2002 Dodge Ram

Price Completes the "Package" for the All-New 2002 Dodge Ram
Chrysler Group Press ReleaseLast Edited: 08-23-01 22:00
PickupTruck.com © 2001

With its unique package of bold styling, best-in-class roominess, superb ride and handling, performance, safety and capability, the all-new 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 offers a combination of attributes that no other full-size pickup can match. Now the all-new Ram will set itself further apart from the pack, with pricing that is as much as $925 below 2001 levels.

The base price on the 2002 Dodge Ram 4x2 Regular Cab ST 1500 will be $17,670 ($715 destination included), which is $120 less than the previous Ram. A typically-equipped Ram Regular Cab ST 4x2 will be $18,865, or $925 less than its predecessor.

Moreover, all Ram models now include over $800 worth of standard items that previously were optional, including air conditioning, rear disc brakes and larger wheels and tires.

"The previous Dodge Ram raised the bar in the full-size truck market by introducing features never seen before - bold styling, comfortable interiors, superb ride and handling and new safety features," said Chrysler Group President and Chief Executive Officer Dieter Zetsche. "The all-new 2002 Ram raises the bar even higher by providing a truck that is bigger, bolder and more capable, with unique safety features and what we feel is the best ride, handling and braking package in the segment.

"We believe this package will set the standard in the full-size pickup market in terms of value as well as innovation."

The most significant change to the Ram lineup is the all-new Ram Quad CabTM, which has two full-size rear doors and a unique cab/bed proportion that provides the optimum balance between capability and interior functionality, without compromising maneuverability. The bed length has been reduced from 6'6" to 6'3", with the extra three inches added to the cab interior, providing a fully useable and roomy rear cab for passenger carrying or cargo. Unique standard and optional storage features allow the owner virtually limitless storage possibilities for large and/or valuable objects. The base price on the Ram Quad Cab ST 4x2 will be $22,865. A typically-equipped Ram Quad Cab ST 4x2 will be $24,060, only $300 more than its predecessor. Ram Quad Cab 4x4 models will begin at $26,065.

The all-new Ram Regular Cab also benefits from the unique cab/bed proportions, with an additional three inches added to the interior. This will make it the largest Regular Cab interior in the segment, providing not only a comfortable seating position for driver and passengers but unmatched interior storage behind the seat. The Regular Cab 4x4 models will start at $21,930, only $130 more than the 2001 model.

In addition to its modern interior and exterior, the 2002 Ram features two all-new engines that offer better performance, yet improved fuel economy over their predecessors. The new 3.7-liter Magnum V-6 replaces the 3.9-liter V-6 and produces 215 horsepower, compared to 175 horsepower from the 3.9-liter engine. The new 4.7-liter Magnum engine succeeds the 5.2-liter Magnum V-8 and boasts an improved 240 horsepower over the 235 horsepower 5.2-liter engine. Both engines will produce approximately one mile per gallon better fuel economy than the previous engines. The 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 engine rounds out the Ram 1500 powertrain lineup.

Ram established itself as the leader in ride and handling with the previous model, and the 2002 model will take that position to another level with the introduction of several major enhancements. The foundation of the system is an all-new hydroformed frame that is stiffer, yet more weight efficient than the previous model. A new rack-and-pinion steering system on both 4x2 and 4x4 models provides a more responsive and precise steering feel. The new independent front suspension on 4x4 models provides the right blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability. Ram offers the largest brake system in the segment and the largest standard and optional wheel and tire packages among full-size pickups. This combination of features will give Ram owners both comfort and control.

Ram - A Safety Leader

As the first full-size truck with a driver's side air bag and four-wheel anti-lock brakes, the 1994 Ram showed its commitment to safety. The 2002 Ram not only introduces more 'safety firsts' to the full-size market, but shows a total commitment to occupant safety and impact management. The 2002 model will be the first full-size pickup to offer optional side curtain air bags ($390 for Regular Cab; $490 for Quad Cab models). Pyrotechnic pretensioners in the front outboard seat systems are designed to tighten when the front air bag activates, keeping the occupants safely in place. Lap shoulder belts have been added to the center rear position on the Quad Cab and the front center in the Regular Cab.

All size passengers have been addressed with the Ram safety package. All three rear seating positions in the Quad Cab can accommodate a child-safety seat and are fitted with tether anchors. On Regular Cab models, both the center and passenger seats are fitted with tether anchors. For shorter drivers, adjustable pedals are available as a $120 option (standard on SLT+ models).

In the event of an impact, the front of the hydroformed frame features computer-modeled indentations and holes in the front rail strips that are designed to absorb more of the impact energy and reduce the force exerted both on passengers in the Ram and the object it impacts.

"The 1994 Dodge Ram sent the message that full-size trucks could be everyday vehicles that are convenient to use, fun to drive and great to look at," Zetsche said. "That model led all other truck makers to consider new variables in re-designing their next trucks. With its performance, styling, safety and roominess - especially the unique cab/box proportion of the Quad Cab model - we believe the 2002 Dodge Ram will again be the truck that all others are measured by."

The 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 will be built at three plants, including the Dodge City - Warren Truck (Warren, Mich.); St. Louis North (Mo.) and Saltillo (Mexico) assembly facilities. Production of the 2500 (3/4-ton) and 3500 (1-ton) models will continue for one more model year on the existing platform. All-new versions of the 2500 and 3500 will be introduced in the 2003 model year.

Model Base MSRP (including $715 destination)
Dodge Ram Regular Cab ST 4x2 $17,670
Dodge Ram Regular Cab ST 4x4 $21,930
Dodge Ram Quad Cab ST 4x2 $22,865
Dodge Ram Quad Cab ST 4x4 $26,065