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2002 Dodge Ram - Overview
Safety: A Vital Part of the Ram Package
Just like its predecessor, the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 is a segment
innovator in the area of occupant safety and impact management.
The 1994 Ram was the first full-size
pickup to offer dual air bags. The 2002 model will be the first full-size
pickup to offer optional side air bag curtains. The curtains are hidden in
the headliner and run the length of the cab to offer better head
protection to outboard passengers in the front (Regular Cab) and front and
rear (Quad Cab) in the event of a side impact.
The hydroformed frame is
engineered to better absorb impact forces and better isolate the passenger
cabin. Computer-modeled indentations and holes in the front rail strips of
the frame help serve as "crush initiators." This allows the front crush
zone to absorb more of the impact energy and reduces the force exerted on
both passengers in the Ram and the object it impacts.
High strength steel beams in the doors are lighter while
improving protection in the event of a side impact.
For Ram owners with small children, the rear area of the
Quad Cab is improved in safety and capability. All three seating positions
can accommodate child-safety seats and are fitted with tether anchors. On
Regular Cab models, both the center and passenger seats are fitted with
tether anchors. A passenger air bag cutoff switch is
standard.
The Rest of the Package:
Heavy-Duty Rams to Be Redesigned for 2003
Production began in the summer of 2001 on the 2002 Ram 1500 at
Chrysler Group's Dodge City Warren Truck (Warren, Mich.); St. Louis
North (Missouri) and Saltillo (Mexico) assembly plants. Production of the
3/4-ton (Ram 2500) and one-ton (Ram 3500) models will continue for one
more year on the existing platform. All-new versions of the 2500 and 3500
will be introduced in the 2003 model
year.
Design
- The all-new Ram Quad Cab has maximized the
proportions of an extended cab pickup. Quad Cab features four full-size
doors and an additional three inches of interior space, while the bed
length has been shortened just three inches to 6'3". This creates a
roomier and more convenient cab without any compromise to payload
capability or maneuverability.
- Very few grilles are as instantly recognizable as
the massive horse collar grill of the Ram. For 2002, the grille grows
even more, and will be represented differently on each of three models.
- The Ram SLT horse collar is all chrome, with a
gray honeycomb center
- The Ram SLT+ features a body-color grille
surround and chrome cross hairs
- The Ram Sport has body-color surround and cross
hairs, with unique chrome billets in the center.
- The windshield slopes much more than the previous
Ram, not only enhancing the strong stance of the truck, but also aiding
in aerodynamics and wind and water management.
- Starting at the grille and moving rearward, the
robust appearance of the truck continues with a broad sloping hood and a
pronounced crown that falls to the bold front fenders.
- The doors overlap the A-pillar, completely
eliminating the cut line and creating a smoother transition from the
front of the cab to the side.
- Great exterior design is not just about appearance.
Many changes made to the 2002 Ram aid in aerodynamics, functionality
and/or cooling.
- The integrated air dam helps engine cooling and
improves air conditioning condenser airflows
- Extended edges on the door frames are tapered to
help air flow and lower wind noise.
- They also help channel water over the roof rather
than around to the side windows.
- The Ram Regular Cab is the largest in the segment.
It, too, gains an additional three inches of cab space, with three
inches removed from the bed.
- Even the badging is contoured to follow the bold
design of the exterior.
Packaging and Features
Cab
Dimensions
Ram Regular Cab has
the largest interior of any regular cab full-size pickup. Not only does
this create more storage area behind the seats, but seat travel is
increased significantly.
The cab of Ram Quad Cab
is more than three inches larger than its predecessor. This allows for
large comfortable seating for three people
in the
rear.
Luxury Features
The all-new instrument panel features the
segment's first optional dual-zone climate control, as well as two power
points.
Optional heated leather seats combine
comfort with style.
The 40/20/40 front bench
seat accommodates three people comfortably or two people and the
now-famous Ram business console. The console is larger and features
folding storage compartments and a power point.
Hidden under the center seat is an additional storage
area.
Storage and Convenience
Not only are the rear doors on Quad Cab
full-size, but they open a full 85 degrees and the windows go down all the
way. Handles on the inside and outside make it easier for entry and
exit.
The unique rear seat on Quad Cab is
available as a 60/40 split-bench. The seats fold up and out of the way for
secure storage of large and/or tall items. The unique split of the seat
allows for both cargo storage and passenger carrying capability.
An optional steel section hidden under the
seat can fold out to form a flat load floor. In addition, there are
separate storage areas under the steel section in each of the
footwells.
Behind the seats on the Regular Cab
are convenient accessory hooks and a removable storage bin for tools or
other
supplies.
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