Ford or GMC

Ledgemere Farm · May 15, 2002

I currently have a Mazda B-4000 and want to "trade up" to a fullsize. This is the first compact I have ever owned. It is a nice truck, but too small for my needs. I have owned 3 F-150's previously. I never had any significant problems with any of them. I haven't ruled out a new F-150. However, I have been eyeballing the new Sierras too. I was wondering what all you Sierra owners think of your trucks? I am interested in the 1500 Series 4wd. I don't plan on towing my tractors.

ICGREEN · May 15, 2002

I have a 99 Chevy 4x4 and it's the best truck I've ever had. It just feels solid and after 100,000 miles it still feels solid. I think GM really did their home work on this truck. The push buton 4x4 is really convient and the anti lock brakes work great. I have had two repairs that cost about $1000 total but I don't think thats excessive for the miles I put on it. I've had Ford and Dodge but this one's a keeper.

rf33 · May 15, 2002

If it were me, I would probably go with the Ford. If you check out consumer reports, the average joe seems to have better luck with maintenance on Ford pickups (although the GM SUV's get much better ratings than the Fords--go figure), than on the GM products. The GM products generally have a softer ride, but seem to give up a little bit of durability as a trade-off. I have done quite a bit of looking into getting another truck for my wife, and we have come down to either a supercrew F-150 or a Chevy Tahoe (SUV). These both get excellent ratings from CR and having driven both, seem to be excellent vehicles. I also like the way the GM trucks ride (and that 4 wheel steering on the Sierra Denali sounds pretty cool too), but it seems that they just don't stand up as well on average.

Also getting top notch reviews and ratings is the new Toyota full size pickup. It might be worth a look too.

cp1969 · May 15, 2002

The thing that has me interested in GMC or Chevy is Quadrasteer.

Most parking lot spaces have shrunk to the point that a mini Cooper couldn't get in one of them without backing up once while trucks have grown to the dimensions and nimbleness of Baldwin locomotives.

rancar · May 16, 2002

I just bought a new 2002 GMC Sierra last December with the zero percent financing. I love these trucks. /w3tcompact/icons/love.gif I bought this one to upgrade from my 1989 GMC Sierra that except for minor cosmetic and accessory problems has never given me a problem. I was thinking of selling my 1989 but now am thinking more of retaining it to use as my dirt and wood truck around the farm...it remains just as tough as it always has been.

Ledgemere Farm · May 16, 2002

you're a cynic. I like it. I work in the city and my Mazda just about squeeks into a spot. Looks like my wife will be driving the fullsize and I will get the Honda...

RobertN · May 16, 2002

I know you didn't ask... But, I drove em all, and went with a Dodge. I like the seating better. The overall ergo of the cab really works for me. I have always been a Ford truck man, but my 2001 Dodge has been awesome over the 17958 miles to date.

And yes, parking stinks! This Dodge turns a little tighter than my 89Ford(both long bed extra-cabs), but is still hard to get in a lot of parking lots. I have become very proficient at 5-10 point turns in parking lots /w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif

Besides, that fancy Dodge <font color=red> red </font color=red> looks a lot like <font color=red> Farmall Red </font color=red> /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

Ledgemere Farm · May 16, 2002

Farmall red??? That's almost reason enough right there!!!

AndyR · May 16, 2002

I've got the Chevy 2500 HD, ext cab and full bed - 4 feet longer then my Ranger! I looked at the quad-steer but you give up about 50% of the towing capacity - definitely not worth it IMHO.

Robert_in_NY · May 16, 2002

Either Ford or GMC is a good choice, I have had good luck with Ford with very few minor problems on the 92' and 98' F-150's. We just bought a 02' F-250 4wd and have 3500 miles on it with no problems yet but we are still breaking this truck in. The 92' has 151k and the oil pan and radiator are the only things that have been changed. It has the 4.9L V-6 and is a 2wd. The 98' has 91k and has the 4.6L V-8 and is 4wd and the only problems with that is the wire leading to the starter coroded and broke off, put on a new end and fixed it. The other problem with it is the switch inside the fender for when the door opens your light comes on and stays on cause the stupid switch is junk and is inside the fender, not one of Fords best designs but one that was corrected on the 99' models. I have not heard of any problems with GMC's but do not own one to know. The F-150 is a great truck and Ford makes their money off of it because of how well built it is. You will not be disappointed with it if you choose it. Take care.