Chevy Silverado or Dodge Ram for 2000

mkatie

OK
I've read all of the Posts and here is what we have accomplished.
-Chevy Guys love Chevy's
-Ford Guys love Ford's
-Dodge Guys love Dodge's
-Toyota Guys love Toyota's
I've owned every one of the above and have had good and bad luck with each one.
I'm just proud that all Americans can get along and LOVE our TRUCKS! Whenever someone asks me "Why do you drive a Truck?" You just gotta answer " You have to drive one to know!"
Keep 'em clean and safe!
Chris

chevycam

I have a question. If Dodges are so good, why has my 1997 fully loaded Dodge Ram SS/T (MSRP $26K) been in for service about 25 times in 26 monthes?

Out of all the vehicles I have owned, (nine) this one has been the biggest disappointment.

My next one will be a 2000 GMC Sierra!! (I still think the Dodge is just a bit better looking, but are good looks if I can't keep it out of the shop!!!!!!!!!!!!)

FYI: After checking out the Dodge sections of town hall, I found more people disappointed in their Dodge trucks than people who praised them!!

Rocles

chevycam,
I beg to differ. I haven't read too much glorification of the stale offerings of GM. Either you love or hate Ford's styling, love or hate Dodge's minor problems but not much passion in any direction for Chevy. Hell, Toyota seems to have the biggest fan-base.

RichinKs

And here I thought that bringing something of substance (brakes) to the table would give us something to discuss. Body styles are so subjective. But do they rattle? That has more substance. I really don't care if someones family has driven a Mack truck for 4 generations so they are only going to buy Mack trucks and never even test drive the others. How can that person add anything to this discussion? Now I feel better. ...... Rich

cdean

I'M CONVINCED, SNOOKEY, THANKS!

Rocles

richinks,
I personally have owned Chevy and Ford. My firm, which I own, has owned all three including the dreaded Mack for big jobs. This number of trucks is around 36 and we are looking for two new ones this fall. I hope you were not ranting about me.

ladyblue

Now I'm confused, snooky - I'm a lady and I drive a Dodge. Maybe I'm suffering from gender confusion?

Chevy? Dodge? This debate is endless. I was a Chevy fan my whole life, but when it came time to buy a truck, the Chevys left me flat. BORING! Sorry for being so shallow, but looks ARE important to me. I still get a kick out of seeing my truck in the parking lot when I come out of a store, and I've been guilty of looking out my living room window just to see parked out front.

Someone else said somewhere that it's the luck of the draw - I agree. You can get a bad one or a good one from any of the big three. Only time will tell, but I'm hoping I got a good one.

jcmdie

Maybe you need to see a different dealer if you need to bring it in that often obviously they are not fixing it right. I have 20,000 miles on my '98 quadcab and has only gone in for scheduled maintainance and a warrantee brake job. It's quiet,solid, and hauls very well as a work truck or family vehicle. I just took a vacation with the family pulling the boat (about 12,000# combined) and cuised 10 hours each way doing between 70 and75 mph. Mine does the job.

feedguru1

When it comes to real towing, Chevy isn't in the chase. The Dodge Cummins is not only fun to drive, but it's also bulletproof. If you want to go get grocerys by a chevy. If you have real work to do I think the Dodge is the only choice.

RichinKs

I guess I must confess I have Chevy leanings. I've had 3 Chevy's, 1 Dodge and 2 Datsuns trucks. I am trying to be objective in looking for my next truck. The Dodge wins on looks and a fourth Door, But the Chevy wins on most everything else. One thing that surprises me is the Chevy has fewer TSB's in its first year of this design than Dodge has in its 5th or 6th year. Reading both the Dodge and Chevy sites they both have troubles, but the Dodge seems to have more dealer problems. Problems where a vehicle has to be taken back again and again for the same problem. Perhaps Dodge is not as picky about their dealers? ...... Rich

RichinKs

If I had a really big fifth wheel I would agree with you. But since mine is 7000 empty and 9000 loaded the Chevy 6.0 will do just fine. So will the Dodge V10. The Cummins has some drawbacks. Such as (1) needing to shutoff the engine any time you go through a drivethru (bank, fast food etc.). (2) Much more expensive to care for (with oil changes etc) that offset any savings in fuel. (3) Much more expensive to purchase. I'm still uncertain on this issue ( I get a new vehicle every 2 or 3 years) because much of the cost is recouped when you sell or trade it. Perhaps if I get a larger fifth wheel in the future I will have need to look at it again, but Chevy will also have their new engines by then. The 495 ci gas and Izuzu V8 diesel...... Rich

ml6

Thanks guys, but you haven't helped at all. I want a dodge, but I come from a chevy family. I've never owned a truck and for me this will simply be a second vehicle for going to the snow (gotta snowboard!!!) and for thoses times I want to fit more than one other person. I tend to keep 'em a looong time(my car is a 1985)so I want a truck that will last. I'm religious about maintenence but I know I will have problems of one sort or another no matter what - that's to be expected. I just don't want those problems to be to often and repeatedly expensive. So, with that said - do any of you have any REAL advice?

rodt

Real advice huh! Well here it is...buy the Chevy, we run a fleet with Dodge. So far they have not held up. My Chevy and my brothers Chevy P/U...mines a 94 and his is a 93, no problems! The Dodges have lost transmissions.

jtc

I have heard that Dodge is coming out with tool boxes built into the bed sides of their pickups. Has anyone heard about this?

RichinKs

I thought my comments should have helped. I will repeat. Dodge does not stop in as short a distance as Chevy from 60 mph. In fact it has the worst stopping of the big 3. (from Edmonds test report). ...... Dodge does not have the reliability of Chevrolet. Check out the TSB's at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/servicemmy1/cfm For 1999 Dodge had more tsb's than Chevy even though Chevy is in its first year of this body style and Dodge has had at least five years to fix its problems. Also in checking the Dodge and Chevy topics on this site you will see many more occurances of Dodge truck owners having to take their trucks back again and again to get problems resolved. It gives one the feeling that Dodge has lower standards than Chevy for their dealers. (But there are bad Chevy dealers too). ..... Dodge engines are the oldest of the big three. This is a two edge sword. Dodge engines are the most proven. But they are also the oldest technology. I suspect the gas mileage to be the least of the big three (Not counting the cummins). ...... Dodge can only win if you prefer the appearance of their interior/ exterior or you must have the fourth door. Chevy has the most compfortable rear seating of the big three. I have sat in all three and the seats are contoured better with more leg room. ....... Dodge has better delivery schedule for those that order. ...... With the 3/4 ton 4x4, Chevy has a much better ride than Dodge. Not even close. ...... I could go on and on, but your probably tired of hearing me. .......... Rich

RichinKs

A small typo, Cann't these computers know what I
mean not what I say?
www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/servicemmy1.cfm
Rich

1greg

I seem to read that a lot of peopole have had problems with the Dodge brakes, is there anyone that hasn't had a problem? I had a 1995 Jeep Cherokee that had poor brakes, pulled right under hard braking and dealer couldn't seem to fix. I had ABS on the Cherokee and it didn't seem to make much difference in the braking ability either.

wildmanbaker

Real advice:
Both the Chev and Dodge are good trucks. If you are good on maintenance, either should work good and last. As for problems with the Dodge auto trans, Some people must have bad luck, or just abuse things. From experience, we had a 95' 1500 we towed a 26' terry with and it did fine. Between 7 and 11 MPG, depending on speed and terrain. Empty, 13 in town, over 20 on the hiway, no BS. As for ride, yes the Chev. will ride nicer, but go to the ruff stuff and see which will jar your teeth loose.

Bottom line, get the one you want and be happy, if it is the Dodge, its a great truck, and cheaper. By the way, we traded the 95' on a 99' 4X4 Diesel. This is just scarry towing, lots of power and 14 MPG.
Good Luck!

ml6

Rich
Thanks for your time and advice. I was 100% Dodge before, now I'm starting to lean and "waffle" between the two. I think wildmanmaker is right (buy what you want and be happy) but I have five months to stew over this as I won't be placing an order until the end of the year.
ALSO, I read a few days ago someone said their Dodge has been in/out of the dealer 25 times?! Anyway, I'm curious if that particular dodge is an American or Mexican made vehicle. (If your VIN number starts with a 1 it's a USA build. Has anyone heard anything about which country is putting out the better one? I know that seems like a stupid question, but you never know. I work for a shop that specializes in Mazda and Honda/Acura cars and I've seen that the cars made here in the states seem to have more problems.
-Laura

chevy10

Did any of you know that Chevy's new 6000 V8 puts out more horsepower than Dodge's V10. Vortech is by far the most proven line of engines out there. Thats pretty sad when you pay for the extra 2 cylinders but come up just a bit short on speed. I mean if Vortech were to come out with a new V10 i bet it would be a ton faster than dodges. Oh and because Dodge engines are so weak they can put a V8 in their compact pickup. If Chevy did that to the S10 it would go through the tires like youd never believe. So next time you think your getting faster cause you have two more cylinders you should check behind the lines and find out what speed is all about!!!

RichinKs

I'm not real impressed by the Dodge V10 either, but the Chevy 6.0 is 300hp for 99 and I've heard rumored 315 for 2000. The Dodge V10 was 300 but I've heard 320 also. But the Dodge has a bunch more torque doesn't it? I mean the Chevy may do ok in a drag race empty, but a drag race pulling fifth wheels I'd have to favor the Dodge. ........ Rich

quadrunner500

More problems with American cars because of more American cars! Think about it.

The worst problem car we ever had was an Accord. It just fell apart, and cost $300 every time it was in the dealers service department. (A friend has 200,000 miles on his Accord, but that's his story.)

But what I really wanted to say, is don't underestimate the Mexican auto worker. They are really pretty good. If there is a problem, it's usually in the design, not workmanship.

jcmdie

I don't buy a truck for speed. Possibly pulling power (torque) maybe, longevity definately, but speed is not on the mind of 98% of truck buyers. The dodge engines may be old in design and overdue for redesign but the current engines last. I have had dodges off and on for 25 years and can't remember any engine failure. Dodge does not make a compact truck. The dakota is much larger than the ranger or s-10 and its capabilities towing and hauling is nearly identical to the full size half ton units. Its size is smaller for those who don't need the size but can still haul and tow.

chevy10

I dont know where you come from but in Montana everybody i know that buys a truck wants speed. Oh and by the way, why dont you see any Rams around that are '93 or older? Probably cause they dont work. And dont even tell me that Chevys cant get the job done when pulling. I own a Tahoe and I pull a large boat everywhere and talk about power left to pass. Maybe you should try driving one of them. I think youd be impressed. You know its always nice to be able to lay a little rubber when and wherever you want.

jcmdie

You don't see any of the older dodge pickups because they hardly sold any. Since '94 dodge trucks have increased thier sales five fold and still are behind ford and chevy in total sales. Before the change they were only selling some 87,000 units a year. You can't find used what wasn't sold new. As far as GM transmissions are concerned youu can read further back in this topic to find out how well thier trans held up for me. After my trans fried at 38,000 miles and was rebuilt it started to burn up again at approx 52,000 miles again towing. This time I caught it in time. I had to drive back some 300 miles at 45mph though. This was all in a 2500 series GMC van. Chevy may be quicker, but in my experience they can't tow worth [non-permissible content removed].

cdean

I've been towing anything from 4 to 8K lbs for the last 5 years on a Chevy that doesn't even have a towing package or tran cooling. As said before, the burnout at 38000 isn't right for any vehicle.

I've seen MANY vehicles, Ford, Dodge, Chevy--all of them get their old age trannies rebuilt and I can say this: I've never seen a rebuilt tranny ever last as long as the orig. I don't know your situation or the mechanic you used, but for the weight you pulled, NO vehicle should have lost a tranny.

Your bad experience is an exception. You can look at several different reliability compilers and GM transmissions last much longer than any competitors. Look on the web, look in magazines, go ask a transmission shop.

Why else would Dodge be putting a GM transmission behind the Cummins next year?

Rocles

You guys are fighting over which is second and which is third. First remains with Ford. Ask any REAL mechanic and I'd bet that 75% would prefer a Ford towing any day over GM and Dodge. Whenever we haul our trash trailer or material trailer--its always with the Fords. We have had so many tranny problems from Chevy that it would make your head spin. Four rebuilds in the past six years on just Chevy alone. We haven't touched our Fords.
I do like Chevys engines but the rest of their trucks are mediocre.

carleton1

Has anyone the sales data for ALL GM pickups? How does the total sales of Chevy plus its clone GMC add up in comparison to Found On Road Dead and Dodge?
I have seen good and bad in all brands!

jcmdie

You guys seem miles apart about GM transmissions. If you burn your hand on a stove as a child do you learn that its hot and not to put your hand there or just assume that your burn was a fluke or exception? What should I learn from my experience? I'll have my current truck about 5 more years and at that time I'll reconsider the whole lot. With the current offerings I would choose dodge for the 1500 series and ford super duty for the 2500 series. I need to see continued improvement however. If dodge doesn't put 4 wheel disk brakes on and upgrade the engines by the time my next purchase they will have shown a lack of competitiveness that I will not tolerate. I'm not an all dodge fan but at the time that good looking quadcab with a dependable engine was the best offering from the big three.

alaskan

I have a 90 Ford 3/4 diesel with 320,000 miles. The tranny went at 40,000 and the rebuilt went to 300,005 miles the engine may now have one cylinder with wrist pin slap. My Chev 1 ton 4x4 with the 6.5 turbo diesel is still running great at 50,000 and does ride better than all three and is a lot quieter. All carry my Alaskan Camper with a utility box. Question do I replace the F250 with a Dodge Cummins or Chev/GMC Isuzu diesel?

Rocles

jcmdie,
I don't know apart cdean and myself are but if you have questions ask a mechanic that you respect. Not a dealer wrencher but a good independent.

cdean

jcdmie

i don't doubt your bitterness toward your experience, I understand what your feeling, I just trying to tell you that in my opinion, you got a fluke. Its Rocles opinion that you didn't get a fluke. We'll just have to agree to disagree about it. Roc has had terrible luck with all Chevys. I, on the other hand, have seen Chevy's and Fords alike used and abused in the oilfield industry where the driver doesn't own the truck, and doesn't care how much he loads on the trailer or how much is in the bed, or how close the bumper is to dragging the ground. And i've seen this common thing: Chevy transmissions keep on going, Fords never make it over 100K, Dodges just don't make it, period.

magic2

I think that the Silverado is the best "all around" truck on the market today. I bought a '90 model 4X4 brand new and only took it last week to have it's first alignment at 192,000 miles. Admittedly, I try to take care of my truck...but I most defintley use it.
All trucks have features that appeal to different individuals and that is the way it should be. For me personally when I purchase a new vehicle it will be a 2000 Z71!!!

markcord

Just for the record, the Dodge V10 for '99 is rated at 315 hp vs. 300 hp for the Chevy. Now don't get me wrong, I've been driving a 350 GMC for the past 11 1/2 years and I still love it. But when you look at 2500's and compare payload and towing capacity the V10 croaks the 6.0 across the board. You can nitpick about 10 hp here or there but when it comes to what makes a truck really work it's torque. And that's why you pay for the extra two cylinders - because there's no substitute for cubic inches. Actually at $470 the extra two cylinders are a bargain.

mgdvhman

2000 6.0's are 325HP

Too bad a Dodge Tranny won't be around 11.5 years to haul all that load!

When Chevy has a Vortec V-10...It will be one hell of an engine. But for now...we don't need a V-10 with the 6.0!

Like I said before...Dodge and performance have never been two words that go together.

Tim

feedguru1

I just talked to one of my clients about his trip from Iowa to Kentucky with a six horse slant with a load of thourghbreds. 27000 mi on his new powerstroke and the clutch went out. I told him it was a fluke, he said he hoped so, and then told of a friend of his that was on his fifth 6 speed in his powerstroke.
That 6.0 or 6000 that you chevy guys keep talking about is a 360 no matter how you cut it. I'm sure its a good engine, but I want to hear you tell me about how great that 6.5 diesel is. Funny I don't here that engine mentioned in the same conversation with the Cummins or the Powerstroke.
I had one of those horse delivery services at my farm a while back, he had 200,000 mi on his GMC 6.5, and he was on his third engine.
Chevy makes a good truck, and Ford does too, but make mine a Dodge.

mgdvhman

Make Mine a Chevrolet

Tim

markcord

Well I guess I can't argue with you since I don't have the numbers on the 2000 V10. But, since the Dodge can tow 3000 lbs. more as well as carry more payload - today - with a fourth door - I'll be looking forward to driving my V10 in a few weeks. Have fun waiting. I hope the General doesn't disappoint you - blind loyalty like yours is truly a rare thing these days. It's also rare but possible to get a piece of crap from any manufacturer. The Big 3 all make fine vehicles so like someone else said, buy the one you want and be happy. Best of luck with your Chevy.

mgdvhman

Blind Loyalty??
That's a good one.
Anyone who thinks I just tout GM without knowing a damn thing...is seriously wrong. Blind I am not.

Like I said before..in Reality they ALL suck.

You honestly need 14000 lbs. of towing capacity?

I haven't checked in the diesel towing caps yet..but 11K is fine for me.

As I've said many time elsewhere...I could give a damn about the 4th door.

Best of luck with your Dodge.

- Wrath of the open minded Tim

RichinKs

Tim earlier you quoted the HP for the 2000 Chevy, the 98 Dodge and the 99 Ford. I agree the Chevy is the best overall for me (and you), but the Chevy is giving away too much torque to the Dodge to pull a really heavy tripple slide out 5th wheel like the Dodge V10 can. But never fear, By the 2001 model year Chevy will have a big block too. Of course Dodge will have a new big block in 2002 so the battle goes on and on. But please compare apples to apples. ........ Rich

mgdvhman

Apples to Apples??

What fun is that??

I will still go for the Chevrolet..(as if it was a surprise)

hehehehheeee

Tim

fbarcelo

In the real world, you can get a RAM 2500 V-10 SLT, 2500 for less than a similarly equipped Silverado 1500 LS 5.3 or F-150 XLT 5.4. Check it out at www.carsdirect.com. Oh, did I mention how many more TONS the Dodge can haul? How about HP & Torque? Sorry Ford & Chevy!!!!!

RichinKs

No doubt Dodge can get those big loads movin'. To bad those Dodge's cann't stop. Stopping distance from 60 mph is 20 feet further than Chevy or Ford. Not sure I want my 5th wheel hitched to something like that. Maybe thats why so many Dodge 5th wheel owners have added an exhaust brake. But maybe its because they bounce so bad (4x4) the drivers cann't get their foot to the brake petal(g). ... Rich

mgdvhman

It was mentioned that the 6.0 is just a 360 any way you look at it. OK....Let's compare 360's!!
99 Chevy 6.0 (364) - 300 HP (325 for 2000)
99 Dodge 5.9 (360) - 245 HP (?? for 2000)

What a Joke! Chevy's 4.8 makes 255 HP!!

Like I said...Dodge and Performance/Power have never gone together!

Course maybe the Dodge will Jump from 245 to 330 and beat the Chevrolet??.....I'm scared now!

- Wrath of the open minded Tim

quadrunner500

We are here to pump you up!

I like my '99 Silverado the best, but wouldn't hesitate to buy a Ford Super Duty Crew Cab long box Navistar, or a Ram Cummins reg cab long bed.

I just don't need that much truck. The other Dodges and Fords are nice too. For 1999, I went with Chevy due to same engine and tranny family from my Camaro, (I knew they were good from experience), and better gas mileage.

I like the appearance of all three. I like the way the Ford extended cab F150 looks better than the Silverado extended cab, but my opinion changes once inside the cab. Another good looking truck is the Dakota.

But as for the Toyota Tundra, it will have to wait. A mid-size import with a full-size price, it fell from the ugly tree, hitting every branch on the way down.

planejane

Did anybody ever see that Toy commercial that says the Tundra was tougher/faster than Ford and Chevy when pulling a trailer? Don't shoot me if I am off a bit, but what was that commercial all about?

Then they had all the trucks pulling a trailer and the Tundra was ahead of them all?

Whats up with that?

tp4unc

The title is for Quadrunner!

planejane,
Drive one and you will find out.

Have fun bashing me people....always a blast reading your comments.
Todd

tp4unc

Tim,
That is some good reading! Thanks.
Todd

P.S. Believe me, I am not "pissed". Oh yeah, are you referring to Indiana?

eric16

Now lets not bring the good state of Indiana into this debate. The citizen's of Indiana are just trying to put food on the table and get enough money to buy a Dodge Ram:) . I have owned them all Toy, Chevy, Ford, Dodge, I liked Chevy cars Ford trucks, Dodge trucks, Toy cars. But the best 4X4 I have ever owned and still own is a 1949 Willeys Jeep.

Eric16 from the good state of Indiana

tp4unc

Simmer down! If I am gonna spend 25k to 30k on a vehicle I need to be somewhat assured of getting my money's worth. I have owned GM products(S10s
and Blazers, etc). MY experience with them has been UNSATISFACTORY(except for my 1992 Saturn). Maybe I got lemons...maybe not. The Toyotas(and Nissan's for that matter) I have owned have been remarkably reliable. I try to spend my money wisely. I don't whizz it away and justify it by claiming patriotism. However, this is a free country and you can do so if you like. When that thunder gray Tundra passes you on the road(or off) please wave. It may be me.

Eric,
I agree with you about the Jeep.