Truck Opinions

[Smalls]

I'm starting to look at getting a newer truck sometime by the end of the year. Not looking for a brand new one, I just don't trust a new vehicle off the lot, and don't like the idea of it losing so much value when I drive off. I'm looking more in the 2008-2012 range.

Anyway, what I do know for certain is I'm getting a 4x4, and I'm almost certain it will be an F-150 or a Chevy/GMC 1500. I've ruled out dodge and Nissan, and the Tundra. Might consider a Tacoma, but I have a small truck now.

So what I'm looking for is advice from guys that are familiar with the fords and GMC/Chevys. What are the pros/cons of each? How do they ride? Is there a major difference between the v6 and v8 in terms of power and fuel economy? More or less interested in fuel economy. I know its going to be worse than my little truck now (17 city/ 19-20 highway), but does the engine make a huge difference? I've always understood that v8s are terrible on gas.

I've driven both at work, but not all day, every day like someone that owns one. I'm going to be hunting in it, and probably towing a small boat one day.

[Goooh]

I don't feel reliability plays a role in newer vehicles, so I'll skip that part.

My experience is that the fords feel tighter inside and ride a little stiffer, while GM has a better comfort level inside and suspension wise.

A truck riding like a truck is what I like because it directly correlates to better handling when towing or loaded down. I prefer Fords for this reason, and have found GM vehicles to feel "squishy" and in less control of the load.

My $.02

[meaux fishing]

my experience is with a tacoma for the last 6 years. The only reason Im looking at upgrading to a bigger truck in the near future, is that my current boat is so heavy it rides a little rough towing it down bad roads. I have the double cab long wheel base prerunner.

[Top Dawg]

I have a '10 f150 4wd and I get 16 in town and 19 hwy fwiw. Had a GM before this one and the quality of a GM doesn't compare to a ford as far as interior and exterior small things. The small things are what pissed me off about my gmc. Door panels coming loose, overhead sunglasses storage falling off, speakers going out, 4wd going out, changed front wheel bearings once a year, console cracked, sounded like a rattle trap when hittin bumps, tail lights falling out. Next time you're on the road pay attention to the gms. The little black plastic piece around the tailgate latch are notorious for breaking. You will be surprised how many u will count once u start looking for it. Some have argued that "it's just a $14 part" my issue is if I pay 30k+ for a truck I shouldn't have to worry bout buying $15 parts.

That's my .02

[noodle creek]

^^^^ this

[Smalls]

I have noticed that before. Didn't realize they had gotten so bad though. My step dad has always been a Chevy guy. I always liked them too, but driving around the later 2000s Fords has got me leaning hard towards an F-150. I've liked the feel of the Fords a lot more because I feel they handle more like my truck, a small truck. But they are not a small truck.

[lil bubba]

2013 chevy 4x4 5.3.....
16mpg. pulling 16 foot glass boat loaded on hwy. 19-21 hwy. 55mph. to 70mph. stop n go 13-14.....rides as good as any ford i been in. 20 inch goodyear silent armor tires. more pressure better mileage , less pressure squishy ride. I think a ford probly just as good as far as ride and build . I have no problem with what i got. As far as chevy or gmc a 4x4 is different suspension than a z71.

[AubreyLaHaye458]

I have an '09 GMC half ton. I like the truck. Comfortable ride. But like they said it's the little things that break. My center console is currently broken. But that's really it. Haven't had any other problems yet. It's towed everything I've asked it to. I've got a pretty heavy foot and I average 14-15 mpg. Tows my grandfathers 20' blue wave like nothing. I pulled my buddy's 20' skeeter back from Jackson Tuesday and averaged about 12 mpg.

[Matt G]

I love my Chevy, but I can't deny that the new Fords are nice as Hell. When I was looking at used trucks I noticed that the Fords tended to carry their value better than Chevy/GMC. Maybe it was just a coincidence.

[mriguy]

Waiting on the 2015 F150

[Ducktrickster]

I must drive like jr. Because i have never owned a full size 4wd truck get over 15 mpg.

[Tjethro85]

Originally Posted by Ducktrickster

I must drive like jr. Because i have never owned a full size 4wd truck get over 15 mpg.

That's how I drive and I get over 15 in my dmax but my z71 I didn't get much over 15 if anything.

[latravcha]

I have always been a Chevy guy but I got a 2014 f150 for a company truck last year. I had a 2010 1500 before that. I hate to say I like the ford better. After 150k miles the Chevy did not hold up. I only have 50k on the ford now but it had a lot more room in the inside and better gas mileage. I average 19 mpg with the ford with a V8. Time will tell how it holds up.

[Cajun83]

Originally Posted by latravcha

I have always been a Chevy guy but I got a 2014 f150 for a company truck last year. I had a 2010 1500 before that. I hate to say I like the ford better. After 150k miles the Chevy did not hold up. I only have 50k on the ford now but it had a lot more room in the inside and better gas mileage. I average 19 mpg with the ford with a V8. Time will tell how it holds up.

I'm pushing 90k on my 07 STX had to change a spark plug a few k ago. My dad's been through two in the past ten years or so, on his third (traded in around 150k just for something new). Only issue he had was a bad mass airflow sensor in the '07. Solid trucks imo.

[PaulMyers]

Originally Posted by mriguy

Waiting on the 2015 F150

X TWO

[T-Bone]

I hear the 2025 Fords will be awesome.......til then I'll continue driving my 1998 5.7L Chevy Z71