2002 Dodge Ram Pickup Laramie SLT Cummins 5.9 diesel from North America
Summary:
The strongest most reliable diesel pick-up made
Faults:
While driving through a rainstorm at about 70 MPH, I had one tiny raindrop leak from the driver's door above the electric window switches. This has not happened before or since, maybe it was a strong side wind?
General Comments:
I have owned over 100 vehicles, and bar none this is the most capable and reliable vehicle I have ever owned. I have used it to tow a 30' fifth-wheel trailer throughout the western mountains with ease. I actually ran 100 MPH once (purely by accident) while towing through hilly country. This truck has averaged 17.8 MPG with a high of 21.1 MPG and a low of 9.3 MPG.
The High-Output Cummins option is well worth the extra dollars, although it will cost a little in fuel economy.
The cost of maintaining this truck is slightly more than a gas engine, but I get better power and economy for towing and I know it will last over one- million miles with no major repairs.
One thing you should know, parts are extremely expensive so don't scrimp on maintenance. Especially fuel filter changes, my local dealership service advisor (a friend of mine) warned me to change the fuel filter at every third oil change or risk buying a new fuel pump (about $1600).
After owning every domestic and most foreign make of vehicle, I can say that I find this truck to be my favorite vehicle due to quality, comfort, and long term reliability.
I personally know of one Dodge Cummins that blew the million mile mark away long ago and is still running strong. I shouldn't need to buy another vehicle for about fifteen more years if mine goes that far.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 12th October, 2004
19th Oct 2005, 16:03
Hmmn. Perhaps it is our Canadian winters and dark nights, but I have found our defroster lacking and headlights almost non-existent. Night driving is frustrating, (yes lights are aimed properly), requiring one hand on the headlight dimmer switch to keep "both" lights on so you can see properly. (High and low circuits.) There is an after market fix available, but why can't Dodge do this? And the defroster makes you choose between forward or side visibility. On defrost the windshield is clear, but side windows frost over. If you aim the vents at the side windows to keep them clear, windshield frosts. So you learn to drive while switching between the two.
And the fuel pump issues are not related to filter changes, although regular maintenance is always a good idea. The VP-44 has/had internal clearance issues, and the lift pump has a life span. Also low sulphur fuel causes lubrication issues. There are a lot of people with these trucks that perform proper servicing and are stuck on the side of the road. If you haven't yet, check your lift pump... and buy a low fuel pressure warning light to tell you when it quits. When the "little" pump goes, the "big" pump is not far behind.