If you like the Dodge Ram truck, you’re going to fall in love with the completely redesigned and re-engineered 2002 Ram. In addition to an increased macho factor (can’t you hear Tim Allen grunting already?) the all-new Ram pickup boasts levels of refinement and comfort that match recent new designs from GM and Ford.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking refinement has made the Ram go soft. Although it offers a much smoother ride and a larger, more convenient and comfortable, cab, it also boasts improved towing capability, and more powerful, more efficient engines.

When the Ram’s radical big-rig styling made its debut in 1994 it was an instant hit — one that gave Dodge pickups a look of raw power and capability which translated into big sales numbers, so when the design got tired, Dodge had no intention changing the Freightliner fenders and signature big horse-collar grille and when it redesigned the Ram. Instead, it evolved and stylized the design.

The sheet metal is all-new and has been extensively re-sculpted for reduced wind noise and better rainwater disposal. The new Ram does look more sleek and refined — but there’s no mistaking it for anything else.

The Dodge Ram is available with two cab configurations, our test model Quad Cab, and the Regular Cab. The Quad Cab also has a wheelbase that’s 20 inches longer than the Regular Cab.

There are two bed lengths available — the 6-foot, 3-inch standard bed and an 8-foot long version. Long-beds also ride on that longer wheelbase. Although the standard fuel tank is 26 gallons, the eight-foot bed version comes equipped with a bigger, 35-gallon tank.

Ordering the four-door, six-passenger Quad Cab will lighten your wallet somewhere between $4,000 and $5,000 depending on how you equip it. And while the Ram comes in two and four-wheel drive configurations, he 4X4 will deplete your bank account an additional $3,200 to $4,200. Our 4X4 Quad Cab SLT stickered at $35,705.

Under the hood, are three powerplant choices — a 4.7-liter V8, with a new overhead cam design powered our test model. There’s also a new 3.7-liter V6 that’s very similar in design to the 4.7-liter V8, and the big 5.9-liter V8 for towing, that utilizes the older overhead-valve design.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard with the 3.7 and 4.7-liter engines, while a $975 four-speed automatic is optional. The 5.7-liter V8 comes standard with a heavy-duty automatic.

There are three trim levels — the basic ST, SLT and SLT Plus. The SLT Plus is the luxury package, which adds more than $6,000 to the price, but includes all the luxury and convenience goodies — leather seating surfaces, dual-zone air conditioning, a premium stereo, cast aluminum wheels, etc.

Heavy-duty versions of the Ram will debut as 2003 models. Until then, buyers of heavy-duty Rams will be looking at the previous-generation truck.

The interior was completely redesigned and is one of the biggest improvements offered in the new Ram. It’s much more comfortable than the previous generation. The cab has an additional three inches of space — which came off the bed.

Instrumentation is sporty white-faced gauges with trendy turquoise numbers. The big fold-down center armrest and console comes with adjustable dividers and a power outlet. Overhead is a console with a pair of map lights, a trip computer, a compartment for sunglasses, and a compass.

There are large heating, ventilation, and air conditioning controls with textured fabric used for trim around the audio and A/C controls, similar to what’s used by VW. It gives the center dash a nice look and feel.

The pedals are adjustable so shorter drivers can get comfortable without worrying about being too close to the airbag. Big mirrors make it easier to see what’s behind.
On the road, the smooth, sophisticated 4.7-liter V8 accelerates smoothly and quickly onto freeways and has no trouble keeping up or powering up grades. We drove the Ram from Atlanta through the winding mountains in western North Carolina for about 10 days and back without a whimper.

A rigid new chassis design utilizing an increasingly popular manufacturing process called hydroforming has reduced vibration dramatically. The highly rigid frame is arguably the most important aspect of the new Ram, allowing Dodge engineers to redesign the suspension and tune it precisely, without having to worry about chassis flex.

Whines: The instrumentation is cool looking, but doesn’t offer the legibility of traditional white-on-black designs — especially at dusk The audio system is way over-engineered. For example, setting a station memory button requires pressing a separate Set button, instead of just holding the button down. Sliding bass and treble controls are harder to adjust than knobs when bouncing around in a pickup truck. Finding the right button can be a safari in frustration. The optional steering wheel audio controls, which use buttons located behind the steering wheel are well worth the extra $75 bucks.

Applause: Convenience is the signature of the Ram. There are lots of extras like a tray behind the seats big enough to hold a large bucket. Another tray is designed to carry tools, and there are big hooks behind the seats that are handy for hanging dry cleaning or plastic shopping bags. With one hand you can flip the Quad Cab’s rear seat down. An optional metal frame then folds into place to create a rigid platform designed to support 500 pounds. As we found out, it’s great for cargo not suitable for the bed. The rear doors open 85 degrees, making it easy to get in or load gear.

Bottom Line: The new Quad Cab is a really nice rig. The ride quality and responsive engine define the driving experience. The 2002 Dodge Ram rides much more smoothly than any previous model. Dodge marketeers believe about 80 percent of all Ram buyers will opt for the Quad Cab. It’s easy to see why.