Despite the latest buzz around electric, hybrid and clean-diesel vehicles, North America’s long-lived love-affair with big, V8-powered pickup trucks is showing no signs of ending anytime soon.
When power, styling and muscle count, few trucks in recent history can match the punch Dodge built into their last-generation Ram. Among other things, this machine really helped the brand earn a reputation for building America’s ‘sporty’ pickup.
The latest generation Ram went on sale in the recent past, and is currently racking up awards at a fantastic rate. As such, used selection of last-generation Ram models is likely plentiful at dealer lots as shoppers trade in for a newer model.
The last-generation Ram was introduced as a 2002 model which carried on until 2008 with numerous driveline revisions and a mild face-lift part-way through.
2002 Ram models hit the road with a sole V6 engine, and a pair of available V8s. Standard was Chryslers 3.7 litre unit, with 215 horsepower. Shoppers after V8 power could opt for either a 4.7 litre unit with 240 or 305 horsepower (year-dependent), or a 5.9 litre, 245-horsepower torque-monster.
The 5.7 litre HEMI V8 kicked in for the 2003 model year, offering 345 horsepower. The cylinder-deactivating Multi Displacement System (MDS) was added to the HEMI for 2006.
Depending on the year and engine in question, shoppers will find a manual transmission with five or six-speeds, or an automatic with four or five. Rear or four-wheel drive models were available, too, utilizing either electric or manual transfer-cases, depending on the model.
Ram also came in two-door, four-door and four-door ‘MegaCab’ configurations. All the expected standard and optional equipment was available-- including rear-seat entertainment consoles, heated leather seating, tinted glass, remote access, cruise control and plenty more. Talk about selection!
 |
| 2002-2003 Dodge Ram (Photo: Chrysler) |
When power, styling and muscle count, few trucks in recent history can match the punch Dodge built into their last-generation Ram. Among other things, this machine really helped the brand earn a reputation for building America’s ‘sporty’ pickup.
The latest generation Ram went on sale in the recent past, and is currently racking up awards at a fantastic rate. As such, used selection of last-generation Ram models is likely plentiful at dealer lots as shoppers trade in for a newer model.
The last-generation Ram was introduced as a 2002 model which carried on until 2008 with numerous driveline revisions and a mild face-lift part-way through.
2002 Ram models hit the road with a sole V6 engine, and a pair of available V8s. Standard was Chryslers 3.7 litre unit, with 215 horsepower. Shoppers after V8 power could opt for either a 4.7 litre unit with 240 or 305 horsepower (year-dependent), or a 5.9 litre, 245-horsepower torque-monster.
The 5.7 litre HEMI V8 kicked in for the 2003 model year, offering 345 horsepower. The cylinder-deactivating Multi Displacement System (MDS) was added to the HEMI for 2006.
Depending on the year and engine in question, shoppers will find a manual transmission with five or six-speeds, or an automatic with four or five. Rear or four-wheel drive models were available, too, utilizing either electric or manual transfer-cases, depending on the model.
Ram also came in two-door, four-door and four-door ‘MegaCab’ configurations. All the expected standard and optional equipment was available-- including rear-seat entertainment consoles, heated leather seating, tinted glass, remote access, cruise control and plenty more. Talk about selection!
 |
| 2008 Dodge Ram (Photo: Chrysler) |