Dodge Ram is available with two cab configurations, Regular Cab and Quad Cab. Prices start at $18,330 for a 2WD Regular Cab short wheelbase. Ordering the four-door, six-passenger Quad Cab adds $4200-$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 adds $300-$350 to the price, and another 20 inches to the wheelbase. Long-bed models also get a bigger fuel tank, 35 gallons in place of the standard 26-gallon tank.
Three engines are offered: The most popular choice is an overhead-cam 4.7-liter V8, which is standard with four-wheel-drive. For maximum economy, two-wheel-drive Rams can be ordered with a 3.7-liter V6 that's similar in design to the 4.7-liter V8. And, for towing, there's a big 5.9-liter V8 with the more traditional overhead-valve layout.
A five-speed manual transmission is standard with the 3.7-liter V6 and 4.7-liter V8. Optional is a new five-speed automatic ($975) that includes an alternate second gear for hill-climbing and towing (so it's technically a six-speed). This new transmission is more responsive than the unit it replaces.
The 5.9-liter V8 comes only with a heavy-duty, four-speed automatic.
Three trim levels are available, ST, SLT, and Laramie.
ST is the base level and comes standard with air conditioning, but is equipped with vinyl upholstery, wind-up windows, and manual door locks.
SLT adds $1700-$3200, depending on cab style and driveline, and includes the 4.7-liter V8, plus cloth upholstery, nicer interior trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a host of convenience items, and wider tires.
Laramie is the luxury package, which costs in the neighborhood of $7800-$8900 and brings leather seating surfaces, dual-zone air conditioning, a premium stereo, 17-inch cast aluminum wheels, and a long, long list of luxury features.
Sport body-color trim for grille and bumpers is available for $470 with any trim level; that price includes fog lights and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Add another $1600 or so if you want aggressive, street-rodder-style 20-inch wheels and tires.
New for 2003 is optional Work Special trim, with gray bumpers and grille and gray-painted 17x7 steel wheels. Also new this year is an Off-Road Package ($870-$1405) for 4WD models consisting of a 3.92:1 limited-slip differential, heavy-duty engine cooling, LT275/70R17 all-terrain tires, skid plates, tow hooks, and fog lamps.