Contributors to this thread:
looking for some feedback from the masses....
i'm down to a GMC sierra, Ram 1500, or F150 (5.0L, not the ecoboost)
Can anyone provide some reviews for me?? I've done a ton of research and hear about rust on the ram, the fuel management system on the gmc (apparently sucks) and not too much bad on the f150...
i know there are a ton of users here, so thought i would ask...
thanks guys
I drool when I see the F150's. Secretly I've been doing research to torture myself. Man it'd be nice to have a vehicle with some balls again. Getting tired of my old Expedition.
I've got a '13 king ranch off road and haven't had even a slight problem with it (72,000 mi). Getting 16.6 mpg hwy and city.
Wife has a 14 Expedition (king ranch) and loves it.
Both vehicles have towing packages...and performed well hauling household goods from TX to TN.
Resale value has held up well too when compared to Dodge.
go with the Dodge . If you have time check consumer reports, and bbb.org . If I won a new Ford in a contest, I would gladly trade it for a 10 yr old dodge or newer. I just drove a new GM and the throttle feels like it has a big delay and free travel in the linkage, I would have looked at a Ford but I know better.
Well I hate dodge after a poor experience 10 years ago.....that said,I almost bought a new one a year ago. Great price and best fuel economy out there for a full size 4x4. 23+mpg with a hemi and 8 speed trans.
I ended up with a 2011 ford f150 supercrew 5.0L I average 19.5 and thats about 50% highway 50% gravel looking for deer. Couldnt be happier! I simply love mine. On a side note my father had the 3.5L ecoboost and averaged about 12mpg. He hated it. In the eco's defense dad drove 85% gravel.... and short trips. They are designed for long highway miles. After a year of listening to my mileage he traded. He gained about 4-5 mpg switching to the cheaper 5.0L. He recently did a 1600 mile drive up north fishing and averaged 19.9
given those choices, I would buy the aluminum body Ford
sounds like you have already made up your mind. I heard ford is going to stop offering the 5.0L in the f150?
I purchased a truck recently, and drove them all multiple times. I am not a fan boy of any brand and was leaning towards the ford when I started my research. I researched them for a year. if I were going to buy a 150/1500 size truck, I would have purchased the tundra. the build quality was very good and it drove and rode like a truck.
second place in the 150/1500 category, it was a toss up between the ram and ford. the ram was less expensive.
however, I needed a 250/2500 size truck. the truck I was replacing was a 16 year old dodge with a few hundred thousand miles on it. it served me well, no rust, and was still very solid and strong.
I ruled out the chevy because on two occasions, it felt cheap. I am not a fan of the independent front suspension on the HD trucks. on one, the stitching was not done well on the rear seat. on another, the driver's side mirror was loose when you closed the door. the 6.0l engine is a good solid engine.
for me, the decision came down to the ram 2500 and f250 with a gas engine. the ram simply felt better to me, and was more than 10% less from four different dealers I shopped.
I am happy so far with my decision. the truck runs strong, and feels like it is well built and will give me 200K+ miles no problem.
Curious as to why Toyota Tundra isn't on the list?
I have a chevy 2500 Duramax but I only own it cause I have to for work. If I could own any truck for hunting......I'd own a Toyota. I'm not a big vehicle guy so don't listen to me. I used to have an 84 toyota pickup when I was younger and that thing was a machine. Never had a problem with it and I was hard on it. Guess I'm kind nostalgic about it. Congrats whatever you end up doing.
I just traded my 2006 Silverado for this 2016 6 weeks ago and love it. It has the 5.3 liter V8 and it's all I need and then some. GM calls it "Red Hot" and I have no idea why, LOL!
Pyrannah's Link
i know this video is biased but damn...
if it wasnt for the afm system id have a gmc.
if it wasnt for the aluminum bidy, id have a f150
ram seems ok, maybe they have the rust problems resolved..
dont like the tundra look, they get bad reviews as well.
thanks, keep it coming
Here's the front end of it.
SBH's Link
Or this.....comes in a 2.8 Diesel......if they ever get around to putting it out there.
Wait a few years after those aluminum body rams have ran roads with mag chloride.
My vote is for the RAM. What is your budget and are you looking new?
I got my 2015 RAM 2500 6.7 CUmmins with Big Horn package with a ton of other options. Cost for vehicle was $46,000.
Runs great drives great and gets better MPG than the Ford or Chevy 1/2 ton you listed. Gets 16 MPG in Town and 18 to 19 highway.
Having worked on all 3 I can say the rams tend to be easier and cheaper to work on.
For the fact this question really comes down to personal preference!
The new GM trucks rock!!!! I have the Silverado, my brother in law has the GMC Sierra, the lucky dog has the 6.2L engine...now that's a stud of a motor.
Bought a 14' dodge ram bighorn 2500 crew cab long box and put a new ARE topper on it. It has the 6.4 engine. Damn thing is an animal and gets 14mph average with 35" tires
Test drive the yota before you pull the trigger. Better turing radius, the six speed tranny with the 5.7 liter is geared for excellent performance both in the woods and on the highway. And my favorite feature is the reprogrammed throttle response and limited slip in 4 low.
The mpg on the sticker doesn't look as good, but the rest of them overinflate....The tundra will get what the sticker says and go for 200K with minimal maintenance.
If you are dropping 30-40K on a new rig you owe it to yourself and your wallet to test drive ALL of the trucks you can and decide what you like best and what fits your wallet and style!!
If you plan on being off road a bunch go with the gmc. I just traded in my 2011 with 136k miles , im talking 136k outfitter miles. I traded it because the suspension was getting loose and it was beat to $%$^&. I'm loving the new GMC but will be adding a leveling kit with 33x12.50x20's for more ground clearance. I'm getting with the 5.3 on hyw between 19.5 -21 mpg
In MT last year, the majority of the guides I noticed were all driving Tundras.
I just got done truck shopping myself. I had a 2010 Tundra and wanted a Ford bc it offers the large super crew with a 6.5' bed that Toyota does not. I eliminated the Dodge and GM products mostly based on friends experiences. After pricing quite a few Fords at different dealers and driving them I went back to Toyota which was a few thousand $$ cheaper with similar options. If I would buy a Ford I would definitely get the 5.0 vs the turbo. I wasn't sold on the aluminum bodies just yet but the Ford would be my pick from your list.
In the Tundra I get a reliable truck that holds it value very well. Last 1 had 102K miles and no mechanical issues.
Good luck on your truck search. Its fun in the beginning and then gets tiring. Glad its over.
A have a friend that has the 6 cylinder dodge diesel and he loves it. Fuel mileage is over 25mpg.
I have a 2014 Silverado LTZ Z71 1/2 ton with the 6.2L. this truck is a lot of fun, especially when someone thinks they can beat you off the line at a stop light! Highway I get anywhere from 20-25 depending how nice I am to it! and it pulls like a dream!!
Ben
Stop by my house and drive my tundra. 2011 with 53k on odometer. Gas and oil changes so far.
Just went to beach last weekend. 19.6 mpg.
I got a brand new 2015 F-150 in March and I'm up to 12,000 right now - obviously no issues.
Honestly I love it more than I ever thought I would. It is the 5 liter just like you are looking for. My brother has the same one, then my father-in-law also bought one. Everybody loves it. (Of course new truck - what's not to love) The 5 liter will do better than the ecoboost in the long run for me and lots of people as I tow occasionally. When buying a truck fuel milage isn't my personal #1 concern, as then I'd buy something else. That said, it surprises me. I just went to the lake this last Friday and there was no wind. Did between 100-110km/hr at 10L/100km.. so that would be just over 60mph doing 23.5 US miles per gallon. If I nurse it I can do better, but that's still a good average for a truck.
Interior room is second to none, Ford's generally off-road better than the other brands, and pair it with some Duratracs and you're lovin life.
If diesel is a consideration, The Dodge is a good way to go, I had one and it got great gas mileage, I have both a Ford with 6.7 powerstroke and a chevy dually with duramax. Don't care too much for the chevy, It's strictly a work truck with a service body, but suspension feels way too soft, I don't care for the feel it reminds me of driving a station wagon, Ford has a lot of power nice interior lots of creature comforts but the sheet metal seems real thin, tailgate is about half the weight of the dodge and you have to have those plastic caps around the bed rails. If I had the option, I would have the aluminum body in a second. Rust is the second cause of death to my vehicles and contrary to what's shown on you tube, the aluminum bodies are very tough. If you do stupid things such as drop a bucket full of bricks in the bed or a 100 lb tool box just right into the bed yes you will possibly make a hole, however a $35.00 rubber bed matt will take care of that potential.
I have a good friend who has a chevy now with a flat bed, because the original pickup box ripped from the bed rail down to the bottom of the bed vertically on both sides. Chevy said it was because he installed a tool box, they would not cover it under warranty. So don't think any of the manufacturers are without potential problems. The substantially lighter weight and the corrosion resistance of aluminum far outweighs any other perceived issues. A good friend has an F150 with an aluminum body, he is hell on vehicles and it has proven to be a match for anything else on the road. They put aluminum boxes on ti axle dump trucks. I would say with just a reasonable amount of care you could most likely go your whole life and never put a hole in the bed of an F150.
I currently own ford, chevy and dodge pickups. All have good and bad. Last year I bought a bare bones ram 1500 with the small diesel.
Couldn't be more pleased. If I drive 65 I get about 26 mpg in hill and very windy country here in MT. With the 8 speed tranny you can be going 60, want to pass, and be doing 80 in seconds. I've used mine guiding sw of Rawlins in some very rough country with no issues.
I have a 2015 GMC 2500 and have no complaints. I've had several GMC 1500's in the past. Not sure what your concern is with the fuel system?
We've run GMC's for our construction business for years. Always get 2-300,000 miles out of them and our guys unfortunately are rough on them. However, we did recently buy some Ford's as we are working in a couple Ford plants and they are a nice truck as well. Not sure you could go wrong with either.
This is kind of a Mathews/Hoyt debate! Ha!
If they have a weakness I tend to find it ford its the rear end, Chevy was the transmission (I think they may have fixed that), dodge its the transfer case. Out of the three I go dodge Chevy then ford.
with today's trucks, as long as you stay on top of the maintenance you'll be fine. I have a 2010 f350 diesel with 315k miles on it. Towing equipment all over the state. No issues with motor or tranny.
I can speak to the GM AFM issue.
My 2012 1500 with the 5.3l just had the engine replaced (under warranty @ 49,900 miles) because AFM malfunctions resulted in a scored #1 cylinder. Wife's 2008 Suburban had similar issues and we got rid of it and bought a Traverse.
The 2015+ models have redesigned 5.3l engines. My parents have a 2016 Tahoe with the 5.3 and new AFM technology and love it, absolutely no issues, and have close to 30,000 miles on it.
My 2012 averages 16mpg in town and 18.5 on the highway. I have the Z71 package, which includes the lower gear ratio (3.73's), and it is enough to notice a significant reduction in gas mileage. Common road ratios are 3.02-3.42. The 3.73's are good for larger tires, towing, and off-road applications.
Remember, gas engines are lighter than diesels (500+ lbs), which may affect off-road capabilities (ex, Dodge only offers the gas engine in the Power Wagon because the Cummins would be too heavy and detrimental to off-road capabilities). Gas engines are also lighter on the wallet.
Now, my opinions:
Call me a fanboy, but I will always own a GM. It's what I grew up with and I've always loved their products. I absolutely love my 2012 and can look past the AFM issue because customer service was outstanding and it was covered under warranty.
I will never own a Dodge because I absolutely cannot stand how stupidly loud the diesels are. The amount of hot-rodded Cummins are ridiculous, and 90+ % of the time I encounter a jackass driver, they are in a Dodge with a Cummins. Thus, I won't own one. But, that is my opinion and it certainly does not lend much credibility to which brand may actually be better for your needs.
Fords...I'm on the fence with. Not a fan of the aluminum but I see a lot of other manufacturers going that route in the future. I'm sure a bedliner and some common sense will solve most of your woes.
-Joe
Not sure if you're in the market for a new or used one, but I can speak to the F-150. I have a '12 5.0L and it's the most gutless motor I've ever had in a truck.
Toyota here too, and they're American made. My first truck was the model year Tacoma, had it for 10years, 375k on it, I drove it rough, even split a leaf spring and never had any problems, other than the rear bearings were shot when I sold it. Same tranny.
I have a Tundra now, it's eleven years old, and although I don't put the miles on it like my Tacoma, it has about half of what I did in 10 years, there's been no issues.
I know more people with Dodge lemons then any of the other trucks you mentioned. Unless you're set on a diesel, I would take a look at the Tundra. Unless you like working on vehicles or spending money on repairs. Seriously, what's up with Chevy's and water pumps? Anyone I know who replaced a water pump, it's for a Chevy or GMC truck or van. For some, it's been replaced more than once.
So my buddy has a friend, and his third cousin has a truck that gets 28 mpg from a lifted 1 ton 4x4 V8 with 35inch tires....
You guys can get as mad as you want, but I call B.S. on anyone that says 25MPG with a lifted, crew cab, 4X4 with oversized tires... I don't care if its a diesel or a gas motor... It Does Not Happen! Best I have ever seen/ heard of proven.... in this configuration is 21mpg on the highway not towing! and it wasn't lifted, stock with stock tires. Go on any forum and read the true reviews... more like 10-14 with a V8. 16-20 on the aluminium Ford, and 13-20 from a diesel but it depends on what's been done to it.
Other than the aluminium ford (Mileage Only) diesels smoke gas motors in all aspects, Period. and even at that, that f150 could not hang with my GMC Duramax with Alison Tranny on a 12 mile grade at 7% with a trailer weighing 12K. its already out of its towing weight range. you can't compare apples to oranges, it just doesn't work.
He asked about 1500 trucks with a gas motor... The Dodge gets my vote. if it was a diesel I would say Chevy hands down. Dodge trannies on the diesel suck!!! and Ford diesels just sucks unless you want to put 8K into a "bullet Proof Motor"
Just my thought and worthless opinions:)
Have a great evening and God Bless!!!
Scar.
great feedback!!! thank you guys so much, really appreciate it...
drove the tundra tonight. i was very impressed..
i am down to the sierra and the tundra. both seem great at this point. still nervous about the AFM on gmc but i do understand that all has been fixed.
i think at this point it will come.down to where i get the best deal...
i have a really goofld offer on the sierra right now, toyota is not budging much.
the wife actually likes the tundra better...
the sierra drives really smooth, almost car like
thaks again, ill keep yall posted
I have a 2015 Chevy Silverado (similar to the Sierra). It is the crew cab with the 5.3L v8. Rides very nice and very comfortable. It shuts down 4 cylinders when at cruising speed. I can honestly say it gets the best mpg from any truck I have owned. Driving across eastern Colorado this past June, I was getting 31 mpg. Yes, 31 mpg! They have come a long way.
My boy is Parts Director for 4 Chevy dealerships here in MI and I wouldn't have bought that red 2016 Silverado shown above if they were having any problems whatsoever with the newer ones like they had until they changed the system 2 years ago.
as far as resale, if you plan to keep the truck, keep the window sticker and all receipts and maintenance records. it really helps when you go to sell it.
I posted above about the 16 year old dodge I had. it had high mileage, dents and bruises, and faded paint on the roof but, I had the original window sticker and all maintenance logs. I put it on my local craig's list at 7:30Am on a Saturday, it was sold by 9:30AM.
one owner trucks with maintenance records will sell for top dollar.
also, seat covers and floor mats really help preserve the truck and are well worth the money. if you live in an arid sunny area like Arizona or the high desert, get a dash mat too.
Just like " Elkhuntr" said. I kept the window sticker and records and got above average trade in when I stepped up from 04 chevy 1/2 ton to the 2011 Duramax. So far I really like it after 4 1/2 years. Only problem has been they put crap batteries in them. They only last 4 years and you will be looking for a jump start. I have a friend that has a 99 ford power stroke and he is still running one of his original ones. As far as the old half ton it was a good truck but in my opinion under powered at altitude. The next year after I bought mine they had more but I just went diesel.If you can afford a diesel of any brand I think you will like it better. They all make good ones. And they all have problems. In between I had an 2008 Ford diesel. I really liked the interior room way more than my Chevy. And the Ford had more options than the chevy. But I have what I wanted and no complaints as of yet. Only about 37k on it and I drive my Jeep too!
If you buy the GM make sure to get the 6.2L you will not regret it at all!!
Hope this helps if you decide on the Tundra. In my area, PA, the Tundras seem to be selling for 7% to 8% off MSRP and that includes the current rebate. Mine came in around 8.5% under MSRP plus tax and tags.
All the Ford's I priced were right around 18% to 19% off the MSRP without doing too much haggling. Of course the Ford's MSRP were about $8K higher than the Tundra.
Just to correct a statement above...The 2014 and newer model GM trucks have the new Ecotec V-8's in them.
Between a buddy and myself we are each on our second Tundras since 2007. About 400,000 trouble free miles in total. I have a 2012 currently with 85,000 on it, he has a 2014 I think with 35,000.
Nothing but tires, brakes and oil changes.
My 2005 F250 diesel was a train wreck. Brother in law's Ecoboost 150 was a mess, actually got a bunch of money back under the lemon law. His 14 Cummins Dodge just blew the tranny valve body with 30,000 miles on it.
If I was getting a half ton I wouldn't even drive the big 3. Hope Toyota comes out with an HD in the next few years as I will need a higher tow rated vehicle.
Buy the Tundra. You'll never regret it. Zero problems equal happy campers.
I am on my 3rd GMC Sierra. I traded the first one in with 248,000 miles. The second one with 238,000. I am currently on my 3rd one and have no doubt it will last as long as the first two!
On my 2nd Silverado Z71. 1st one was a 2003. Drove 2 times from Mi to Iowa fully loaded with hunting gear for 3 people. 18.5 mpg. Have a 2014 with same basic 5.3 engine but now it has the AFM plus 80 more hp. It gets 21.5 mpg. I think a truck is similar to a bow in that personal preference makes up much of what you like or dislike. I like the looks of a GM truck and have had good luck with them in the past, so that is what I drive. MP
filling out the paperwork on the sierra!
I've driven them all as personal vehicles or work rides in the last 8 years. I'm sold on the Ford F150.
God Bless
Nothing even comes close to a TOYOTA
Ben
You listen to my hunting advise better than my truck advise.......lol.
It your truck and your choice. Congrats.
For a light duty 1500 work truck, we've done pretty good with our Sierras and they've always gotten better fuel economy for us compared to our Fords, but we're talking 2007-2008 years, so we don't have any of the newer motor advances that have been introduced since then. For 3/4 ton or more (which sounds like you're not considering anyway), I'd get a Dodge or a Ford. We still have 2-99' F-350's with the 7.3L diesel and they're still running strong with 350k miles (of course with 2 re-built transmissions each!), but they're starting to look their age and will need to be replaced in the next few years. These have all been work trucks and not trucks that tow the boat on the weekend, get a wash and put back in the garage.
Bob is that a 7.3 diesel?
Yep, 7.3 Ford or 5.9 Dodge. Those days are gone:(
The emission regs and fleet fuel economy are killing vehicle longevity.
I am going to be in the market for a 3/4 or 1 ton in a couple years and I am seriously thinking about a restoration project.
Good luck with the new truck!
thanks for all the info...
thanks Brian!!!... it just fits our needs better than the tundra.. if i could have got them more similarly priced i may have gotten the tundra.. but the size really limits my wifes ability to drive it to work when needed.. this was the best overall solution for us...
thanks ben
I have always wanted an F-150. Got the super crew lariat in May. I know its early but so far, I love it. Being an older guy, I finally decided to splurge on some luxury, so I got the built in bed ladder step, Heated and cooled bucket seats, the tow package, led lights everywhere. If it serves me as well as my 99 ranger did, I will be happy. Ford was the only car manufacturer that didn't accept an Obama bailout.
Atta boy Pyrannah! Those GM trucks are so stylish and well appointed. Congrats on the new truck...Enjoy.
Mamba, yes it is. Most trouble free rig I have ever owned. Even the Marathon seat covers have held up; 350K on those things.
Congrats on the new truck and hope you get it bloody this Fall.
Bob, i figured it was. I just bought an 02e350 extended van 7.3 with only 128k. One owner arizona van.flew out and drove it home to indiana.It purred like a mountian lion all the way home. Has no rust.Iam thinking about converting it to 4x4 for the ultimate work/hunting van. Rick, find one in arizona and you wont have to restore it!
Those 7.3s Kick A$$$$$$ man! If I could have found a really clean one I would have bought one 5 years ago! I have the 06 Duramax LBZ with the 6 speed Allison. Super-Crew 4X4 long bed. pulls my 40' toy hauler 5th wheel like a dream!
Pyrannah, Congrats on the new truck, enjoy!
Scar.
Good choice. I was very worried that you might be talked into something else. Thank God common sense prevailed. LOL.
F 350 with the 6.7L diesel engine The best 4 by 4 by far
Wish GM would go back to round wheel wells! Square looks funny!
Pyrannah,
Would you mind sharing the % of discount off of the MSRP?
To stay on track with your original post, I would say that the folks I know driving the new F-150 5.0 have had nothing but positive things to say about them.
thanks thornton.. i'm sure they are good trucks too, just a deal i couldn't pass up...
BIGHORN, it was 20% off MSRP (i'm still surprised) and i got really good money for my trade also. They were the most aggressive on the trade. Under KBB in good condition, it is worth 4500. Mine is currently undriveable (brake lines rusted through) and they are going to tow it from my house. they still gave me $4500..
no pictures of the new ride?
Congrats Pyrannah. I pulled the trigger on a Silverado exactly three weeks ago. Dealer had 20% off and an additional $2500 off. $35k for my 2016 Z71 crew cab. Traded in my 2005 Silverado and got more than I expected.
Sweet truck!
I've got a 2011 Silverado Z71 with a 6.2L and 6spd trans. I really like it.
Go with the Dodge Power Wagon. Its the only truck still being made as a TRUCK. Its a 3/4 ton, comes with 12K winch, lockers front and back, 4:11s, skid plates, 33" tires and the 6.4 all from the factory. I get almost 17mpg on the highway running back and forth to Anchorage. I had a 12 with the 5.7 and 4:56s and now have a 15.
Whatever you get, you need this tailgate wrap. Just saw this online, its not mine.
I own a repair shop in a ranching and oilfield area. These trucks get abused here. The new F150s have terrible 4WD system using vacuum. The hubs are prone to water intrusion and rust. Their alternators are on the bottom, so any deep water crossing and a new alternator is in order. The older F150s had terrible engines. 5.4ls. Any engine shop will tell you they hands down sell more of those than any other. I would stick with Dodge or GM. However, they all have an Achilles heel.
Worked for Chevrolet and driven Chevys all my life. Owned over 25 new ones. Bought a 2014 Silverado in December of 2013. On the average it was returned to the dealership every six weeks for recalls or repairs in the 26 months I owned it. Five times it was left at the dealership from 2-5 days to make the repairs.Voiced my concerns about the problem truck to Chevrolet Customer Care and the dealership. Chevrolet Customer Care is a joke handled by a company in a foriegn country. Refused to let me talk with an english speaking represenative in the US. Dealership told me the only thing I could do was get a different truck. Which I did from another dealership. After spending 30 years working for Chevrolet I do have some loyality or I would have switched brands.
On a side note. My wife's 2014 Chrysler Town and Country has been back to the dealership 5 times in a month for the same stalling issue. It's there now while the techs scratch there heads to see what they can change next. She has been without a vehicle for most of the time as it is just out of warranty.