Used 2002 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Regular Cab Consumer Reviews
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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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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.
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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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!
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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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?
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.
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.
A great truck
My truck has been fantastic. I get tons of compliments on its appearance. It offers good performance and has been reliable thus far. The truck handles far better than one would expect from a vehicle that large. The ride isn't the best, though: you'll get thrown around a fair amount over bad pavement. Other than that, it's been fantastic.
blue goat
Have 32000 on it and have had no problems yet.Would buy another one if I needed to.
Yield to the Ram!
First time Ram buyer here. Always wanted one since the redesign in the mid 90's but i'm glad I waited because the 02's are excellent. The 4.7L V8 engine is perfect for what I use it for. The ride is smooth, not sure if the long wheel base helps. It takes corners with ease, braking is excellent thanks to the 4 wheel disc's. 4 months and 4000 miles without any major issues. The standard cab model has a ton of room behind the seats. Looked at the Quad Cab models but the price was too high for the amount of use I would get out of it.
One Awesome Dodge!!!
My Dodge Ram is now three years old. I have 49,000 miles on it. The only problem I had was the AC went out, but it was under warranty. I will drive it for at least another three years.. won't trade her until she reaches 100k. This is my daily driver and gas is a pain, but what can you do? I knew the gas would be ugly when I bought it. This is my second Dodge Ram and it's been as worthy as my first.
Dodge RAM 1500 - Crow Review
I bought the Dodge RAM 1500 ST Short Bed pickup in Oct 2002. The truck has been nothing but exceptional. Quality is very good. Acceleration for the 4.7L V-8 allows plenty of speed on the highway. The cab is exceptionally quiet. I like the strong door pillars. The AM/FM Radio Cassette player gave out around 40,000 miles and I had to replace a resistor in the A/C fan at around 30,000 miles. Towing capacity is good for small trailers/tows using the bumper. Suspension is a bit tight...you tend to feel the bumps on the road; enough to remind you this is not your Daddy's sedan. As for looks, this baby is top- notch! Even after 2 1/2 years I get lots of looks from admiring fans.
worst mistake of my life
Top speed flat out on the floor with no load 75 MPH. I shift down for every tiny little hill.Its the slowest doggiest vehicle I ever owned and for this lack of power I am rewarded with 17MPG. Dodge has managed to combine the power of a 2 liter with the gas mileage of a 360 cu.in.
Beware!!
I loved this truck up until the day it almost killed me. I was driving home and hit a small bump with the roads wet and completely lost control of the truck. I had always noticed the back end of the truck bounce around on bumpy roads but this time it sent me flipping over a fence. Luckily I wasn't hurt besides a few bruises. I loved the way the truck looked but will never buy another one due to safety concerns.
New Dodge
this was the best truck i have ever purchased. i have owned ford up till now and will never go back.. the truck will tow anything i have behind it with only a 3.7 and the truck handles like a dream. wouldnt drive anything else.
Better than Chevy and Ford
I've had my Ram now for about 6 months. This is by far the best truck I've ever owned. I've always been a Chevy guy myself, but... after testing Chevy's 1500, Ford's F-150 and the Toyota Tundra, I decided to try the Dodge. I bought it that day. Tough, reliable, comfortable, stylish, it offers everything one would need in a pickup truck. I had never thought about buying the Dodge, but now, I'm telling everyone to buy one! This is the best truck I've ever driven (in my 27 years of driving) bar none. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.
Cool Truck, but I think I'll swap it.
Fun to drive, but has spent a fair amt of time in the shop (transaxle,A/C and other issues). Loves gas:13 mpg avg (and most of that is highway) which doesn't bother me. I just think I should be getting ALOT more power for that kind of mileage. Wife hates the rather tight back seat on long trips. So, I'm going to look at Nissan & Ford today.
I love my truck!
I love my Dodge truck. It is fun to drive and is extremely dependable. It always starts on the first or second crank of the ignition, and it handles like a dream. I also love it because it sits up high off the ground so a person can see extremely well. It has a short turning radius, so tight corners are not a problem. Finally, I love its overall appearance. It just looks good!
Great Truck
Fun to drive, looks great. Handles very well. I have the V8 automatic ST.
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.
Ram 1500 ST V6
I have not had any trouble at all with this truck, and am glad I chose it over Ford and Chevy. Execellent truck for daily driving, handles very well, comfortable, nice ride.
Dodge the Dodge
I've read through all the previous reviews of the 2002 Dodge Ram and I was surprised to see so many average 5.0 and higher. My transmission was rebuilt at 20k miles, my dash started to seriously crack at 3-years-old (completely cracked now), the truck can't seem to find a resting idle and the dealership is scratching their heads, wondering, why didn't our first 3 recommendations fix the problem. I know what you're thinking. This guy hasn't followed the regular maintenance schedule. I have, and to the letter specified in the manual. Perhaps I drew the short straw and the new guy worked on my truck at the factory, but I'll never trust a Chrysler product again.
23000$ piece of junk
I couldn't wait to get the new Dodge Ram. I felt I had gotten a good price so, I was initially very happy. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle began sputtering and dying when sitting at traffic lights. Then, as summer approached, the air compressor went out. Next, the recall notices started coming in the mail. Three recalls to date. Now the rack and pinion is leaking and being replaced. The passenger side air blows at maybe 30%. The truck looks great and is fun to own if you don't work and have time to take it to the shop every few weeks!!
Great Truck
This vehicle is awesome. Best truck I've ever owned. When buying this truck I looked at everything Ford, Chevy, Toyota, and Nissan none even came close for over all value and features. The truck corners great, has excellent power, and looks sharp. The only time I can see needing more power is for towing large trailers but I bought a 4.7L, if you want to pull something large buy a diesel and don't complain about a gas engine being underpowered and sucking up fuel.
I love this guy !!!!
I'm TX resident and my job gets me traveled a lot weekly. The pickup helps me much on roads. this is handled well and very stable in highspeed. one time this got a breakdown last May when I was on rough roads. this trouble is sort of gas pipe inside. I solved this myselft and my agency checked it out later and say nothing serious.
Dodge Owner's shouldn't worry!
I just checked out the Ford and Chevy reviews for 1500's single cab two wheel drives. Believe it or not Dodge tied with Ford with an overall rating of 8.6. Chevy rated 8.4. Their biggest complaint on all of them was the gas milage. I guess no one in Detroit has a quick fix on this issue. I've always been a Chevy guy until 2002. I hate that new Chevy grill!
Ram
This vehicle looks like a brute and is very powerful but can't wait till the New Hemi 5.7L engine comes out this summer with 345hp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AWESOME
This truck is the nicest 4x4 on the market today. With the 20 inch wheels it has more ground clearance than any stock 1/2 ton.
Good pickup
To those of you looking for a toy- keep looking. This monster is too big to be a toy, especially if your playground is the urban jungle. The truck is managable-the turning radius is good- but at the same time, the enormous mirrors (I have the trailer tow) and wide body make maneuvering in tight spaces difficult. Acceleration from the 5.9 is average at best (esp. on the highway) and gas mileage is subpar. Handling is very good,(I have the 20s), but the ride is terrible. The truck crashes over everything and will change lanes if you don't have two hands on the wheel. All in all, it's a good truck with three bagfulls of character...just know that one of those bags WILL be offensive/bad/annoying.
this is so sweet
this truck is my first truck and to say the least it is far better than chevy or ford. i test drove all of them and the others just didn't feel like a truck, they felt like they would break. i bought a truck to do work, and i'lve payloaded more than a ton and it just trots on like nothing was in it. i know this truck will last forever.
AWESOME!!!!
I looked at EVERYTHING out there from Toyota to Ford, even VW's(for my wife) and this was by far the best deal out there....$16,400 for a V-8(240hp), CD player, Tilt wheel, cruise control, split rear window.......C'mon now, that's a good deal. This thing looks incredible, drives like a sports car, yet you sit high enough to see everything !!!! The ride is smooth and the road noise doesn't exist....This truck is a winner......!!!!!
throttle response and handling
I bought the 2 door model with the 4.7L V8 for the sole purpose to get from point a to point b.If you compare the hp rating to that of the 5.3L cheverolet you will be disapointed in dodge. But line the two up at your local red light and the dodge really surpises you. Its handling is that not of a truck. I'll drive it till the wheels fall off and buy another one in its place.
So far so good
My Ram is a short bed single cab with the 4.7 V-8. The only options I have are auto trans.CD, tilt, cruise, AC, V- 8. I have 11,548 miles now and I have had one problem. The AM band quit working on my radio. It was quickly replaced and now works fine. I love the sound of the exhaust straight from the factory. A good throaty growl. Plenty of power too. I tested them all. Dodge was the best value. In my humble opinion.
More Than I Expected
purchased a base (ST) model with cloth seats and automatic transmission. This is one of those "the whole is more than the sum of the parts". I've Never owned a Dodge before, but the build quality, looks, drive, power, ride, equipment and price are far beyond what Ford, Chev and Toyota can offer.
The Mayor
I bought my truck nov of 2001 and I love it. It has a very strong engine that pulls my 21' ski boat with no problems whatsoever. It gets the attention of everyone and they all love it and it is really affordable. I have had very few mechanical issues that were taken care of quickly by the dealership. It doesnt get great gas mileage, but its a v8 what do you expect? I would reccomend it to anyone who wants a great looking truck thats relatively inexpensive with a lot of options. Take one for a ride and you will see what I'm talking about. Happy truckin!
Free Gremlin with Truck Purchase
Pros - Looks good, comfortable ride. It pulls our 20 foot boat just fine (getting from 45 to 65 takes ~1/4 mile). Cons- 14-15 mpg when driving responsibly. 10-11 when pulling our boat. Dodge threw an electrical gremlin in with the deal. It is currently at the dealer for the second time for electrical work. The horn, windshield washer, wipers, and lights activate themselves with or without the truck running (all controls in the off position & I have no alarm system). I am sure this provides amusement for onlookers. But imagine driving behind someone them your horn starts blaring for no reason. It is an incredible obnoxious problem. That truck has
Outstanding Truck
This is by far the best truck I have ever owned, and I've had chevy, ford, and toyota. The 3.7L v-6 has tons of low end power and will smoke the tread off the tires. When its washed and the chrome is polished, I get looks everywhere I go.
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.
grrreat!!!
this is a good truck will phenomenal styling, comfort, and quality. i think that the reputation of being cheap need not apply any longer. comparable to the chevy. better than the ford. good deal.
2002 Reg Cab
Excellent Truck. Fun to drive
Won't buy another Dodge
I am sure that my taste in automobiles has changed since my purchase of this truck. The truck is acceptable, and that is all. The gas mileage is horrible! Gentle driving 14 mpg on the freeway, but it is 4wd. Reliability is less than spectacular. I have had a few issues with it, including a recall for brake brackets. In all honesty, if I were to buy a truck, I would look at Toyota. Overall, I am disappointed in the truck.
Best P/U I have ever Had
Great truck.....I love it.
2002 Dodge Ram 1500 SB 6cyl Review
My 2002 Dodge P/U has 10k mile on it now and I have had it for about 9 months. I have no complaints about the vehicle at all. It is fun to drive, gets reasonable fuel economy (3.7L) averages 18.0 mpg. Clutching/shifting is easy and precise. Probably the biggest item of note is the excellent braking - very nice. The oil is easy to change and overall I just like 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.
Pleased as Punch
Functional and fun to drive. Not really a Heavy-Hauler but handles 1200lbs. of camper without a whimper and only a slight loss in fuel economy (2-3mpg.)
Dodger for life!
I purchased by Ram 1500 "Sport Edition" truck new in 2002. In the six years of ownership and 131,000 miles later, this vehicle has seen the service department just twice - blown fuse and cooling fan. It is by far the most maintenance-free vehicle I have ever owned! The 4.7 liter engine supplies plenty of power for the type of work I do. Personally, with gas prices the way they are, I don't think the much-heralded "Hemi" is worth the money or the sacrifice in gas mileage. I average 16.5 MPG in the city and have reached 19 MPG on the highway with my 4.7. It is as silky-smooth driving as the day I bought it. Selling it is not an option - it is my "toolbox" for life!
2002 Dodge RAM, ST, Std cab 4x4...
In short, a fantastic truck. I've owned a Dodge Quad 4x4 for 3 years and love it. This 'little' one is in some ways better. A bit ugly on the front end (dodge should have left well enough alone), but amazing on the inside, great ride and wonderful performance. I've got the 4.7L with automatic.