csimo
07-31-2002, 17:30
The September 2002 issue of Consumer Reports tested the new Dodge Ram Crew Cab truck. The model tested was a 1/2 ton, but most applies to the new heavy duty line for 2003. Here are some quotes from the article:
"The Dodge Ram was redesigned for 2002, but improvements are too modest to keep pace with current competition. The ride is stiff and jittery, the cabin is noisy, the rear seat is tight, and fuel economy is the worst of a bad lot. Braking and handling also fall short."
"While the new Ram is better than the old one, it breaks no new ground. By contemporary standards it has a punishing ride, noisy cabin, and tight rear seat. It's tough to climb in or out, and the V8 gulps fuel without delivering much performance."
"The Ram rides stiffly and busily on just about all roads. The rear hops sideways on sharp bumps. Rough roads constantly jolt the occupants, and the cabin suffers from wind and road noise."
"Finishings are hard plastics, some of which feel flimsy."
"The rear (seat) is wide enough for three adults, but the seats are umcomfortable and leg room is tight."
If you read the article it seems that Consumer Reports actually tried to find some good things to say, but there were very few. The article tested the Chevrolet Avalanche, Ford F-150 and the Dodge Ram. They placed exactly in that order with the Ram being the worst of the lot.
I have nothing against DaimlerChrysler (I worked in management for Chrysler for 14 years), but they seem to have missed the boat with their new trucks.
I was going to wait and see what the new Ram offered before buying a new truck, but couldn't wait once I drove the Chevrolet. Looking back I'm glad I didn't wait!
"The Dodge Ram was redesigned for 2002, but improvements are too modest to keep pace with current competition. The ride is stiff and jittery, the cabin is noisy, the rear seat is tight, and fuel economy is the worst of a bad lot. Braking and handling also fall short."
"While the new Ram is better than the old one, it breaks no new ground. By contemporary standards it has a punishing ride, noisy cabin, and tight rear seat. It's tough to climb in or out, and the V8 gulps fuel without delivering much performance."
"The Ram rides stiffly and busily on just about all roads. The rear hops sideways on sharp bumps. Rough roads constantly jolt the occupants, and the cabin suffers from wind and road noise."
"Finishings are hard plastics, some of which feel flimsy."
"The rear (seat) is wide enough for three adults, but the seats are umcomfortable and leg room is tight."
If you read the article it seems that Consumer Reports actually tried to find some good things to say, but there were very few. The article tested the Chevrolet Avalanche, Ford F-150 and the Dodge Ram. They placed exactly in that order with the Ram being the worst of the lot.
I have nothing against DaimlerChrysler (I worked in management for Chrysler for 14 years), but they seem to have missed the boat with their new trucks.
I was going to wait and see what the new Ram offered before buying a new truck, but couldn't wait once I drove the Chevrolet. Looking back I'm glad I didn't wait!