2003 Dodge Ram Van 1500 Review (continued)
Add your own review or comments

Summary

Dodge has done it again: Eight years after breaking the rules for pickups, Dodge redesigned its Ram and reasserted itself as a top contender among full-size trucks. The 2003 Dodge Ram remains stylish and highly capable. It's also comfortable.

Quad Cab models offer a brilliant combination of comfort and utility. Regular Cab versions are far roomier than they used to be, and are thoughtfully set up to accommodate gear behind the seat.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	2WD ST Regular Cab short-bed 120-inch wheelbase ($18,525); 2WD ST Regular Cab long-bed 140-inch wheelbase ($18,810); 4WD ST Regular Cab short-bed 120-inch wheelbase ($22,785); 4WD ST Regular Cab long-bed 140-inch wheelbase ($23,125); 2WD ST Quad Cab short-bed 140-inch wheelbase ($23,000); 2WD ST Quad Cab long-bed 160-inch wheelbase ($23,870); 4WD ST Quad Cab short-bed 140-inch wheelbase ($26,790); 4WD ST Quad Cab long-bed 160-inch wheelbase ($27,120)
Engines:	4.7-liter sohc 16-valve V8
Transmissions:	five-speed automatic
Saftey Equipment (standard):	rear-wheel ABS, dual front airbags
Saftey Equipment (optional):	side-impact curtain airbags for front and rear seats; four-wheel ABS
Basic Warranty:	3 years/50,000 miles
Assembled In:	St. Louis, Missouri; Warren, Michigan; Mexico

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	Ram 1500 4x4 short-bed Regular Cab 120-inch wheelbase ($21,575)
Standard Equipment:	air conditioning
Options As Tested (MSRP):	SLT Package 24G ($3315) includes 4.7-liter V8, five-speed automatic transmission, cloth 40/20/40 split bench seat, power windows w/driver's one-touch down, power door locks, power heated foldaway mirrors, overhead console with compass and trip computer, cruise control, tilt steering column, cab back storage w/bin, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear view auto dim mirror, floor mats, body-color upper fascia, gray bodyside molding, SLT badge, bright grille; Premium cloth seats with center seat storage cushion ($405); Sport Appearance Group w/20-inch wheels ($1610) includes anti-spin rear differential, 3.92 axle ratio, P275/55R20 tires on 20x9-inch cast aluminum wheels, fog lamps, body-color grille, front fascia, and rear bumper; Trailer Tow Group ($465) includes 750-amp battery, auxiliary transmission oil cooler, heavy-duty engine cooling, Class IV receiver hitch, 7-pin wiring harness, 7- to 4-pin adapter; Security Group ($415) includes remote keyless entry, Sentry key theft deterrent system, security alarm; four-wheel ABS ($495); sliding rear window ($140); AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo w/6 Infinity speakers ($875); steering wheel audio controls ($75); power-adjustable pedals ($120); under-rail bed liner ($245)
Destination Charge:	740
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	30475
Layout:	four-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	240 @ 4800
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	300 @ 3200
Transmission:	five-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	13/17
Wheelbase:	120.5
Length/width/height:	207.7/79.9/76.6
Track, f/r:	68.0/67.4
Turning circle:	39.6
Seating capacity:	3
Head/hip/leg room, f:	40.9/65.1/41.0
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:
Cargo volume:
Payload:	1510
Towing capacity:	6400
Suspension, f:	independent
Suspension, r:	live axle
Ground clearance:	8.0
Curb weight:	4836
Tires:	P275/55R20
Brakes, f/r:	disc/disc with four-wheel ABS
Fuel capacity:	26.0