You probably saw it on the road, the new 2002 Dodge Ram full-size pick-up truck. And I am pretty sure that what struck you the most was the big brawny grille that makes this new product look more like a Kenworth than an every day small-duty delivery truck! But that is excatly the effect Dodge Truck designers wanted when they reworked DaimlerChrysler's most popular ever pick-up truck. The first generation of the ?new? Dodge Ram pick-up was introduced as a 1994 model and already supported the ?big rig? look. At that time, Chrysler management told us:? People will like it or hate it but nobody will ignore the new Ram??and they were right. So for the completely redone 2002 edition, no suprise they gave it an even meaner look!
Actually, the 2002 Ram not only has a brand new body but also a new frame and new engines except for the carry-over optional 5.9 litre V8. Look at it very carefully and you will see how different it is. The cab is totally redesigned with a more raked windshield. The bed is also redesigned. But let's look more carefully at the four-door Sport model I recently tested thanks to DaimlerChrysler Canada. This four-wheel drive truck was powered by a new (to this vehicle) 235-hp 4.7-litre SOHC V8 mated to an also new multiple speed (that means a four-speed but with a doubled second speed that is chosen electronically depending how you drive) transmission. If we stay in this department, let me tell you this combination is very efficient and modern. Though the truck was not the fastest wheels on the road, it did get around pretty quickly and nimbly. Fuel comsumption was heavy with 20L/100 km or some 14 miles to the (imperial) gallon. This average was done with lots of city driving and a little highway. The fact the test was done late in fall could have influenced the average fuel economy. The engine rumble pouring out of the exhaust could become annoying (though it was real music to my ears) but the Ram is pretty quiet at highway speed. Steering is a lot quicker thanks to a new rack-and-pinion device. Braking is more or less convincing but ABS comes in quickly to correct the situation. My Sport tester was equiped with the huge optional 20-inch wheels with large Goodyear tires that were good on dry pavement, not too bad on water but not great on snow. This is where the 4 x 4 came in handy. I haven't checked if there were winter tires that would fit the size of the chrome wheels on my Ram. As far as putting the truck in four-wheel drive, my tester came with the older lever on the floor operation. A more modern electronic switch should be on its way very soon as I tested one last summer during the Ram's introduction.