2002 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 SLT Quad Cab 4x4 review from North America

Both outside mirrors failed within 500 miles, this was a warranty recall and fixed in a few hours.

Drivers side rear door lock got out of adjustment, also fixed for free.

At 82000 it had the right front control arm replaced, ball joint replaced, transmission flush and filter, new transmission cooler, new power steering rack. The A/C was also recharged as it was sometimes intermittently warm.

At 82000 it had also developed an exhaust leak in the right manifold, new studs, a new manifold and new gasket added.

The warranty package purchased with the truck when it was new covered all of the above except the transmission and A/C service.

This has been an excellent truck, the powertrain is super reliable and up to heavy loads. It's been up and down California, over the rockies and back to Colorado and never gave any troubles. This was usually with about a ton of people and gear aboard too.

The cab is very quiet inside and the factory Infinity premium sound is very effective and well laid out ergonomically.

The only real gripe is with the fuel economy, 11mpg average. But this was an assumed risk, and the rewards of the 5.9 liter engine far outweigh the poorer economy versus the 4.7. The 4.7 felt like it was working at full capacity lugging around the empty truck, and we knew it would be no good for keeping up 85mph on the interstate all day long with a load. The 5.9 really shows it's advantage climbing up long grades like the grapevine, 335lb-ft is much more useful than 295lb-ft. The Hemi 5.7 was not yet announced, and we've found that 5.9 liter 03 Rams are extremely rare. It's a pity, because the Hemi has a lot more power, but the 360 is a simple and proven workhorse.