Dodge Ram is available with two cab configurations, Regular Cab and Quad Cab. Ordering the four-door, six-passenger Quad Cab adds $4100-$5200 to the bottom line. Quad Cab models ride on a wheelbase that's 20 -inches longer than comparable regular cab models.
Two bed lengths are available, a 6-foot, 3-inch standard bed and an 8-foot long bed. Ordering the long bed only adds about $300 to the price. Long-bed models ride on a wheelbase that's 20 inches longer than comparable short-bed models. Eight-foot long beds also get a bigger fuel tank, 35 gallons in place of the standard 26-gallon tank.
Three engines are offered: Most popular will be the 4.7-liter V8, a new overhead cam design. A new 3.7-liter V6 is available that's similar in design to the 4.7-liter V8 is available. And, for towing, there's a big 5.9-liter engine using the older overhead-valve design.
A five-speed manual transmission is standard with the 3.7- and 4.7-liter engines; a four-speed automatic ($975) is optional. The 5.7-liter V8 comes standard with a heavy-duty automatic.
Four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive are available. Four-wheel drive adds approximately $3250-$4250.
Trim levels and trim packages include basic ST, SLT, SLT Plus, and Sport. ST comes standard with air conditioning, but is equipped with vinyl upholstery, wind-up windows, and manual door locks. SLT adds roughly $1700-$1800 and includes cloth upholstery, nicer interior trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a host of luxury and convenience, and wider tires. SLT Plus is the luxury package, which costs in the neighborhood of $6255-$6535 and brings leather seating surfaces, dual-zone air conditioning, a premium stereo, cast aluminum wheels, and a long, long list of luxury and convenience features. Sport trim is available for about $470; add another $1100 or so if you want the aggressive street-rodder 20-inch wheels and tires.
Dodge says prices have actually dropped slightly over last year. Base price for a Ram 4x2 Regular Cab ST 1500 is $17,670 ($715 destination charge included). Ram Quad Cab 4x4 models start at $26,065.
Heavy-duty versions of the Ram will not be introduced until next year, as 2003 models. Until then, shoppers for heavy-duty Ram models will be looking at the previous-generation of trucks.