The sheet metal is indeed all new. Park a 2002-3 Ram next to a 2001 or earlier Ram and the differences are striking. The design has been extensively re-sculpted for reduced wind noise and better rainwater management. The new Ram looks sleek and refined compared with the previous model. The old one looks mashed down compared with the new one.

Few grilles are as instantly recognizable as the massive horse collar grille of the Ram. Even more massive this year, the grille also provides trim-level identification: The outside rim is all chrome on the SLT model, with a gray honeycomb center. Laramie features a body-color grille surround and chrome cross hairs. Sport trim includes a body-color surround and cross hairs with unique chrome billets in the center.

Moving rearward, the new Ram presents a more robust appearance than before. The broad, sloping hood has a pronounced crown that falls over the sides to the prominent front fenders. A faster, raked-back windshield improves aerodynamics and water management, and gives the new Ram a more modern appearance. The leading edge of the front door overlaps the A-pillar, creating a smoother transition from the front of the cab to the side. Everything is smoother and more integrated. The big side mirrors, great for visibility, are now mounted on platforms to reduce wind noise, and a channel has been specially designed to keeps water off of the mirrors. An integrated air dam improves engine cooling and air conditioner performance.

Standard bed length is 6 feet, 3 inches, but an 8-foot bed is now available for both cab styles. That makes the Ram Quad Cab the only half-ton crew-cab pickup with an 8-foot bed. (By comparison, the Ford F-150 SuperCrew only comes with a 5.5-foot bed, while the new Chevy Silverado 1500 HD only comes with a 6.5-foot bed.) The 160.5-inch wheelbase for a Dodge Ram Quad Cab with an eight-foot bed is 20 inches longer than short-bed Quad Cab or long-bed regular cab models, which increases the turning diameter by 6 feet; but it's just 3 inches longer than Ford and Chevy long-bed extended-cab models. Regardless, Ram beds are fitted with boat cleats designed to handle 1,000 pounds each.

Rams sit pretty high off the ground, particularly the four-wheel-drive models. Tailgate load height is 35 inches on four-wheel-drive models, 33.6 inches on two-wheel-drive Rams. That's a bit much when trying to heave heavy gear aboard.