2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Xlt Diesel 6 Speed Reviews
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2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Hd - 1 Twelvemonth Test Review - Motor Trend
345-horsepower all-terrain ability tool
Since 1994, the big-rig-inspired Dodge Ram has become a strong pickup force, building its reputation on the pillars of size and power. The electric current-generation continued this tradition when it launched in 2002, making the competition look stale and diminutive. Dodge further elevated its game when information technology introduced the heavy-duty range for 2003, taking an first-class overall package and fitting it with a work-ready suspension and the beefier powertrains.
Every bit a result, the Ram HD commanded respect during our testing and evaluation and earned Motor Trend'due south 2003 Truck of the Twelvemonth honors. We added a Ram to our long-term fleet to determine how the Golden Caliper winner would perform after a year of constant service.
Nosotros were faced with numerous configuration choices and options to build the right truck for our evaluation. Cab-style choices are express to Regular (2 door) and Quad Cab (the extended-cab variation, which remains a dominant seller for Chevrolet and is now the base cab for the Ford F-150, is no longer an option). For hauling passengers, we opted for the four-door model with seating for half-dozen. Even with the large cab, there'southward a choice of brusque (six foot, three inches) and long (viii pes) beds. Given the challenges in parking such a massive vehicle, we chose the smaller bed. Fifty-fifty then, the turning radius measures an arena-calibration 52.0 feet.
The next major decision was what engine to place backside the large crosshair grille. Standard fitment is the laudable v.7-liter, 345-horsepower Hemi V-8 matched to a five-speed manual transmission. Next footstep up is the 8.0-liter, 305-horse V-x carried over from the previous generation, with a Viper-shared block architecture. Commercial-grade drivers would gravitate to the diesel offerings, with three variations of the 5.9-liter, inline-vi Cummins turbodiesel.
For our civilian application, the formidable Hemi would be a great fit, delivering the appurtenances with relatively entertaining acceleration, ample twist for the occasional trailer-towing duty, and rewarding our enthusiast ears with a sonorous exhaust rumble. Since the transmission tranny would requite a Nautilus-like workout in hellacious Los Angeles traffic, we checked the box for the five-speed automated transmission ($1170). This left the final component determination to 2- or four-wheel drive. Our adventurous inclinations took hold, and we went for the 4x4 package.
Our biggest optional indulgence was a comprehensive $4735 Laramie bundle that added 25 features such equally leather upholstery, power commuter's seat, seven-speaker stereo, dual-zone air-workout, keyless entry with alarm, and electronic transfer case, pushing the total price to but shy of $40K, including trailering parcel ($405), side airbags ($490), heated seats ($140), iv.x:1 axle ($50), limited-skid rear differential ($285), trailering mirrors ($lxxx), and bedliner ($245).
The Ram began its tour of duty in Los Angeles, where it spent two months contesting traffic and tackling weekend beloved-do projects. Right away, editors commented on how colossal the motorcar feels from backside the wheel, with a high nuance and hood reminiscent of a medium-duty truck. This feeling is exaggerated in urban congestion and snug parking lots, though the 79.nine-inch-wide pickup proved piece of cake to manage on the open highway.
Although the Ram remained steadfastly on pavement during this stint, its loftier ground clearance (nine.3 inches front, vii.9 rear) helped one rain-besotted staffer negotiate a flooded street that had claimed lesser vehicles in its ebb. The outset logbook comment would be echoed throughout the year as different drivers rotated through: "Besides the cheap, plasticky dash, I can't find annihilation I don't like about this truck."
We hit the road, driving cross country in search of points to criticize, though nosotros were otherwise pleased with the ride quality and overall operation from the oversized workhorse. Naturally, the unladen truck proved a bit bouncier over crude roadways than a light-duty Ram, though information technology felt no more and then than its peers. The Ram Hd'south backbone is a fully boxed, hydroformed frame that provides greater strength, improved handling, and reduced racket/vibration/harshness than the outgoing model.
Later on a brief pause in Texas, the Ram continued on with a Chevrolet Corvette in tow on a U-Haul flatbed trailer. The added tongue weight smoothed out the ride and allowed the Ram'southward work ethic to smooth. On the highway, the Ram comfortably ran 75 mph all day, with the trailer neither wagging the truck nor significantly slowing it down. In fact, the Hemi engine helped the Ram charge upwards the massive arched bridges of Louisiana, staying under 3000 rpm at 70 mph despite hauling about 3 tons up the steep grade. Semis and rider vehicles slowed on the incline, but the Ram charged on unfettered. On the race downwardly the other side, the ABS-fitted disc brakes were more upwards to the job of keeping speed in check.
The living-room-size, vi-passenger interior offers 121.1 cubic feet of infinite to transport a construction crew or a growing family, with ample space in each position. While stationed at the Florida part for the summertime months, the air-conditioning unit was hard put in cooling the large air volume. Passengers were disappointed in the lack of rear-vent outlets, requiring a few-minute cool-down menstruum earlier loading upwards.
The driver'southward grab handle pulled loose, creating a claiming for average-height drivers. The dealer repaired this under warranty at the 12,000-mile service, ending our weeks of pole vaulting into the lofty commuter'southward seat. The plastic handle is secured past two bolt heads that stripped through the mounting holes, leaving usa to wonder how this would survive in a commercial setting.
During the twelvemonth, the Ram was called upon several more times to tow cars, whether it was the Corvette making shop runs or a Camry heading to a local ice race. We learned to suit tire pressure for everyday driving, airing upward slightly for hauling heavy loads. This technique fabricated a big deviation with simply a few-psi drain for comfort. The Ram'southward workhorse ethic was unflappable, with prodigious towing power and a deep, wide bed. Beefy, marine-caliber necktie-down cleats fabricated information technology a cinch to secure oversized cargo.
The service history is refreshingly uneventful, with just scheduled service tackled with pitstop efficiency. The ownership woe that peppered the logbook comments was the copious fuel consumption, an result exaggerated by the massive fuel tank. Notes include: "Today's trucks take plenty of ability. Let'due south hope future gains are focused on fuel economic system"; "Definitely frequent stations with the fastest pumps"; and "Hard to schedule plenty fourth dimension to wait for 28 gallons of dino juice to exist pumped."
Loaded with smart features and luxuries, our long-term Ram proved an image-enhancing car, solidly reliable, and ultimately, the almost versatile tool in the box.
Engine-off preheatingWhile wintering in frigid Michigan, nosotros equipped our ice-racing tow vehicle with a Webasto BlueHeat parking heater. This modest gasoline-called-for furnace heats and circulates coolant to the heater core and runs the interior fan, warming the cabin and defrosting the windshield far more efficiently than running the engine would. An onboard timer, a remote control, or even a cell-phone can be used to actuate it. Information technology'south also a condom feature, given how difficult it is to scrape windshields on tall trucks. The price? $1595. For more info, visit world wide web.webasto.com or call one-800/215-7010.
What'southward New, Inverse, DifferentSeveral changes came with the 2004 model twelvemonth, such as a box-off variant, 48RE iv-speed automatic transmission, new colors, available AM/FM/CD stereo with four.nine-inch navigation display, and adjustable rear-seat outboard head restraints made standard. The Laramie was dressed upward with standard chrome wheels, chrome bodyside moldings, and Satin Argent door and instrument panel bezels. Midyear 2004, the powertrain lineup was simplified by reducing the diesel choices down to the High Output 305-equus caballus I-6.
Power climbs for 2005, with the Heavy Duty Cummins "600" boasting 325 horsepower at 2900 rpm and 600 pound-feet of torque at 1600 rpm. The Ability Wagon proper name returns, applied to a special off-route model in regular cab/long-box and Quad Cab/short-box configurations. Fitted with the 5.seven-liter Hemi, the Power Wagon builds on the Ram HD 4x4'southward abilities with electric locking front end and rear differentials, electronic disconnecting front anti-roll bar, 33-inch BFGoodrich tires, and a custom-built Warn 12,000-pound winch.
Other updates for 2005 include available sunroof for Quad Cab, UConnect BlueTooth hands-complimentary prison cell-phone applied science, and improved manual transmission mounts.
From the Logbook"It's such an extreme car--a physical giant--that driving it is good, escapist fun. Just the fuel mileage, in these times of ascent oil costs, is borderline offensive." --Jeff Bartlett
"The Hemi feels only adequate, not quick, in this large, heavy truck." --Todd Lassa
"The Dodge is smoother than other heavy-duty trucks I've driven, and it responds well with dispatch and steering." --Danny King
"This is what a real, live American pickup needs to be about. Even though it's billed as a three/iv-ton, it'll haul what the 1-tons of a decade or two ago would. The Hemi motor is a gem, and I still love the I-wanna-be-a-Kenworth expect." --Matt Rock
"Just used the Ram to booty an water ice racer 400 miles. What a great tow rig! Stable, secure, easy to manage. The Ram didn't feel overwhelmed by this 5500-pound burden." --Frank Markus
Looks good! More than details?| 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 HD | |
| Powertrain/Chassis | |
| Drivetrain layout | Front engine, 4WD |
| Engine type | 90* V-eight, OHV, ii valves/cyl, cast-atomic number 26 block/alum heads |
| Deportation, ci/cc | 345.0 / 5654 |
| Max horsepower SAE | net 345 @ 5400 rpm |
| Max torque SAE net | lb-ft 375 @ 4200 rpm |
| Transmission | five-speed automatic |
| Intermission, front; rear | Live beam, whorl springs, anti-roll bar; live axle, leaf springs |
| Brakes, f;r | 13.ix-in vented disc;13.9-in solid disc, ABS |
| Wheels | 17x8.0, bandage alum |
| Tires | 265/70SR17 Michelin LTX A/S |
| Traction control | No |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase, in | 140.5 |
| Length, in | 227.7 |
| Width, in | 79.9 |
| Meridian, in | 78.v |
| Curb weight, lb (mfr) | 5950 |
| Seating capacity | half dozen |
| Cargo chapters, cu ft | 57.7 |
| Test Data | |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 8.one |
| one/4 mile, sec @ mph | 16.2 @ 85.half-dozen |
| Braking, 60-0 mph, ft | 159 |
| 600-ft slalom, mph | 56.3 |
| Total mileage | 19,487 |
| Avg test mpg | 13.0 |
| Problem areas | Driver-side grab handle |
| Maintenance cost | $210.07 |
| Normal wear cost | $0.00 |
| Consumer Info | |
| Base cost | $thirty,305 |
| Price equally tested | $38,895 |
| Electric current value, | $21,062/$28,589whlse/retail* |
| Airbags | Dual front |
| Fuel chapters, gal | 34.0 |
| EPA mpg, city/hwy | Not rated |
| Range, observed | 442 average |
| Basic warranty | iii yrs/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | 7 yrs/lxx,000 miles |
| Roadside assistance | three yrs/36,000 miles |
| Recalls | None *According to IntelliChoice |
Source: https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2003-dodge-ram-2500-hd/
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