When the 2002 Ram was introduced, I have to admit I was very tempted.  I really liked my yellow 2000 Ram, but I have to admit that part of me craves the latest & greatest.  I resisted, however, and I'm very glad that I did.  On January 8, I took delivery of one of the first Ram 1500s in the area equipped with the 5.7 liter Hemi engine.  What's so special about that?   Try 345 horsepower.  I had to give up my manual transmission to get it, but the jet-like thrust provided by the Hemi more than makes up for it.

I insisted on three things:  black paint, no sport equipment, and 20" wheels and tires.  I think the chrome trim of the basic SLT really looks good against the black paint, and the 20" wheels complete the look.  

Although as I write this, it has just 600 miles on the odometer, I'm very pleased so far.  I'm not sure what Chrysler has done for Diamler, but Diamler has certainly had some influence over Chrysler.  The assembly quality is vastly better, as is the overall layout of the interior.