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2002 Dodge Ram Quad Cab 4X4 SLT

Date: 24 May 2002	Miles: ----
Our newest long termer is already proving popular for both weekend projects and getaways. Made even more so by this Alpine XM satellite radio receiver installed by the mail order experts at Crutchfield. We expect to put the all-new Ram, and XM, to diverse use over the next four seasons.
Date: 11 October 2002	Miles: 7,400
This Ram clearly has our staff's attention since it's already been driven over 7,400 miles in only 3 months. And, with true six adult capacity, a 6-foot 4-inch cargo bed, a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds with the low 3:92 rear axle option, it's been a reasonably frugal 90 days, with its 240-horsepower 4.7-liter V-8 averaging 13.9 miles per gallon. So, it may be a beast, but it's also one that can really haul the burden. We're also impressed with the XM Satellite radio installed in our Ram. Even on trips to the tree-shrouded mountains, reception was seldom interrupted. While it doesn't replace local radio and traffic reports, XM looks like the future of audio for long hauls, and we love it.
Date: 21 February 2003	Miles: 15,000
With Nissan ready to introduce its first full-size pickup truck, and even Honda preparing to get in on the American craving for pickups, you might think domestic brands would be panicking. But, spend some time in the latest Dodge Ram Quad Cab, and you realize how tough it's going to be for the newcomers. Our long term 2002 Quad Cab 4X4 SLT shows generations of experience at being a truck fit for work and play. The 6-passenger interior rivals a big SUV in roominess, while the 6 ½ foot cargo bed can still carry full length loads with the tailgate down, or tow 7,500 pounds. We've been driving our Ram for 7 months, and it has quickly managed nearly 15,000 miles. Our truck is powered by a responsive 240-horsepower 4.7-liter overhead cam V-8. But cold weather and longer idling is taking a toll on fuel economy, down 4 tenths to 14.1 miles per gallon. Still acceptable given just how big and capable this Ram really is. The front end vibration we noted before was cured by having the tires re-balanced. So, both the resilient ride and impressively quick handling that attracted us to the Ram in the first place have been restored. As trees lost their leaves last fall, the reception of our XM Satellite Alpine stereo that Crutchfield Electronics installed for us got even better, although you will lose reception in steep terrain. Still, it's great to drive long distances without having to constantly channel search.
Date: 18 April 2003	Miles: 17,000
Dodge continues to be the leader in truck styling with its big-rig-look Dodge Ram. But, as we have found after 9 months and over 17,000 miles with our long term 2003 Ram Quad Cab 4X4 SLT, there's a lot more to this full-size pickup than just looks. The 6-passenger interior rivals a big SUV in roominess. But it's not equally distributed. While the front seat is like a wide open prairie, most of our staff think the wide rear doors promise more leg room than the Ram delivers. On the other hand, the 6.5 foot cargo box sounds too small to do serious work. But, it can still carry full length loads with the tailgate down. Need to tow? Well, this rig will pull 7,500 pounds without pause. That capacity comes from our Ram 1500-series' 240-horsepower 4.7-liter overhead cam V-8. Want more power from gas fumes? Well, you can now order the Ram 1500, as well as the Heavy Duty, with a 345-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8. Cold weather, long periods of idle, and short trips did take a toll on fuel economy, down another 4 tenths to 13.7 miles per gallon. Big pickups tend to use lots of fuel, a factor that potential owners should consider carefully. There have been no service problems or repairs needed on our Ram since last report, and only an out-of-balance tire problem since day one. So, this big Ram pleases us in big ways every day.
Date: 23 May 2003	Miles: 18,000
Now, you might think a big truck like the Dodge Ram Quad Cab would be less than enjoyable to drive, especially around town. But you would be wrong. Dodge knew going in that the Ram had to hit it off with personal use buyers who want big comfort with big cargo capacity. So, suspension tuning is such as to minimally upset both bodies or boxes. We've also been impressed with the build quality of our Ram. It's been bulletproof for most of our test, which is now past 10 months and 18,000 miles. We've mentioned before the rather low fuel economy, 13.8 at this point. But that's neither good nor bad for its ilk. This is a full-size, crewcab, V-8 powered pickup truck, that handles big utility with little sweat. It's the family friend who is always there to help you out of a jam, a fact this Ram brings home to us every day.
Date: 18 July 2003	Miles: 20,242
They don't get much more useful than a full-size Ram. Both short and long box Quad Cabs are available, with this 6.3-foot bed well suited to suburban duties. After 12 months, and 20,242 miles, our Ram is leaving our fleet. Our long term observations are extremely positive. This is a well built, high quality, personal use pickup. We love the convenience of four car-like doors. The front seat is like a wide open prairie. But the wide rear doors promise more leg room than the Ram delivers. Problems were limited to a front end shudder that went away after a careful tire re-balancing and a trim plate on the ashtray that comes off from time to time. We've been very pleased with the 240-horsepower 4.7-liter overhead cam V-8. Power delivery is robust, although mileage remains so-so at 13.9 miles per gallon. While many will be tempted to upgrade to the new 345-horsepower 5.9-liter Hemi V-8, unless you need to tow more than 7,500 pounds, the 4.7 is smoother, quieter, and easier on the gas bills. So, so long, Ram. It's been great to know you. We don't know how we'll haul without you.