Who makes the best pickup truck?

[winodog]

I am shopping for a new truck. I own a 97 Ford 3/4 ton diesel. Its been a very good truck but I had to replace the transmission at 45,000 miles. I need at least a 3/4 ton. I am debating on going with the diesel again. If I get a regular truck I will probaly go with Chevrolet. If a diesel probaly Ford again. I was hoping for some input from freepers. I never do vanities so I hope everyone will excuse this one.

[winodog]

I have always liked Chevys but I felt Ford made the best diesel and thats why I bought the power stroker. Anyone have any info on the Chevy diesel? Maybe some good websites that discuss the merits of buying one over another?

[Kackikat]

I am a female so not a truck person, however my husband says a Ford powerstroke diesal is the best buy. In fact, if you are pulling weight like a boat, RV or trailer with bobcat or something heavy the F-250 series is one of the best. I don't think they get more than 15-16 mpg though, but not for sure on that.

[Itzlzha]

One word, son...

HEMI!

[narby]

I don't think Toyota makes anything really large. But I had a couple of Ford POSs that died early, and the Toyota I've got now is an order of magnitude finer truck. Don't know about Chevy.

The Toy's got 120k miles, and I changed the sparks, hoses and belts once. Zero problems. Doesn't have a single rattle, despite the off road miles I've done. And I expect it to last to 300k+ miles, like the one a friend owns.

[winodog]

You are correct about the mileage. I know that 7years ago the power stroker was considered the best. I am not sure about the past couple years. I think everyone is using different engines.

[winodog]

I would love to get a toyota but they dont make a 3/4 ton. Their truck is just too small for heavy duty.

[WestTexasWend]

Husband does legal work for a local dealership and part of his compensation is putting the first 5K miles on the SUV or truck of his choice. He's had everything but a Ford and the hands-down winner this year is the Nissan Titan. It beats the Hemi he's driving right now in every category, no contest. Surprised us both (and I still own and love my '96 Dodge Ram). The Titan's worth a look...

[Kackikat]

It seemed the diesal's got a break during the gas hike, since all big rigs use diesal they were not as anxious to hike it up where the gas price was.

[make no mistake]

go to WWW.THEDESIELSTOP.COM for all the scoop on desiel trucks. I have a 99 F350 7.3L I added a 4" EXHAUST AND IMPROVED INTAKE. Fuel milage is improving.

[RightWhale]

GMC has been a solid truck for a long time. Ford had some quality problems lately but they have been addressing their issues. Dodge had some junk for a while, maybe they still do. Chevy or GMC would be the best gamble.

[winodog]

Nissan makes a great truck too but its a half ton. Not enough truck for my needs.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

I hear Silverado makes the quietest diesel in the market. But I think the F350 is the best to get. I know several people with Rams, and they all are disappointed in them.

Whatever you get, add bullydog to it.
http://www.bullydog.com/

[RedBloodedAmerican]

I hear the Tundra has come a long ways and has a good tow capacity.

[Servant of the 9]

Dodge SRT-10

It eats Hemis

500 horsepower
8.3L V10 Viper power engine
525 lb.-ft. of torque
6-speed manual transmission with Hurst shifter
22" polished aluminum wheels
Dual exhaust
508-watt Infinity Sound System

Dodge site

So9

[winodog]

I agree about the dodge. I doubt I will even look at one. Was at Ford today. They had about 100 F150's but only about 6 diesels. No supercab diesels at all. It looks like diesels are sold as fast as they get them.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

I don't put much stock in Consumer Reports magazine (too biased, too liberal), but in the latest issue they do have a side by side with full size pickups. Although in the tests I did not see whether they are 1/2 or 3/4 ton. But the payloads and tow capacity of the models they tested really varied.

I had a Dodge years ago, then a small Ford. Neighbors across from me have two Rams. Next door an F250, next to them a dually silverado. two brothers who are good friends - one has a F150, the other a Ram. Although the 250 and Silverado are the only diesels, I think the thing that sold me was going to a dealer show and seeing the Silverado had the quietest and (at the time) strongest engine. But engine HP can be compensated with a product like BullyDog. So I guess it depends if you want interior conveniences (Nissan or Toyota), payload or tow (Silverado or Toyota) or All around (Ford). Maybe get a VW Beetle.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

Try that link again?

[RedBloodedAmerican]

http://www.thedieselstop.com/

[KC Burke]

Anyone know anything first-hand about the Volvo SUV? I am about ready to put my 150,000 mile GMC Jimmy into the part-time category as a bad weather car for my wife and I'm looking for a smooth, long-distance, highway cruiser with a third seat that takes tough winter demands. The new Durango leaves me thinking of a minivan wannabe so I am unsure whether to even give it a test drive.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

Ford Excursion or Chevy Suburban. :o)