Ram or Gm /overall build quality

[INGMWETRUST]

Have over 170k miles on my 11 Sierra 5.3, good truck. I’ve got tons of faith in GM but

was wanting to upgrade to possibly a Ram Laramie  or an LTZ/SLT, both gas, both 4x4. (Don’t need the 6.2L)

 

i mainly test drove the the Ecodiesel due to the hype (turbo lag is horrendous), just seems like a headache waiting to happen but i know the 5.7/8 speed they offer is a great combo. 

 

any reasons in particular why some of you who shopped both chose the GM twins over the ram?

 

[tdowell65]

I was looking at Ram limited or longhorns for last 6 month.  Really loved the interior but no kidding every time I would get close to actually buying one I would go to the Ram forum and see just so many issues they had in 19 but didn't seem to fix in 20.  Now I know forum's are just a small sampling of owners and that most people get on them to find fix's to their issues.  I also know that all brands have issues.  I for the most part have drove fords for last few years and never had any major issues with any of them.  Ram has done a nice job in their updates but really seems like quality control still lacks.  I read thru these forums before I bought my AT4 and I seen some issues but not nearly as many as I seen at the Ram forums.  I bought my AT4 because I like the 6.2, it gave me all the gadgets that I wanted plus I've always thought the NBS GM trucks look the best on outside.  Lots of good choices when buying a truck now days.  

 

[foghorn23]

I was intrigued by the RAM 1500 when I purchased in 2019.  They build a nice truck with lots of creature comforts.  BUT they talk about brand loyalty and trucks, and for me when it came down to the final decision I couldn't go away from GM.  I've been driving GM trucks since 1999.  Very few issues over the years, and like tdowell, every time I'd read a little about the new RAM on their forums I would get cold feet.  Also there is a GM dealership about 1/4 mile from where I work for any potential issues.  The nearest RAM dealer, and it doesn't have a good service department, is about 35 miles away.  

[madconcept]

In my opinion you had good success with your current GM.  Why change to another brand?

I had a 2007 Silverado and overall it was great so I went with another GM.

I’ve always felt Dodge products were crap so it was never an option I consider’d, although when I saw the Ram at the Vancouver auto show it did feel and look nice.

I did consider a Ford years ago as the tune-ability of the ecoboost and what is available is insane.  We bought my wife a 2016 Explorer Sport Ecoboost new and I have to say the fit and finish is fantastic, tons of power for a mommy-mobile, the ride and handling is great, styling is great, one of the best looking SUV’s out there and it came loaded with options.

However it has it’s stupid issues and has been in the shop more than we want to accept!  Ford couldn’t fix the issues either so we’re basically forced to live with them.

No lemon law in Canada unfortunately!  The best you can do is force a buy-back minus the mileage(which is huge) going through a process.

We are just going to drive it for a couple more years and dump it for something else.  Probably a boring Toyota or something lol!

Edited July 7, 2020 by madconcept

[f8l vnm]

Every few months a thread like this comes up ...Every manufacturer has issues. No one is perfect . Dont be fooled by homerism. 

 

 

[diyer2]

Upgrade to a Ram? I don't think so.

My opinion.

Roll of the dice no matter what you buy.

I personally will only buy GM trucks and deal with it.

[OnTheReel]

I’m sure you’d get the exact inverse of responses on the Ram forum. That said, I’m not sure FCA has even heard of build quality. They have been notoriously bad for a long time.

I don’t expect a trouble free ownership experience with anything, but what has been most important to me is that when there is an issue, I know I can drive out of the dealer with a loaner while it’s getting fixed. I’ve heard FCA and Ford aren’t as gracious with their courtesy vehicles. I can also trust that my dealer will fix it correctly.

[TheCloudX]

I had a 2019 Ram Bighorn for 7 months. It was in the shop 6 times, all for issues with the truck. This is all on top of the manufacturer recalls I had done during each oil change (twice if I remember correctly) - but I don't consider a recall to be an issue as I didn't identify it, FCA did. Main issues were the backup camera - 3 visists, brake squeal - 2 visits, and a power folding mirror issue. The backup camera they replaced all parts for and still couldn't resolve, finally on the third visit they completely took the wiring apart and found that the assembly line installed the driver chair into the wiring, so depending on how I was sitting, it would pinch it just right causing it not to work. The brake squeal was never resolved and neither was the power folding mirror (in trying to fold it would violently fold and unfold then finally calm down to fold itself).

 

The RAM drove beautifully and was very, very comfortable. I know others who have a 2020 Ram and have had zero issues. It could just be I had the new model woes as I had a 2010 Ram with no issues. My dad also had a 2010 Ram with no issues. I would buy one again. That said, my 2019 Silverado has given me no issues. My 2016 Colorado never gave me an issue. My Silverado is comfortable, except for the dead pedal and stiffer suspension - however it's not a deal breaker. The navigation and backup camera are better in the Silverado - although I wish it had just a bit bigger screen like the Ram (8.4", wasn't interested in the 12"). Bose sounds a lot better, but that is subjective. I like the bed on the Silverado better as well. MPG is about the same for both trucks.

 

My .02 - drive both, see which one you like and what makes the most sense for your budget. Fair warning - inventory for all 3 manufacturers stinks right now, it's a sellers market.

[Dunn]

came oh so close to getting RAM both last august and this past april…..they are very nice but just didn't feel it would hold up.....always like GM though never owned one until last year.....

 

it takes more than just a bigger info screen to get me to spend 50k basically...

 

everything else is better on GM except the screen and maybe interior layout (arguable)...but man did I come close, also could have got more truck for same price thru FCA, but come resale time in few years....

[SMW]

I like all trucks! I’m just a truck guy. I currently have a 2019 GMC Denali 1500 with 6.2 engine. If not for a 6.2 engine, I would not be driving a GM product. I think both the Ram and Ford are better looking trucks and both have much nicer interiors. But, in my opinion, neither RAM or Ford has an engine in a half ton that holds a candle to the 6.2. I am a firm believer in the 6.2 and not afraid to admit it. I’ve owned (3) 5.3 trucks and would not even consider GM if this was the only engine available. 

[Fiona]

This is a really good question. I strongly considered the Ram (Laramie Longhorn) when I was deciding on my 2019 Denali. The interior was decidedly better in my opinion, and I especially like the panoramic sunroof. Where things went wrong for me was that ridiculously oversized ram's head plastered over everything. Wherever you look, the jarring, shiny animal head is staring at you, and the one on the tailgate is big enough to double as a satellite dish. All of the ersatz cowboy stuff seemed a bit over the top too (fake belt buckles on the map pockets...seriously?). While I tried to convince myself I'd get used to it somehow, the exterior of the truck nagged as well--it made me think of a committee of hipsters arguing over which shade of beige was more vegan friendly.

 

Checking out the Denali, there was none of that. The style was bold and timeless, and struck me as something that would age well as the miles piled up. While a bit bland, the interior was really conveniently laid out and gave you the sense that this truck would perform however you needed it to. There was also the 6.2 engine, which felt both stronger and smoother than the Ram's hemi. Decision made after the first few yards of the test drive.

 

I won't argue that my decision was largely an emotional one, but I have to admit that some prejudice entered the process. Growing up, GM made all of the "cool" cars to my eyes, and on some level were an aspirational brand. I'm really enjoying the truck so far, and I hope it will provide years of enjoyment and utility.

 

 

[Wiggums]

When I was looking for a truck in 2019, it was $10k off the Chevy, $12k off the RAM. If the Chevy was only $5k off instead, I would have bought the RAM. I just wanted an all-new 2019 model and both Chevrolet and RAM were all-new.

[Giantpeaches]

5 hours ago, TheCloudX said:

I had a 2019 Ram Bighorn for 7 months. It was in the shop 6 times, all for issues with the truck. This is all on top of the manufacturer recalls I had done during each oil change (twice if I remember correctly) - but I don't consider a recall to be an issue as I didn't identify it, FCA did. Main issues were the backup camera - 3 visists, brake squeal - 2 visits, and a power folding mirror issue. The backup camera they replaced all parts for and still couldn't resolve, finally on the third visit they completely took the wiring apart and found that the assembly line installed the driver chair into the wiring, so depending on how I was sitting, it would pinch it just right causing it not to work. The brake squeal was never resolved and neither was the power folding mirror (in trying to fold it would violently fold and unfold then finally calm down to fold itself).

 

The RAM drove beautifully and was very, very comfortable. I know others who have a 2020 Ram and have had zero issues. It could just be I had the new model woes as I had a 2010 Ram with no issues. My dad also had a 2010 Ram with no issues. I would buy one again. That said, my 2019 Silverado has given me no issues. My 2016 Colorado never gave me an issue. My Silverado is comfortable, except for the dead pedal and stiffer suspension - however it's not a deal breaker. The navigation and backup camera are better in the Silverado - although I wish it had just a bit bigger screen like the Ram (8.4", wasn't interested in the 12"). Bose sounds a lot better, but that is subjective. I like the bed on the Silverado better as well. MPG is about the same for both trucks.

 

My .02 - drive both, see which one you like and what makes the most sense for your budget. Fair warning - inventory for all 3 manufacturers stinks right now, it's a sellers market.

I found rear view camera on the Ram was better, way more high def.

 

I came off 2010 ram 1500 sport. I was looking into buying new Ram rebel due to all the things it comes with for offroad purposes but price tag for those up here in Canada is 70k 

Definitely nicer interior in the ram and 5.7 hemi with 8spd transmission and 3.92 gearing pulls nice.

 

Then I test drove 2019 trailboss which fits the bill with factory lift all the way around; no need to throw money at it to level/lift the truck to start. Definitely not as gutsy as ram with 3.92 and 5.7 hemi but still drove nice and I didn't really care for 6.2 and filling premium gas after owning ram. Chevy has 0% financing and incentives which won me over on top of everything

 

[Dunn]

3 hours ago, Fiona said:

This is a really good question. I strongly considered the Ram (Laramie Longhorn) when I was deciding on my 2019 Denali. The interior was decidedly better in my opinion, and I especially like the panoramic sunroof. Where things went wrong for me was that ridiculously oversized ram's head plastered over everything. Wherever you look, the jarring, shiny animal head is staring at you, and the one on the tailgate is big enough to double as a satellite dish. All of the ersatz cowboy stuff seemed a bit over the top too (fake belt buckles on the map pockets...seriously?). While I tried to convince myself I'd get used to it somehow, the exterior of the truck nagged as well--it made me think of a committee of hipsters arguing over which shade of beige was more vegan friendly.

 

Checking out the Denali, there was none of that. The style was bold and timeless, and struck me as something that would age well as the miles piled up. While a bit bland, the interior was really conveniently laid out and gave you the sense that this truck would perform however you needed it to. There was also the 6.2 engine, which felt both stronger and smoother than the Ram's hemi. Decision made after the first few yards of the test drive.

 

I won't argue that my decision was largely an emotional one, but I have to admit that some prejudice entered the process. Growing up, GM made all of the "cool" cars to my eyes, and on some level were an aspirational brand. I'm really enjoying the truck so far, and I hope it will provide years of enjoyment and utility.

 

 

LOL, the cowboy stuff really irritated me too even the name " bighorn"....cowboy stuff is fine and cool just don't want it plastered all over my truck

 

your absolutey right about prejudice from early days.....everyone had Chevy or GMC in my family and circle....RAM was possible. Ford was never gonna happen

[PPK]

Came from a '17 F150... back to GM. My last GM was a 2005 Yukon. I drive my dad's RAMS all the time. He has had a '13, a '15 and an '18. They are all solid - more so than my oil leaker Ford... RAM and GM have both avoided turbos. GM's 5.3 is  small V8, and the only one i have experience with... seems better to me than the RAM ECO, or 5.7 or 3.6 all of which i have driven in my dad's machines The RAM 8sp is great. 

 

What you have to watch for on RAMs is the depreciation... they really sink like a rock...

 

PS the'13 RAM did lose the 8sp at 30k. First a whine.. then a howl... it went quickly

Edited July 9, 2020 by PPK