Maybe because GM splits their sales between GMC and CHEVY.
And there are plenty of old everything on the road. Except for Dodges, don't see many old Dodges anymore.
Who makes the best standard size pickup?:
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And there are plenty of old everything on the road. Except for Dodges, don't see many old Dodges anymore.
JHZR2
Staff member
If I was buying a diesel, Id buy a dodge.
Otherwise, its easy... the MT version of the GM/chevy v6 truck., as its a great deal, probably has the best v6 engine, and it will be more bulletproof than anything else.
Ford would get my #2 choice, with dodge and toyota sharing the last place.
Dodge because the engine isnt up to snuff in base models, IMO, and toyota because a lot of it isnt built up to snuff.
IIRC, only the GM and toyota products are actually made in the USA. Points for them.
Nissan has an undersized diff, and is a bit too gimmicky for me.
Case in point against toyota... down in the VI, the fiancee's father used to only drive toyotas... this is severe service that would laugh at most use up here. Toyotas kept better value, but since he is driving a ford now, he is amazed at how much better of a truck it is from handling, load capacity, operation under heavy loading, engine, etc.
He wont be going back...
And that speaks more volumes than any stateside use, short of ranch, severe terrain jobsite or heavy mountainous use.
JMH
Otherwise, its easy... the MT version of the GM/chevy v6 truck., as its a great deal, probably has the best v6 engine, and it will be more bulletproof than anything else.
Ford would get my #2 choice, with dodge and toyota sharing the last place.
Dodge because the engine isnt up to snuff in base models, IMO, and toyota because a lot of it isnt built up to snuff.
IIRC, only the GM and toyota products are actually made in the USA. Points for them.
Nissan has an undersized diff, and is a bit too gimmicky for me.
Case in point against toyota... down in the VI, the fiancee's father used to only drive toyotas... this is severe service that would laugh at most use up here. Toyotas kept better value, but since he is driving a ford now, he is amazed at how much better of a truck it is from handling, load capacity, operation under heavy loading, engine, etc.
He wont be going back...
And that speaks more volumes than any stateside use, short of ranch, severe terrain jobsite or heavy mountainous use.
JMH
Seems to me the 4.6 doesn't come with 3 valves in the F150. I do remember saying the 5.4 was good. But if you think that 4.6 has torque you don't know what torque is. Look at the intake manifold on that thing. They try and compensate for that lack of torque with those giagantic runners to no avail. I've driven a 4.6 ford back to back with a 4.8 Chevy and there is no comparison. I even timed them 0-60; 10.3 vs 8.8, both extra cabs.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
Depends on what your expectations are for best pickup truck. Least up front cost would be a Chevy/GMC w/t with 4.3L. I'd had those very trucks in the past. I had excellent service from them, but like the ride, interior quality, advancements of the ford and toyotas better. If I had a choice:
1) Yota
2) Ford
3) GM
G/luck
Joel
1) Yota
2) Ford
3) GM
G/luck
Joel
I would assume anyone buying a truck is doing so for business as a car is better in all other respects. One can rent a truck for short periods.
I guess it depends on how you're using it. My half-ton tow package 2001 DODGE Ram (HD cooling and suspension; V8-318 & 46RE trans) can take an enormously heavy load without my feeling it a problem (true, I'm movin' slow for safety sake); my associates FORD (similar package, but fewer options) sinks towards the axles quickly with lesser loads.
On the other hand, as I am not tearing out plaster and tile baths every week, it is not as nice-riding as the Ford (or GM's I've been in).
Use the calculators at EDMUNDS (Cost to Own; etc) and do some numbers to see how first five years/60,000 miles should stack up on straight expenses per mile.
Look for a bargain around town . . at the dealer with the best service department.
Reduce hassles, and keep cents-per-mile at lowest point.
Good luck.
I guess it depends on how you're using it. My half-ton tow package 2001 DODGE Ram (HD cooling and suspension; V8-318 & 46RE trans) can take an enormously heavy load without my feeling it a problem (true, I'm movin' slow for safety sake); my associates FORD (similar package, but fewer options) sinks towards the axles quickly with lesser loads.
On the other hand, as I am not tearing out plaster and tile baths every week, it is not as nice-riding as the Ford (or GM's I've been in).
Use the calculators at EDMUNDS (Cost to Own; etc) and do some numbers to see how first five years/60,000 miles should stack up on straight expenses per mile.
Look for a bargain around town . . at the dealer with the best service department.
Reduce hassles, and keep cents-per-mile at lowest point.
Good luck.
The F-150 is made in the US (one factory is in Detroit, the other is in VA or something). Some were made in Canada, but I believe Ford is closing or has closed that plant.
I believe Dodge also builds some Rams in the US, but some models are built in Mexico.
Since the original poster is looking at basic work trucks. Still have the engine spec from looking at 06 trucks myself.
Ford F150 4.2 V6
Horsepower 202 @ 4350
Torque 260 @ 3750
Ford F150 4.6 V8
Horsepower 231 @ 4750
Torque 293 @ 3500
Toyota Tundra 4.0 V6
Horsepower 236 @ 5200
Torque 266 @ 4000
Toyota Tundra 4.7 V8
Horsepower 271 @ 5400
Torque 313 @ 3400
Ford F150 4.2 V6
Horsepower 202 @ 4350
Torque 260 @ 3750
Ford F150 4.6 V8
Horsepower 231 @ 4750
Torque 293 @ 3500
Toyota Tundra 4.0 V6
Horsepower 236 @ 5200
Torque 266 @ 4000
Toyota Tundra 4.7 V8
Horsepower 271 @ 5400
Torque 313 @ 3400
Here in my area of Wisconsin you only see the farmers the snow plowers and the trailer pullers using Ford, Chey, Dodge.
This topic comes up alot at work and it always comes down to this.
When we see the Farmers and snowplowers using Toyota's and Nissan's then will considers buying one. I just don't think they can take the abuse. A local landscaper/winter plower bought a new Titan last year after one season of plowing and we did not have much snow this year. Well the truck is sitting at the Dodge dealers used lot now. Our Ford Dealer/GMC dealer sells Ford 4 to 1 over the GMC they are both fine trucks. I don't think you could go wrong with either.
This topic comes up alot at work and it always comes down to this.
When we see the Farmers and snowplowers using Toyota's and Nissan's then will considers buying one. I just don't think they can take the abuse. A local landscaper/winter plower bought a new Titan last year after one season of plowing and we did not have much snow this year. Well the truck is sitting at the Dodge dealers used lot now. Our Ford Dealer/GMC dealer sells Ford 4 to 1 over the GMC they are both fine trucks. I don't think you could go wrong with either.
I love these threads. Talking about trucks is as bad as talking about religion or politics and almost as bad as who has the best kids or the prettiest wife. NOBODY can offer an objective opinion.
Let's remind ourselves what the original poster wanted a truck for, shall we?
For these needs, any ol' truck will do. I don't know how often a college kid needs to move or how much furniture the wife buys annually, so I can't really say how much truck you'll need. If you just want some ol' truck to drive around, arm on the window sill, Skoal in your mouth, spit cup between your legs, your old Merle Haggard tapes a-playin' and your huntin' dog beside you when the wife and/or kid ain't there, well.... it don't matter none what kinda truck you be a-drivin' as long as you like it.
The Tundra is a nice ridin' and drivin' truck. The standard cab might be a little snug as the Tundra is not quite as big as the domestics so keep that in mind if you need/want a little more room. But like most Toyotas they're built well and reliable and should last a good long time.
I have a std cab GMC Sierra and while its a nice truck, it rides stiff, the steering is vague, and the cab has little storage space. 2 adults is all you can carry, maybe a little kid in the center. But the powertrain is strong, the AC is industrial quality, its reliable and its easy to get serviced.
Both the Dodge Ram and the Ford F150 have much roomier standard cabs. The F150 has small rear opening doors which is really nice (I wish I had them). Both have comfy interiors. The Ford looks and feels like a well appointed car; smooth, quiet, well designed with high quality plastics. The F150 interior makes my GMC's look cheap and cheesy. Dodge updated the Ram this year and its a nicer cab that before, which was still nicer than my GMC.
As for powertrains, I would HIGHLY recommend a V8 + automatic, if only for resale value. I don't care what anyone says, very few people want a full sized truck with a V6 and a manual tranny, and those that do want them super cheap. If ya don't believe me ask a car dealer what they buy and what their customers want. Yeah, a V6 is cheaper upfront and it *might* get better mileage (maybe...) but you lose $$ when it comes to trade in time. Seriously think about this one before buying.
With a new Tundra and GM twins on the way for 2007, I'd imagine there are good deals on both. I'm sure Ford will match them to maintain their sales advantage. Dodge usually doesn't get too down n' dirty with the Ram but it's certainly worth looking at. The Nissan Titan is a good truck but they don't offer a base model like the others do; they're not after fleet sales.
Have fun shopping and be aggressive when it's time to buy. Dealers need to move trucks to keep their sales volume up there. The Toyota dealers may be making high profits from selling hybrids but you should be able to buy a Tundra for invoice. Good luck!
Let's remind ourselves what the original poster wanted a truck for, shall we?
How this need applies to farming, snow plowing, Cummins diesel engines, etc. etc. is beoynd me. Folks..... please..... read the original post carefully and answer the mans question, OK?
For these needs, any ol' truck will do. I don't know how often a college kid needs to move or how much furniture the wife buys annually, so I can't really say how much truck you'll need. If you just want some ol' truck to drive around, arm on the window sill, Skoal in your mouth, spit cup between your legs, your old Merle Haggard tapes a-playin' and your huntin' dog beside you when the wife and/or kid ain't there, well.... it don't matter none what kinda truck you be a-drivin' as long as you like it.
The Tundra is a nice ridin' and drivin' truck. The standard cab might be a little snug as the Tundra is not quite as big as the domestics so keep that in mind if you need/want a little more room. But like most Toyotas they're built well and reliable and should last a good long time.
I have a std cab GMC Sierra and while its a nice truck, it rides stiff, the steering is vague, and the cab has little storage space. 2 adults is all you can carry, maybe a little kid in the center. But the powertrain is strong, the AC is industrial quality, its reliable and its easy to get serviced.
Both the Dodge Ram and the Ford F150 have much roomier standard cabs. The F150 has small rear opening doors which is really nice (I wish I had them). Both have comfy interiors. The Ford looks and feels like a well appointed car; smooth, quiet, well designed with high quality plastics. The F150 interior makes my GMC's look cheap and cheesy. Dodge updated the Ram this year and its a nicer cab that before, which was still nicer than my GMC.
As for powertrains, I would HIGHLY recommend a V8 + automatic, if only for resale value. I don't care what anyone says, very few people want a full sized truck with a V6 and a manual tranny, and those that do want them super cheap. If ya don't believe me ask a car dealer what they buy and what their customers want. Yeah, a V6 is cheaper upfront and it *might* get better mileage (maybe...) but you lose $$ when it comes to trade in time. Seriously think about this one before buying.
With a new Tundra and GM twins on the way for 2007, I'd imagine there are good deals on both. I'm sure Ford will match them to maintain their sales advantage. Dodge usually doesn't get too down n' dirty with the Ram but it's certainly worth looking at. The Nissan Titan is a good truck but they don't offer a base model like the others do; they're not after fleet sales.
Have fun shopping and be aggressive when it's time to buy. Dealers need to move trucks to keep their sales volume up there. The Toyota dealers may be making high profits from selling hybrids but you should be able to buy a Tundra for invoice. Good luck!
"How this need applies to farming, snow plowing, Cummins diesel engines, etc. etc. is beoynd me. Folks..... please..... read the original post carefully and answer the mans question, OK?"
A friend recommended getting the best powertrain / most payload in the size / price range being considered, which seems to be good advice for a vehicle being considered for 'utility'. If the vehicle is being chosen for only commuting, lifestyle, butt warmers, blackberrypickers, etc., then obviously such things are of no concern.
A friend recommended getting the best powertrain / most payload in the size / price range being considered, which seems to be good advice for a vehicle being considered for 'utility'. If the vehicle is being chosen for only commuting, lifestyle, butt warmers, blackberrypickers, etc., then obviously such things are of no concern.
"6 cylinders" and "work truck" shoudn't be in the same sentence.
Riiiight. I'm sure owners of the venerable 300 in^3 would disagree.
JHZR2
Staff member
IMO, if he wants to buy a truck for doing this stuff, and can afford the upkeep, insurance, etc... moe power to him.. While renting a truck for occasional use is a good choice for most of the population (as opposed to driving a guzzler for the 1% of tim when they actually need it), he wants to add to the fleet... good for him, and the truck can be used now and again to take wear and tear off of the other veicles... smart move, I do this myself.
As for worrying about resale and whatnot a sa reason for getting a v8: if youre extracting full utility from the vehicle, then at the end it really doesnt owe you anything, and resale value is a moot poijnt. resale is just an issue to people who pay premiums for their car's brand name and need to justify their payment (e.g. honda or BMW), or else like the vanity of constantly swapping vehicles. for someone who wants to augment the fleet and have a truck for specific tasks, a v6 MT truck would be A-OK, and chances are he will keep it, with low miles for 10-20 years... and the truck will provide great utility when needed, at that time. I have faith he has done the utility/cost calculation, and it comes out favorable to buy it, vs. renting or any other option.
Best drivetrain is often the case in considering what to buy... but IMO, if youre not shopping for a diesel, then youre not shopping for the best drivetrain anyway... so at that point, you need to consider initial cost, economy of use, and total lifecycle cost. The v6 will likely win in all respects, especially given his described work profile.
I say go for a good American branded and American made full size truck with v6 and MT. Youll be happy with it, itll be built really tough and will last you a long time... Just also remember that power takes fuel... so consider that in making engine choices... no way around it (without switching to a diesel
)
JMH
As for worrying about resale and whatnot a sa reason for getting a v8: if youre extracting full utility from the vehicle, then at the end it really doesnt owe you anything, and resale value is a moot poijnt. resale is just an issue to people who pay premiums for their car's brand name and need to justify their payment (e.g. honda or BMW), or else like the vanity of constantly swapping vehicles. for someone who wants to augment the fleet and have a truck for specific tasks, a v6 MT truck would be A-OK, and chances are he will keep it, with low miles for 10-20 years... and the truck will provide great utility when needed, at that time. I have faith he has done the utility/cost calculation, and it comes out favorable to buy it, vs. renting or any other option.
Best drivetrain is often the case in considering what to buy... but IMO, if youre not shopping for a diesel, then youre not shopping for the best drivetrain anyway... so at that point, you need to consider initial cost, economy of use, and total lifecycle cost. The v6 will likely win in all respects, especially given his described work profile.
I say go for a good American branded and American made full size truck with v6 and MT. Youll be happy with it, itll be built really tough and will last you a long time... Just also remember that power takes fuel... so consider that in making engine choices... no way around it (without switching to a diesel
JMH
If you are after a 1/2 Ton work truck with a great track record of low long term maintence then get the Toyota Tundra with either the V6 or the V8.
"I will not use the truck for heavy loads but will use it to move around college students, and flea market furniture for the wife."
Sounds like maybe you need a 1 7/8" ball on the family car and a utility trailer.
P.B.
Sounds like maybe you need a 1 7/8" ball on the family car and a utility trailer.
P.B.
I don't think you're going to save much in terms of mpg versus a small V8.
boxcartommie22....Nissan and toyota trucks are built by americans in the good ole' USA!
JHZR2
Staff member
but we pay taxes to the USA, and only the workers and dealers pay taxes when you buy a toyota or nissan... Corporate tax goes to Japan...
Correct me if Im wrong.
Id prefer to support a US company, especially in the area of pickups, where the reality is that the US branded ones are better, tougher, and can stand up to more.
Granted, Ive always said that a vehicle is such a major purchase that the one that you sink your $$$ into has to be the one that is set up and is exactly how you want, regardles of if that means buying a chevy or a toyota or a made in China wal-mart car (theyll be here soon, Im sure). Its just too big of a purchase to be swayed by anything other than the fact that its exactly what you want.
that said, if I wanted one, Id want a domestic v6 MT... as itll be tougher and be able to handle more than its "equivalents".
JMH
Correct me if Im wrong.
Id prefer to support a US company, especially in the area of pickups, where the reality is that the US branded ones are better, tougher, and can stand up to more.
Granted, Ive always said that a vehicle is such a major purchase that the one that you sink your $$$ into has to be the one that is set up and is exactly how you want, regardles of if that means buying a chevy or a toyota or a made in China wal-mart car (theyll be here soon, Im sure). Its just too big of a purchase to be swayed by anything other than the fact that its exactly what you want.
that said, if I wanted one, Id want a domestic v6 MT... as itll be tougher and be able to handle more than its "equivalents".
JMH
Ford or Chevy.... regional differences in prference. Noticed this while travelling about the US of A.
Add in GMC with Chevy (same vehicle with minor trim differences) and the yearly sales totals are very close to Ford.
Good and bad with both trucks.
When in the used auto parts biz I noticed that used and aftermarket Chevy parts tended to be more readily available and cheaper than Ford. Dodge was most expensive.
Toyota has higher-priced used parts, generally. But, after 10 years or so demand for used parts for "import" trucks trended downwards at a fast rate while demand for the "American" brands just kept on and on and on.
Based upon research during the buying decision for a new 2004 model year pick-em-up with cost a primary consideration, right alongside reliability and overall cost of ownership I chose the Chevy Silverado W/T (work truck) model.
Went with the smallest V8. Opted for 4x4 due to desire to relocate to the boonies in the snow belt.
No huge differences between Ford and Chevy. I would shun Dodge due to cost of parts in later years.
For your needs I would suggest the 6-cylinder basic stripped down truck. Sure, get A/C, an auto tranny if you want. And, go for the 2-wheel drive to keep costs low.
You can get a lot of vehicle for the money, especially if you go Ford or Chevy.
Add in GMC with Chevy (same vehicle with minor trim differences) and the yearly sales totals are very close to Ford.
Good and bad with both trucks.
When in the used auto parts biz I noticed that used and aftermarket Chevy parts tended to be more readily available and cheaper than Ford. Dodge was most expensive.
Toyota has higher-priced used parts, generally. But, after 10 years or so demand for used parts for "import" trucks trended downwards at a fast rate while demand for the "American" brands just kept on and on and on.
Based upon research during the buying decision for a new 2004 model year pick-em-up with cost a primary consideration, right alongside reliability and overall cost of ownership I chose the Chevy Silverado W/T (work truck) model.
Went with the smallest V8. Opted for 4x4 due to desire to relocate to the boonies in the snow belt.
No huge differences between Ford and Chevy. I would shun Dodge due to cost of parts in later years.
For your needs I would suggest the 6-cylinder basic stripped down truck. Sure, get A/C, an auto tranny if you want. And, go for the 2-wheel drive to keep costs low.
You can get a lot of vehicle for the money, especially if you go Ford or Chevy.
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