In the market for a truck!

[jonny0783]

Ok guys I need a little help. I am looking for a pick up truck and I dont want anything bigger than a 1500 or a regular full size.
I am not picky on which manufacture dodge, ford, nissan, etc...
I want some pros and cons of each please from experience. I know I can go look and read the specs but personal experience is always better.

Thanks alot and I am looking foward to all the drama this thread will start

Jon

[vintagejc]

This like cigars, guns, women, etc everyone will have an opinion.

I have a 2005 dodge ram 1500 quad cab and I love it. My family always buys dodges so I'm biased. There are some good deals out there for the '07's.

[pistol]

My family has had nothing but bad luck with Ford (1 half ton pickup, 1 excursion) and Dodge (1 half ton ram). However, I've had three Chevy trucks (87 Suburban, 01 Silverado 1500, currently have an 05 Silverado 2500 Diesel), and I've had nothing but good luck with them. I am a Chevy guy, and I am a huge fan of the Duramax Diesel engine with the Allison transmission- it's a great setup!

[ragin' cajun]

I agree everyone will have an opinion on this topic. I myself own both a ford and chevy. My wife drives the ford and I drive the chevy. The ford explorer is great for storage (covered), and gets resonably good gas mileage for its age and miles (2000, just under 150K) around 19 to 21mpg. The chevy 1500 2wd (2003) is great for pulling the horse trailer around and hauling everything that I need to haul. It is getting 17 to 19 mpg. I usually only fill the truck up about once a month but it does have a 27 gallon tank. Either way if I were to buy a truck in the near future it would be a Chevy or a Ford.

[Papichulo]

I have owned two Fords (F150 Nascar and F250 Crew w/Powerstroke), three 1/2 ton pickups, two Dodge (1/2 ton and Powerwagon), and a Mazda B2200 pickup. If you want the truck Ford makes the best (stronger frame and drive train except tranny which needs a better torque converter. The Dodge has the Cummings, which is hands down better then the Powerstroke and Duramax (Duramax has great performance, but the longivity of the motor is below standards for diesels). Chevy does have the best looking truck and the Allison tranny, which cannot handle the aftermarket torque and hp increases. Go with the Ford if want a work truck and if you want a hot rod without any plans to upgrade the engine and tranny. Sorry, but the Dodge does not have any quality. just my two cents.

[Mad Hatter]

Just on what I've experienced and heard you should stay away from new model Ford, Dodge and Toyota. Ford and Dodge: the same old problems. Toyota is starting to show sometimes shoddy quality due to in increased international market. I have a Chevy that I've driven up to 140k, replacing common sense things during the winter months every year, and I work the hell out of it. I also have a Nissan 4x4 that has done everything expected of it with limited maintenance, but its a 6banger and only gets 12mpg. Keep in mind MPG ratings are always over-rated.

[White97Jimmy]

Beware of the Toyota tailgate problem!

Anyway, I used to be a GM guy, but a few years ago I bought my first Ford truck (and then a Mustang). I never really had any serious problems with either. I own both a Chevy and a Ford....and will buy from them again.

Dodge trucks just don't do anything for me. I don't like the big ass grille on the Dodge truck.

[jonny0783]

Thanks alot guys it looks like Chevy is winning so far thanks for the input. Continue to give your opinions and experiences. I will be going this weekend 15-16 to go get one.

Thanks
Jon

[jaysun23]

Originally Posted by Mad Hatter

Just on what I've experienced and heard you should stay away from new model Ford, Dodge and Toyota. Ford and Dodge: the same old problems. Toyota is starting to show sometimes shoddy quality due to in increased international market. I have a Chevy that I've driven up to 140k, replacing common sense things during the winter months every year, and I work the hell out of it. I also have a Nissan 4x4 that has done everything expected of it with limited maintenance, but its a 6banger and only gets 12mpg. Keep in mind MPG ratings are always over-rated.

Not sure what shoddy performace you are talking about. I have an 07 Tacoma and it's hands down the best vehicle I've ever owned. I would recommend one to anyone looking for a truck slightly smaller than a base F-150 or 1500 series.

[WyoBob]

I have a 2006 Tacoma double cab. 19-20 mpg and pretty smooth riding. Great headlights on the Toyota (important for driving the backroads of Wyoming with all of the cattle, sheep, antelope and deer on the roads. My Dodge's headlights sucked but I loved my 2003 Quad Cab, 4x4 Dodge diesel. I just couldn't handle the 6 speed with my bum shoulder (and the $.30/gal more for diesel)).

The Toyota seats aren't all that comfortable and the shift points on their auto transmission/cruise control are annoyingly weird. Also, you can't go oversize on the tires on the Toyota without spending a bunch of money on a lift. Typical Toyota---the rear springs are too soft.

Toyota's have been "Americanized", IMO. I don't honestly know what I'd buy if I had to buy another truck. My 2001 GMC 1500 wouldn't pull itself up the mountain, the gutless wonder. I have a hard time thinking of buying a Ford. They screwed me years ago when an engine blew at 13,000 miles and wouldn't do a darned thing about it. I owned 5 Ford trucks at the time.

WyoBob

[raisin]

Two words - Ford V10!

[jonny0783]

Originally Posted by raisin

Two words - Ford V10!

A LIL TOO MUCH MORE THAN WHAT I NEED BUT IT IS A NICE TRUCK!!!

JON

[n3uka]

I'm partial to Ford. I have a '93 F150 with 180,000 miles and never had a problem. My '03 Explorer has been a pleasure as well with no problems in it's 50,000 mile lifetime except for needing a set of tires.

[JPH]

F

Built Tough

[icehog3]

I've owned a Chevy K5 Blazer and now own an Avalanche...bigger than you are looking for I know, just wanted to say that I have been more than pleased with the Chevys I have owned.