Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
Options

'99 Silverado/Sierra vs. F-150

2456710

Comments

  • McStravMcStrav Member Posts: 3
    Has anyone sat in the front bucket seats (cloth interior) of the new 99 GMC/Chev for an extended period on time? The seats look and feel comfortable (in the show room) but I am want to know how they would be on a long trip. Any feedback would be helpful.
  • tungletungle Member Posts: 56
    Hi,
    I definitely didn't have enough time to scroll thru all the postings here to figure out if it's worth it to buy the Major Guard for my still-in-order 99 Sierra. I'm sure exactly what it will cover, and not sure if the package is needed. So far, it seems people highly think about GM trucks.
    This year the Sierra was changed for the better, but who knows there might be some "bugs" introduced with this new release.
    Please give me your advices (or direct me to a posting related to this) because this is my first time to own a truck and also first time to own American vehicle.
    Thanks.
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    About Autotrack on the Silverado. For me, the decision in favor rested on getting that stick off the floor in the middle, the same reason for not getting the bucket seats, or the cassette/cd combo. Not having a floor console to take up all that space adds comfort.
  • DavyddDavydd Member Posts: 121
    I'm opting for the Silverado 1500LT with the center console because 90% of the time I will be the only one in my truck. It will be nice having the large cupholder (without a compromising pull out), a large handy storage container, and a separate CD with storage (4 CDs). I'm not concerned about having the potential of two passengers in my front seat.

    Davydd
  • gwvinsongwvinson Member Posts: 27
    Davydd
    Those are the exact reasons why I chose those same options. I also like the arm rests that come with the buckets. I'm still unsure of where the CD is going to be placed. I think it is going to
    go in the front console. As you can see I still haven't received my truck yet. I've got a long wait, I just ordered it.

    Gregg
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    Due to the reason that 90% of the time I will be the only one in it, I chose to skip the extended cab altogether in favor of a regular cab long bed, with more payload, towing, and fuel capacity. Besides, my previous GM power seats felt loose, and rattled. I felt the 40/20/40 split bench was the way to go with the center arm-rest storage, and I'm getting it covered in leather for $895. The Infinity system I previewed in the Ram was so superior anyway, with controls on the steering wheel, and cassette and cd both in-dash, that it wasn't worth the upgrade price on the Silverado, and losing that space to a console on the floor. I don't know how I will survive without the cup-holder though, find a focus group I guess.
  • fasteddie1fasteddie1 Member Posts: 20
    To system administrator:

    Haven't been here in awhile...what's the deal with the puny, unreadable script in the body of these posts...??? not all of us have 19 or 21 in monitors to read these comments with... not to mention that us guys over 45 can't read at this level any more... GO BACK TO WHAT IT WAS...
  • stanfordstanford Member Posts: 606
    [Shrug] Anyone else notice any change? IMO this font is fine... and the same one its always been.
  • zonk1zonk1 Member Posts: 37
    same as it ever was.
  • signasigna Member Posts: 26
    Fasteddie: Your browsers broke, not the website.
  • cadmanncadmann Member Posts: 5
    you should all read Truck Trend magazine where they test the Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge 4x4s and you will be surprised at the dyno test they did. All good trucks but one puts more power to the ground in both hp and torque - FORD - also a lower rpm then the other two.
  • fasteddie1fasteddie1 Member Posts: 20
    Signa was right...brower was broke...never saw that before...my apologies ... I thought for a minute that the host was making fun of my tired, old eyes...
  • tsinclaitsinclai Member Posts: 4
    I just got myself the 99 silverado ext cab with a 4.8 v8, cost me 652 over invoice (I could have got 300 over at a different dealer, but it had bucket not bench seats) I chose the chevy after going to San Jose motor show and having myself (6'2") and my wife (5'4") sit in all 3 domestic front and back. I would have liked a 4th door, but I would prefer 5 secs inconvenience getting in to 3hrs sitting on a seat that's too small ;) . I have to also admit I prefer the look of the chevy - I never did like the look of the new Ford's - now if they did that new super duty look in a f150 size I would have debated a lot harder.
  • tkabbestkabbes Member Posts: 14
    For those of you who do not prefer the console on the Chevy Silverado that eats up so much floor space, check out the bucket seat option on the manual 4wd trucks. It appears that the console contains the cup holders and the bucket seats have the coveted arm rest, but the tunnel in the center remains open.
    Unfortunately, the dealers say that this arrangement is not available on the 2wd models.
    Bummer.
    As for my preference, as if it really matters, serve mine up with pushrods, four wheel discs and a healthy portion of structural integrity. For dessert, I'll choose some conservative styling.
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    LONG LIVE THE PUSHROD V8!! Argh, Argh, Argh!!
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    tkabbes,
    You describe the bucket seats that are in my Silverado 4x4. I have the in-dash cd player, but not the cassette, so the tunnel in the center stays open as you say. Still, the cup-holders protrude out there a little bit. I wonder why they didn't just leave them off, and leave on that fold-out cup-holder under the dash, which was removed, and replaced with a non-opening panel?

    cdean,
    Go home and tell mommy that dog bit you! Argh, Argh!
  • dunbartondunbarton Member Posts: 46
    Sure wouldn't want to by a new Chevy in their first model year of a big changover. Bugs, bugs, Bugs.
  • mtv1mtv1 Member Posts: 7
    the 5.3liter is super smooth in the chevy,lots of horses under the hood.helped sell me. and it rides better than the ford.ram is having problems with transmissions,4 guys i know dumped them for ford and chevy.
  • swampcollieswampcollie Member Posts: 87
    I have read every post to here. Still don't know which way I am going. I am coming off a '95 GMC Sonoma ext cab 4X4. runs and rides great but have had all kinds of problems. swore I would never go back to GM. Plan in going to full size in same configuration. The new GM full size really are attractive to me because of the hp/mileage combo.3 vs 4 doors doesnt bother me. and like most on here, dont like the 150 styling much. The search goes on. will let u know what i do and what i base it on. One thing is the dealer. I prefer to buy local and the local GMC dealer is the best in town by far. Just having trouble getting by the problems I had with the Sonoma.
  • swampcollieswampcollie Member Posts: 87
    Oh..one question..anyone driving a 99 GM full size 4X4 extended cab with the 5.3: What gas mileage are you really getting?
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    At first, and for quite a while after, I didn't really like the F150 styling. But it's grown on me. It's not so bad, could even be attractive. I think the Silverado/Sierra is the F150's equal in most respects, better in some areas, lagging in some others. I love the handling and feel of my Silverado Z71. The cabin is very quiet, the engine smooth and economical, the tranny very slick shifting, and the 4 wheel disc brakes outstanding. One thing though. When I pull up next to an F150, or Expedition, it seems like the Ford is 3 inches taller. Can't figure out why it is so high. I wouldn't mind that for the cab, but you need a ladder to reach over the bed-rails, or climb into the box.
  • DavyddDavydd Member Posts: 121
    I'm getting as good or better than what the sticker says for my '99 Silerado LT 5.3 with just over 4,000 miles. I've never gotten less than 16.1 mpg and as high as 18.4 mpg. Mostly around 16.7 but with the new tonneau cover installed the mileage appears to be over 17. 17.3 on the last tank and when I fill up again I think it will be higher again.
  • DavyddDavydd Member Posts: 121
    The Dodge is definitely taller than the Silverado. Ford appears so too. The Silverado has a much more comfortable step in and is lower than Dodge and Ford. That counts for my 5'-9" body. :) Oddly ground clearance is higher on the Silverado over Dodge and Ford with comparable setups.

    I guess that two-three inch height difference for eyelevel really makes little difference other than the macho knowing feel.
  • huntmanhuntman Member Posts: 25
    I had been planning on buying a truck last spring when I decided to wait and see what the new GM trucks would be like. I had been looking at the F150 Ext. Cab 4x4 5.4 Lariat. The ford is a nice truck but two things really sold me on the Sierra. First of all the GM with the 5.3L will get its rated gas milage or better. 15/18. The Ford is rated 12/14 with the 5.4L and will be lucky to average 12 when the GM averages 15 or 16. This alone is a big factor for me. The other is the fact that the GM extended cab is far superior in comfort for hauling people. It is very comfortable where for me the ford is intolerable in the back. The 4th door is for getting the cargo out, not people. The visability out of windows on the Ext cab sides is twice as big on the GM. There is much less obstruction of the view. They are both nice trucks but I will keep the my 99 GMC 5.3L Ext Cab 4x4 SLT. If GM hadn't come out with the new generation trucks. I would be driving a F250 V10.

    Best of luck
    Huntman
  • dpettydpetty Member Posts: 2
    Buy either truck ( GMC/Chevy or Ford ). Both brands are great and ride like luxo cars.
    I purchased a Ford because I liked the way it was laid out (int). I drove all three brands multiple times (Ford, Chevy, Dodge) before I selected the Ford.
    {ex 94 Dodge Ram 1500 Owner)
  • mikemurphy1mikemurphy1 Member Posts: 2
    I just traded a '91 Silverado Ext Cab w/ 100K miles for a Ford 150 Super Cab Lariat. My Chevy started to self-destruct at 100K. New A/C compressor, new heater blower and core, new alternator, major work on front and rear brakes. I liked the truck but was afraid the tranny was next.

    I drove the new Chevy, Dodge, Toyota Tundra, and picked the Ford for ride and build quality. I wanted the 4.6L engine but all the Lariats had the 5.4L, so I went with that.

    Even with the problems I had with the old Chevy, I would have given the new one a harder look if I could get the fourth door.
  • zbad71zbad71 Member Posts: 226
    First I want to say that NONE of these trucks are without some finessing needed. New from the factory, they all have their strong and weak points. However, I had a 96 Tacoma 4X4 with V6 that I bought new and put over 47k miles on without so much as having to replace a light bulb. I needed more tow capacity for pulling my boat and bought a used (35k miles) 98 F150 4X4. Had problems with squeaky steering (pitman arm and steering box), transfer case grind in 4wd, could not keep the tow adjusted on the alignment which wore out the tires about 15k miles early, and moreover it was a 4.6l and was just plain gutless when towing anything. I could not get Ford to stand behind that piece of junk for nothing. Bought a 99 Silverado Z71 with 5.3l and auto, tow pkg. etc. I have had one slight problem with detonation which is due to the computer code. Revised codes looks to have fixed it and GM was the best at resolving the problem. The truck tows my boat like its not even back there, looks great, runs smooth, and just plain gives the driver a sense of confidence in its reliability. Too me, there may be something stronger (bigger engine, torque, etc.) but the Chevy exceeds in more areas than any other truck on the road. One key difference is that GM stands behind their vehicles where I know from experience, Ford will only do what is in writing and no more, no matter what the circumstance is. To get that is even a chore. My Dad and many people I know, have gotten things fixed outside of warranty. GM wants satisfied customers, plain and simple.
  • zbad71zbad71 Member Posts: 226
    Dont you have a 98 model F150? Thats pretty much the same technology as the 97 model isnt it? They didnt change much if any of the driveability parts in 98 over 97. Was it a bad decision to buy a basically first year model after a major change???? Bugs. Bugs. Bugs. Ford has plenty of them, but no repellant and definately no bug killer.
  • zbad71zbad71 Member Posts: 226
    Dunbarton:

    Dont you have a 98 model F150? Thats pretty much
    the same technology as the 97 model isnt it? They didnt change much if any of the driveability parts in 98 over 97. Was it a bad decision to buy a basically first year model after a major change???? Bugs. Bugs. Bugs. Ford has plenty of them, but no repellant and definately no bug killer.
  • f220swiftf220swift Member Posts: 103
    I looked at all three top dogs in a half ton truck(chevy,ford and dodge). Ride, comfort, and reliability all seemed quite equal. However, the upgraded 5.4 in the new Fords could not be matched. In addition, look at Fords off road package. The 17 inch wheels are awesome and gives the truck some added height.
  • gojonesgojones Member Posts: 15
    Sound like a chevy commercial. Help me get my vibration problem fixed. GM is not extending a hand on this. Otherwise, truck is pretty good. Had Ford also but never a problem the dealer or manufacture could not fix. My silverado is bigger, smarter, stronger, and shakes at cruising. Could use your influence with GM about now.
  • dallas75dallas75 Member Posts: 72
    Evaluating new trucks to replace my 80 F-250 as a daily driver. Keeping an open mind on the Big 3. Drove a Silverado LT Extended Cab the other day, great driving truck but I did notice some minor quality problems. Outside of the vibration and reflashing the computer codes, has anyone had any other problems with the Chev? How about the 99 F-150 people. Good or bad Luck with the Ford. Thanks to all that reply.
  • fishmatefishmate Member Posts: 1
    My husband and I have looked at the Big 3 and have likes and dislikes on all 3. We understand that the Chevy engine has some pinging. Can anyone tell me if they are having problems. Also, the seatbelts in the Chevy and Dodge are nice in the seat, opposed to Ford's in the frame..Anyone find it cumbersome with the four doors having the seatbelts on the frame?
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    My ping is under control after
    Chevy updated the computer with revised codes.
  • denisddenisd Member Posts: 11
    Dallas75 / Fishmate - bought a 99 F150xlt 4x4 5.4l a month ago and so far have 1500 miles on it. We absolutely love it!! sure is a big difference from driving a 1976 BMW 2002! mileage is as advertised and has more than enough power. The seatbelts are a bit of a pain to reach, particularly for my wife, but we are getting used to it. Went with ford because of 4 doors vs 3 doors (and basically a ford fan). Did months of research on line and learned of many more complaints/concerns about Dodge & GM than Ford. Of course, the bottom line is go with the one that "floats your boat" the most!
  • scojordanscojordan Member Posts: 3
    Thinking hard about F-150 Super Cab Flareside - Sport Package. I called the dealer today and he said the 2000's will be in come September. Ford will be putting a four door (CREW CAB) F-150 on the market - overall length the same as 99 Super cab. The new F-150 Crew Cabs will have a shorter bed. Interesting as I have two little one in baby seats and I don;t like the idea of cramming them in the back of the Super Cab.
  • fgodshalkfgodshalk Member Posts: 2
    I am also checking out the Silverado 1500 as a tow vehicle for my 28' travel trailer. The towing capacity seems more than enough for my trailer (about 5800 lbs). But we may upgrade to a new trailer that comes in at about 7500 lbs. Will the half ton do...or should I go to the three-quarter ton 2500? Anyone have experience with the Silverado as a tow vehicle?
  • tmclennantmclennan Member Posts: 3
    Looking at buying a 99 F-150 XLT Supercab 4x2 with the 4.6L or a 99 GMC Sierra SLE Extended Cab 4x2 with the 4.8L. I would appreciate it if anyone could let me know if they have had any problems with either truck. I'm trying to make up my mind and any comments good or bad will be helpful. Thanks!
  • zbad71zbad71 Member Posts: 226
    Stay completely clear of the Ford, especially the 4.6l! I had a 98 Ford F150 4X4 with the 4.6l and Auto, 3:55 gear. JUNK! Steering problems, alignment problems, transfer case problems, road control problems. Absolute JUNK! Ford was NOT helpful at all in rectifying any problems or to satisfy me the customer, even at the Zone Rep level of arbitration. Not to mention the 4.6l was just plain gutless pulling its own weight, let alone any kind of load. The transmissions they put in those trucks are weaker than any previous year model! That is a fact! I think the engine is plenty powerful for a light duty full size truck, but they have a huge mismatch in transmission gearing and durability!

    I now have a Z71 with 5.3l Auto, 3:73 gear. It too has had a few "bugs" such as engine ping on pump gas which is discussed in another topic here.
    HOWEVER, GM has been very helpful and those problems have been rectified. The 5.3l has great "overall" power. The Ford may have a little more in the low end, but unless you are going to be continually towing "heavy" equipment, you won't see any of that benefit anyway. The way I see it, if your need is that extreme, you shouldn't be buying a 1/2 ton truck to begin with. The 5.3l has way more highway pulling power, smoother engine, more refined and sophisticated engine and interior equipment, larger inteior room BY A LARGE MARGIN. In addition, it just plain looks more like a truck than the swoopy swopy sissified Ford.
    My only complaint on this GM truck now is the no fourth door, which is not that important considering the GM outclasses the competition in just about every other catagory.
    I would recommend the 5.3l over the 4.8l GM. There is not mucy difference in price and I think you will be much happier if you bare the expense up front and get the bigger engine.

    Good luck.

    PS. I have owned brand new trucks since 1985, Ford, Chevy, Dodge, and even one Toyota Tacoma.
    The Tacoma beat all of them in reliability and quality of construction/customer service.
    The Chevy is a close second in the quality and reliability, but greatly exceeds the others in overall power and sophistication of the design.
    I have had good Ford and Dodge trucks, but both of them have just been ok. I have never owned a Ford or a Dodge that has had such a good design and given me the proud ownership that this new Chevy has. Honest survey from someone who has owned them all. Take it for what its worth.
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    If you get the Chevy 1/2 ton, you might prefer the 4.10 axle option if you will be towing a lot, but the difference between it and the 3.73 is only about 9-10%.

    A friend showed up at the softball diamond with a new F150 super cab last night, leather seats. Really a nice truck. I own the Chevy, and think it is the technical equal to the Ford, but have to admit the F150 is a dream too. She got hers with the 5.4L Triton. Right now, I think Ford has the initial quality control issues under control a bit better than GM, which has been working some kinks out. Ford is also the sales leader, and you can't discount that.
  • tmclennantmclennan Member Posts: 3
    You mentioned a few bugs with the Chevy, what else other then the "pinging"?

    Thanks for all the other info!!
  • smcpherrsmcpherr Member Posts: 114
    It all depends on what you like, I guess. I drive a '99 F-150 and love it. I really like the shape, in no way would I call it sissified, my flareside looks really nice. Last week, with all the Forth of July parades, a lot of old trucks were out. I happened to pull into a convenience store Saturday afternoon, and saw a maroon 1948 Ford F-1 in the lot I HAD to park next to. My truck is the dark toreador red color, which was just a few shades off his maroon. Man, I wish I had a camera. True, my truck is taller, wider, longer and arguably meaner looking, but the similarities are remarkable. I really like the way it looks. However, when it comes to the new Chevy's, I guess I can just say they haven't grown on me yet. Don't get me wrong, my first truck was a Chevy, and I really liked it. Behind my Ford, the early 90's Chevy truck (I don't know when they first came out with that body style) is one of my favorite looking trucks. Really sharp. I just don't particularly like the new one, nor is it showing any sign of growing on me yet. I know its not that big of a change, they just messed it up somehow(in my eyes, at least). Beauty is all in the eye of the owner, I guess.
  • ponyupponyup Member Posts: 5
    I would not have chosen the Ford if it weren't for....shall we say a trick up my sleeve in case I have a problem with service. Let's just say that I will NOT be an unsatisfied Ford customer. I have had problems with both GM and Ford service but would opt for the GM service bay anytime if I didn't have contact at Ford.
    The last thing: Those of you who don't prefer the Ford styling ABSOLUTELY NEED to see this truck with aftermarket wheels on her. The factory rims from ford are just pathetic. I cannot stress this enough. I no less than pulled into the dealers lot and saw this truck and reached for my checkbook. It really makes that much of a difference.
    The new Gm rims are no better but the GM trucks don't seem to benefit as much from the aftermarket wheels as the Ford does.
    I know this is just asthetic, but for Thirty grand she better look awfully good too.
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    I don't miss the 5.7L. The 5.3L is smoother, quieter, and gets better fuel mileage. Also has 100,000 mile maintenance, runs for 50 miles with no coolant. Power is great too. No problem with F150's.
  • zx2fanzx2fan Member Posts: 5
    I think we can all agree that both the F-150 and Silverado are both better buys than those new over-priced under-sized Tundras.....

    The Tundra is probably a good truck, but those steep prices can get you into a 3/4 ton, istead of a Dakota-sized "full size"
  • zbad71zbad71 Member Posts: 226
    Not siding with the Tundra or Toyota, just a comment from someone whos owned Toyota and all of the big three.

    The Tundra is cheaper in purchase price, but you get less truck. The Chevy is bigger, more powerful, better gas mileaage, more room by far, more comfortable, but the Chevy doesn't come cheap either and you have to take more of a gamble with its reliability/breakdown quality than with the Toyota. I know this first hand. Toyota's customer service is far superior also.

    I am proud to drive my new Silverado, but credit must be given where due.

    If we could change the customer quality issues with the big three, Toyota would be out of business. The lack of customer concern from the big three are what keep Toyota in business at all.
  • zbad71zbad71 Member Posts: 226
    And as far as Ford....Well, I primarily have owned Fords all my life, even after being raised in a very biased Chevy family. However, after owning a 98 with the new Triton, I wouldn't buy one if my only need for it was to haul groceries from the grocery store.

    Complete piece of junk and that is being nicer than what I think of Ford's customer service and "lack thereof".

    But, someone has to be fooled, they stay in business.
  • jim8688jim8688 Member Posts: 1
    I have really spent some time looking at the Silverado and F-150. I like the way the Chevy looks inside and the ride is superior. However, the inside seems to be poorly constructed and of cheap materials. On the Drivers side door, the trim over the door, headliner, was coming apart. This is a new truck the salesmen was proud to show me. I would buy a Chevy right now if I just wasn't so concerned about the poor materials and assembly. The Ford is plain, but solid. Has assembly on the Chevy??
  • tuckyboy1tuckyboy1 Member Posts: 36
    I just finished test driving a 99 and a 00 Chevy Silverado. I noticed in both that the seats belts rarely lock at the shoulder when I hit the brakes. In one quick stop, my girlfriend almost hit the dash. Anyone else have this experience? This single feature makes me lean towards the F150.
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    Interesting, your comments on Toyota service. I wonder if it has to do with the workload of cars they have to service in a day. My Chevy service department is very busy, and I see many fleet vehicles from police, fire, taxis etc. I would think Toyota has lots of Camrys to service, but my hunch is not as many vehicles overall. Which would certainly be to the advantage of the individual owner.

    Tucky, my seat belts are very sensitive. I sit far away from the wheel, seat way back. It's just preference. But if I'm on the brakes or going down a slight hill, they latch, making it hard to reach the radio dial or climate controls.
This discussion has been closed.