Always get Ford trucks. I've had many. The one I had recently was a 93 F-150 with a V6. The auto trans was crap, and slipped continuously after about 120K. I realize this example is not a good endorsement. But come on! Henry Ford invented this device, so I think they know what they're doing.
Always buy the biggest engine. You'll appreciate the extra power, and the resale value is WAY better.
I also love the Town Car. I drive a Ford Focus, but if I could afford it, I'd be cruising chicks in a Corvette ZO6, or the new Camaro, which is a seriously bad ass car.
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If you are going to have a truck, buy it for the purpose that you will mostly use it for. If you are going to be using it as a car, buy one that is more car like. If you are going to be pulling or hauling, then get a truck that was designed for that purpose (2500HD or SuperDuty).
For example, you don't want to be driving a 2500HD/Super Duty or bigger sized truck full time as a car. Parking becomes a PITA and sometimes they're too tall for parking garages. Additionally, they are aweful at MPG -- even if you get a diesel and chip it out to maximize MPGs (you invested an additional 8K for the diesel motor/tranny and they're going to require significantly more maintenance costs). For frequent hauling and towing needs you don't want a 1500/F150 (1/2 ton) sized truck because it's going to bankrupt you due to fuel costs.
Trucks aren't what they used to be. They're now equipped with interiors and options that approach luxury car levels along with luxury car or higher sticker prices. Additionally, new trucks have incredible power, acceleration, and towing/hauling capacity ... more than anyone needs truthfully. It's all about bragging rights. The big push has been to increase the engine power while maximizing the MPGs.
IMO, you can't go wrong with GM or Ford. I think Ram (formerly Dodge) has longevity and quality issues. Many will disagree, but everyone of my friends with Dodges/Rams have had serious mechanical issues well before the warranties expired.
I currently drive a 2002 Chevy Z71 LT 1/2 ton. This is the best vehicle I've ever purchased. I bought it in the fall of 2001 for $24K and it now has 280K miles on it and exterior wise looks brand new -- seriously. The only major repairs I've done is an alternator (which I burnt up while camping when friends and I plugged in a bunch of electrical stuff to the truck ... oops), a fuel pump at 185K, and front wheel hub at 220K. It has the 5.3L V8 which gets 15-17 MPGs. Despite the nice leather seats, my biggest hangup is the crappy plastic interior.
I just ordered a brand new F150 King Ranch with the V6 Ecoboost. That engine's power along with it's efficiency and the high end Ford interior can't be match. Period.
I wanted to buy another GM, but the new Chevy interior reminds me of my '02. Additionally, GM crew cabs only come in a short box ... frustrating ... instead of a regular size or long bed. Also, I didn't like that Chevy has painted front end/bumper for the LTZ ... it looks too much car or SUV like ... a truck. The Sierra which is virtually the same as the Silverado, has a much better looking chrome front end, but still the crappy interior and short box. You can upgrade the Sierra to the Denali trim (GMs high end trim package) and you get near Ford like quality inside, HOWEVER, GM switches the powertrain to All-wheel drive instead of 4WD ... a big no no for me.
As for Toyota, I don't think they're a serious player in the full size truck market. They've recalled those Tundras now for significant reason ... rusting frames and engine problems for starters. In 2009 and 2010, Toyota led total vehicle recalls for any manufacturer -- so quality concerns have caught up with them. Also, Toyota trucks have limited options and setups. You either like the cookie cutter setups/options they offer, or shop somewhere else. Also, supply has been limited since the earthquake. At Ford, GM, Ram, you can build your truck with an array of options and setups. Tundra sales have fallen significantly which is probably due to the fact that the Big3 trucks perform better than it in nearly all categories and you can better customize them (don't hate, read the reviews from credible sources).
I think the GM 1/2 ton trucks are going to be remodeled for 2013. I'm anxious to see how they turn out. Maybe I'll swap my ecoboost out for one in 2014 if they raise the bar significantly. GM redid the HDs last year and they are simply the best 3/4 and 1 ton trucks out there today (except with crappy interiors). You can not beat that Duramx/Allison combo for towing and hauling.
Ford!!! I've owned them all and IMO Ford had the least mechanical problems, better ride, better interior & they are the best selling trucks for over 30+ years. Mine has 214,000 miles on it and still runs like a new one. It eats Chevy's & poops Dodges.
The Allison transmission in the GMC is the best transmission by far
and
The Cummins that comes in the dodge is the best diesel by far.
Why anyone would buy a gas truck is mind boggling to me, but then again I live at 5500 feet.
Most GSE (tugs, ramp loaders, etc) have cummins engines in them, which are very similar to the cummins engine that comes in the dodge, but with two less cylinders usually.
... As for Toyota, I don't think they're a serious player in the full size truck market. They've recalled those Tundras now for significant reason ... rusting frames and engine problems for starters. In 2009 and 2010, Toyota led total vehicle recalls for any manufacturer -- so quality concerns have caught up with them. Also, Toyota trucks have limited options and setups. You either like the cookie cutter setups/options they offer, or shop somewhere else. Also, supply has been limited since the earthquake. ...
Agree with you on the Chevy/GM interiors too much plastic, even high end. Usually accompanied by annoying rattles and squeaks that are out of the hearing frequency range of the service department.
The toyota quality may be slipping but wasnt 2009/10 recall stat driven by the media driven (I'd say bogus, but that would be superfuluous) stuck accelerator scam.
Thanks to everyone for the insight. After beating my husband almost senseless, I think he's going to agree with me that our first choice is a Ford. If we can't find the deal we want, we'll move on down to the GMC dealer.
We have an investment company that will be the "owner" of this truck. The truck will be hauling things, but not frequent enough to justify getting a SuperDuty or anything like that.
In my old age, life is short and I won't be able to take my money with me after I croak, so why not go for what we want, eh?
Agree with you on the Chevy/GM interiors too much plastic, even high end. Usually accompanied by annoying rattles and squeaks that are out of the hearing frequency range of the service department.
The toyota quality may be slipping but wasnt 2009/10 recall stat driven by the media driven (I'd say bogus, but that would be superfuluous) stuck accelerator scam.
Well, not exactly a media made recall. The floor mats were designed in such a way that the gas pedals could get stuck under them. Then, there was a mechanical defect in some of the gas accelerator systems which allowed for the mechanical throttle to get stuck open.
The problem to which you refer to was the software issue for the electronic cars (was the electronic system some how accelerating the cars on their own as many motorists claim). The Toyota electronic design was found not to be at fault.
Ford!!! I've owned them all and IMO Ford had the least mechanical problems, better ride, better interior & they are the best selling trucks for over 30+ years. Mine has 214,000 miles on it and still runs like a new one. It eats Chevy's & poops Dodges.
Yes and no. When you count Silverado/Sierra separately, yes, Ford sells more trucks. When you combine them, GM wins.
I think both Ford and GM make great trucks. In fact, I think quality among the domestic car carriers has increased significantly.
Another reason why I went with Ford this time around, Ford didn't take bailouts and didn't screw the American public (for which they still owe money despite what POTUS says). The management team got their checks and the unions taken care of while the investors and good dealerships were closed down.
Ford!!! I've owned them all and IMO Ford had the least mechanical problems, better ride, better interior & they are the best selling trucks for over 30+ years. Mine has 214,000 miles on it and still runs like a new one. It eats Chevy's & poops Dodges.
Yes and no. When you count Silverado/Sierra separately, yes, Ford sells more trucks. When you combine them, GM wins.
I think both Ford and GM make great trucks. In fact, I think quality among the domestic car carriers has increased significantly.
Another reason why I went with Ford this time around, Ford didn't take bailouts and didn't screw the American public (for which they still owe money despite what POTUS says). The management team got their checks and the unions taken care of while the investors and good dealerships were closed down.
I am of the opinion that GM actually lost as soon as they took the bailout. Same with Chrysler. Just another reason why I love driving around in my blue oval F150. I think Dodge now has a really good looking truck but I'll never buy one because they along with GM should have declared bankruptcy then allow the natural course of business play out. My girlfriends Father is a die hard GM guy and even he switched to Ford.
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