I don't think you can compare the XLT and ST, I think the SLT is the comparable model. Did you also see that dodge doen't need to be 'prepped' for towing like the Screw does. Looking under the hood the dodge comes with seperate cooling for trans, AC and engine by default..this is an option on Ford. The new auto transmission also has some smart logic and can tell the differnce between who's driving by the 'signature' of how the driver drive the vehicle - so it kinda adapts to your driving style. Isn't shift on the fly a 4x4 feature? You got me on the lockable tailgate though, but no-one has stolen the mulch out the back of my truck yet;) Still, many reviews have made comments that the Dodge interior is a lot more exciting than existing model, the basic premise for this is that it's newer. I also hope ina small part of my heart that the Daimler influence is postive on DaimlerChrysler (and dodge) and touch-wood it lasts as long as I expect. Isn't a class of it's own going a bit far. Ford is having a quality crisis at the moment. I couldn't resist this though..I don't expect my dodge to rollover any day soon ...esp. to a Ford.
Squeal back and forth about who offers what. I bought a SCrew for what I wanted and liked, just as you did your quad. Your original question was who used their backseat for passengers. I guess we both got the answer, nobody does, cause nobody replied.
As for you push.....I also own a Durango, so I haunt the dodge sites, if only to keep you dodge boys in the soiled white hats honest. My full opinion on the new quad is still out. Maybe they will relook at the comfort of the rear seats and possibly head rests for them and change them mid year. The Screw had 3 differant generations the first year it was out. No matter what vehicle you choose there's always room for improvement. Hopefully the new quad will be able to hold their resale value, because I haven't seen a dodge yet do that.
thing the Screw has is a few more inches and that is all they want to talk about. The reason they kept pumping out new versions was to keep from losing out in the truck market. I will bet a hundred that Dodge won't do it because they know they have by far the best truck on the market. They are not worried about a few inches only a awesome product that by reading actual posting by owners is just that AWESOME!! You made the choice to sacrifice having the best for a few extra inches so go live with it. The F-150's resale is nothing to get excited about either. The only reason it has been the best selling is because it has been the cheapest and now GM is gaining share by selling for less by the method of huge rebates which Ford is trying to out do. As soon as Ford comes out with the new F-150 it will make the current worth even less. That is another reason for the huge rebates to reduce inventory of current F-150's and Chevy Silverado so they don't have at give them away. Silverado is due out in 03 not sure about F-150.
Dodge isn't having trouble moving them. They are just trying to gain market share. Sales are up 19% over the same time period last year. I do realize that last year's sales were poor, but 19% is significant.
if dodge didn't have any trouble moving the metal, there wouldn't be a rebate. dc absolutely loathes incentives/rebates since it cuts heavily into the bottom line. if anything, they are only offering rebates to try and stem any market share loss...
You are correct, jcmdie, rebates do not apply to vehicles that sell well. See if you can get a rebate on a Jeep Liberty, Ford Escape, or anything from Honda.
I was not even considering a Dodge two weeks ago. The incentives as well as the great deal I got on my Quad interested me. It took a good deal to open my eyes to something I did not realize was even out there. The truck is not cheap. It is inexpensive if you can find a deal. There are no deals in my town. I drove 625 miles to get one, though.
The Quad is the most well thought out and designed vehicle I have purchased. Reliability? We will see. The quality seems to me to be top shelf. With the free 7yr/100,000mi warranty I feel confident.
There will always be words exchanged between vehicle owners.....it all started back when my wheel is better then your wheel (500 B.C.) So count to 10 and let your blood pressure come back down.
But I do have a question for you. I have a 02 XLT Super Crew 4x4 with the off-road package, two-tone paint, running boards,AM/FM/Cassette and 6 CD changer, power moonroof, power drivers/auto headlamps, 3.55/LS axle, cloth heated seats,5.4 V8, sliding rear window,towing package, electronic shift 4wd, auto. Can you build a quad cab like that?
Dodge won't let you, they have really limited your choices and packages. I wanted a truck,with the things that I wanted on it. Dodge didn't offer a moonroof and they only way you could get heated seats were to go with leather, I didn't want leather in a truck, I had leather in my last truck, I was always afraid something in my pockets would catch it. You would be amazed how much light a moonroof lets in, especially in a crew cab. I wanted the 4wd shift on the dash, I didn't want it on the floor. Dodge says sure you can get it, but you must buy the SLT PLus.
I'm not a brand loyalist, I buy the truck that best suits my needs and while I drive the truck, I'll stand up for it. Push you and I are completly differant, you haul mulch, I haul firewood, dead animals, I keep a chain saw in the back of my truck year-round, so it's handy to have a locking tailgate and a cap instead of an open bed. I bought my truck to use, I can take it down a narrow brush scraping road without batting a eye lash or washed and shined out to dinner. I have had my truck since Oct 01, got a little over 7000 miles on it, I haven't been back to the dealer once for service. Now I have said my peace......Good luck with your truck, hope it's everything you say it is......but I'm still glad I bought a Ford.
Well, regarding the various F alternatives to Rams, they are probably decent vehicles and F sells a lot of them.
One thing that Dodge did even way back in '95 on my original ram 4x4, was to put super nice full wheel housing plastic liners in the 4x4 versions. Combined with the factory mud flaps, you're not going to have rust on that fender right behind the rear wheels like you will with Ford and Chevy. My neighbor had a brand new 2001 F250 crew cab 4x4 and all it had was some loose peice of plastic shoved between the bed and the outer fender to keep debris from being plastered all under the bed and in the back side of the bumper. Nothing to protect the metal lower panel.
This seems like a small matter unless you keep trucks a long time and you live where it snows or use the 4x4 a lot. A few winters of salt caked under the truck from a inadequate wheel housing protection, and you're Ford will look like one of those Old style fords -- all rust.
I think its interesting how the "new" ford and the chevy both take a lot of que's from the Dodge styling. Personally I think Dodge over-did the grill, but I like the rest of the truck a lot. Very sharp and functional. A nitch vehicle like Dodge is famous for. Not a full crew cab, not a normal extra cab with goofy doors. The bigger wheels in particular were brilliant and have attracted a lot of buyers.
Down here in Texas we see tons of F crews and starting to see a lot of Dodge's. Trucks are a way of life. Both are decent, take your pick.
With the new Ram 1500, Dodge has a well-rounded truck that's able to work harder than its predecessor while delivering superior ride, handling and safety characteristics. We're not sure if it's going to be the new mayor of Truckville, but at the very least, the Ram is a worthy candidate for the position. -------------------------------------------------- You think dodge would win in an Election? --------------------------------------------------
As for letting the salt sit and eat....Up here in Wisconsin where we got salt piles higher then the cow piles of texas........we take the hose and wash the salt off our truck.......it's called taking care of your truck. I have never had a truck that rusted on me. My first truck was a dodge power wagen stepside, nothing but a rear fender and no rust proofing either just good maintenance, no rust at 160,000 when I traded it for a new jeep.
Ah Wisconsin! Yes, I'm familiar with winter. Have relatives just south of there in Illinois. Father bought a early 90's Ford F250 XLT diesel from a farmer in Wisconsin who used it to carry hay and stuff on a 5th wheel. (BTW, He replaced it with a Ram 2500). The Ford was in good shape and my pops uses it very lightly and garages it. He's the type that sands, primes and paints all little knicks and fixes everything to work perfectly (yes, he's retired). Anyway, even with his baby treatment, the roads up there and father time has caught up with it, and the Ford is now hopelessly rusted all along the unprotected rear wheel openings. So your points was if you baby the Ford (like every truck owner does, right?) and wash its underside all the time it won't rust, so you don't need a much better engineered wheel housing protection?
I admit the DC is not the "best" truck if there is such a thing (depends on what you are looking for), but just trying to give an example of a Ford shortcoming on a truck that goes for nearly $35 large. I'd like the Dodge a lot better personally if it was put on a diet. Its too heavy IMHO.
You sound alfully proud of your decision and your truck, and I admit it sound like it is nice and has all the goodies, but it seems you need to prove to everyone you bought the right truck and everyone else got the wrong one. If you need emotional reinforcement on your truck purchase, I think the Screw group would be more than willing to provide such services. You're barking up the wrong tree here trying to convince everyone the Screw is the end-all be-all. Just an observation.
BTW, I used to live where it snowed, but now I don't and I'm selling my Dodge 4x4 as I don't have a need in surburbia for that vehicle anymore and I like the 23.5mpg my van gets. Not as manley but I don't need a ego pump and its very practical and cheap. Have fun and enjoy whatever you drive.
In post 557 I posted numbers that I read from someone else's post and it was in error. YTD sales compared to last year, same period are: Ford F series down 2.8%, Chevy up almost 9% and Dodge UP 11%. Not as good as the numbers I quoted earlier, but just the same Dodge IS selling well. This information is taken from the sales figures that are posted each month at pickuptruck.com
Ya right.....For my purposes I bought the right truck, I came down from a 2K SD Crew Cab, I know about the plastic in the rear wheel wells, they do what they are designed to do, I admit, you could have more in there, but the wheel well and underneath is easy to wash out. I had asked if you could equip a dodge quad cab the same as my Screw, I have seen no posts that dodge could match it.
But yet I get blasted saying I'm on an ego trip. I was stating my opinion, but that's ok...if it wasn't for emale and myself (Screw owners) keeping you guys on your toes, this forum would be dead. So this is my last post in here, it's post 567. By next week at this time I doubt if you up to 600. Have a good life people........
Go through the Ford/Chevy postings and count the positive ones. People will complain much faster than they will give credit. I cannot find many negative postings about the new Quad. Can't say that for the Ford/Chevy group. Why am I posting this? You're not here anymore.....
..it's our opinion that the Mayor is better than the Screw. We could all pick holes in each other until the cows come home to Texas, but we all draw our lines and stick to them. Hope you're as happy with your Screw as I'm with my Dodge.
... but to all the Dodge owners ... isn't this the best truck since sliced bread !! :-)
equipped with the hemi powertrain...had a more comfy back seat with adequate headrests, had the availability of a moonroof, locking tailgate and automatic climate control. as it stands now, it doesn't. therefore, until these deficiencies are fixed, i'll be seated firmly in my s-crew...don't mean any ill will toward you quad guys. i hope you enjoy your trucks!!!
This is what kills these discussions. This thread was not intended to debate the features and greatness of anything other than a Dodge Ram Quad. Period. The rest of us get really tired of hearing all the blathering and chest thumping during these "comparisons" that are forced upon us. Please, Moderator, end or redirect this garbage portion of this thread.
Let's end this inane bickering. I come to the "Dodge Quad" site to talk about my truck and that of fellow Quad owners. I really don't care to hear about how Emale or Bowhunter like their Fords better. Jimmy Crap Corn and I don't care! If you want to talk about Screws and comparisons, click a different link and leave our's alone. I'm sure you can find a lot of folks over in the Ford thread that will sing Screw praises with you. We all happen to like our well-made, well-engineered, full-sized Dodge trucks.
love my truck! It's by far the best truck I have ever owned. Thanks D/C for answering my prayers. One of the first things people that have rode in it say is "my gosh it is quite and look how will the doors shut". I had to dodge a skunk with my father in-law going 65. He could not believe how will it handled it I couldn't either.
Western New York State sales for trucks shows Dodge +24%, Chevy +13%, Ford -5% according to Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, Automobile Section, 23 February. I can now drive anywhere everyday and see at least one new RAM. Not that sales mean anything to me. I'd own a Yugo if I thought they were good and met my needs.
Also, keep your eyes posted for the J.D. Power Quality Survey that's due out later in the year. I'm being told that there are going to be some surprises!
I'm renting a F150 Crew Cab next weekend to go down to my property. I have a long weekend to start my maintenance chores. My local Dodge dealer said I could have a RAM Quad for a weekend, too, so I'm going to test the Ford first to see how they compare.
(New Neon), I am interested in where the company is going with future products, and the New Ram is a STUD! It looks almost as good as I do, let me tell ya...... If it had the Hemi engine and a power roof it would be perfect.... the new C&D seems to dig it too, but I think the Tundra won on points.....
This is the one vehicle I really enjoy driving since my sports car days. With 2500 miles it has been nearly flawless. I did experience a front end noise on two occasions. Sounded like I had something in my tire. A pop pop pop noise that increased and decreased as my speed did. When I parked it I could duplicate the noise by pushing up and down on the front end. The noise only lasted a day or two then went away. Other than that this has been the best truck I have owned. It seems that other owners feel this way judging by the rating Edmund's shows. Except for "Topsy" who rated the new Dodge with almost all ones(1). I have a question for Topsy if he or she is reading this. How can you score your truck a "1" in comfort and design? Did you look at it and sit in it before you bought it? Just curious.
There is no way a person would purchase a vehicle that he/she later rates as a 1 in design of the exterior and interior. The obvious odd ball rating should be kicked out. No matter. Anyone with a grain of intelligence can read between the lines. Probably someone seeping through from the Ford/Chevy side. I have owned both. I am glad I sit in a Dodge now. My QUAD is keeping me very happy. Hell, I think I'll go drive it right now!
The local dealer was recently taken over by another suburban Dodge dealer. They appear to be doing a lot of customer friendly things. But allowing a customer to take a new vehicle for a few days isn't totally rare. I've known a few people over the years that have experienced this kind of offer from a dealer, although I don't think every dealer does it and maybe not for every potential customer.
Of course, the dealer didn't tell me I'd be able to just pick one off the lot and drive it away, either. It looks like they isolate a few for test drives. I think I'll be getting one of those. The day I drove one back in December (I think it was), that unit had over a hundred miles on it.
........and I bet the antagonists from the other camps hate that. Hey you can add a moonroof and I think the back seat is plenty big enough compared to the last "club cab" I had, and that's the point!! You still get a 6'3" bed and a roomy cab, with ease of access. Nice compromise which some of us like--read the new magazine comparo. Plus it's more than bells and whistles, it's the engineering. I even average 16.2 around town and that's the computer talking, not me.
I am surprised that the people I've talked to are reporting fairly good fuel mileage numbers. I had one fellow tell me that he was at 17mpg with his 4x4 RAM Quad back-and-forth to work. Most, I think are in the low 15s, but I've had two more say they've hit 17 in mixed driving. One, actually claimed mid-18s.These were all will relatively low miles, too.
I recently purchased my quad cab after much soul searching and research. I was a bit torn between the Ram and the Avalanche. I know these are two very different vehicles but it seemed you can get alot for your money with the chevy and dodge these days. Both vehicles are going for below invoice here in southern texas. I still believe either of the choices would have been great, but I am here to tell you I love my Ram. This has been a wonder suprise since I have had very unpleasant experiences with chrylser/dodge producte in the past. I still cringe when I think how quality was lacking in the old K cars. I was required to drive on for work and could not believe what a piece of junk it was. But that was then, and today I can say that I am a convert. Although it took me a little time to become a fan of the large chrome grill on my Ram, I find myself liking it more and more every day. The interior quality is right on the mark. Its ironic that I traded my Mercedes in for another Daimler product. Lastly, the truck I purchased did not come with keyless entry/alarm. Has anyone installed the factory products in after the fact. I was wondering how difficult it would be to install it myself. I can get the items at a good price online. Or do many of the owners prefer aftermarket alarms to the OEM ones? Thanks, Doug
I just traded in by T-100 and bought a QC 4X4 SLT SPORT, black w/slate interior & 20" chrome. After comparing w/a Tundra, ... Dodge has so much more amenities for the same price. I love this truck. The dash is beautifully set up,(love the white gauges), the seats are very comfortable, alot of storage space, arm rest, 4 doors & fully retractable windows, etc.,etc. It has a beautiful side profile and the grill is so ugly it's attractive (go figure). The ride is smooth & solid, but does require attention.
This truck is a winner! If the reliability is equal to the engineering & design, Dodge will have another great 8 years.
Gottscdj, I had the keyless entry installed at the dealership, but you could do much better at the stereo shops, for the money. Happy Trucking!
the Mayor's Club fastappy. I know a guy that has the same truck they are BEAUTIFUL!! The only thing that I would do different is get the 20" wheel package. The wheels are awesome looking coming at ya!
you will love this truck.You can get it from the parts department at your local dodge dealer.The price is $99.00 for keyless enrty.it will run about $65.00 for them to install it.It will only take 30 minutes to put in.Dodge was thinking this time,they pre-wired the truck for it.While you are there pick up a accessories book for the ram.It has a lot of products you can add to your ram.Don't let your dealer quote you higher then $70.00 for the labor.I called around to a couple of dealers near me.One quoted me $200.00 to install it.The 2500-3500 are not pre-wired for keyless enrty.The service guy didn't even know that the factory pre-wired the 2002 1500 for it.I also added the factory fog lights.I thought the empty holes looked ugly up front.I added a cd radio too.If you have any questions about any of those things,let me know.
Thanks for the response. Did you not have an alarm system installed? Has anyone had the OEM alarm system installed after the fact? I would love the hear some pros and cons on oem vs aftermarket alarm systems for the ram. Thanks. Doug
Bought my wife a 2wd Ford 150 s'crew. Tried to convince her to select a new quad Ram, but she liked the looks of the Ford better and she thought the Ram was too big. I don't think that the size diff is that big, but perception is reality with my wife. The Ford does look a bit more effeminate. We took it on a 250 mile trip this weekend. It has the Lariat pkg, with 5.4L (couldn't find a Lariat with the smaller engine), and posi rear.
It compared favorably with my 02 Ram 4X4 4.7L quad in quite a few areas, but fell a little short in others. The flat out acceleration was a little better, but it did not feel as quick and nimble in normal situations as my Ram. Wasn't as easy to park (anyone know how the turning radius compares?). I didn't like the ride as well as my Ram. Seems like we felt every little bump on uneven roads and we noticed every seam in the freeways that we traveled. The trans in the Ford wasn't as smooth as my Ram either.
The interior on the ford was pretty impressive. I liked the leather, adjustable pedals, and the controls seemed to be well thought out. I liked the fact that you could see the time AND the station that your radio was tuned to at the same time. Climate controls were top notch. I like the console and storage on my Ram much better. Seems like ford wasted some space in this area.
Bottom line is that she's happy with hers and I'm happy with mine. I did not point out to her any of the "weaknesses" in her new ride. I'm liking more and more the fact that she won't be asking to borrow my truck any more.
When we bought our Avalon in '99, it did not come with the alarm system built-in from the factory. The salesman said that they could install the very same Toyota system at the dealership, it would just cost a little more.
Compared to other cars you must be fairly close to the vehicle in order to unlock the doors. I also noticed that the owners manual describes a different transmitter than the one we received. Finally, I once ran into somebody else who did get their Avalon with the factory installed unit and they can unlock from almost three times the distance that we can.
Has anyone bought the plain jane vinyl interior? It appeals to me because I don't like cloth and I don't want leather in a truck. Also-I note the leather QC actually still has vinyl on the rear seats.
I'm teetering on the brink now. It seems like every dealer here in CO wants an amazing amount for any truck that's a 4X4 sport package and 20" wheels. The amazing thing is that trying to get a 4.7 for a fair price is next to impossible. I'm finding a gang of 5.9's, but every 4.7 is seriously loaded with EVERYTHING and running at $35K!!! I don't want to order the truck because the dealers can't lock down the rebate or the warranty, incase DC does away with it in the interim that it's being built. I don't know what to do. I'm gonna be paying $30K+, but I'm not going to settle for what I really don't want. Has anyone bought their truck online?? Any suggestions on what I should do about getting a fair price? I've checked invoices here on Edmunds, but the dealers don't want to budge off the MSRP around here!!! Some even have the "addendums" added, jacking up prices that the MSRP starts at $29K to $34K, and they won't come down from the $34!!!! Should I go out of state to get this truck?????
Dude, do not pay more than you need to. Do what Lamar did and work out a deal with Randal Noe in Terrell, TX. Get a flight down to Love Field in Dallas on Southwest and drive it back home. You won't find a better deal out there. Email Lamar and get specifics from him. The deals are real. There's no reason that you should be held hostage due to collusion by the Colorado Dodge dealers. You'll save a ton. Good luck.
Just leave town for a day or two, man! It's a big world out there. You should get out more....... anyway, what's up with the MT and C&D comparisons? How can one put the Ram first (without giving it a good score in any area, the Tundra won on points), and one put the Ram rock bottom? What's up with that? I think the Ram is super sexy, but needs that Hemi oh so bad.....
the delay with the Hemi is all part of the Dodge Master Marketing Plan! Bring out new truck, it sells on style alone for 18 months, then bring out HD trucks, then bring out Hemi, then SRT-10.....
I have had great experiences with internet auto purchases. My last went very smooth. I had the vehicle shipped to San Antonio from California. The local dealers were ripping us off so I didn't think twice about going out of state. Contact the recommended dealers in the other states for quotes. Good luck.
toyotas: Dodge wishes it was the master plan. Unfortunately it looks like it was the master cluster you know what. The Hemi was supposed to be introduced with the new Ram just like the new V-6 and 4.7L V-8, but they had late reliability problems in testing and literally went back to the drawing board. From what I've read (both here and in magazine reviews), the 4.7L appears to be adequate for 2WD, non-towing use. 4WD and/or towing applications will be well served by the Hemi.
I second the advice by magilla. I followed Lamar"s advice and will be buying my Ram at Noe's.If you special order they will sell at invoice and you keep the rebates.According to Chrysler Customer Service if you order the vehicle prior to 4-1-o2, you get the 7 yr pledge and rebates effective now.Dont let those dealers in CO tell you otherwise.They were telling me the same here in UT, intil I called directly the incentive office at Chrysler.
My friend lives in colorado.He has a 97 ram 2500.He couldn't find a good price in the denver area.His friend told him about a dealership in blair nebraska.He called the dealership up and ordered it over the phone.Msrp was $27,000 he got it for $24,000.He flew out there and drove it home.I don't know what the dealerships name is.You can probably find it in the yellow pages online.Good luck.
............the problem that held up the hemi from going into production sooner was axis parallel stress exerted from over torquing the cylinder heads. The engines ran fine without any problems as production assembled and are currently being field tested in numbers as we speak. This one problem was experienced after one engine was torn down for component wear inspection at 200,000 mile equivilent. When reinstalling the heads a technician over torqued them and, when placed back on test, a cam bearing failed. The fix was not a complete redesign, but a modification to some block bulkheads and repositioning of some head bolt locations.
I might add that when torqued properly, this problem would not have occurred.
I wouldn't pick on Chrysler for blowing their "master plan." I worked for a car company that, under the same conditions, would've launched the engine anyways. Chrysler appears to be more conscientious, albeit conservative.
Comments
As for you push.....I also own a Durango, so I haunt the dodge sites, if only to keep you dodge boys in the soiled white hats honest. My full opinion on the new quad is still out. Maybe they will relook at the comfort of the rear seats and possibly head rests for them and change them mid year. The Screw had 3 differant generations the first year it was out. No matter what vehicle you choose there's always room for improvement. Hopefully the new quad will be able to hold their resale value, because I haven't seen a dodge yet do that.
And yes it's only because of the Cummins. But they do nonetheless!
The F-150's resale is nothing to get excited about either. The only reason it has been the best selling is because it has been the cheapest and now GM is gaining share by selling for less by the method of huge rebates which Ford is trying to out do. As soon as Ford comes out with the new F-150 it will make the current worth even less. That is another reason for the huge rebates to reduce inventory of current F-150's and Chevy Silverado so they don't have at give them away.
Silverado is due out in 03 not sure about F-150.
From the MAYOR
apparently dodge is having some trouble moving the new trucks...ie...1500 dollar rebate on '02. looks like the MAYOR has to "buy" votes too!!!
I was not even considering a Dodge two weeks ago. The incentives as well as the great deal I got on my Quad interested me. It took a good deal to open my eyes to something I did not realize was even out there. The truck is not cheap. It is inexpensive if you can find a deal. There are no deals in my town. I drove 625 miles to get one, though.
The Quad is the most well thought out and designed vehicle I have purchased. Reliability? We will see. The quality seems to me to be top shelf. With the free 7yr/100,000mi warranty I feel confident.
To each his own.
There will always be words exchanged between vehicle owners.....it all started back when my wheel is better then your wheel (500 B.C.) So count to 10 and let your blood pressure come back down.
But I do have a question for you. I have a 02 XLT Super Crew 4x4 with the off-road package, two-tone paint, running boards,AM/FM/Cassette and 6 CD changer, power moonroof, power drivers/auto headlamps, 3.55/LS axle, cloth heated seats,5.4
V8, sliding rear window,towing package, electronic shift 4wd, auto. Can you build a quad cab like that?
Dodge won't let you, they have really limited your choices and packages. I wanted a truck,with the things that I wanted on it. Dodge didn't offer a moonroof and they only way you could get heated seats were to go with leather, I didn't want leather in a truck, I had leather in my last truck, I was always afraid something in my pockets would catch it. You would be amazed how much light a moonroof lets in, especially in a crew cab. I wanted the 4wd shift on the dash, I didn't want it on the floor. Dodge says sure you can get it, but you must buy the SLT PLus.
I'm not a brand loyalist, I buy the truck that best suits my needs and while I drive the truck, I'll stand up for it. Push you and I are completly differant, you haul mulch, I haul firewood, dead animals, I keep a chain saw in the back of my truck year-round, so it's handy to have a locking tailgate and a cap instead of an open bed. I bought my truck to use, I can take it down a narrow brush scraping road without batting a eye lash or washed and shined out to dinner. I have had my truck since Oct 01, got a little over 7000 miles on it, I haven't been back to the dealer once for service. Now I have said my peace......Good luck with your truck, hope it's everything you say it is......but I'm still glad I bought a Ford.
I love AMERICA were the biggest issue is your truck not finding food to eat.
From the MAYOR's Office.
One thing that Dodge did even way back in '95 on my original ram 4x4, was to put super nice full wheel housing plastic liners in the 4x4 versions. Combined with the factory mud flaps, you're not going to have rust on that fender right behind the rear wheels like you will with Ford and Chevy. My neighbor had a brand new 2001 F250 crew cab 4x4 and all it had was some loose peice of plastic shoved between the bed and the outer fender to keep debris from being plastered all under the bed and in the back side of the bumper. Nothing to protect the metal lower panel.
This seems like a small matter unless you keep trucks a long time and you live where it snows or use the 4x4 a lot. A few winters of salt caked under the truck from a inadequate wheel housing protection, and you're Ford will look like one of those Old style fords -- all rust.
I think its interesting how the "new" ford and the chevy both take a lot of que's from the Dodge styling. Personally I think Dodge over-did the grill, but I like the rest of the truck a lot. Very sharp and functional. A nitch vehicle like Dodge is famous for. Not a full crew cab, not a normal extra cab with goofy doors. The bigger wheels in particular were brilliant and have attracted a lot of buyers.
Down here in Texas we see tons of F crews and starting to see a lot of Dodge's. Trucks are a way of life. Both are decent, take your pick.
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You think dodge would win in an Election?
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As for letting the salt sit and eat....Up here in Wisconsin where we got salt piles higher then the cow piles of texas........we take the hose and wash the salt off our truck.......it's called taking care of your truck. I have never had a truck that rusted on me. My first truck was a dodge power wagen stepside, nothing but a rear fender and no rust proofing either just good maintenance, no rust at 160,000 when I traded it for a new jeep.
I admit the DC is not the "best" truck if there is such a thing (depends on what you are looking for), but just trying to give an example of a Ford shortcoming on a truck that goes for nearly $35 large. I'd like the Dodge a lot better personally if it was put on a diet. Its too heavy IMHO.
You sound alfully proud of your decision and your truck, and I admit it sound like it is nice and has all the goodies, but it seems you need to prove to everyone you bought the right truck and everyone else got the wrong one. If you need emotional reinforcement on your truck purchase, I think the Screw group would be more than willing to provide such services. You're barking up the wrong tree here trying to convince everyone the Screw is the end-all be-all. Just an observation.
BTW, I used to live where it snowed, but now I don't and I'm selling my Dodge 4x4 as I don't have a need in surburbia for that vehicle anymore and I like the 23.5mpg my van gets. Not as manley but I don't need a ego pump and its very practical and cheap. Have fun and enjoy whatever you drive.
DD
But yet I get blasted saying I'm on an ego trip. I was stating my opinion, but that's ok...if it wasn't for emale and myself (Screw owners) keeping you guys on your toes, this forum would be dead. So this is my last post in here, it's post 567. By next week at this time I doubt if you up to 600. Have a good life people........
... but to all the Dodge owners ... isn't this the best truck since sliced bread !! :-)
Let's end this inane bickering. I come to the "Dodge Quad" site to talk about my truck and that of fellow Quad owners. I really don't care to hear about how Emale or Bowhunter like their Fords better. Jimmy Crap Corn and I don't care! If you want to talk about Screws and comparisons, click a different link and leave our's alone. I'm sure you can find a lot of folks over in the Ford thread that will sing Screw praises with you. We all happen to like our well-made, well-engineered, full-sized Dodge trucks.
I had to dodge a skunk with my father in-law going 65. He could not believe how will it handled it I couldn't either.
Take a look at the topic titles once in a while and try to stay away from injecting the "comparison wars' into topics where they don't belong.
Have a great weekend!
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Also, keep your eyes posted for the J.D. Power Quality Survey that's due out later in the year. I'm being told that there are going to be some surprises!
I'm renting a F150 Crew Cab next weekend to go down to my property. I have a long weekend to start my maintenance chores. My local Dodge dealer said I could have a RAM Quad for a weekend, too, so I'm going to test the Ford first to see how they compare.
I'll let you know.
Dusty
your local dodge dealer was gonna let you have a ram for an entire weekend test drive. you must have some clout!!
There is no way a person would purchase a vehicle that he/she later rates as a 1 in design of the exterior and interior. The obvious odd ball rating should be kicked out. No matter. Anyone with a grain of intelligence can read between the lines. Probably someone seeping through from the Ford/Chevy side. I have owned both. I am glad I sit in a Dodge now. My QUAD is keeping me very happy. Hell, I think I'll go drive it right now!
Of course, the dealer didn't tell me I'd be able to just pick one off the lot and drive it away, either. It looks like they isolate a few for test drives. I think I'll be getting one of those. The day I drove one back in December (I think it was), that unit had over a hundred miles on it.
Dusty
Dusty
This truck is a winner! If the reliability is equal to the engineering & design, Dodge will have another great 8 years.
Gottscdj, I had the keyless entry installed at the dealership, but you could do much better at the stereo shops, for the money. Happy Trucking!
It compared favorably with my 02 Ram 4X4 4.7L quad in quite a few areas, but fell a little short in others. The flat out acceleration was a little better, but it did not feel as quick and nimble in normal situations as my Ram. Wasn't as easy to park (anyone know how the turning radius compares?). I didn't like the ride as well as my Ram. Seems like we felt every little bump on uneven roads and we noticed every seam in the freeways that we traveled. The trans in the Ford wasn't as smooth as my Ram either.
The interior on the ford was pretty impressive. I liked the leather, adjustable pedals, and the controls seemed to be well thought out. I liked the fact that you could see the time AND the station that your radio was tuned to at the same time. Climate controls were top notch. I like the console and storage on my Ram much better. Seems like ford wasted some space in this area.
Bottom line is that she's happy with hers and I'm happy with mine. I did not point out to her any of the "weaknesses" in her new ride. I'm liking more and more the fact that she won't be asking to borrow my truck any more.
good thing for you, eh twinscrew?? what's that old joke about women and depth perception??!
just havin' some fun...! hope you and your wife enjoy your respective rides!!!
Compared to other cars you must be fairly close to the vehicle in order to unlock the doors. I also noticed that the owners manual describes a different transmitter than the one we received. Finally, I once ran into somebody else who did get their Avalon with the factory installed unit and they can unlock from almost three times the distance that we can.
Dusty
I might add that when torqued properly, this problem would not have occurred.
I wouldn't pick on Chrysler for blowing their "master plan." I worked for a car company that, under the same conditions, would've launched the engine anyways. Chrysler appears to be more conscientious, albeit conservative.
Dusty