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| Shortcuts --->>> Feature Highlights | Product Chronology | Feature Availability The all-new Dodge Ram 1500 burst onto the pickup truck scene last year with bold new “Big Rig” styling and an all-new Quad Cab™ model boasting four standard doors. Regular Cab models are considerably larger than their predecessors and offer superior space and versatility over the competition’s standard cabs, putting Dodge Ram once again at the head of the class. For 2003,
Dodge further distances itself from the herd with two new packages:
“Off-Road” and “Work Special.” Also debuting
for the 2003 model year The new “Off-Road” package further elevates Ram’s prodigious off-road capability. Named Four Wheeler Magazine’s 2002 “Truck of the Year” in its standard form, the new “Off-Road” package adds unique 17-inch aluminum wheels and LT275/70R17 off-road tires, the 3.92 rear axle, a limited-slip differential, transfer case skid plate, skid plates for the front and rear axles and unique shocks to an already class-leading off-roader. The package also includes tow hooks, fog lamps, a heavy-duty cooling system and “Off-Road” badging. Combining all of the virtues and durability of the standard Dodge Ram 1500, the 2003 “Work Special” package provides an affordable work truck for those who value the capability of Ram 1500 yet need even more gritty functionality. Ready for the dirt, “Work Special” consists of a unique steel rear bumper, dark gray, color-coded front fascia, gray grille surround and bars and steel wheels. The “Work Special” package is available on either two- or four-wheel drive models, Regular and Quad Cab models, and can be ordered with either the 215-horsepower (160 kW) 3.7-liter Magnum® V-6 engine or the 240-horsepower (180 kW) 4.7-liter Magnum V-8. “The
bold, ‘big rig’ styling of Dodge Ram, combined with
versatile body and powertrain options, have made it a leader with
the best total package of “The Dodge Ram owner is a rebel against the staid pickup market and wants it as much for its innovation as for its extroverted design,” added Julow. “Ram offers the most comprehensive package of features in the full-size market, and by amplifying the qualities of the previous-generation Ram, we have created a pickup that is even more comfortable, roomy, quiet and user-friendly. And it does all of this with a bold attitude lacking in the competition.” MAGNUM POWER AND NEW TRANSMISSION CHOICES ADD POWER AND CAPABILITY Enhancing Ram’s powerful lineup of Magnum powertrains for the 2003 model year is the new 5-45RFE five-speed automatic transmission, now available on the 4.7-liter Magnum V-8. The 5-45RFE automatic transmission offers a whole new level of responsiveness, and is the only transmission in its class with the reverse gear ratio equal to the low gear ratio. The 5-45RFE also features a unique alternate second gear ratio for use in difficult towing and grade-climbing situations. Mated to the 240-horsepower (180 kW) 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 engine, it enhances Ram’s smooth and responsive performance. The 3.7-liter
Magnum V-6 engine is standard on two-wheel drive Dodge Ram 1500
Regular Cab, and for 2003 is also standard on two-wheel drive
Quad Cab with the standard bed configuration. While smaller in
displacement than its predecessor, the 215-horsepower (160 kW)
3.7-liter V-6 provides A third engine
choice, the 245-horsepower (183 kW) 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 returns
for 2003 to give Ram buyers a wide range of powerful engine options.
Equipped with the 5.9-liter engine, Ram 1500 RAM’s INNOVATIVE CAB TO DELIVER VERSATILITY, CAPABILITY AND COMFORT Both Ram Quad Cab and Regular Cab choices feature innovative designs that take comfort and convenience to a new level in the full-size pickup segment. Both models feature larger-than-the-competition interiors and offer excellent head, shoulder, leg and hip room. “Ram’s design delivers not only passenger comfort, but increased storage as well,” said Frank Klegon, Vice President — Dodge Truck Platform. “For our customer, the true ‘do it yourself’ type, Ram offers needed flexibility. The 60/40 folding seat ensures that both passengers and gear fit in the back at the same time. And by allowing the seats to fold up, tools and other items can be securely locked away on a job site.” The innovative Dodge Ram Quad Cab strikes a balance between interior functionality and exterior capability, featuring four conventional doors and a larger, more comfortable cab. However, it remains essentially the same length as the previous-generation Ram model, making it easy to maneuver and pull in and out of the garage. This was accomplished by taking three inches out of the bed length (from six-foot six-inches to six-foot three-inches) and adding it to the rear of the cab, creating a larger rear seating area with improved leg and hip room, and maintaining payload capacity. To enhance comfort and convenience, Ram Quad Cab’s doors are front-hinged, all with inside and outside handles, to improve entry and exit. The rear doors open 85 degrees and the windows move all the way down. In addition to increased seating room and comfort, Ram Quad Cab features a host of storage compartments and conveniences. Rear seats feature an optional 60/40 split to accommodate passengers and cargo together. The seat cushions fold up to create a tall storage area from floor to ceiling. An optional steel section under the back seats can fold open to form a flat load floor, with ample additional storage in the footwells. The Ram Regular Cab offers just as much flexibility, with the largest cab in the segment, since it was increased by more than three inches during its redesign for 2002. This not only aids in storage behind the rear seats but also allows for improved seat travel and ease in reclining for driver and passengers. Both the Dodge
Ram Quad Cab and Regular Cab feature numerous front seat storage
areas and convenience features. The 40/20/40 front seat provides
for comfortable seating for three or ample center storage for
one or two occupants. The popular center “business console”
can hold a laptop computer and features fold-down dividers. The
center “20” portion of the seat offers additional
“hidden” Equipped with two power points located in the instrument panel and another in the center storage console (on SLT and Laramie models), and an available dual-zone climate control system, Ram combines comfort with the versatility of a “go-anywhere” rolling office that can haul, tow and venture off-road. On four-wheel drive Laramie models, an electronic shift transfer case is standard and features an instrument panel-mounted control. Heated leather seats are available on the Laramie model. VERSATILITY, HANDLING AND DURABILITY ARE TAKEN TO NEW LEVELS WITH RAM’S HYDROFORMED FRAME “Ram 1500 owners want a versatile truck,” said Klegon. “In the light-duty market, it is essential that a truck be able to tow, carry driver and passengers in comfort and haul cargo. With the Ram 1500, we designed a vehicle to perfectly fit that bill. But unlike the competition, we created a truck that handles better, features independent front suspension, rack and pinion steering and striking good looks. Combine Ram’s best-in-class handling with its off-road capabilities, hydroformed frame, largest in-class brakes and wheels and tires, and you have a winning combination.” Rack and pinion
steering on both the two- and four-wheel drive Dodge Ram models
provides a precise and firm steering feel. The system is not only
lighter in weight but is more durable than a conventional recirculating
ball steering system. RAM SETS NEW SAFETY STANDARDS The first full-size pickup to offer side air curtains, the Dodge Ram was recently awarded the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest crash test rating, a “good” rating, in its off-set frontal crash test. Dodge Ram features standard next-generation driver and front-passenger air bags. The passenger side air bag can be turned off on Ram Regular Cab models to accommodate child seats. The 2003 Dodge Ram also includes a standard Lower Anchors and upper Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat anchorage system. The LATCH system works in conjunction with the standard child seat tether anchors to create safer child seat attachments. Dodge Ram’s braking system features the largest four-wheel disc brakes in the segment. The new system improves stopping ability and reacts to driver input quicker and more precisely. Rear-wheel anti-lock brakes remain standard on all models, while four-wheel ABS is an option. The standard P245/70R17 tires with 17-inch steel wheels are the largest standard tire and wheel combination in the segment. In addition to the numerous wheel and tire options are massive P275/55R20 tires with 20-inch polished cast-aluminum wheels. Ram also offers optional power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals to help shorter drivers feel more comfortable. For 2003, adjustable pedals are available on Dodge Rams equipped with manual transmissions. The 2003 Ram 1500 is available in two cab choices, Regular Cab and Quad Cab and both two- and four-wheel drive. The base model is the ST, with “Work Special,” Sport, SLT and Laramie packages available. The Laramie package replaces the SLT Plus for 2003. Timberline Green Pearl Coat will be offered as a new exterior color on 2003 models. Dodge Ram 1500s are produced at DaimlerChrysler’s Dodge City, Warren Truck (Mich.) and St. Louis North (Mo.) assembly plants. 2003 RAM 1500 FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS MODELS EQUIPMENT
GROUPS BODY INTERIOR SAFETY
AND SECURITY 2002 MODEL
YEAR 2001 MODEL
YEAR 2000 MODEL
YEAR 1999 MODEL
YEAR 1998 MODEL
YEAR 1995 MODEL
YEAR 1994 MODEL
YEAR
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NEW
2003 DODGE RAM 1500 “OFF-ROAD” AND “WORK SPECIAL”
PACKAGES ADD CAPABILITY AND AFFORDABILITY TO DODGE RAM LINEUP