2002 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Review
2002 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Review
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Used Ram Pickup 1500 for sale
Appraise This CarDodge Ram Pickup 1500 model years
Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 types
- Regular Cab
- Quad Cab
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Increased passenger room, side-curtain airbags, improved ride and handling.
Cons
- Top engine choice lags behind competition, no stepside body style.
What’s new
Just about everything on the truck has undergone a complete redesign with improvements in safety, passenger comfort and handling.
Edmunds says
Dodge's redesigned Ram 1500 retains its character while offering a few features that Ford and GM pickups lack.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 2dr Regular Cab ST 2WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$269/mo for Ram Pickup 1500 ST
Ram Pickup 1500 ST
vs
$257/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
Although the last version (1994-2001) Ram pickup was a big success for Dodge, after seven years, Dodge felt it was time to revamp the Ram again. But it didn't want to screw up the success it had with the last generation by changing it too radically. In fact, it took the distinctive styling cues from last year's Ram and made them even more pronounced. Case in point: the grille, which is now even larger.
Other cosmetic changes include jewel-like light clusters front and rear and the biggest standard wheel and tire combination on a light-duty full-size pickup. And we mean big; even the ST two-wheeler comes with 245/70R17s. And on Sport models, massive 20-inch alloy wheels wear 275/55R20 rubber.
Ram 1500s will be available in two cab styles (regular and Quad), two bed lengths (6.3 feet and 8 feet) and three trim levels (base ST, mid-level SLT, luxury SLT Plus). Additionally, a Sport package will be optional on the SLT and SLT Plus.
Realizing that most folks don't often fill up their pickup's bed to full capacity, Dodge wisely took 3 inches from the standard bed length (now 6 feet 3 inches) and added it to the passenger compartment. In essence, this design allows the new Ram Quad Cab to have the expansive passenger room of a crew cab while keeping the truck's overall length nearly the same as last year's Quad Cab, which was really an extended-cab pickup with smallish rear-hinged rear doors. To improve access to the rear compartment, the 2002 Quad Cab's conventional rear doors open up nearly 90 degrees. And just so every potential customer's needs are met, an 8-foot bed is available.
The Ram ST comes with air conditioning, AM/FM/cassette stereo, a 40/20/40-split front seat and a huge fold-down center armrest with a storage bin. Stepping up to the SLT adds cruise control; larger (265/70R17) tires; chrome wheels; cloth seating; an overhead console with trip computer; and power windows, locks and mirrors. And for those who want their pickup to emulate a luxury car, there is the SLT Plus, which adds the following to the SLT: leather seating, heated driver and passenger seats, power driver (and passenger on Quad Cab) seat, HomeLink transmitter system, a 240-watt 11-speaker sound system (with a CD player and steering wheel-mounted controls), keyless entry/anti-theft system, four-wheel antilock brakes and alloy wheels. Sport models feature a monotone paint scheme along with the special grille and 20-inch wheels mentioned above.
Two of the Ram 1500's three engines are new: a 3.7-liter V6 with 215 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque and a 4.7-liter V8 that produces 235 horses and 295 lb-ft. Only the 2WD Regular Cab Rams come with the V6, all others have the 4.7-liter V8. The 4.7-liter engine has actually been around since 1999, when it debuted in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, but it is new to the Ram. Returning is the 5.9-liter V8 with 245 ponies and 335 lb-ft of twist. The 5.9, however, is dated and down on power and fuel economy compared to the top engine choices for comparable Ford and GM pickups.
A five-speed manual is standard on the two smaller engines, with a four-speed automatic optional and standard on the 5.9. A properly equipped Regular Cab can tow up to 8,860 pounds, and a Quad Cab can pull up to 8,350 pounds. Payload capacity stands at 2,530 and 1,770 pounds, respectively.
Beefy, fully boxed side frame rails make the Ram's platform extremely rigid which optimizes handling and helps eliminate potential squeaks and rattles. All 2002 Ram 1500s have an independent front suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. At more than 13 inches in diameter, the brakes are the biggest in the class. A rear antilock system is standard on ST and SLT. The SLT Plus comes with four-wheel antilock brakes, which are optional on the other models. Dodge brings some breakthrough safety features to the full-size pickup segment with the 2002 model. Side curtain airbags are optional on all Rams. The front center seat in the Regular Cab and the rear center seat on the Quad Cab get three-point seatbelts. And optional on the SLT and SLT Plus are power adjustable pedals (though Ford had this first), which allow shorter folk to get a comfortable driving position without having to sit too close to the steering wheel.
With the new Ram 1500, Dodge has a well-rounded truck that's able to work harder than its predecessor while delivering superior ride, handling and safety characteristics.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500.
5 star(64%)
4 star(26%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
245 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
2002 Dodge ram 1500 quad cab 2wd 4.7
pseals, 03/26/2013
2002 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 4dr Quad Cab ST 2WD SB (4.7L 8cyl 5M)
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Great truck - second owned ...
Kelly, 02/06/2016
2002 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 2dr Regular Cab ST 2WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
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.
3.75 out of 5 stars
RAM 1500 Durability Problems
J. Clark, 08/11/2006
2002 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 4dr Quad Cab ST 4WD SB (4.7L 8cyl 5M)
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.
4.13 out of 5 stars
Great Truck
Philly Rich, 05/12/2009
2002 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 4dr Quad Cab ST 4WD SB (4.7L 8cyl 5M)
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!
2002 Ram Pickup 1500 Highlights
Regular Cab
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $17,620 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $269/month |
Seating | 3 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 8,650 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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