel the entire dash is trim). I was also told by the service manager that this is a problem they have never seen before, but they would see what they could do to help. The help turned out to be replace the dash with me paying for the parts at $600 each for the two parts! So I contacted Dodge and asked what could be done I googled Dodge truck dash cracks
Comfort...NOT economical
The ride and comfort of this truck is better than other trucks in its class. The gas milage is the WORST in its class though. I would not recommend this truck simply because of the cost for gas it cost to operate. I would be willing to sacrifice a little comfort for better MPG with a different manufacture.
Need more Horsepower ?
Outstanding Look's, feel and ride. However, in the performance of the 5.9 it's down on get-up. Matched with poor fuel economy this will be the only down fall of this truck. I was a long term GM Truck customer. I miss the power and economy of the Vortec V-8. In my opinion GM,Ford cannot compete with this Dodge look!!
awesome!
this is one bad a** truck! inside, its a luxury car, outside, its big-rig styling that says "get the hell out of my way!" all in all, its an excellent vehicle in terms of reliability, overall design and build quality. wish they'd put the Hemi in soon though!