Topic: Need opinions on American trucks

[Frankencake]

So my harbor bomber got wrecked and I have this check sitting here.  I'm out of room for motorcycles so I guess that I'll buy a truck to replace the one I lost.  I can't afford the Toyota I want so I'll revert to American iron.  My choices are narrowed down to two companies one of which is not Ford.  60 years ago, I would have bought a ford but since then, well, you know; it's not so good.

I'm looking at 2000-ish Dodge Dakota's or Chevrolet S-10 OR 1500.  What say the general masses? 

Please don't turn this into a "mines better than yours" thread.  Glenn has enough to do to eliminate the political element.  I'm just looking for honest opinions from folks who know the pros and cons of each vehicle.  I'll tell you right now that I am leaning towards the Dodge since I used to own a Caravan which was simply one of the most bullet proof vehicles I ever had.  But, alas, even steel rusts.

[kirkn]

My '97 Dakota extend-cab with 3.9 V6 has 175,000 miles on it and hasn't missed a beat!!  I swapped out the water pump when it sprang a leak at about 140k, but that's it!!  Still gets 20 mpg and all the power this's and that's still work!  Absolutely impressive.  And of course, here in Central FL, we don't get rust, so it looks nearly as good now as when new!

My two cents.

[Damfino]

I'm a life long GM man myself, but I have to give props to my Ford driving brother. Back in 1997 when Ford last redesigned the F-150, he was one of the first in line to buy one. An extended cab, 4x4, with the 4.6L (I think). That truck has carried him for 250,000 miles without a major engine mechanical breakdown. That's respectable in my book. 

[SOHC Digger]

I have a 2000 S-10 with 185,000 on it and I have always loved it.  I replaced one injector, one fuel pump, one radiator, and one alternator.  The 4.3 has plenty of power and the 5sp manual trans makes it fun.  I am so pissed that Chevy stopped making these or I'd have a newer one already!

[Stev-o]

Do the right thing, buy the Toyota!

By the way, they are made in the USA now [San Antonio].

I am on my fourth, and would not even consider another brand. I drive a lot for business and buy a new truck every 2-3 years.

[pidaster]

I had a new '02 Silverado 5.3 that I loved the engine in. Great gas mileage with all my tools loaded, smooth transmission, good looks. However, I hated the poor handling. Due to that one issue I sold it a year later but I put 80k miles on it. Only mild transmission problems.

Picked up a used '02 Ford Ranger with the 4.0 and auto trans. Loved it but missed my full size. Kept it a few years and put around 50k miles on it with no problems whatsoever. I put tires, oil, and gas in that thing. Wish I would have kept it.

Next was a used '99 F150 4.2 v6 with manual 5 speed. Got one mile per gallon less than the Chevy but handled so much better it was unreal. I kept that truck for 5 years before selling to a friend after he kept begging me to sell it to him. I only replaced a throttle position sensor, ball joints on it, and general tune up. Drove it the last time I saw him and it was at almost 200k and he still hasn't had any problems.

Currently driving an '07 F150 with a 5.4 and I love it. So smooth riding, no road noise, handles wonderful, pulls the camper with ease. I just don't like the 18mpg. I wish it did better in that category but I love it anyway. I've only put about 15k on it so far but at 90k miles, only changed the spark plugs.

My parents '05 F150 4.6 has served them very well with no problems at 130k miles.
My brothers '02 F250 7.3 has served him well at 300k miles and no major problems.

I will say I almost purchased a Tundra but didn't really like the looks of it. All the important stuff such as towing was right but I got the F150 for almost half the price and I don't regret my decision.

As for a Dodge, that's one turd I'll never own. Poor gas mileage, poor handling, fugly to boot. Our fleet trucks were dodge 3/4 ton back in '03 and they were constantly in the shop.

I'd go Ford or Toyota.

[pdxPope]

http://burlington.craigslist.org/ctd/1979539931.html


My '95 has 265K on the original engine, transmission & rear end and shows no sign of quitting. (knocks wood)



-JP

[Stev-o]

Or this:

http://burlington.craigslist.org/ctd/2016150447.html

What's your budget? Need 4x4??

[Duke McDukiedook]

Toyota or Nissan, and don't give me that #$%* about US made- doesn't apply anymore.

[SOHC Digger]

Toyota or Nissan, and don't give me that #$%* about US made- doesn't apply anymore.

I don't think any member of a forum devoted to Japanese motorcycles has any room to lay the "Buy American" guilt trip on anybody.

[seaweb11]

Do the right thing, buy the Toyota!

By the way, they are made in the USA now [San Antonio].

I am on my fourth, and would not even consider another brand. I drive a lot for business and buy a new truck every 2-3 years.

Your 4th Toyota Truck?
I've had my F-150 since new in 1997, never really thought about a replacement. Bought some new tires and brakes this year

[dhall57]

Several months ago I bought a 1990 Chev 1500 4x4 5.7 V8 with only 88000 miles. PO took very good care of it. For a 20 year vehicle it rides and drives great. Couldn't be more happy with it

[Rocking-M]

find a 1968 to 72 chevy 4x4. Easy to work on and runs forever.

I've two, a 4x4 3/4ton that started life a farm truck and still is a farm truck.
Been owned by half the county and ended up with me 20 years ago.
I reworked the body a bit. It probably has 500,000 on it.
Two teen age boys learned to drive in it. Still going as a farm use truck.

My other is a 1/2 ton 4x4 which incidentally has the same frame as the 3/4 ton
just a different rear end under the 3/4 ton. I found it as a run around truck
with about 90k on it, I've about 130k on it now. (It set in a barn for 12 years
before I found it with the fellow reupholstering it to get it ready to sell)

These trucks with the 350 small block (best engine ever made) and the
old four speed with the new process gear drive transfers are some of the
toughest if not toughest ever made. Parts are cheap and run forever.

here's the 69, that's a 41 year old truck, older than most of you.

[333]

Toyota or Nissan, and don't give me that #$%* about US made- doesn't apply anymore.

I don't think any member of a forum devoted to Japanese motorcycles has any room to lay the "Buy American" guilt trip on anybody.

Dukie- yes it does.  While Americans are employed here by them, the money still leaves the country.

Digger- If Harley built something other than a V-twin cruiser, I'd bet there would be a lot less people here in this forum, including me.

[rustbucket]

What are your needs in a truck? Towing? Hauling? 4x4?

Hard to make a reccomendation without knowing what you'll use it for... 

[bill440cars]

  My Dad has a '93 Dakota that has been a good truck and other than  David (my so called brother) tearing up the trans & transfer, it's been a good truck. I;ve only been talking to him about trading for a 99 -2002 (or so) to "Upgrade a bit and because of the style". That's about all I have to offer, since You since I can't throw in that We're Mopar people.  I've HEARD that the Toyota & Nissan's ARE pretty decent though.

[MoMo]

I've had two Dodge pick ups, both were fantastic. The present is a 1987 with 200000, runs great and seemingly will last forever.  Also, my son has a Blazer with 250000.  In my opinion you cannot go wrong with any vehicle as long as it was taken care of. Only vehicles I ever had problems with were VW and Ford

[Duke McDukiedook]

Toyota or Nissan, and don't give me that #$%* about US made- doesn't apply anymore.

I don't think any member of a forum devoted to Japanese motorcycles has any room to lay the "Buy American" guilt trip on anybody.

Dukie- yes it does.  While Americans are employed here by them, the money still leaves the country.

Digger- If Harley built something other than a V-twin cruiser, I'd bet there would be a lot less people here in this forum, including me.

What about when an "American" car company produces more units and parts outside of "America"?

That's what I'm getting at.

[Laminar]

Reading a bunch of "I owned Brand X and it was awesome" posts isn't providing you with any helpful information.

[HedNut]

Go with Ford! ahaha

Bought brand new from a dealership...my fathers current and last vehicles....

87' Ranger 4x4.....600k (km's)....
01' F150.....currently at 450k

Ranger's still running strong but no longer on the road...to be built-up into a Buck-nasty hunting truck.

FORD! 

[Really?]

I have had 4 chrysler products in the last 8 years.  Never again.  I think they are bringing the 80's mentality back of pure junk.  $1000+ to change a water pump, to replace the battery you have to pull the headlight and fenderwell out... Find the fuel filter on some of these,,,it is in the tank!

I have always been a chevy truck person, my last one was stolen in 98.  '85 Silverado SWB 4x4. I think a Coyote is using it in Mexico, lol. Loved that monster.

I drive a Ford Explorer now.  I feel like I am in heaven compared to what I have had to deal with recently concerning Chrysler products.

So, I am with Ford and Chevy with my experiences.  I have no problem with the imports, just not a lot of time with them.

[Frankencake]

Toyota or Nissan, and don't give me that #$%* about US made- doesn't apply anymore.

I don't think any member of a forum devoted to Japanese motorcycles has any room to lay the "Buy American" guilt trip on anybody.

Dukie- yes it does.  While Americans are employed here by them, the money still leaves the country.

Digger- If Harley built something other than a V-twin cruiser, I'd bet there would be a lot less people here in this forum, including me.

What about when an "American" car company produces more units and parts outside of "America"?

That's what I'm getting at.

I don't give a #$%* where it's made.  I can't afford a Toyota so I have to go to the next level.  It sounds like ford and chevy are still pretty good.  Any other opinions on the Dodge?  I'm looking at a 2000-ish Dakota.

[Coyote13]

I drove a 2001 Ram 1500 with the 5.2l V8. Thing was a total beast, put 50k miles on it and never had an issue other than regular maintenance and wear items. I know everyone has their opinion on branding and what-not, but in all honesty, all brands have their pitfalls and shortcomings. Find something YOU like, because beyond that it's a crap shoot whether you're gonna get that one that just happens to have issues or the one that could go 20k miles without an oil change. Just take your time when you're talking to the PO and you should be fine.

[Duke McDukiedook]

Toyota or Nissan, and don't give me that #$%* about US made- doesn't apply anymore.

I don't think any member of a forum devoted to Japanese motorcycles has any room to lay the "Buy American" guilt trip on anybody.

Dukie- yes it does.  While Americans are employed here by them, the money still leaves the country.

Digger- If Harley built something other than a V-twin cruiser, I'd bet there would be a lot less people here in this forum, including me.

What about when an "American" car company produces more units and parts outside of "America"?

That's what I'm getting at.

I don't give a #$%* where it's made.  I can't afford a Toyota so I have to go to the next level.  It sounds like ford and chevy are still pretty good.  Any other opinions on the Dodge?  I'm looking at a 2000-ish Dakota.

If you can't afford a Toyota then get a Nissan.

[Duanob]

I'm a 1997 Ford F150 owner. That being said there is no American "Iron" anymore. It's all plastic, pop metal, and crappy mexican made electronics. All companies have their quirks manufactured into their machines. Go to some other forum boards and scroll through to find out if you can live with them or not. Also resale value is something to consider and the two trucks you have picked out are the absolute worst.

My ford has decent resale value although I'm not sure why. When it come to supply and demand, the supply of these things is endless. But they hold a good price. I popped a spark plug once and then found out it was a common occurence with these 4.6L trucks. One of Ford's better ideas was just crappy engineering. I've heard bad things about GMC/Chevy trannys going south if you plan on towing. And Dodge has all kinds of problems, one of them being the worst gas mileage of any full size truck. My next truck will be a Nissan Frontier with the 4.0 L it has more power, better mileage, and a bigger towing capacity then my F150! And a lot less money to buy. Good luck.