Chevy Silverado vs Ford vs Dodge vs Toyota

jaguar0027

To all Silverado owners, do you love your Silverado? Ive seen lots of problems posted on this website regarding issues. Is it all Hype? Im looking to purchase one within the next month or two. Should I wait for 2002 model year?

How would you say the Chevy rates between the Ford, Dodge, or Toyota Tundra?

Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks!

quadrunner500

The Silverado is more exciting than the others because of its newness and the plethora of choices. Most everything is new..
.
engines:
8.l
6.6 (Isuzu Duramax diesel)
6.0
5.3
4.8

5 speed Allison automatic
6 speed ZF manual

locking axles, automatic 4x4 systems, all wheel drive systems, computer everything, luxury, heated leather seats, heated mirrors, onstar etc etc etc....so much crap it's sickening.

With all the new, and with all the buyers clamoring, elbowing, tripping, falling all over themselves and each other, GM is cranking these cash cows out...pure profit.

It goes without saying, if you don't mind being a part of this, and accepting the inevitable frustrations that go with it, you could end up like me 2 yrs and 41,000 miles later with a really neat, fun to own truck. But there were some hassles along the way.

chevytruck_fan

Well the great thing about the Silverados is, the new stuff is based off the old, 4.8 off the 5.0, 5.3 of the 5.7 and 8.1 off the 7.4.

My grandpa got one a couple years ago and has used it to tow differnt things and it runs and drives great, only problem window motor under warranty. These are great trucks, yes some have had problems but any problems are far outweighed by styling, engines, options/configurations, drivetrains etc

modvptnl

chevytruck fan, why do think the "new" motors are based on the "old"??? Except for the 8.1/7.4 you are soooooo wrong it's not even funny.

quadrunner500

The 5.3L is sort of based off that old dog of a 350, the LS1, producing 345 hp in the C5, and slightly less in the F-bodies. (Revised firing order, non-siamesed ports) The truck version has the cast iron bottom end of course. But no relation to the former 5.7L Vortec truck engine.

chevytruck_fan

straight out of GM's press releases, from trade magazines like 4 wheeler etc.

modvptnl

The block is a deep skirt and has cross bolted mains. Like quad said, the heads are now like Fords(LOL) with symmetrical port design. Believe me CTF, there is not ONE shared part from the old/new designs. Even the bore and stroke are different on the NEW 5.7's. Old one is a 350 the new one is a 346.

If you want to say they're both push rod V8's that's fine, but that's were the similarity ends.

jaguar0027

Guys,

Thanks for the feedback. Im glad to hear some honest opinions of these trucks. They are IMHO the best trucks on the road by far.

Some of you mentioned problems. Anything major besides the window problems? Like engine, tranny etc???

chevytruck_fan

Rolls Royce uses the truck tranny in their cars. And GM builds a slushbox really well, their V8 engines have always been tops, they made the 350, you cant go wrong with a company that made the 350.

jaguar0027

What would you guys go with. The 4.8 or 5.3 8cyl? I should not be doing any heavy towing, but would like the best gas mileage available.

Im open to any suggestions!

Thank you.

ryanbab

5.3 hands down

you know you will have the power if you ever need it

jaguar0027

Ryan

Isnt the 5.3 only like another 15hp? Or am I looking at old GM information?

Thanks

ryanbab

Yea 285 HP but also more torque which is more important than HP.

Overall whats the disadvantage to the 5.3? Toher than MPG which i dont really care to much about ( i am getting 12mpg city) Your spending $30 K on a truck why not spend $800 extra for a bigger engine? Thats how i seen it.

ryanbab

check this out

http://gmpowertrain.com/engines_cartruck/vortec_silver/index.htm

5.3 has 35 more ft/lbs of torque and according to this only 10 more hp

Ryan

chevytruck_fan

the 4.8 and the 5.3 are rated at the same Gas Milege, why not go for the 5.3?

jaguar0027

You guys have some good points. Guess its worth the extra $800.

So.. you have not had any major issues with your trucks??

jaguar0027

I guess the answer is no?

ryanbab

No major issues

My problems thusfar include

1. steering shaft
2. brake recall (added a bracket and cable tie)
3. driveline clunk (replace tcase fluid and greased splines all is fine now)

Nothing major each fix only took about 30-45 min each.

Oh yea i have 13,500 miles on my truck. Also its a yr old.

Ryan

jaguar0027

Ryan,

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it. Do you have a 2000 or 2001 Silverado? Also, what do you think of all the 2002 upgrades? Is it definite about the four wheel steering? I don't think I would want to jump on the bandwagon since its a brand new feature for these trucks you know?

Jim

bamatundra

I assume since you mentioned the Tundra that you are considering 1/2 ton trucks. If so, you need look no further than the Tundra.

The Chev has only two V8s available. The 4.7L in the Tundra is comparable to the 5.3L "pushroad" engine in the Chev. The Tundra has 97% of the Chev's 5.3L torque at lower RPMs.

The Tundra has a quieter cab, more hauling capacity, and 40% more powertrain warranty.

Consumer Reports rated the Tundra a "best buy". The Silverado is already a used vehicle to avoid. They rated the Chev "much worse than average" reliability. The Tundra rated "better than average".

I suggest that you test drive one before making your decision.

chevytruck_fan

do we have to go over this again, GM trucks offer highest available payload, highest available towing (about 2000 lbs more than tundra), the 5.3 offers far more hp and torque than the car engine tundra, and offers a lot more interior space, especially in the extra cab where there is 5 inches more leg room. The GM's also offer a lot mroe options like locking differntial. IF you want to hear this argument go over to the big three vs tundra board.

in the meantime, you have made a wise decision with the Silverado. There is a reason the GM trucks are outselling Fords now. Tell us how it goes and post pics of your new truck.

hillhound

Don't forget also that Toyota has fallen into the rut of misrepresenting their vehicle's ratings. Examples include the Tundra's and Sequoia's ground clearance rating and the Sequoia's interior cargo space. Here's what Edmunds had to say, for example, about the Sequoia:

"Toyota again uses somewhat questionable measurement techniques when it comes to ground clearance, listing the Sequoia's lowest point at a lofty 10.6 inches. The problem stems from where they take that measurement. Unlike most manufacturers that measure from the bottom of the rear differential (typically the lowest hanging point on a vehicle), Toyota measured from the lowest hanging point supported by the suspension, in this instance, the transfer case located roughly in the middle of the vehicle."

Apparently Toyota makes up it's own standards.

ryanbab

mine is a 2000

A yr old this month

4 wheel steering wont be available on the 1/2 silverados for 2002. Itll be on a gmc first (100th anniversary).

I doubt much will change for the 2002 yr.

jaguar0027

Guys,

Thanks much for your feedback. I can honestly say that I have always bought foreign cars/trucks in the past. Honda/Toyota/Nissan etc... Im a bit skeptical of going back to American. Ive had only two american vehicles in my lifetime. A 76 Chevy Nova and a 1990 Ford Ranger. I must say that I really did not like the Ford and the Nova was a cool car, although not worth mentioning here on the pickups section.

After scoping out most trucks (I still would like to test drive perhaps a Dodge Ram) I think that American trucks (Full Size anyway) blow away the imports. From what Ive seen on the Tundra it looks really nice but I dont believe it holds a candle next to the Chevy/Ford/Dodge trucks.

I was a bit scared seeing all the problems posted with the Silverados, but Im hopeful that I won't have too many problems. I friend of mine's cousin actually bought one and sold it within about 9 months after having two blown tranny's, each occuring at 3000 and 6000 miles respectively. Perhaps he just got a lemon? Im not really sure. But I will say that after test driving both the Ford F-150 and the Chevy Silverado 1500... the Chevy wins hands down. No comparison in styling, handling, comfort, power, and not to mention room.

I will still possibly scope out a Tundra and a Ram just for haha's but I am still heavily leaning towards a Silverado!

If you guys have anything else to add about pros, cons, problems with Chevy's etc.. pls feel free to jump on the bandwagon.

Thanks,

Jim

obyone

Just additional info for you. I've owned American built since '93 when I traded my '91 Acura Legend for a '93 Lincoln Mark VIII. A summary

'91 Legend warranty day in shop= 0
'93 Lincoln 14
'95 Lincoln 18
'97.5 Regal GS 16
'00 Silverado 90 and still going

Just some unbiased data for you.

ryanbab

I test drove all of em except for dodge.

jaguar0027

Obyone,

Thanks for the information. I can't believe you have had your Silverado in the shop for 90 days? That is really absurd!

Ryan what about yourself?

Jim

obyone

that's 90 working days.

ryanbab

steering shaft took 45 min total (paper work and all)

Brake recall took 30 min
driveline clunk took 45 min
So basically 3 days

Other times i have been in for service
1. thought i broke mirror drivers side 30 min Nothing wrong was frozen up with ice
2. tire recalibration couldnt do gm wont do tire sizes other than what they offer wasted 25 min
3. tailgate hinge which was bent due to theft i think
3 months? Bodyshop lost part found it didnt paint it lost it again then finally found it and painted it. Took 5 min to install
4. driveline growl reprogrammed trans with an update 10 mins

all in all id say 6 times i have been in there.

Nothing compared to obyones

jaguar0027

Ryan,

Does not sound too bad. Although Ive had a great track record with foreign vehicles. But I dont think the Tundra holds a candle next to the Silverado! Thanks again for the feedback!

Obyone,

Define 90 working days???

Jim

ryanbab

Toyota

My grandpa bought a new camry a month before i got my truck (4th camry in 12 yrs)

His car has been in the shop more than my truck has and his has less miles than mine. he hates his new 2000. He said his 96 was so much better.

I know they are two different things but i think the notion of toyota quality is a thing of the past. There is no such thing as a perfect vehicle

Ryan

obyone

so 90 working days equals 18 weeks or 126 days. In and out of the shop. Going back in for more stuff on Wednesday.

ryanbab

what is it now oby?

hows the denali?

jaguar0027

I can do the math is just seems crazy that your Silverado has been in the shop all those days..

What sort of problems have you had???

Perhaps you just got a lemon??

jaguar0027

Ryan,

I agree with you 100% on the fact that there is no perfect vehicle. I can say though that I have a Nissan Maxima (I know its not a truck) with no problems whatsoever. I had a 97 and now own a 2000 with no probs.

However my wife bought a new BMW 3 series in January and that has been in the shop 2 times already. Guess even BMW is not that great as far as reliability.

I still think I will end up with a 2001 Silverado. Great truck with plenty of hp and torque. Not to mention great looking!

Regards,

Jim

ryanbab

oh i forgot about the dash rattle

took it in to get fixed. I left the truck there (bad mistake) the service advisor said she would call right away if they couldnt work on it. This was at 7am on a friday. I was also going out of town that afternoon. First time i took my truck in there.

I call at 3pm to see how it is going. They didnt even get to work on it. I stormed down there. Walked in she had my keys in her hand. Stormed out got in my truck squeeled my wheels out of there. Went home and fixed it myself in 30 min. Then went on my trip. Next time i went in for something (forget now) she apologized and was like did you fix it i was like yea. Then one of the mechanics came over so i could explain my fix. Seems they had a few trucks they couldnt fix.

Now whenever it goes in I STAY there. Got off on the wrong foot at this place but now everything is fine. They are very good people.

Ryan

jaguar0027

I always hate it when that happens at the dealerships. You would think that they would give customers greater attention to detail but they do not.

Glad to hear that they are more helpful now. Its a shame however thta you have to wait for the truck there while its being repaired though...

Jim

ryanbab

The waits arent bad. I like watching what goes on (not just my vehicle but all of em)

I talk with the service advisors, mechanics, shop foreman, and owners. Never there to long they know i am waiting so they work on it usually first (also I make an appointment which helps).

The thing that got me when i didnt stay was my truck sat put in the parking lot all day. Could have been dinged or anything i dont know. At least when im there i can see where it goes.

Ryan

obyone

when I was haviang my tires upgraded on my Denali. Truck stayed at dealership one week to change the tires. Tech was trying to figure out whether changing the tires to a bigger size would trigger an engine light.

These dealers are really amusing at times.

On the 'rado, lemon...maybe...but I enjoy driving all the different trucks available when mine's in the shop. Not to mention keeping the mileage down. and of course the free 6yr/100k mile bumper to bumper warranty from GM. In looking at the whole picture, the deal's really not that bad.

jaguar0027

Ryan,

I hear ya on watching what they are doing. Its always helpful to watch those guys... I hear ya on the dents and dings!

Obyone - That makes sense that you get drive a bunch of loaners... I spose the downside is you are inconvienced, not to mention taking up what I am sure is valuable time to you and your family.

Guys - Thanks again for your feedback. It really helps me out.

Regards,

Jim

jaguar0027

Do all GM trucks come with the 6yr/100k mile bumper to bumper warranty standard? Or did you pay additional $$$ to get that?

obyone

The standard warranty is 3/36 from GM. My extended warranty came courtesy of the BBB in buyback case. 30 working days qualifies for buyback no matter what as is considered a lemon. Actually with all the fixes, the truck is almost rebuilt except for the motor. Paint job done custom courtesy of GM after paint was determined to have excessive orange peel. So all in all, pretty satisfied. The inconvenience of owning this truck is not that bad as I do a lot of driving during the day and one time or another I will pass withing a mile or so of the dealership so the time loss dropping the truck isn't as bad as for some who have to take time off from their jobs to go and see the dealer. Hmmmm...wonder what kind of loaner truck I'm going to get today. I know for sure it isn't going to be a 2500HD.

jaguar0027

I wonder.... is it really expensive to purchase the extened warranty? I would look into it for sure just in case... I run into any major problems... Although I have not purchased anything yet... Hopefully either May or June I should be ready.

Regards,

Jim

ryanbab

I was quoted at $2300 for the 6yr 100K

obyone

extended warranty. But not at the time of purchase of the truck. Rather, I'd wait and see how the truck does....cause you might get the extended warranty free. BTW, the name of the extended warranty provided by GM is Major Guard. Seen it as low as $1700 to $2400 depending on what kind of dealer you're dealing with. Since they all can sell it, best to price around first.

jaguar0027

Obyone,

Your are right. I guess I should wait and 'play it by ear' to see how things go. Im hoping that I have minimal/no problems but... you never can tell.

Thanks for the tips and feedback on the pricing!

Jim

jaguar0027

Ryan,

Did you happen to purchase the ext warranty?

ryanbab

Nope not yet

Doubt i will

Ryan

jaguar0027

Lucky you. Guess you've had pretty good luck with your Chevy...

Jim

ryanbab

for the most part

Not with scratched though. in case you didnt read the silverado topic someone scratched my truck again

This time on the tailgate

either $300 to repaint or try a detailer and have him wet sand and buff but not totally get rid of it.

quadrunner500

My theory, when you start repairing scratches like that, one at a time, for every one you repair, you will be cursed with 10 more. Wait a while. You never know, someone smacks you in the rear, gets hailed on, tree falls on it etc. Any of these solve the problem for you.