Let's take a poll

[Mario17]

Hello everyone-
I am in the market for a 4-door pickup truck and want to know how everyone would rank the following trucks and why their number one is in that position?

I will use the 2004 models (1/2ton) for all these vehicles:
Dodge Ram Quad Cab - 5.7L Hemi
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Quad Cab - 5.3L Vortec
Nissan Titan Crew Cab - 5.6L
Ford F-150 Crew Cab - 5.4L
Toyota Tundra Crew Cab - 4.7L
any other entries you want to add

Thanks for any help. I am open to any suggestions, especially relating to the ability to work on these vehicles myself. I understand some of the foreign trucks pack their hoods with so much #@$%!, you can barely get a screw driver in there.

 

[JHZR2]

If you have to go that route, Id go Chevy or dodge... THough Ford does make an excellent work truck, and will be a fine pick too.

Determinations from real use in service far more severe than is seen stateside indicates that Toyota offerings cant keep up as well as their domestic counterparts. Maybe the new one can do better - but the upkeep costs would be higher anyway.

If I were you, Id avoid the whole stupid 1500 series fullsize set, and get a real truck - give up some 'luxury' (if you want luxury, get a luxury car), and go for a base model 2500 diesel with Manual trans. Something like what 1sttruck has... THe cost is not that much more in reality, and operationally, longevity-wise, as well as resale wise, youll pay the difference over and over and over.

A diesel fullsize is the only way to go!

JMH

 

[RacerE7773]

I'd go for the Ford and maybe the Chevy.

 

[bretfraz]

Based on your criteria, I'd put the Chevy in 1st place and Toyota in 2nd.

In 2004, both the F-150 and Titan were new to the market. My concern would be teething problems common in 1st year designs or full redesigns. If you find a good one, I think either truck would be excellent, but my feeling is the potential for problematic units are a little high.

The '04 Ram is an awesome truck, very powerful, wery roomy inside, and should be a good used value. But they've suffered a good number of recalls and they suck gas. Again, if you can find a good one, this truck will be fun to drive if you like HP.

The Tundra was pretty well evolved by '04 and I think an excellent choice for someone who wants "full size but not so full". The QC was there and they tend to hold their value well so you'll have to pay up for a good one. Price keeps it at #2 on my list.

Like the Tundra, the Silverado's issues were pretty much handled by '04. The piston slap from older models was not as prevalent on the 5.3L by this time. While the interior design looks a bit dated compared to the more modern Ford and Nissan, it works well. An all around capable truck you should be able to find in good supply at decent prices. #1 on the list, well earned IMO.

Hope this helps!!

 

[williar]

1-chevy
2-dodge
3-ford

 

[Doc8404]

learn more about the 2004 Ford here.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/index.php