When the redesigned Dodge Ram first came out a few years back, my review was headlined, “There’s a new Sheriff in town — Dodge Ram.” Seemingly, I could rewrite that review using Dodge’s current advertising tagline, “The Mayor of Truckville.” In short, if you liked the last Dodge Ram pickup you’ll love the 2002 version.

The new Ram retains the previous model’s basic styling but with a redesign that gives it an even tougher, more aggressive look. It sports a larger, bolder grille as well as changes in everything from the big outside mirrors that reduce wind drag right down to the headlights.

Both two and 4-wheel drive versions of the Ram are offered. A floor-mounted lever or an optional new dashboard switch activates the 4-wheel-drive system — which isn’t designed for use on dry roads.

Our test model was a dark green, short box, standard cab 4X4 with the 5.9 Magnum V8. However I have had an opportunity to check out the Quad Cab version as well.

In addition to the Magnum, there are three new, overhead cam engines that replace old pushrod models in the 2002 Ram. A 3.7-liter 215-horse V6 replaces the previous 175-horse V6, and a 4.7-liter 235-horsepower V8 that replaces the previous 230-horse V8.

There’s also an optional 245-horsepower V8 that is very smooth, but because of the Ram’s weight, is only available with an automatic. The nice feature about that powerplant is that it loafs around 2000 rpm doing 70 mph.

A 5-speed manual transmission is offered, but most buyers are expected to opt for the new 4-speed automatic that features a dual second gear ratio that chooses its ratio based on the load situation.

Yes, fuel economy is poor. But you already know that when you buy a truck like this — get over it. Expect mileage in the low to mid-teens in the city with the new motors, and about 11 city and 15-to18 highway with the Magnum.

Seriously bigger brakes stop the Ram with noticeable authority. However, while rear anti-lock brakes are standard, four-wheel anti-lock brakes are still optional.

Behind the wheel, I found the new Ram to be both roomier and thanks to the new overhead cam engines, quieter. Seating is comfortable, and optional new power adjustable accelerator and brake pedals help make things easier for shorter drivers. Instrumentation is easy to read at a glance while the climate controls are big, obvious and simple. Typical of all Chrysler products, the sound system controls are too small.

Although the glove box is small, the large available front armrest — also called a “business console,” can accommodate a laptop and more. It also has a power outlet inside so you can hide your cell phone and leave it plugged in. Sturdy cupholders pull out from the lower dash and the front doors have storage pockets.

Regular Cab models can be fitted with child seats in both the center and passenger positions, while the Quad Cab’s three rear seating positions can accommodate a child safety seat and are all fitted with tether anchors.

The front-hinged back doors on the Quad Cab replace older rear-hinged ones and conveniently open like car doors. The rear windows in the Quad Cab roll all the way down, and storage features include a fold-down flat rear load floor.

One thing about the Ram — it sits tall. Extra effort is needed just to get in and out, although the doors open wide and the big inside and outside door handles are easy to grab. The interior of the Quad Cab can seat up to six tall adults but the center of the front bench seat isn’t the best seat comfort-wise.

The precise new rack-and-pinion steering combined with a new independent front suspension on the 4X4 allow the Ram to offer more car-like steering and handling as well as good road feel. The engine is positioned as far back as possible to allow better weight distribution. That, and the largest original equipment tires in the industry both contribute to the handling quotient.

However, this is a truck, and the ride on the short wheelbase Ram sometimes got a little jerky on both rough pavement and freeway. I expect the longer wheelbase models — up to 160.5 inches with the Quad Cab — have less of this problem.

Safety features include the first optional side curtain airbags in a full-size pickup and the frame is engineered to absorb greater impact forces.

There are three trim levels — the base ST, mid-range SLT and top-line SLT Plus, which boasts such items as leather upholstery. All Ram models have more than $800 worth of standard items that were previously optional, including air conditioning, rear disc brakes and larger wheels and tires.

Some Ram options are obviously worthwhile — like the $1,185 Sport Appearance option offered for the SLT and SLT. It contains such items as a body color front end and rear bumper, anti-slip differential and special tires on unique alloy wheels. But the $7,085 Customer Preferred Package got my attention because its main items were just such things like an upgraded sound system, keyless entry, cruise control and skidplates for off-road driving.

Whines: Parking the Ram was a bit problematic because of its wide turning radius; you really do need help getting in and out of this 4X4. A woman in a skirt could never do it in a ladylike fashion. Running boards or a step should be standard. In my view, 4-wheel ABS brakes should be standard on all models across the entire Dodge truck/SUV line.

Applause: This truck picks up nicely where the old model left off in terms of styling, while adding more refinement in the process. You can actually use the Quad Cab like a car. It’s easy to drive in the city or the burbs, as long as there is sufficient room to maneuver to park. Payload and towing capacities have been increased as well.

Bottom Line: The bolder look, as well as the major improvements in the engines and transmission should keep the Ram a strong contender. Once again, there’s a new Sheriff in town.