2002 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Review
Price Estimate: $3,279 - $5,589

Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 model years
Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 types
- Regular Cab
- Quad Cab
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.
For sale near Cibolo, TX
17 listings
- 136,460 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, personal use only
- 8'2” bed, 8cyl
- American Truck Source (79 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- 8ft Bed
- Standard Cab
- 10,000lb+ Towing Cap...
Close
Located in Georgetown, TX
CALL OR TEXT 5**-9**-8***www.GETADIESEL.com2002 DODGE RAM 2500 SLT 4X45.9L CUMMINS TURBO DIESEL 24 VALVEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONFOUR WHEEL DRIVEONLY 136...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 3B7KF26652M304987
Stock: 304987
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-19-2025- 100,650 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- Diesel of Houston (155 mi away)
Close
Located in Houston, TX
2002 DODGE RAM 2500 SLT LARAMIE 4X4 LB 2ND OWNER SINCE 2003 @ 25K MILES 100% CLEAN TITLE & CARFAX REPORT 19 SERVICE RECORDS 5.9L CUMMINS H.O TURBO DIE...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 3B7KF23C32M248445
Stock: 248445
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-12-2025
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.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
Not EPA tested for Ram Pickup 2500 ST
Ram Pickup 2500 ST
vs
$205/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Reliability
The 2002 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 9 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
9 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 09E012000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 16270
- Defect Description:
- SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Defect Consequence:
- DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
- Recall Number:
- 09E009000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- J11
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1364
- Defect Description:
- CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 1,364 WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULES, P/N 55077098AJ, SOLD DURING THE 2008 AND 2009 CALENDAR YEAR FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MY 2002-2009 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER CAPABILITY.
- Defect Consequence:
- WHEN THE WIPER SYSTEM FAILS, THE OPERATOR WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES WITH VENTED WIPER MOTOR HOUSINGS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Recall Number:
- 07V555000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- G28
- Manufactured from:
- 2001-07-01 to 2002-07-05
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 576418
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN VAN AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE IGNITION/PARK SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CAN ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED (OR IN THE "LOCK" POSITION). THIS CAN ALSO ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION.
- Defect Consequence:
- EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEARSHIFT BLOCKER AND BRACKET ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Recall Number:
- 07E104000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1657
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
- Defect Consequence:
- IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
- Corrective Action:
- SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
- Recall Number:
- 07E066000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 175
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.
- Corrective Action:
- ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
- Recall Number:
- 06E049000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 27176
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Defect Consequence:
- WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Corrective Action:
- CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
- Recall Number:
- 06E024000
- Manufactured from:
- 1999-04-20 to 2004-09-10
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 44386
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
- Defect Consequence:
- A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.
- Corrective Action:
- K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.
- Recall Number:
- 04V185000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- D20
- Manufactured from:
- 1997-07-01 to 2003-06-30
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 44588
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN VAN AND WAGON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), AFTERMARKET BATTERIES MAY LEAK ELECTROLYTE ONTO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR, WHICH CAN COMPROMISE SEALING INTEGRITY OF THE CONNECTOR.
- Defect Consequence:
- THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR FOR ELECTROLYTE DAMAGE AND REPLACE THE CONNECTOR AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Recall Number:
- 02V159000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- B20
- Manufactured from:
- 2001-07-01 to 2001-11-30
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 46000
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN 4X4 PICKUP TRUCKS, THE REAR AXLE FLANGE WELD TO THE AXLE TUBE COULD FATIGUE AND ALLOW THE BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY TO ROTATE.
- Defect Consequence:
- DURING ROTATION, THE BRAKE LINE COULD SEPARATE FROM THE CALIPER RESULTING IN A BRAKE FLUID LOSS IN THE REAR BRAKE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL REAR BRAKE CALIPER REINFORCEMENTS ON THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 9, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 7 years / 70,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 5 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
High Output Cummins Diesel
4.75 out of 5 starsKevinschar, 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.
cummins diesel
4.5 out of 5 starsLindrosucs, 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.
2002 Dodge Ram Ext SLT 4x4 5.9L Cummins
4.63 out of 5 starscam2v33, 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.
Miss my 02 Dodge Ram
4.88 out of 5 starsE_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 |
rear wheel drive | |
Max Towing Capacity | 14,100 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
People who viewed this also viewed
2.9 average Rating out of 37 reviews. |
Starting at $40,275 |
3.5 average Rating out of 2 reviews. |
Starting at $45,300 |
4.3 average Rating out of 7 reviews. |
Starting at $45,300 |
Related Used 2002 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Ford Fusion Hybrid 2020 Review
- Mercedes Benz Metris 2020 Review
- BMW 3 Series 2020 Review
- Volkswagen Atlas 2020 Review
- Mercedes Benz A Class 2020 Review
- Toyota Prius 2021 Review
- Genesis G70 2021 Review
Shop used vehicles in your area
Popular new car reviews and ratings
Research other models of Dodge
Research similar vehicles
Other models
- Used Ferrari California-T in Santee, CA 2018
- Used Ford Maverick in Fremont, NE 2025
- New Honda CR-V for Sale in Lansing, MI
- New Toyota Rav4 for Sale in Duluth, GA
- Used BMW M8-Gran-Coupe in Beckley, WV 2025
- Used Maserati Coupe in Libertyville, IL 2006
- Used Land-Rover LR2 in Takoma Park, MD 2015
- Used Lexus RX-350H in Mount Airy, NC 2023
- Used Dodge Dakota in Lebanon, OH 2010
- Used Ford Transit-Connect-Cargo-Van in College Park, MD 2023