Return to TFB Main Page
Return to Texas Agriculture Archive

April 20, 2001

Dodge unveils redesigned
Ram truck

The 2002 Ram 1500 will be available in two cab choices—Regular and Quad (shown above)—both with 2WD and 4 WD. Production will begin in the summer of 2001.

Dodge is showing off its new 2002 Ram 1500 at auto shows across the country, and some industry analysts say the bold new look and stunning package of attributes set it apart from "the rest of the pack."

In addition to a new design, the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 will also offer two new Magnum engines, a new automatic transmission, and a host of customer convenience features. And, an all new Quad Cap model will boast four standard doors, while regular and extended cab models will be considerably larger than their predecessors.

All new versions of the heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 models will follow for the 2003 model. Dodge officials have yet to release a date when the 2002 Ram 1500 will be available.

"We created a phenomenon eight years ago with the 1994 Ram when we introduced the now famous "big rig" styling, along with the best total package in the full-size market," said Jim Ludlow, vice president, Dodge Global Brand Center. "With the all-new 2002 Ram 1500, we amplified the `Ram Package' in every conceivable way, making it more comfortable, roomier, quieter and more user-friendly. We did all this while improving power and capability, two hallmarks of the Ram since its distinctive design eight years ago."

New features on the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 include:

• Styling. The grille is bolder and bigger. From the grille rearward, the robust nature of the truck continues with the broad, sloping hood and fender combination that is so recognizably Ram. A more pronounced crown to the hood drops dramatically to the sculpted front fenders. The windshield slopes much more than the previous model. The compound curvature of the windshield flows easily into the door surface. The doors overlap the pillar, completely eliminating the cut line and smoothly transitioning from the front of the cab to the side. Virtually every change made to the exterior design for the 2002 helped improve aerodynamics, functionality and/or cooling.

• Engines. The 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 gets two new, more powerful and efficient engines and an all-new transmission. The new 3.7 Magnum V-6 engine replaces the 3.9 liter V-6. While smaller in displacement, the new V-6 is more powerful, producing 210 horsepower compared to 175 horsepower with the 3.9 liter engine. And, it gets better gas mileage.

The 4.7 liter Magnum V-8, with 235 horsepower, replaces the 5.2 liter V-8, with 230 horsepower.

When mated with the 45RFE automatic transmission (new to Ram), these new engine choices offer a new level of quietness and responsiveness. The new transmission is the only transmission in its class with the reverse gear ratio equal to the low gear ratio. It also features a unique alternate second gear ratio for use in difficult towing and grade climbing situations.

A third engine choice is the 245-horsepower Magnum V-8.

• Cab Design. Two new Dodge Ram cab choices are available on the 2002: Regular Cab and Quad Cab. Both feature larger cabs and improved head, shoulder, leg and hip room.

The all-new Quad Cab features four conventional doors and a larger, more comfortable cab. However, it remains essentially the same length as the previous model, which keeps it easy to maneuver and put in the garage. Three inches were taken from the bed length (6 feet, 6 inches to 6 feet, 3 inches) and added to the rear of the cab. This creates a larger rear seating area with improved leg and hip room, but doesn't reduce payload.

The Ram Regular Cab is the largest in the segment, with the cab size having been increased more than three inches for 2002.

Both the Quad Cab and Regular Cab feature improved front seat storage and convenience features. The 40/20/40 front seat provides for comfortable seating for three people or ample center storage for one or more occupants. The popular center "business console" still can hold a laptop computer, and now features fold-down dividers. The center portion offers under-cushion storage.