GM needs to step their game up!

Kennewbike · May 4, 2021

Just my opinion that GM really needs to step their game up a bit. I have been a lifetime GM owner, have bought 5 new ones in the last 2 years, and currently own 3. I have a 2020 High Country 1500 with 6.2, and I just bought my wife a 2021 Traverse. While I do enjoy both vehicles, I REALLY think GM dropped the ball on a few things.

1. My Traverse has better options than my High Country has, despite being $20,000 less to buy

2. My truck has a VERY "dated" interior. Lacks many things my brothers Dodge Ram has, and looks 10 years older inside.

3. How is it even possible that you can't get text messaging on your radio in 2020 unless you are connected by a wire? (goes against wireless charging option I have)

4. ALL trucks available have the double sunroof option, except GM. It seems GM is still trying to figure out how to keep the back window from leaking.

5. Cargo lights in bed need a switch back there like all the other manufactures have. Why have to go inside truck to turn it on?

6. Have I mentioned how outdated the interior is? I honestly feel like I'm getting into a 10-15 yr old truck after I've been in my brothers Dodge.

I remain with GM because I don't want coil suspension in my truck, but that is likely the ONLY thing keeping me from switching to a Dodge. Side by side, or driving them down the road back to back, the Dodge seems to win in every category.

Please, please step your game up GM so I can stay a customer!!

Edited May 4, 2021 by Kennewbike

swathdiver · May 4, 2021

I think most people on here have opinions in the opposite. When you think of these things that bother you, always consider the designer's intent first. They designed the vehicle to satisfy a wide range of tastes and preferences and for the most part, knock it out of the park the first time.

Dirtbiker · May 4, 2021

It is funny because I order a truck so I do not get a sunroof. Don’t want one. I don’t mind hitting a switch in the cab to turn lights on in the box. The less wiring to rot away and short out in a truck, the better. We never used to even have lights in the box.
I also tried to order my AT4 without the fancy tailgate as i use my truck as a truck and can see that gimmick failing in some way one day.

Contrary to most I don't want an IPad on my dash. I prefer good old reliable buttons that work in the winter.
All the new computers that control the truck in a skid drive me nuts.

if I could buy a brand new 1995 gm truck today I would. There is something to be said for simplicity.
All those fancy features are also what has made what is basically the same truck I bought in 2014 cost $20,000.00 more this year.
We all have our own preferences and the manufacturers have to find the balance.

Just my opinion of course ha ha.

Edited May 4, 2021 by Dirtbiker

Adamace1 · May 4, 2021

I can text through android auto with no wires. 2021 silverado.

When I rented a ram with a hemi the manual said to replace all 16 spark plugs every 30k or 36k miles. Now that's some 1980 stuff there.

Edited May 4, 2021 by Adamace1

TNTSierra · May 4, 2021

Lol. Go buy a Ram then, have it recalled and fixed every other month. Geez

I don’t mind the interiors at all they are functional, easy to use, easy to clean, and practical. I am really happy GM chose to keep buttons to control everything instead of hunting through the infotainment screen for them.
GM easily beats Ram in fuel economy, I know of three people who own them, all with Hemi’s and 3.92 rear ended and can barley squeeze 18 mpgs out of them. The 5.3L is right on par with performance with it and the 6.2L will blow it out of the water. It’s a whole second quicker to 60. Pulling or not pulling.
I will say my uncles Laramie does ride nice but he has already had air bag issues and it’s a 2019. So pick your poison. I could care less of a sunroof because 9 out of 10 times if I use mine in my High Country the sun beats down so bad on me, I close it. We didn’t even get one in my wife’s new Acadia because she doesn’t like them, plus, it’s one less thing to fail/leak.

as for the texting, seriously, I’m so tired of people using their phones while driving. Pull over to side of road and read the text message. Or just have it already Bluetoothed to truck and CALL them hands free!!! What happened to the day when people picked up a phone and COMMUNICATED correctly. I went down to see my grandfather for his 83rd birthday past weekend and was almost sideswiped by a woman texting while driving. One hand on steering wheel and other smack dab in the front of her face. It’s a huge issue especially with this younger generation.

the one thing I’ll agree with is the rear window. But I have been told it’s all 3 of the big 3 that are having issues. When you try to cut down on weight for FE, they use cheap plastic instead of metals and that’s where I have heard there having issues. Mine was right when I bought it where spoiler holes screw into top of hood, not enough silicon from factory. Took off. Resealed and it’s been fine for 18k miles since.

diyer2 · May 4, 2021

Fancy gadgets, interiors ETC. don't impress ME. Reliability does.

Grumpy Bear · May 4, 2021

My wife and I could not be more opposite when it comes to vehicles. She buys the color, gadgets and the prestige. I buy the machine. She drives it like she thinks it ought to be designed. I drive it like a thief designed it. When she trades something because it is "dated" I get nervous. I'm old!!

the wanderer · May 4, 2021

6 hours ago, Kennewbike said:

It seems GM is still trying to figure out how to keep the back window from leaking.

I remain with GM because I don't want coil suspension in my truck, but that is likely the ONLY thing keeping me from switching to a Dodge. Side by side, or driving them down the road back to back, the Dodge seems to win in every category.

Ram has the leaking back window too. Somewhere I read that it's actually the same window manufacturer that is supplying the windows to Ram and GM. Not sure how true it is, but I'm on both this forum and several Ram forums and we get the leaks too unfortunately. Mine is scheduled to go in for service shortly for this exact issue.

2 hours ago, Adamace1 said:

When I rented a ram with a hemi the manual said to replace all 16 spark plugs every 30k or 36k miles. Now that's some 1980 stuff there.

When did you rent said hemi, back in 1980? Because my Ram manual (2019) says: every 100K miles, or 10 years, whatever comes sooner.

That said I agree the interior in GM needs some attention, mainly the upper trims.

The Ram suspension rocks, dunno why you want leafs but everyone agrees Rams ride the best with either coil or air. They are a tad tricky-ish to setup when towing, more susceptible to bounce if the trailer tongue weight/ratio isn't dialed in properly.

Toyota is moving to coil suspension as well.

wismarck · May 4, 2021

The only real complain I have is the lack of storage in the middle console of the 2020 TB custom. Going to the LT was way too much money. But little by little doing upgrades I like. Changed the antenna and went LED lights yesterday. It is beautiful...

OnTheReel · May 4, 2021

I think even GM would agree with most of those points and it’s being addressed. Except the text thing. They deliberately removed that; my 2016 could do it but not the 19. And the pano roof…that’s not happening via mid-cycle refresh.

GM as a company mainly needs to stop being a prude with their trucks. Make something fun once in awhile.

Gangly · May 4, 2021

I expect vehicular basics (engine, transmission, steering, weather tight interior) to work flawlessly for 100K miles when utilizing manufacturers suggested basic maintenance according to the owners manual. After 100K, I expect yearly repair costs to increase but I for darn sure better not have any of the basics failing me by that point. However, techno-gizmos are going to fail, that's a given, but those are just icing on top and aren't needed so much as being simply intriguing.

That being said I really enjoy amenities like push button, on the fly, 4WD selection, independent temperature zones for the occupants, and heated steering wheels. Also, I am grateful to have the actual knobs as well as the digital screen on the center stack instead of the digital screen alone. Redundancy with the systems so vital to a pleasurable driving experience (AC, Radio, etc.) was a fantastic decision by GM, its just a matter of time before the touch screens fail and leave you with no control over your comfort.

KARNUT · May 4, 2021

2 minutes ago, Gangly said:

I expect vehicular basics (engine, transmission, steering, weather tight interior) to work flawlessly for 100K miles when utilizing manufacturers suggested basic maintenance according to the owners manual. After 100K, I expect yearly repair costs to increase but I for darn sure better not have any of the basics failing me by that point. However, techno-gizmos are going to fail, that's a given, but those are just icing on top and aren't needed so much as being simply intriguing.

That being said I really enjoy amenities like push button, on the fly, 4WD selection, independent temperature zones for the occupants, and heated steering wheels. Also, I am grateful to have the actual knobs as well as the digital screen on the center stack instead of the digital screen alone. Redundancy with the systems so vital to a pleasurable driving experience (AC, Radio, etc.) was a fantastic decision by GM, its just a matter of time before the touch screens fail and leave you with no control over your comfort.

The failures on my 02 Avalanche at 179K so far are recent and before I bought last year. Water pump some would call that routine at 165K. Drivers leather seat. It was obviously garage kept because the drains were clogged, there was some leaks. Not anymore. I know plenty of people getting well past 100K on GM full-sized. At least prior to cylinder deactivation. That jury is still out.

econometrics · May 4, 2021

14 minutes ago, OnTheReel said:

GM as a company mainly needs to stop being a prude with their trucks. Make something fun once in awhile.

Bingo. That's really all it would take. Look at all the stuff Ford is rolling out with... power on board, the ability now to roughly weigh your payload in the truck... cool stuff!

We just bought a 2021 Pacifica Hybrid Limited last week. I have to say... the interior of that thing is top notch. The new Uconnect 5 is incredible, and the pano sunroof with the sunroof over the 3rd row is awesome.

HOWEVER... after getting back into my 2019 Silverado, I do have to say that my beef with GM and their smaller infotainment screen and "boring" interior subsided. As much as I love the new van's interior, it makes me appreciate the simplicity of my Silverado. It's actually way quicker to use and understand.

So I guess I'm more firmly in the "it's a truck" camp after buying the new FCA vehicle.

BUT... I do agree with OnTheReel... I hope the 2022 refreshes include some tech and features that are keeping up with the great things FCA and Ford are doing.

21GMC · May 4, 2021

I am pretty new to the truck ownership world. Rode in plenty but never owned one, I spent months test driving and researching every brand and ultimately ended up with the truck i really wanted, GMC Sierra SLT. For me GM trucks just have that correct balance of simplicity and refinement. For the last 15 years i have driven mostly Mid to High tier German cars and there was up until recent years an emphasis on understated luxury, for me my GMC is as close as i can get to that point without complicating matters with huge infotainment screens and electrical gemics.

I am not sure outside of the RAM how far behind the game the GM line up really is? Comparatively the base end of these full size trucks is a pretty even field. The RAM classic is pretty much priced in the same as the Custom Chevy and for me the Custom was a better truck overall, The classic was a bit long in the tooth now. The F150 in XL trim was light years behind the other american brands, Tundra was much more expensive and the Titan was a no go for me. Stepping into Mid - Tier trucks the competition got much closer, RAM has some pretty impressive offerings on their Laramie and up trims but i never bought into the whole "its German luxury in an american truck" BS spouted all over the internet, It was well put together, Looked nice but ultimately i couldn't get past the exterior styling. The stories about the 8 speed transmission in these trucks also scared me quite a bit. The F150 (Pre 2021MY) just didn't do it for me, Even with Lariat trims and above the interior plastics just killed me. I must admit the new model does look pretty nice.

The GMC for me was just the right balance, Interior in SLT is clean, subtle and understated,. Just enough tech to get me through what i need, Loved the exterior styling, The Multipro tailgate was a huge selling point for me also. And in the end the 5.3 has been around forever and has a solid reputation.

All of these trucks are not cheap now days. Looking at mid 30's just for a base truck and over 50 for a mid tier and it just goes up, I see the argument for a value for money prop but these are tools. My wifes 11 year old bmw SUV has some features still not included with my 2021 truck but its a different kind of car. Built for a different market base.

Gangly · May 4, 2021

1 hour ago, KARNUT said:

The failures on my 02 Avalanche at 179K so far are recent and before I bought last year. Water pump some would call that routine at 165K. Drivers leather seat. It was obviously garage kept because the drains were clogged, there was some leaks. Not anymore. I know plenty of people getting well past 100K on GM full-sized. At least prior to cylinder deactivation. That jury is still out.

My 03 Cadillac EXT has 103K on it and the BCM has gone south, causing false error codes on the dash and interior lights to work intermittently. Being 18 years old, I expect the electrical system to start showing gremlins, but those are minor annoyances and I cant blame GM since its 18 years old. As long as the drivetrain holds up (other than the ~$1500 I recently spent installing a new front differential) I can deal with most everything else.