Ford Trucks?

[baltobernie]

I already have a couple of 4X4 vehicles so the new truck will just be a 2 wheel drive extended cab model. So let the opinions and or facts fly.

Diesels are for work trucks; two batteries, 3 gallons of motor oil per change, six gallons (synthetic) for the transmission/transfer case, etc. etc.

I'm hoping that you really, truly need a six-passenger + 8' bed vehicle, and are prepared to pay the operating and maintenance costs associated with same. When I hear of parents saying they need a Suburban because their kids are going to college, I

My $0.02 on Consumer Reports, from a part-time automotive journalist POV:
Consumer Reports ratings are compiled solely from Consumer Reports subscribers. IMO, all of their ratings, particularly automobiles, suffer from "Self-Fulfilled Prophecy". That's where you read in Consumer Reports that the (your brand here) is a great car, and you buy one, and even if it's not so great, you certainly aren't going to admit that you made a mistake, are you? When you see all those bullseye rating columns and symbols, you get the (intended) impression that this is some sort of unbiased, scientific evaluation. But it is not. What's worse, inexpensive cars are judged more harshly by their owners than expensive ones. Mercedes owners, for example, put up with recalls and service bulletins that would have Hyundai owners marching in the streets. Because the Merc owner probably has several other vehicles to drive, and the Hyundai is financed to the limit, serviced minimally, and is driven like a rental. What my Audi-owner friend pays for routine maintenance, I can completely restore an old Fiat!

Nowadays, it is very difficult to buy a truly bad car or light truck. With the paring of dealerships, I tell people to first visit the closest dealer to their home or work, and see if it has a vehicle that they like. Proceed from there.

[mdrburchette]

You're right, Bernie. When we built our house, I scoured the Consumer Reports magazines and chose what I thought would be the best appliances that would last a lifetime. I would much rather pay more for quality so if something was a little more, but built better, I didn't squabble. I have been sooooo disappointed in most of my purchases. They not only didn't live up to their claims, but customer service wasn't worth a crap.

[azygoustoyou]

I guess it goes with anything you buy. I read from consumer reports 08 how companies are selling you items for either the same or higher price and giving you less. Then again on the other hand they have to try to rate things. That's what they do. I'm not that old but as I grew up always hearing how things aren't as good as they used to be is really true with most things. When I'm buying something and they ask you if you want the insurance. I ask how much it is and can't believe what they want. I try to weigh the options of taking a chance or just getting it. I had a refrigerator that ran great until one month after the warranty ran out. I either have bad luck or they must have had a timer in that sucker. I've had a couple of Dodges. One was a Durango and the other was the SS pickup. I never had any issues with the pickup. The Dodge Durango's trans felt weird after awhile. Never really broke though. I did have heater core problems. I don't think I'll ever buy another Dodge. Just my opinion. I probably shouldn't write this, but my Ford hasn't given me any problems. Though it's still pretty new.If your going to be driving 1-200 miles. Unless you have endless funds. I'd suggest getting something that is good on gas. Prices aren't going to stay low all the time. I remember spending $70-90 to fuel up. That's the only reason I would sell my truck. Good luck with your search.

[Jimb]

If you're specific it has to be an American make, then Ford seems to lead...but over all Toyota still makes the best trucks.
Right now would be a good time to look at Toyota too as they're getting gang raped by the North American auto makers (throught the media). It's got to be more than coincidence that Toyota is being dragged through the mud over recalls...something that is a regular occurence with ALL auto makers...at a time when the North American auto makers are now suffering the affects of producing the poorest vehicles on the planet in recent years.

Cheers,
Jim

[So Cal Mark]

I'll take another path; If you want Chrysler to survive until Fiat can get cars here buy a Dodge truck. Chrysler is barely going to survive another two years without any new cars to sell. So buy a Dodge to help ensure the dealers will still be open when the Fiats roll off of the boats

[htchevyii]

I do think the new Ram was Motortrend's truck of the year this year. I've got a 2005 ram 1500 4x4 with a 4.7 v8 and a 6sp manual and it's been a good truck. I bought it new for less than I could get a 2wd v6 Tundra from the Toyota dealership where I work, sshhhh!!!!

[So Cal Mark]

I wouldn't put too much credence in Motor Trend, I believe that title is for sale each year.

[spiderrey]

Ive owened 2 toyotas, a used supra and a new 86 forerunner. didnt have much luck with these cars. always had problems. im sure the new tundra is a god truck but i would never buy one. its over priced and the styling on toyota trucks is in the goofy stage right now like the dodges used to be. i would easily buy a dodge first, fiat or no fiat.

[So Cal Mark]

I've got a Toyota truck with 216000 miles on it, and it's my 2nd favorite vehicle to drive. I consider Dodge the weakest of the big 3 although Ford is pushing them for that title with their motor troubles. If I was in the market for a light truck for everday driving, I'd make the Big 3 the last 3.

[mdrburchette]

Yeah, I'd much rather have a Toyota that'll rust in half.

[spiderrey]

If I was to buy a smaller truck, hands down it would be a Ranger. I miss my 90 4x4.
Denise, they dont rust anymore, they just dont stop and become fresh scrap metal now. ha ha.
Im sure the toys are decent trucks, but I wouldnt buy one, thier looks just dont do much for me, kinda goofy looking. But, if I could find an 82-83 4x4 toy that hadnt rusted to death yet, it could be fun

[Jimb]

If I was to buy a smaller truck, hands down it would be a Ranger. I miss my 90 4x4.
Denise, they dont rust anymore, they just dont stop and become fresh scrap metal now. ha ha.
Im sure the toys are decent trucks, but I wouldnt buy one, thier looks just dont do much for me, kinda goofy looking. But, if I could find an 82-83 4x4 toy that hadnt rusted to death yet, it could be fun

I have a 2000 Tacoma 4x4 and I love it.
When I first bought it it was 7 years old with about 12k miles and the first thing I did was powerwashed the undercarriage and painted everything in rust paint. I even took of the plastic fenderwell liners and painted the insides of all 4 fenders.
She'll never rust I absolutely sure of that. She now has a little over 25k miles.
Jim

[mdrburchette]

All manufacturers have their good points and their bad. GM had the infamous intake problem, Ford had the EGR coolant engine lockup and bottom end exploding problem, Dodge had their dodgy tranny problem and Toyota had their spare tire, frame rusting in two issue. I have had great service out of my GM trucks and after some sorting, my Ford is doing great.

[Gunsmith]

Clearly all manufactures have had their highs and lows depending on what model year or era you look at which is why I was wondering about the newer F-150's. I was very happy with all of my GM trucks but did like a lot of things about the newer Fords and wanted to hear any experiences anybody had with those. I still like to try and buy a so called American made vehicle if I can even though we have two old foreign made cars. I am also still leaning toward Ford because they did not take any money "Yet". I was not looking at the heavy duties or diesels just a simple V8 half ton with a few creature comforts in it that made the long drive better. I have had so many friends with Dodge trucks that had their tranny's replaced too many times to even consider so they are definitely out. I am probably leaning even more toward the Ford now after reading all of the answers.

[MNspiderman]

Throughout history, Ford has been the most popular. I think the new ford looks very nice too. I like the side glass shape down by the side mirrors. So, You should buy a Ford. One thing i like about the brand new dodge is how they cut the rear bumper with humps to accommodate factory dual exhaust. That looks really sharp. I like Chevy because all of their old commercials used to try to trash talk Ford which tells me that Chevy knows Fords are much better built. Even today all GM does is car bashing. Then Toyota, their commercials are only there to let you know how well they build trucks and next time you buy a truck you should consider Toyota.