Best Truck Comparisons - Continued

[HoustonPerson]

Comparisons – Continued and Waiting

 

Several have mentioned that I take a serious look at Dodge, and I have. There have been some big surprises there. Also, I have developed a fairly extensive test loop for all the trucks. The only trunk not tested yet is the Titan 4x4, off-road, trailer tow, LE CrewCab. My understanding it could be a few more weeks; there is a delay in shipping that truck because of the "Locker".

 

As of now, the comparisons are between these five:

 

F150 Lariat 4x4 SuperCrew, all options (also FX4 Screw)

Chev 1500 4x4 CrewCab Z71 w/pkg 2 LT trim, LSD etc

Dodge 1500 and 2500 4x4 LSD, Laramie, QuadCab

Toyota Double Cab 4x4 Limited, LSD, off-road, all options

Nissan Titan LE CrewCab 4x4, off-road, trailer tow

 

I can safely say I have gone into testing areas that you will not see in the rags. From fit and finish, long term values, interior comfort, frame, body, paint, sound systems, etc. I can say this all of those trucks have four tires on the ground and a steering wheel; after that, there are no other similarities. They are all so completely different.

 

Each of the five models has outstanding features and capabilities that the others do not, and each has serious short comings and design flaws. Design flaws that can actually keep you from purchasing that truck. There are also some surprising and very big differences in “content” – that is the amount you pay in relation to what you get or don’t get – “value”.

 

At this point of the comparisons I have completed all the interiors and sound systems; but I am not posting that at this time, until I complete all the mechanicals and driving part of the test (the Titan portion).

[RyanbabZ71]

um how did you test the Chev 1500 4x4 CrewCab Z71 w/pkg 2 LT trim, LSD etc when they havent even started building them yet?

[Wingnut]

[MCourson]

[Wingnut]

How is that warning level K1500?

[k1500chevy97]

[HoustonPerson]

um how did you test the Chev 1500 4x4 CrewCab Z71 w/pkg 2 LT trim, LSD etc when they havent even started building them yet?

Yes the test have been fairly lengthy, lots to follow. Anyway, the driving was on the extended cab Z71/LT which is on the same platform (frame) as the new CrewCab. The seat testing was on the 2500 CrewCab, but of course that frame is longer.

 

Yes Wingnut, Have a beer it will be ok in the morning.

[MCourson]

Several have mentioned that I take a serious look at Dodge, and I have.  There have been some big surprises there.

Most of the Dodges around here, including a few that we have owned, have a big transmission surprise at 30,000 miles.

[k1500chevy97]

Several have mentioned that I take a serious look at Dodge, and I have.  There have been some big surprises there.

Most of the Dodges around here, including a few that we have owned, have a big transmission surprise at 30,000 miles.

 

our 97 dodge 2500 cummins spit it guts out at round 38k we went and got a psd shortly after

[stlmaj]

um how did you test the Chev 1500 4x4 CrewCab Z71 w/pkg 2 LT trim, LSD etc when they havent even started building them yet? 

Yes the test have been fairly lengthy, lots to follow. Anyway, the driving was on the extended cab Z71/LT which is on the same platform (frame) as the new CrewCab. The seat testing was on the 2500 CrewCab, but of course that frame is longer.

 

Yes Wingnut, Have a beer it will be ok in the morning.

I think it would be better if you listed what you actually tested instead of saying its on the same frame!? Kinda misleading. Your test are not worth anything if your not honest about what vehicle you actually used as a test subject...

 

uh I like beer too so I guess I'll just have to buy a round for me and wingnut.

[Wingnut]

Thanks man

 

[HoustonPerson]

December 11, 2003

 

I have finally finished the testing and review for the five major players:

 

Ford F150 4x4 Lariat Super Crew 5.4L

Chevrolet 1500 Z71 with LT pkg 2 Crew Cab 5.3L

Dodge 1500 Ram Laramie 4x4, Off Road, Quad Cab, 5.7L Hemi

Toyota Double Cab Limited, 4x4, Off-Road 4.7L

Nissan Titan Crew Cab LE, Off-Road, Big Tow 5.6L

 

The Nissan dealer finally got the 4x4, off-road, big tow in so I have been putting it through its paces for the last couple of hours. My many thanks to those of you that have insisted I take a serious look at the Dodge 1500 and 2500. I learned a lot from that process.

 

I have also attempted to answer the two dozen or so questions I have been asked as well, and have reconsolidated my findings in to one “word” document. It runs 13 pages and is about 200k. That is of course too much to post in the forum. So for those of you that would like to read my findings simply PM me, with your email address and I will send it on its way. You will receive it as a word attachment.

 

Each truck does have major “wins” and major “fails”. So you have to decide what is important to you in purchasing a truck. The one key element that is good for us is the intense competition that is now in place. The manufactures now have some real incentive to get serious in making a high quality, high value, real trucks. They are not there yet, but at least each manufacture now has their eyes open. They now have to step up to the plate or lose some serious market share.

 

Houston Person

[Lance Link]

Got a lot of spare time on our hands, do we?

[Elwood 2000]

"Survey Says" & " God.....Please let it end" get MY vote, hands down!!

 

Priceless!!

[TexMan]

Well, some people really need to get a life, instead of living in the land of Oz.