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Car and Driver
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Tested: 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab Is Ahead of Its Time
From the October 2001 issue of Car and Driver. Like so many recent renewals rolling out of the DaimlerChrysler design works—perhaps we should spell that design werke?—the revitalization of the rough, tough Dodge Ram pickup represents a very tricky challenge, to wit: make it look different, as in new, without making it look too different. Aye, there's the rub. Although that butch Power Wagon look has become thoroughly familiar since its dramatic debut for the 1994 model year, it still stands out in a crowd of pickups and still polarizes the market. The '94 Ram swaggered onto center stage and promptly began selling at a rate almost triple its predecessor's languid pace—232,000 in its first year, about 14 percent of the full-size-pickup market. That performance spiked to 21 percent in 1998, when the Quad Cab was added to the lineup, a share that Dodge has set as its goal for the redesigned Ram. Which meant no fooling around with the basic concept. Aaron Kiley | Car and Driver Correctly perceiving the macho mug of the 1994 original (left) as a strength, Dodge chose to accentuate the positive with it's replacement. Design vice-president Rick Aneiros cites the "horse-collar grille, dropped front fenders, and crosshair grillework" as the key elements in the Ram's unique looks, and the new truck carries them forward with subtle refinements, such as an even bigger grille. Clear-lens headlamps brighten up the front end, and so does the additional chrome slathered on most models. The Sport version, by contrast, is the easiest to identify as new, thanks to its frosted mesh grille, body-color horse collar, and 20-inch wheels. (The other Rams ride on 17-inch wheels.) HIGHS: Power Wagon persona, versatile interior storage, roomy cabin, pleasant ride quality. There are other exterior changes. The windshield rake is "faster" (60 degrees, versus 55 in the previous Ram), a change aimed at wind-noise reduction. Another Quad Cab change is easier to spot, at least for Ram cognoscenti. The previous Quad Cab had rear-hinged demi-doors in back. Now it has four standard doors with "hinges at the front, just as God intended," according to Aneiros. We admit that we were unfamiliar with this aspect of the Almighty's automotive preferences. View Photos Aaron Kiley | Car and Driver Still another hard-to-see upgrade is the size of the extended cab, which has been stretched a full 3.0 inches. The cab is also a half-inch wider and slightly taller, and as you'd expect, the sum of all these increases is more interior space, extended cab or standard. The cargo box has shrunk from 78.0 to 75.0 inches, to keep overall length out of aircraft-carrier territory. Even so, the new Quad Cab measures 227.7 inches from stem to stern, 3.6 inches longer than a comparable predecessor. Aneiros says the net of the various styling upgrades is a Ram that retains its macho character but also looks "perky and alert," words that didn't spring to mind when we first beheld the new truck—and still don't. And even though cosmetics are important, the key changes lie beneath the new sheetmetal. These Rams ride an all-new ladder chassis featuring one-piece hydroformed box-section rails that extend all the way to the rear axle, the longest in the industry, according to Dodge, and, inevitably, far stiffer than the old frame. It's also designed for crushability, with crimping in the forward rail-ends to manage impact energy. View Photos Aaron Kiley | Car and Driver Chassis dimensions have expanded, too. The wheelbase has stretched from 138.7 to 140.5 inches, and the track expands slightly at both ends. Four-wheel drive continues to be available as an option, of course—an option absent on our test truck—but with either two-wheel drive or four, the new Ram rolls into the pickup wars with independent front suspension (coil springs on two-wheel-drive editions, torsion bars on four-wheelers) and power rack-and-pinion steering. The upper front control arms and knuckles are aluminum, which helps keep curb weights essentially unchanged. The brakes are discs at both ends, with huge rotors (13.2 inches in front, vented; 13.8 inches at the rear, solid)—a set of manhole covers that Dodge calls the biggest in the truck biz. However, unlike General Motors, Dodge makes four-wheel ABS a $495 option (rear ABS is standard). Similarly, the Ram's curtain-side airbags—a pickup-truck first—are also optional, which seems out of step with Dodge's emphasis on safety. LOWS: So-so seating comfort, numb steering, very average grunt. The new 1500-series Rams (heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 editions will be updated for the 2003 model year) offer three engine choices, two of them—a 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 (215 horsepower, 235 pound-feet of torque) and a 4.7-liter SOHC V-8 (235 hp, 295 pound-feet)—new to the family. The OHV 5.9-liter V-8 (245 hp, 335 pound-feet) carries over. The two new Magnum motors are available with either a five-speed manual (standard) or a four-speed automatic, which features two second-gear ratios, one for ordinary acceleration, one for giddyup. The 5.9-liter mates with an older four-speed automatic. If the 3.7- and 4.7-liter powertrains seem familiar, it's because they're straight out of the Jeep parts bin. View Photos Aaron Kiley | Car and Driver One of the major goals of the Ram renovation was improved ride quality, something the new truck seems to deliver, although not all of us agreed on this. Increased agility was another important dynamic target, and we'd score the Ram's responses as above average, though not by much. This still feels like a big pickup truck to us, and we also think its reflexes are somewhat muted by excessive power-steering assist, making the benefits of a rack-and-pinion system seem wasted. We're lukewarm regarding straight-ahead performance, too. The 4.7-liter V-8 (standard in Quad Cabs) gets the Ram off the line briskly but begins running out of wind as the needle (fluorescent orange) creeps across the (fashionably white) face of the speedometer. It took 8.8 seconds for that needle to advance to 60 mph—respectable for this class—but forward progress beyond 60 was deliberate. On the other hand, the Ram's braking power is good by pickup standards (70 mph to standstill in 197 feet, with moderate fade), its straight-line stability is excellent, and its all-around composure is tough to fault. View Photos Aaron Kiley | Car and Driver The element that impresses us most, however, is the Ram's revised interior. Materials are improved, there are more clever storage touches than you'd find in a bluewater sailboat, the foot pedals are power-adjustable, the vast center console—big enough for a laptop—now includes a power point for said laptop, the windows roll all the way down, and there's room for three adults in back. We could wish for better front seats, but the Quad Cab's interior otherwise stacks up as tops. Dodge expects the base 2002 standard-cab Ram to start at $18,865, and a rear-drive Quad Cab to start at $22,865. Ford's F-150 SuperCrew, the only other true four-door short-box full-size pickup, starts at $27,630. So the price seems right. But does the new Ram overshadow its competitors? Until we assemble a quartet of these big boys—Chevy, Dodge, Ford, and Toyota—for a head-to-head showdown, we think it's too close to call. VERDICT: Although it's a kinder, gentler Ram, the jury is still deliberating. Counterpoints This is a successful crossover of a sport-ute (the cab, with its four doors, and lots of space) and a pickup truck (the bed is shorter, but it's big enough for almost any job). It still rides like a pickup—jittery over uneven pavement, bouncy over railroad tracks, and just fine over smooth asphalt. It has a smooth V-8 that could use more power, but no old-fashioned-pickup engine noise. The leather quality seems second rate, and there's the usual portion of irritatingly cheap plastic. But if a crossover is what you want and you could get a four-wheel driver for $25, I'd say get in line. P.S. My two cents says the front-end styling is appallingly ugly. —Steve Spence I often need a truck to support a long hobby list, but I do not enjoy driving them. I won't say I like driving this Ram either, but it doesn't feel like a penalty box. Among the big three—Ford, Chevy, and Dodge—this Ram is the best at hiding its size. Like the Intrepid sedan, a big car that feels surprisingly small, I wasn't constantly reminded of this beast's size as I am with the Chevy. That's a huge plus when you're driving a truck because you have to. Still, I don't see this pickup as suddenly the winner of the big-rig competition. It's a good truck, and it has equaled or perhaps inched past the Ford and Chevy in many areas, but it's no revolution. —Larry Webster Imagine the bickering over the gamble to dump the Ram's big-selling extended cab with its two small pseudo doors in favor of the new four-full-door design. Chevrolet also offers buyers a heavy-duty crew-cab Silverado in half-ton guise but expects to sell only one for every 15 extended cabs sold. Maybe the Dodge boys know a secret; the Ram's four door handles are certainly more practical (even minus the three inches lopped off the cargo box to make it happen). But to these eyes they look incomplete without some kind of highway-department insignia. Extended cabs impart some style to working trucks that crew cabs just can't match. —Aaron Robinson Specifications Specifications 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab SLT Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 6-passenger, 4-door pickup PRICE Base/As Tested: $24,705/$28,775 Options: automatic transmission, $975; cassette and CD-player, $875; leather seats, $875; trailer hitch, $4 65; anti-lock brakes, $495; bed liner, $245; sliding rear window, $140 ENGINE SOHC 16-valve V-8, iron and aluminum heads, port fuel injection Displacement: 287 in3, 4701 cm3 Power: 235 hp @ 4800 rpm Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm TRANSMISSION 4-speed automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle Brakes, F/R: 13.2-in vented disc/13.8-in disc Tires: Goodyear Wrangler SR-A P265/70SR-17 DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 140.5 in Length: 227.7 in Width: 79.9 in Height: 74.7 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 65/56 ft3 Cargo Volume: 59 ft3 Curb Weight: 5182 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 8.8 sec 1/4-Mile: 16.8 sec @ 80 mph 100 mph: 31.3 sec Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.2 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.8 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.3 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 110 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 197 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.71 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 14 mpg EPA FUEL ECONOMY City/Highway: 14/19 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED Reviewed by Tony Swan Tony was smart, well read, funny, irascible, cantankerous, opinionated, friendly, difficult, charming, honest, and eminently interesting to be around. He loved cars, car people, and words... but most of all, he loved racing. The Car and Driver writer, editor, and racer passed away in 2018 at age 78. Remembering Tony
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ford isn't going to love RAM's new warranty offering
Ford isn't going to love RAM's new warranty offering originally appeared on Autoblog. Starting with the 2026 model year, RAM is doubling down on its comeback strategy by offering something no other full-size truck brand does: a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. That's right—twice the current coverage on gas-powered RAM trucks, and a full five years longer than what Ford and GM currently offer. It's not just the half-ton RAM 1500 that's getting the extra protection. The new warranty extends to heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 models, chassis cab trucks, and even the ProMaster commercial van. Buyers of the off-road-ready Power Wagon and high-performance RHO also qualify. The only real exclusions? Fleet buyers and the all-electric ProMaster EV. That means for individual buyers, whether purchasing or leasing, this warranty could be a serious reason to reconsider a Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado. So why the sudden move? According to RAM CEO Tim Kuniskis, the answer is simple: consumer behavior has shifted. Today's truck buyers are financing over longer terms and holding onto their vehicles longer than ever—12.6 years on average. Yet no truck brand has changed its warranty to reflect that reality. 'We think this gives people a real reason to switch,' Kuniskis said. And he's not wrong. Truck buyers are famously brand-loyal, with roughly 75–80% sticking with the same make when they buy again. But loyalty can shift if one brand clearly takes better care of its owners, especially in the long haul. Offering a longer warranty also sends a strong message: RAM believes in the durability of its new powertrains. That includes the returning 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, now offered once again as an option on the 2026 RAM 1500, and the twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six that debuted just last year. RAM is coming off a rocky year. The 2025 RAM 1500 launch hit production delays, early trims were priced too high, and removing the V-8 left a bad taste for longtime fans. But the brand is attempting to turn the page. Under new leadership, including Kuniskis' return from retirement, RAM has slashed prices, brought back the HEMI, and even announced a NASCAR comeback for 2026. The company has also rolled out a new marketing push with the tagline 'Nothing Stops RAM'. This warranty announcement isn't just a sales gimmick; it's part of a larger turnaround strategy designed to restore consumer confidence and boost conquest sales. Ford and Chevy now face a choice: match RAM's warranty or risk looking second-best in a segment where perception matters as much as specs. So far, neither has hinted at making a similar move. That leaves RAM as the sole brand offering a decade of peace of mind on core powertrain components: engine, transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, and axles. And in a world where trucks now cost as much as some luxury cars, that could be a powerful differentiator. If Ford and GM aren't worried yet, they probably should be. Ford isn't going to love RAM's new warranty offering first appeared on Autoblog on Jun 22, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Miami Herald
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Ford isn't going to love RAM's new warranty offering
Starting with the 2026 model year, RAM is doubling down on its comeback strategy by offering something no other full-size truck brand does: a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. That's right-twice the current coverage on gas-powered RAM trucks, and a full five years longer than what Ford and GM currently offer. It's not just the half-ton RAM 1500 that's getting the extra protection. The new warranty extends to heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 models, chassis cab trucks, and even the ProMaster commercial van. Buyers of the off-road-ready Power Wagon and high-performance RHO also qualify. The only real exclusions? Fleet buyers and the all-electric ProMaster EV. That means for individual buyers, whether purchasing or leasing, this warranty could be a serious reason to reconsider a Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado. So why the sudden move? According to RAM CEO Tim Kuniskis, the answer is simple: consumer behavior has shifted. Today's truck buyers are financing over longer terms and holding onto their vehicles longer than ever-12.6 years on average. Yet no truck brand has changed their warranty to reflect that reality. "We think this gives people a real reason to switch," Kuniskis said. And he's not wrong. Truck buyers are famously brand-loyal, with roughly 75–80% sticking with the same make when they buy again. But loyalty can shift if one brand clearly takes better care of its owners-especially in the long haul. Offering a longer warranty also sends a strong message: RAM believes in the durability of its new powertrains. That includes the returning 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, now offered once again as an option on the 2026 RAM 1500, and the twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six that debuted just last year. RAM is coming off a rocky year. The 2025 RAM 1500 launch hit production delays, early trims were priced too high, and removing the V-8 left a bad taste for longtime fans. But the brand is attempting to turn the page. Under new leadership, including Kuniskis' return from retirement, RAM has slashed prices, brought back the HEMI, and even announced a NASCAR comeback for 2026. The company has also rolled out a new marketing push with the tagline "Nothing Stops RAM". This warranty announcement isn't just a sales gimmick; it's part of a larger turnaround strategy designed to restore consumer confidence and boost conquest sales. Ford and Chevy now face a choice: match RAM's warranty or risk looking second-best in a segment where perception matters as much as specs. So far, neither has hinted at making a similar move. That leaves RAM as the sole brand offering a decade of peace of mind on core powertrain components: engine, transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, and axles. And in a world where trucks now cost as much as some luxury cars, that could be a powerful differentiator. If Ford and GM aren't worried yet, they probably should be. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
4 Rugged Car Brands That'll Hold Up Against All Terrains
Sometimes you want a vehicle that'll hold up for more than just your everyday driving needs. You may be looking for a rugged ride to enjoy some off-road excursions. Many car brands now offer rugged and durable vehicles to appeal to those seeking some adventure. And some even offer that at a low price — perfect for any budget. Be Aware: Read Next: Here's a look at four of the most rugged brands to consider if you want to drive in some exciting terrains. If you're looking for a rugged car that'll hold up for your daily commute and your off-road adventures, check out Ford. It's a brand known for making vehicles that are durable and fun to drive. Specifically, according to Edmunds, you may want to check out the Ford Bronco Sport Sasquatch. It's a compact SUV that's rugged, dependable and spacious. Edmunds claimed this car has 'genuine off-road capability and everyday usability.' The Sasquatch package is available with the Outer Banks and Badlands trim levels. For a 2025 model, the Outer Banks and Badlands trims start at $35,459 and $38,818, respectively, per Edmunds. Explore More: It's probably no surprise that Jeep makes the list of rugged car brands. After all, its Wrangler is a fan favorite for durability and drivability. According to its website, the Jeep Wrangler has strength and power in hard-to-reach terrains. A 2025 Jeep Wrangler has a starting MSRP of $32,690. Jeep is a brand to consider for your next vehicle if you're looking for one that'll hold up for years and offer versatility for everyday driving and off-road excitement. According to IMG Licensing, 'rugged individualism' is one of the hallmarks of Dodge's brand. Drivers looking for a car with off-road capabilities can consider the Dodge Ram. Humes Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM points to the Power Wagon and Rebel specifically. A 2025 Power Wagon starts at $72,140, while a 2025 Rebel has a starting MSRP of $68,940. When it comes to reliable trucks and SUVs, it may be tough to beat those from GMC. That's probably particularly true if you want to take your vehicle in rugged terrain. Some GMC vehicles to consider for rugged reliability include the Sierra, Yukon and Canyon. A 2025 GMC Sierra has a starting MSRP of $66,800, and a 2025 Yukon has a starting MSRP of $67,200. A 2025 Canyon comes in much lower, with a starting MSRP of $38,400. More From GOBankingRates 5 Types of Vehicles Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying How Far $750K Plus Social Security Goes in Retirement in Every US Region 4 Things You Should Do if You Want To Retire Early 12 SUVs With the Most Reliable Engines Sources Edmunds, 'Off-Road Buyers Guide: Which Hardcore SUV Is Right for You?' Edmunds, '2025 Ford Bronco Sport.' Jeep, 'Jeep Wrangler.' IMG Licensing, 'Dodge.' Humes Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM, 'Top Ram Truck Off-Roading Models.' This article originally appeared on 4 Rugged Car Brands That'll Hold Up Against All Terrains
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Classic Dodge Power Wagon Gets The Love It Deserves
Read the full story on Backfire News Someone kept a nice 1975 Dodge Power Wagon in their backyard under one of those temporary shelter things for the past 37 years. As you would expect, the classic truck ended up getting incredibly filthy, looking like a genuine barn find vehicle. Thankfully, it was finally rescued and given a thorough cleaning, the pickup getting the love it absolutely owner actually confirms that for a while the truck was in fact sitting inside a barn, so it came by all that dust rightfully. Then he parked it under the temporary structure and life happened. One thing that makes recovering this truck difficult is the fact it's large and has a camper shell in the bed, adding to the already massive weight. The professional detailers who signed up to rescue and clean up this Dodge, WD Detailing, struggle big time with getting the Power Wagon out of its resting spot and onto a waiting trailer. They have to take the camper shell off so it will even fit in the trailer, learning just four small C-clamps are holding it onto the bed sides. Thankfully, the owner doesn't want the camper anymore, so they take it off and dump the rotting thing. When it comes to cleaning the Dodge, the detailers have to remove layers of dirt and grime – it's really disgusting. They also find out one of the lug nuts was welded on for whatever reason. Sometimes you find the craziest things on old vehicles. But they push through, cleaning the exterior, cab, and even the engine compartment. The engine itself is done for and there is no gas tank, just an old can and a hose under the hood the owner used to supply the engine back when it did run. While the truck is going to need a lot of mechanical work, it cleans up surprisingly well. We just wonder what you would do with this pickup? What engine would you put in it? Image via WD Detailing/YouTube
