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Dodge Ram 1500

EPA MPG: 15 mpg
Average Retail Price
$3,325 - $6,250

RECALL ALERT:
There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

While this version of the Ram is better than one it replaced, it breaks no new ground. The truck has a punishing ride, a noisy cabin, and a tight rear seat. It's tough to climb in or out, and the V8 gulps fuel without delivering much performance. Its 75-inch bed length, however is a nice feature.

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2002 Pickup trucks Reliability

This Car
NA
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Dodge vs. Other New Car Brands

Dodge vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2002 Full-sized pickup trucks Ratings

$3,325 - $6,250
economy-icon
EPA MPG 15 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,125 - $4,925
economy-icon
EPA MPG 15 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,325 - $7,675
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,400 - $6,600
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$5,150 - $7,775
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    regular cab
    crew cab
Seating
3 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
4WD, Rear
Engines Available
  • 3.7-liter V6 (215 hp)
  • 4.7-liter V8 (240 hp)
  • 5.9-liter V8 (245 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed manual
  • 4-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2009-
Current Generation
The 2009 redesign brought the Ram up-to-date with a coil-spring rear suspension, which improved ride and handling significantly. This made the pickup fully competitive in the marketplace. Fuel economy for the 5.7-liter V8 was improved and cabin quiet approached that of a luxury car's. If towing is important to you, be aware that models with the 20-inch wheel option sacrifice 1,000 pounds of rated capacity. Ram became a separate brand in 2011.
2002-2008
2002 Redesign Year
The Ram's aggressive styling, spacious cabin and voluminous cargo bed are pluses; but ponderous handling, poor fuel economy, and subpar braking limit this big pickup's appeal. Engines include a hopelessly overmatched V6, two V8s, and from 2004 to 2006 a powerful V10. The popular 4.7-liter V8 is weak and thirsty. A powerful 5.7-liter Hemi V8 was offered beginning in 2003. A longer-cab four-door debuted in 2006. After Dodge reworked the suspension system for 2006, our tested 2007 model had a better ride than previous models.
1995-2001
1995 Redesign Year

The Ram's cabin is roomy and the cargo bed voluminous, but ponderous handling, poor fuel economy, and subpar braking performance limit this big pickup's appeal. Engines include a hopelessly overmatched V6, an inline-6 turbodiesel, two V8s, and a powerful V10. The popular 5.2-liter V8 is weak and thirsty. A new-for-1998 four-door Quad Cab model brought improved rear access.