Completely redesigned and re-engineered last year, the full-size Dodge Ram boasts high levels of refinement and comfort. New pickups from General Motors and Ford had edged ahead of the previous Ram, but this latest-generation truck has put Dodge back on solid ground. The new Ram can go head to head with other full-size pickups.
The latest Ram offers a much smoother ride and a bigger, more comfortable, and more convenient cab. But all this refinement doesn't mean the Dodge Ram has gone soft. The new-generation Ram also delivers improved towing and hauling capability, plus more powerful and efficient engines.
For 2003, Ram adds an even more capable Off-Road package, a rugged-looking Work Special model, and a sophisticated new five-speed automatic transmission.
Dodge Ram is available with two cab configurations, Regular Cab and Quad Cab. Prices start at $18,330 for a 2WD Regular Cab short wheelbase. Ordering the four-door, six-passenger Quad Cab adds $4200-$5200 to the bottom line. Quad Cab models ride on a wheelbase that's 20 inches longer than comparable Regular Cab models.
Two bed lengths are available, a 6-foot, 3-inch standard bed and an 8-foot long bed. Ordering the long bed adds $300-$350 to the price, and another 20 inches to the wheelbase. Long-bed models also get a bigger fuel tank, 35 gallons in place of the standard 26-gallon tank.
Three engines are offered: The most popular choice is an overhead-cam 4.7-liter V8, which is standard with four-wheel-drive. For maximum economy, two-wheel-drive Rams can be ordered with a 3.7-liter V6 that's similar in design to the 4.7-liter V8. And, for towing, there's a big 5.9-liter V8 with the more traditional overhead-valve layout.
A five-speed manual transmission is standard with the 3.7-liter V6 and 4.7-liter V8. Optional is a new five-speed automatic ($975) that includes an alternate second gear for hill-climbing and towing (so it's technically a six-speed). This new transmission is more responsive than the unit it replaces.
The 5.9-liter V8 comes only with a heavy-duty, four-speed automatic.
Three trim levels are available, ST, SLT, and Laramie.
ST is the base level and comes standard with air conditioning, but is equipped with vinyl upholstery, wind-up windows, and manual door locks.
SLT adds $1700-$3200, depending on cab style and driveline, and includes the 4.7-liter V8, plus cloth upholstery, nicer interior trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a host of convenience items, and wider tires.
Laramie is the luxury package, which costs in the neighborhood of $7800-$8900 and brings leather seating surfaces, dual-zone air conditioning, a premium stereo, 17-inch cast aluminum wheels, and a long, long list of luxury features.
Sport body-color trim for grille and bumpers is available for $470 with any trim level; that price includes fog lights and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Add another $1600 or so if you want aggressive, street-rodder-style 20-inch wheels and tires.
New for 2003 is optional Work Special trim, with gray bumpers and grille and gray-painted 17x7 steel wheels. Also new this year is an Off-Road Package ($870-$1405) for 4WD models consisting of a 3.92:1 limited-slip differential, heavy-duty engine cooling, LT275/70R17 all-terrain tires, skid plates, tow hooks, and fog lamps.
Ram's radical big-rig styling turned the pickup world upside down when it was introduced in 1994. It was a highly successful design, one that gave the Dodge pickups a look of power and capability. The bold styling also helped boost sales exponentially. So Dodge had no intention of turning away from the big horse-collar grille and Freightliner fenders when it redesigned the Ram. This latest Dodge pickup maintains and even reinforces the look established nine years ago.
The sheet metal is indeed all new. Park a 2002-3 Ram next to a 2001 or earlier Ram and the differences are striking. The design has been extensively re-sculpted for reduced wind noise and better rainwater management. The new Ram looks sleek and refined compared with the previous model. The old one looks mashed down compared with the new one.
