Pickup Truck advice, Dodge vs. Chevy
 

Hey all. I've been driving S-10 style trucks for a few yrs now, and am getting ready to sell my little GMC Sonoma and get a full size 1/2 ton, 4x4, extended cab. For various reasons, I'm not into Fords, but cannot make up my mind between the Dodge and the Chevy / GMC.

Maybe some of you guys who know both will feel like giving me a few positives and negatives. I'll add here a little about what I'll be using it for.

I'll mostly be using it as a second vehicle for camping, going on vacations, etc. If I do any pulling, it would be a small motorcycle trailer. Occasional 4wd, not hard mudding. I'd consider a 3/4 ton, but mainly prefer 1/2 ton. I'd like to get a small to medium V8, definitely not the large V8. I'll be looking at something between years 2000 - 2006, in the $10 - 12k range.

The things that I'm wondering about, and that are important to me ... do either of the brands mentioned have less of a tendency to get body rust when exposed to winter weather and salt? Does either of them have a particular engine which is known to have better reliability and/or fuel economy? I've mostly had GM products in my lifetime, but I did have a '78 Dodge half ton with a 318, and it was a great truck. I like the newer Dodge, but it seems I see more of them rusted on the road.

I'm just starting to do the research, so I thought I'd throw it out here ... any info / suggestions regarding Dodge vs. Chevy would be greatly appreciated.

JT

As far a rust is concerned, Dodge is the absolute worst of all the brands. For every rusty Chevy I fix, I probably fix 10 rusty Dodges. Dodge likes to fill every open cavity with foam which doesn't do anything other that hold moisture and speed up the rusting process.

The 5.3L in the Chevys runs good with plenty of power to tow and they get good gas mileage. I get 19 mpg empty and 13mpg pulling an 18ft trailer with 5 cubs on it.

I have a '01 Suburban with the 6.0L and it's a 2500 ( 3/4 ton )

I have over 195K on it and it still runs great. Vote for another GM here.

I have a newer Ram 2500 with a cummins and manual transmission and love it, but to be honest, as far as an older 1/2 ton for what you want it for I would have to say a chevy too. They seem like nice trucks, my only issue is the plastic door/ tailgate handles seem to break easy.

I am not a Chevy fan but after owning a Dodge Ram 2500 with the 360 Auto I would say the Chevy is your better option. My truck rusted out bad in the rear wheel wells and the rocker panels were completely trashed. I didn't baby the truck but it did get washed regularly.

I'm neither so have fun guys!

Chev's of that vintage rust bad too, I had an '04 Sierra extended cab z71 with a 5.3l that I bought new, it was an excellent truck but rockers rusted out bad on me. Mine had fender flares so I don't know if the wheel wells were trashed underneath or not. It was a good truck. I've stayed with GM trucks since (a '12 and now a '15). I am a technician at a Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/Ram dealer.

The vintage trucks you're talking about I would go GM no question and the 5.3 is going to be your best bet as far as the engine. The trucks got a facelift and interior upgrade in '03 along with some nicer wheel options, and I think satellite radio came on in '04, '05 went to rear drum brakes (from discs) , and I think in '05 1/2 they dropped the vortecmax trucks with the 6.0L in the 1/2 ton although they are hard to find.

Personaly I prefure the chevy. I've owned both for a few years each. Gas milage in the chevy was definatly better. But it did seem like the dodge had more grunt to tow. Chevy rode better and just felt a little more sturdy... if I were to get another truck that were newer itd definatly be another chevy with the 5.3

I hate to go here... but I have to...

The Dodge mechanicals are great but the bodies are not that great... They are a lot better than they were in the 70's and 80's.. They also like a lot of gasoline..

The Chevys are good if you mostly ride and use it for occasional heavy work.. Good ride and drive and good fuel economy

If you want to work it hard and have it stay together... get a Ford...

Look at what all the rollback, wrecker and power companies use... 80 percent Ford around here...

We have owned and run Fords for 3 generations.... My dad used to maintain a fleet of trucks for a large farm supply dealer... everything from a 1/2 ton to a 3 ton.. Quite a few have over 300K hard work miles on them... Never had a bad one...

Just my opinion... don't hate me :biggrin2::biggrin2:

Last Dodge I owned was a Dakota, worst POS I've ever owned. Chevy's not a lot better. I'm now driving a Toyota Tacoma now, it runs like a clock. Plenty of power and good on gas.

chevy vs dodge
 

1993 1500 Chevy Suburban, 470000 miles. Keeping rust under control with semi annual treatments of "Fluid Film". Love the truck, but the 2500 has a sturdier driveline & brakes. The 1500 driveline ( from trans. back)and brakes look like they came out of an S-10. A friend with a 1999 2500 suburban has had fewer issues with driveline or brakes. His highway mileage is better than mine. Good Luck !

In the for what it’s worth column, whatever make you end up choosing, (Ford!) sorry, did I say that,

Years ago an old body man told me “you should oil those doors”. He was talking about the brand new Taiwan doors that I had put on my ’76 F250. I took his advice and have regularly “oiled” the insides of all body panels that I can on all my vehicles. I use a garden type pump sprayer with diesel fuel. Insides of doors, tailgates, cab corners etc…, underside of vehicles, frame rails, spring perches, etc… Try and do it once a year, just before the salt season. Makes a big difference.

Me either.

Dodge Recomendation
 

My choice is Dodge, first off all makes have rust issues. It depends where you live and how you take care of your truck! If you want an upgrade look Dodge Dakota yes mid size I suggest 4x4 with the 4.7 motor. The last year they made them was around 2008. My son ownes a 98 Dakota and drives it all year long. It has no rust and 263,000 miles, just general service done regularly. We also have a 99 Ram 2500 Diesel 5.9 Cummings no rust and I recently traded my 2006 Dakota RT on a 2006 2500 Diesel 5.9 Cummings basically I have a heavy camper. If you pull a camper the Diesel is the truck for you the 4.7 does okay pulling around 5000 lbs but diesel is king. Trucks with major rust issues are owned by people who do not take care of them or they live in a snow belt area that nothing you buy will last any longer than a few years. I have owned Ford,same rust issues Chevy, you can,t keep cab mounts in them and now Dodge. I would never buy anything foreign, sorry like my Cub Cadets made in America!
:beerchug:

From reading most of the previous post I would not want a Chevy or Dodge. There must be a reason why the Ford F150 has been the best selling truck for decades. My guess is that it is a well built and performing truck. Are member experiences different. Might be worth a look.

BINGO!!:biggrin2::biggrin2: Best seller for over 40 years running...

:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

so has McDonald burgers..... to me just because they sell alot doesnt mean its better ford basically gives them away for fleet vehicles i know that for a fact not very often you get chevy or dodge come close

i personally like dodge but they do rust and transmissions are not the best in them but power is there of course every truck has its good and bad go test drive a bunch of trucks and see which one you'll like best it there is my :TwoCents:

Yep. Ford fleet purchases are dirt cheap.

I agree with Knoxy. Ford gives their trucks away for fleet sales, so they can brag that their trucks are the best selling. I would like to know if Chevy/GMC sales were combined would Ford still be the best selling. Chevy/GMC are nearly identical; however, I have owed 2 GMC Sierra trucks and think they are the best--like driving something everyone else (Ford/Chevy) isn't. Dodge trucks look good, but their fit and finish is not up to par--known to many people who have owed them. I would get a Chevy/GMC first, Ford second, Toyota Tundra next, then Dodge Ram, followed by Nissan Titan. Just my feeling in the matter. Good luck in your purchase.

Cuz GM is dumb and has two full size trucks they sell. The combined sales of the Sierra and Silverado is more, and has been more, than the F 150.

Not to mention Ford counts their F-150 through F-276,950 sizes to get their number

I'm intrigued to see how the new aluminum bodies last.....I know Ford's AL body group had many people from Chrysler's Prowler team.

I'm thinking we have opened a can of worms and this debate could go on forever!! :biggrin2::biggrin2:

Kinda like the hytran debates! :biggrin2:

:popcorn::popcorn:

There was a F150 6cly on CL not long ago for $52,000 wish I had posted it

I have a 3.9 V6 97 Dakota one of the bigger mid sized trucks easy to work on pulls my alum. Boat ok

Thanks very much for the replies, folks. Very useful info., and lots to consider before I decide. I'm leaning toward Chevy / GMC, at this point, mainly because I've owned GM cars and trucks for most of my life. I like my little GMC Sonoma, and the interiors seem to be a little more high end.

I search far and wide to get low mileage used vehicles, and usually have pretty good luck. I take good care of my vehicles, with proper maintenance, waxing the exterior, and oiling the underside to protect from salt. I usually find garage kept & well maintained vehicles, around 10 yrs old, take good care of them while I drive them for 3 to 5 yrs, then get decent resale value. I rarely ever have a car payment, and insurance rates are kept lower.

JT

No matter how cheap fords are after 40 years companies would know if they are not well built trucks and stop buying if that were the case. Seems like that has not happened.

Smart way to buy vehicles... cost very little to drive that way... let somebody else take the hit on buying it new!!:beerchug:

I haven't had a payment in 20 years... last two I bought with minor problems , repaired and drove for 5 to 7 years each... both sold for more than I had in them.. pretty much paid me to drive them:beerchug:

I currently own a Chevy(94 full size Blazer 213,00 miles 5.7). GMC Yukon XL (2003 224000 miles 5.3). I would recommend either. I also have a Ford 2004 f250 with the 6.0 diesel I love this truck runs flawless and was pretty inexpensive. ($6,000). It has 156,000 miles. Attachment 73207

Seems the OP is asking about older trucks. I had about a 99 or 2000 3/4 ton Chevy, 4 door, 2wd. Really nice truck except it would get stuck at nothing. The frame was too stiff and the rated tires wouldn't think about flexing unless it was loaded. LOVED gas, 14 on the interstate was its best, averaged about 11 mpg. Was very quiet inside and had enough power to pass most cars.

Replaced it with a 2007 GMC 1/2 ton 4 door 2wd. Much better on fuel, had a long learning curve adjusting to the downgrade in power. Not quite as quiet inside the cab. Ran it 100,000 miles with nothing but tires, oil, battery and wipers. Hated to let that one go.

I don't know when Chevy started making double cabs so pay attention if you are shopping for a 4 door. Double cabs are a glorified old school extended cab. There is only about 9 inches of clearance between the front seat and the rear seat. Can hardly put groceries in there, much less passengers.

I would go with the GMC/Chevy.

This is getting almost as good as a Hytran debate. My truck is better than yours. :beerchug:

Cars are SO much simpler. You get 3-4 option packages, that's about it. Trucks have a ridiculous number of configurations. Its practically impossible to compare these things! I'm trying to price one for my son. Been pulling my hair out just loading options and stuff into the online appraisal sites. I guess as soon as he gets his license I'll finish pulling it out!:biggrin2:

My 2 cents is a 1st gen dodge cummins w250 pickup. Strong and dependable :American Flag 1:

Picked this up last spring after chasing it on E-bay till the rebates kicked in and I'm lovin' it. 3500 Cummins powered Laramie Longhorn. Gets 14+ mpg hauling a 1181 Lance truck camper around.

Owned Chrysler products for 55 years now, period.
It' MoPar or NoCar!

Not sure when the GM trucks went back to rear drums but that's something to watch for, can't quite figure that one out. My father in laws loaded 271 Silverado 2011 has rear drums. As has been mentioned here dodges are notorious for cancer, particularly the bottoms of the doors. And the automatic transmissions are less than stellar. I only drive a dodge because it has a cummins in it. The 1500 dodges switched to 3rd gen body style in 02, and IFS which I'm not a fan of but rides nice and for a 1\2 ton not a big deal.
You definitely got the right idea of buying a vehicle. Good luck in whatever you choose.

I've have an '03 Silverado 2wd, ext cab with the 4.8 8cyl. Very few issues in the 230000+ miles. Early on the cat conv went bad and was replaced at about 40k, the replacement is still in there. One of the computers went bad at about 50k and was covered by warranty, it was one of the non-recall / recalls they do if it is for other work but mine happened to go bad on the side of 495.

Other than regular maintenance I had a fuel pump and water pump replaced at about 180k and the brake lines rusted out and had to be replaced.

I hope to get another 3 years out of it, but I would buy another GM as I really like the 4.8, enough power for my occasional towing of tractors and gets about 19mpg.

Only one rust issue is on the passenger rear wheel well about the size of three quarters side to side.

The transmission is a little rough going from 1st to 2nd early on cold mornings but i take it easy until it warms up. I am very careful about the weight I tow now since i don't want a big bill surprising me.

Really got a workout towing a loader I found recently but the tranny seems to have survived the strain.

Chevy all the way or GMC. Way more comfortable riding vehicle, and like everyone else says the 5.3 is a great engine.

I'd recommend a Chevy Avalanche too - I've driven an '05 for 5 years now and I think my next vehicle will be a newer Avalanche. It's currently hooked to my trailer with a Cub Cadet 149 on on the trailer. I've hauled everything from my Son's '04 Duramax(wow was that heavy), to an empty trailer to my 36' travel trailer with my Avalanche. Its never let me down. It's going to need tires soon, do I install new tires or is it time to buy another Avalanche? Probably should go with tires... It has 200xxx miles and it sill going strong.

Another vote for the Chevy/GMC camp. I love love love my 2001 1500 Silverado with the 5.3. Plenty of oomph for whatever I've needed it to do and she has just been reliable. No complaints here. :beerchug:

Back to rear drums in '05, complaints of poor brake pedal feel with the discs.

The truck I just recently got rid off simple to downsize and get a but more milage was a 1998 gmc k1500. Was what was called a "heavy half" while it was a half ton trucked it's frame was boxed almost all the way as well as had the heavier 14 bolt non floater rear axle (standard 14 bolt was full float) . Had a 4 bolt main roller cam vortec 350 with a 4l80e transmission floor shift tcase. G80 locker in the rear. Weighed in at just over 6000 lbs it was extended cab short bed. Loved every bit of that truck and usualy got around 18mpg highway unloaded.... had a little over 451k on it when I sold it to my buddy a little over a year ago and I'm sure he's approaching 500 by now he drives it daily. Options is what really makes a vehicle and good maintenence. I can be 95% sure any of the half ton vehicles sold now will perform just as good as any of us need them to. Figure out what your wanting it to do and go from there. Look at the problems of the trucks your interested in have. Every manufactures have its pros and cons. Just have to see which ones outweigh the next...