GM needs to step their game up!

captainzombie · May 12, 2021

On 5/12/2021 at 6:43 PM, bwoodsmn said:

Gotcha. So, you set up a thread, on a GM site, to beat up on GM, to justify your buying a Ram. OK. Enjoy your new truck.

I honestly have no clue what you are talking about, but for starters I never created this thread. I was responding to someone else on here with regards to my experience and making a change over to a RAM. I guess if you would have checked to see who started this thread, because for one it wasn't me, and even read my posts it would be a total different story. Then lets add I've been on these forums for several years, having owned a Colorado, Silverado, and we just bought a 21 Tahoe a few months back. Not sure what you are trying to achieve, but not once in any of my comments did I beat up GM.

On 5/12/2021 at 3:33 PM, wesd said:

Good luck with the Ram.

I've never owned one but we rented one (2019 Rebel) and drove it all across Texas back in 2019, and I was smitten with it. Drove great, very comfortable, would strongly consider one if I was in the market for a 1/2 ton. I wasn't big on the red accents on the dash, it caused some glare but puled and wrapped in carbon fiber weave and it would be very nice.

Driving the new Rams and then the current GM twins (and also the K2) feels like the Ram is at least two generations ahead.

Thanks! We were very hesitant to make a switch after hearing so many issues with RAM and just Chrysler in general. We will see how this pans out and I could be back to GM for a truck sooner than later. It seems like there are others happy out there with them.

Edited May 14, 2021 by captainzombie

the wanderer · May 13, 2021

13 hours ago, captainzombie said:

I honestly have no clue what you are talking about, but for starters I never created this thread. I was responding to someone else on here with regards to my experience and making a chance over to a RAM. I guess if you would have checked to see who started this thread, because for one it wasn't me, and even read my posts it would be a total different story. Then lets add I've been on these forums for several years, having owned a Colorado, Silverado, and we just bought a 21 Tahoe a few months back. Not sure what you are trying to achieve, but not once in any of my comments did I beat up GM.

Thanks! We were very hesitant to make a switch after hearing so many issues with RAM and just Chrysler in general. We will see how this pans out and I could be back to GM for a truck sooner than later. It seems like there are others happy out there with them.

Some people are just overly sensitive to criticism of their brand which they identify with; you criticize the brand, it's like criticizing them. I bought a Ram too, shoot me. It was the best truck (all around) for the money when I bought it hands down, though I still feel GM has the better power trains.

Sometimes you just need to put down the brand bias and see whats out there. This whole "ram will fall apart after 5 years" narrative, just roll your eyes and move on. You find the exact same stories and opinions on ram forums when it comes to GM or Ford products.

Enjoy your Ram! I'm hoping GM comes to their senses in the next year or two so that by the time I'm ready to upgrade, I can get a diesel in an almost work truck trim. I really want that diesel. Or heck I'd take the 2.7 too, but not with the 8 speed.

Mandalorian · May 13, 2021

1 hour ago, the wanderer said:

Some people are just overly sensitive to criticism of their brand which they identify with; you criticize the brand, it's like criticizing them. I bought a Ram too, shoot me. It was the best truck (all around) for the money when I bought it hands down, though I still feel GM has the better power trains.

Sometimes you just need to put down the brand bias and see whats out there. This whole "ram will fall apart after 5 years" narrative, just roll your eyes and move on. You find the exact same stories and opinions on ram forums when it comes to GM or Ford products.

Enjoy your Ram! I'm hoping GM comes to their senses in the next year or two so that by the time I'm ready to upgrade, I can get a diesel in an almost work truck trim. I really want that diesel. Or heck I'd take the 2.7 too, but not with the 8 speed.

This. Blind brand loyalty is a dying concept. Switching forces innovation. What incentive does GM or any other company have to improve their products if they know people will blindly buy them no matter what? Do people think Mary Barra is going to show up at the doorstep with a trophy or something?

f8l vnm · May 13, 2021

3 hours ago, the wanderer said:

Some people are just overly sensitive to criticism of their brand which they identify with; you criticize the brand, it's like criticizing them. I bought a Ram too, shoot me. It was the best truck (all around) for the money when I bought it hands down, though I still feel GM has the better power trains.

Sometimes you just need to put down the brand bias and see whats out there. This whole "ram will fall apart after 5 years" narrative, just roll your eyes and move on. You find the exact same stories and opinions on ram forums when it comes to GM or Ford products.

Enjoy your Ram! I'm hoping GM comes to their senses in the next year or two so that by the time I'm ready to upgrade, I can get a diesel in an almost work truck trim. I really want that diesel. Or heck I'd take the 2.7 too, but not with the 8 speed.

Spot on right here. Its like your insulting their mother if you say some anything negative about GM. Like you said when you switch brands/GM sees they are losing market share , it will only push them to bring a better truck out. And lastly I love the whole RAM will fall apart line. Comical really like GM is perfect and with zero issues. I love GM and my truck but possibly looking into getting 2021/2022 F150 with the Tremor Package. ( they actually give you correct size tires 33s/locking difs /Trail/Crawl control/Torison/Raptor Transfer Case/ 3:73s/ The Front Hub knuckles, upper Control Arms and Dampers are all different then standard F150/The Trail ONE-PEDAL Drive which applies the brakes whenever the driver releases the gas and a few more off-road goodies. Its not just a cheap 2 in level kit with tires , they did a good job of slotting this above the FX4 and below the Raptor. With the 400HP/510TQ ECO boost , it will be a hoot to drive.

Edited May 13, 2021 by f8l vnm

captainzombie · May 13, 2021

1 hour ago, f8l vnm said:

Spot on right here. Its like your insulting their mother if you say some anything negative about GM. Like you said when you switch brands/GM sees they are losing market share , it will only push them to bring a better truck out. And lastly I love the whole RAM will fall apart line. Comical really like GM is perfect and with zero issues. I love GM and my truck but possibly looking into getting 2021/2022 F150 with the Tremor Package. ( they actually give you correct size tires 33s/locking difs /Trail/Crawl control/Torison/Raptor Transfer Case/ 3:73s/ The Front Hub knuckles, upper Control Arms and Dampers are all different then standard F150/The Trail ONE-PEDAL Drive which applies the brakes whenever the driver releases the gas and a few more off-road goodies. Its not just a cheap 2 in level kit with tires , they did a good job of slotting this above the FX4 and below the Raptor. With the 400HP/510TQ ECO boost , it will be a hoot to drive.

5 hours ago, the wanderer said:

Some people are just overly sensitive to criticism of their brand which they identify with; you criticize the brand, it's like criticizing them. I bought a Ram too, shoot me. It was the best truck (all around) for the money when I bought it hands down, though I still feel GM has the better power trains.

Sometimes you just need to put down the brand bias and see whats out there. This whole "ram will fall apart after 5 years" narrative, just roll your eyes and move on. You find the exact same stories and opinions on ram forums when it comes to GM or Ford products.

Enjoy your Ram! I'm hoping GM comes to their senses in the next year or two so that by the time I'm ready to upgrade, I can get a diesel in an almost work truck trim. I really want that diesel. Or heck I'd take the 2.7 too, but not with the 8 speed.

3 hours ago, Mandalorian said:

This. Blind brand loyalty is a dying concept. Switching forces innovation. What incentive does GM or any other company have to improve their products if they know people will blindly buy them no matter what? Do people think Mary Barra is going to show up at the doorstep with a trophy or something?

It is why I love this forum, for forum members like you guys that do not take to offense when people are switching brands and not even bashing GM, just sharing their opinions.

If the new 21 Tahoe is any indication, there is still hope that GM will come out with something special in 2023/2024 since I just read that they did confirm the delays for the new interiors in the 2022's. Who knows how long this darn chip shortage will last. It is affecting engines where now GM has to go with straight V8's, on the RAM's customers on new trucks are getting only 1 key fob with an IOU on the 2nd. It is even affecting adding Blind Spot Monitoring for their mirrors where they had to change the Trim levels up a bit. I saw this crazy map of all the Ford trucks just sitting waiting for these chips.

Thank you guys! I do miss my Silverado, it was such a nice truck but this gives me a chance to try out another brand and see how they are with their offerings.

econometrics · May 13, 2021

17 minutes ago, captainzombie said:

Thank you guys! I do miss my Silverado, it was such a nice truck but this gives me a chance to try out another brand and see how they are with their offerings.

I read the writing on the wall with the chip shortages and switched strategies. I was going to buy a 2022 to trade out of my 2019 RST. But, instead, we upgraded my wife's van from a 2013 Odyssey to a 2021 Pacifica instead, and I'll upgrade my truck in a couple of years.

I feel like I'm getting to "soft test" the competition (RAM) with her van. It's the only FCA product with Uconnect 5 right now. I like it a lot, but I still like the simplicity of the GM system a little more. So I'm looking forward to the refreshes to see some tech improvement, because I just love every other part of my T1. 16K miles completely issue-free, and it runs and drives fantastically.

f8l vnm · May 13, 2021

2 hours ago, econometrics said:

I read the writing on the wall with the chip shortages and switched strategies. I was going to buy a 2022 to trade out of my 2019 RST. But, instead, we upgraded my wife's van from a 2013 Odyssey to a 2021 Pacifica instead, and I'll upgrade my truck in a couple of years.

I feel like I'm getting to "soft test" the competition (RAM) with her van. It's the only FCA product with Uconnect 5 right now. I like it a lot, but I still like the simplicity of the GM system a little more. So I'm looking forward to the refreshes to see some tech improvement, because I just love every other part of my T1. 16K miles completely issue-free, and it runs and drives fantastically.

That Pacifica is a damn nice Mivi Van.

I feel like between that , the sienna , Oddessy and Carnival , the Mini Van game is best its ever been.

econometrics · May 13, 2021

1 minute ago, f8l vnm said:

That Pacifica is a damn nice Mivi Van.

I feel like between that , the sienna , Oddessy and Carnival , the Mini Van game is best its ever been.

Right? It really was a hard decision. For us, we would have loved to stay in an Odyssey... but I felt we were paying $48K (barely any discounts on Hondas) for a model that was 3-4 years old and not really updated much. I couldn't stomach the 4-cylinder of the Sienna, and read reviews that it was a little paltry for the big van. And the Carnival is really nice, but hard to find.

The Pacifica won out for the redesigned exterior (love the front end... reminds me of my Silverado), the hybrid (I haven't burned gas at ALL in two weeks of ownership. Pretty fun), the tri-pane sunroof (really cool), and the new Uconnect 5.

OnTheReel · May 14, 2021

I’m another GM deserter. Ordered a TRX last month. But not because of any real deficiency in my Chevy (besides the back window). It’s a beautiful truck in and out. I’m mainly just bored with it, it’s paid for, I fell into the right deal, and most importantly:

GM doesn’t give the people what they want!

Like I said before, they need to loosen up. Chrysler would put the Hellcat in a Pacifica if they could. Nothing is off limits. GM has the powertrain to do the same and won’t. It’s run by gutless bureaucrats. None of the unique products they made in the past would ever get done under their current leadership.

Side note. I will be missing out on UConnect 5 since it’s a 21, but a 22 wouldn’t be here until late this year and I hate taking delivery of a truck in winter. Hope to be in it by late June.

captainzombie · May 14, 2021

6 hours ago, econometrics said:

I read the writing on the wall with the chip shortages and switched strategies. I was going to buy a 2022 to trade out of my 2019 RST. But, instead, we upgraded my wife's van from a 2013 Odyssey to a 2021 Pacifica instead, and I'll upgrade my truck in a couple of years.

I feel like I'm getting to "soft test" the competition (RAM) with her van. It's the only FCA product with Uconnect 5 right now. I like it a lot, but I still like the simplicity of the GM system a little more. So I'm looking forward to the refreshes to see some tech improvement, because I just love every other part of my T1. 16K miles completely issue-free, and it runs and drives fantastically.

It will be interesting once these chip shortages sort themselves out because so many of the manufacturers have cars and trucks sitting at plant parking lots waiting for these chips. If they have an over abundance of these vehicles where supply outweighs demand, is it possible once they catch up that these vehicles could get better discounts down the road even with inflation so they can clear out this backlogged inventory?

I hear that Uconnect 5 is awesome, from the videos that I have seen they have refined this quite a bit. Uconnect and that oversized screen do take quite a bit of time to get used to. I am still looking for buttons and knobs. Sometimes the simplicity of the GM vehicles can outweigh some of this crazy tech. It will be exciting to see what GM does next and too bad they didn't give us a sneak peek even though we are now further out from this interior refresh.

I will say with my RAM now that I do miss the rear bumper foot step from the Silverado. Such a simple innovation that was introduced with the K2 platform, yet such an awesome option. The RAM has that rear kick step, just takes some getting used to.

22 minutes ago, OnTheReel said:

I’m another GM deserter. Ordered a TRX last month. But not because of any real deficiency in my Chevy (besides the back window). It’s a beautiful truck in and out. I’m mainly just bored with it, it’s paid for, I fell into the right deal, and most importantly:

GM doesn’t give the people what they want!

Like I said before, they need to loosen up. Chrysler would put the Hellcat in a Pacifica if they could. Nothing is off limits. GM has the powertrain to do the same and won’t. It’s run by gutless bureaucrats. None of the unique products they made in the past would ever get done under their current leadership.

Side note. I will be missing out on UConnect 5 since it’s a 21, but a 22 wouldn’t be here until late this year and I hate taking delivery of a truck in winter. Hope to be in it by late June.

It drives me nuts with GM, they do this with each generation of trucks. Let's take the LT for instance. You had LT's in the GMT900 and early K2 platforms where people were getting front and rear parking sensors as standard....yet we get to the K2 refresh and then that stuff is taken away, and you only saw it on certain optioned out LT's. This day and age with competition, taking stuff away with each passing generation doesn't make sense, you should be building on it.

Edited May 14, 2021 by captainzombie

econometrics · May 14, 2021

14 minutes ago, captainzombie said:

It will be interesting once these chip shortages sort themselves out because so many of the manufacturers have cars and trucks sitting at plant parking lots waiting for these chips. If they have an over abundance of these vehicles where supply outweighs demand, is it possible once they catch up that these vehicles could get better discounts down the road even with inflation so they can clear out this backlogged inventory?

I've been thinking that. The parked supply of trucks is getting to really crazy levels. They'll obviously have to slow-release them back into the market. If this goes another few months (as many at GM expect), they could be sitting on close to +100K light-duty trucks alone. You can just put them on trucks and send them to lots expecting the buyers lined up and ready. Who knows.

Quote

I will say with my RAM now that I do miss the rear bumper foot step from the Silverado. Such a simple innovation that was introduced with the K2 platform, yet such an awesome option.

One of THE most under-appreciated features on the GM trucks that you use a LOT. Totally agree that GM is way ahead on this.

econometrics · May 14, 2021

41 minutes ago, OnTheReel said:

I’m another GM deserter. Ordered a TRX last month. But not because of any real deficiency in my Chevy (besides the back window). It’s a beautiful truck in and out. I’m mainly just bored with it, it’s paid for, I fell into the right deal, and most importantly:

GM doesn’t give the people what they want!

Like I said before, they need to loosen up. Chrysler would put the Hellcat in a Pacifica if they could. Nothing is off limits. GM has the powertrain to do the same and won’t. It’s run by gutless bureaucrats. None of the unique products they made in the past would ever get done under their current leadership.

Side note. I will be missing out on UConnect 5 since it’s a 21, but a 22 wouldn’t be here until late this year and I hate taking delivery of a truck in winter. Hope to be in it by late June.

Wow, you took the leap huh? Probably a good move, as the 2022 refresh delay would have kept you waiting longer than you wanted.

I've seen quite a few TRXs around here... and they really look awesome in person. I get pretty jealous when I see them, knowing what those drivers have under their right foot as they crawl along our streets at 35mph.

OnTheReel · May 14, 2021

6 minutes ago, econometrics said:

Wow, you took the leap huh? Probably a good move, as the 2022 refresh delay would have kept you waiting longer than you wanted.

I've seen quite a few TRXs around here... and they really look awesome in person. I get pretty jealous when I see them, knowing what those drivers have under their right foot as they crawl along our streets at 35mph.

I was getting a little restless. It’s becoming clear that anything bought next year could be 10+% more expensive than today between inflation, persistently screwed up supply chains, and higher interest rates.

So between that, receiving such great offers on my current rig and the fading hope of the refresh coming this year on GM (if at all), I figured I’d go for it.

Also, I can’t help but think trucks like the TRX won’t exist much longer in this “environment”.

captainzombie · May 14, 2021

11 hours ago, OnTheReel said:

I was getting a little restless. It’s becoming clear that anything bought next year could be 10+% more expensive than today between inflation, persistently screwed up supply chains, and higher interest rates.

So between that, receiving such great offers on my current rig and the fading hope of the refresh coming this year on GM (if at all), I figured I’d go for it.

Also, I can’t help but think trucks like the TRX won’t exist much longer in this “environment”.

Nice. Post some pics of that TRX, it is one nice truck and damn expensive to boot too.

2.7fanboy · May 15, 2021

On 5/4/2021 at 12:58 AM, Kennewbike said:

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!!

My previous trucks to my 21 Silverado Custom crew cab were an 18 F-150 XLT crew cab and 19 Ram Rebel crew cab. I sold the F-150 because of the panoramic sunroof. Seemed like a great idea on paper, but ate into payload big time and started creaking endlessly at 25k miles. 3.5L eco boost was outstanding, but Ford didn’t offer a lot of value and I absolutely hated the F-150 bed design. I also got sick of the endless recalls.

Ram Rebel had a nice interior, but seemed like Ram spent all the money inside vs outside. Ram body panels and tailgate felt very thin. The Ram factory sprayed bed liner looked like a DIY job. Ram Hemi and etorque seemed unrefined / dated. I absolutely hated the knob shifter and the useless 22 gallon gas tank. Ram bed wasn’t very innovative. Overall the Ram was a little gimmicky to me and all the fluff killed payload.

The Silverado is the cheapest full size truck I’ve owned ($42k msrp vs $55k on the Ford and $53k on the Ram). I agree the interior isn’t on point at $60k+, but it works at $42k. The Silverado has very stout body panels, outstanding bed design, and I really like the exterior styling. The understated interior is plain, but the ergonomics are great. Only thing I don’t like is the occasionally rough shifting 8 speed tranny, halogen headlights, lack of steering wheel controls and the floaty ride. The 2.7L engine is superb, the 1900 lb payload is killer, 9k towing capacity is solid and 6.5ft bed is very practical.

To me the Silverado is like a $99 Casio G-Shock watch, the F-150 is like a $299 Swiss divers watch and the Ram is like an Apple Watch. To each their own, but I guess I like my trucks like my watches.

Edited May 15, 2021 by 2.7fanboy