talk me into an 04 Sierra

[fatman66]

Alright guys, I have owned a 95 Sierra for the last four years, it's getting old and I'm not too sure I trust the engine anymore, anyway, i have ordered a 04 F-150 (XLT 4WD, 5.4L, ext cab) but I'm having second thoughts after hearing about all the vibration problems and sluggish throttle response on the F-150 forums. Here is your chance to talk me into a new Sierra. By the way, it's a waste of your time to flame the F-150, just tell me the good points of the 04 Sierra.

[ToeJam]

Well, that's kind of tough when I have no idea what you use your truck for or expect out of it. I wasn't in the market for a new truck until I saw pics of the '4 F-150, but ended up buying my Sierra for because the price was right and I couldn't wait until the '05 Fords came out (I never buy anything the first year of a new model).

 

If you read the truck reviews, the GM design is usually dead last because its the oldest. They consider it "dated" and I consider the current design "proven". The biggest problem GM seems to have is are its gas engines developing a knock. But they made some changes in the '03 models to fix the problem. The 5.4 engine in the Ford has a good history so far and the three-valve system should work fine...but you never know until you get a couple of years under your belt.

 

My biggest reason to tell you to go with a GM product is the fact you're running a nine year-old Sierra. It seems to be a good truck, why not just buy a new one?

[foghorn23]

I've always been a Ford guy, but bought a 99 Silverado in March 99. It was a really good truck, but I traded for an 01 F-150 Supercrew. The Ford was a good truck and the 5.4 was good although in 01 trim it was slower than the 5.3 GM. The biggest difference I notice was in gas mileage. Before I traded the Screw for my current truck I was averaging 11 MPG in 4x4 3.55 trim. In comparison my 01 Silverado averages around 16.5 in 4x4 4.10 trim. The new Ford 5.4 may be some better, but reading the f150online board it doesn't appear to have changed much. Build quality seems comparable between my 01 Chevy and the 01 Ford. My 99 Silverado had some fit and finish problems (large gaps between body panels) First year vehicles usually have some problems. Honestly the biggest draw for me for Ford has always been our local Ford dealer they've historically been awesome for warranty and service, but the dealership sold about a year ago. The local Chevy dealer is a joke for service and now the Ford store is close behind. If you can find a dealer who'll take care of you the brand doesn't matter as much.

 

Honestly, I don't believe you'll go wrong with either, but realize this is a GM board and we generally like our trucks. As expensive as trucks are these days it's a big decision. Best of luck

 

Vroten

[fakerley]

I just bought an 04 Silverado 1500 crew cab last month after I found that I could get a better deal from GM. They had 2500 cash back plus 750 bonus cash. I see that this month has changed for the 1/2 ton crew cab.

The new F150 looked good for the most part but I liked the look of the Silverado's better, outdated or not. The ford looked odd to me from the profile but the rest looked good. The interior looked great but didn't seem to fit the truck image. More of a car look IMO.

I could care less if one truck is faster than the other by less than 1 second. Dependability means more to me. I know that GM fixed the engine sound in 03 models so basically my 5.3 has been a proven reliable motor.

 

If you like the looks of the F150 and it meets your needs, then you should buy it. If it meet all my needs, that's what I would have in the driveway right now.

 

Good luck..............Frank

 

http://www.sounddomain.com/memberpage/245287/4

[black&grayHD]

I also got a heck of a deal on my '04. $3700 off msrp, $1000 off w/the engine package deal. I would talk to salesmen from different dealerships and see what kind of a deal you can get in comparison to the Ford, and go with what suits you best

[99GoldSilverado]

Buy one.............or else

 

Seriously, you can't go wrong. I would have an '04 if we hadn't had to replace my wife's Blazer (due to a 3 time loser drunken hosebag hitting us head on ....hmmmm, do I sound bitter).

[Redapple]

I would love to talk you into an 04, but as the others stated so well you need to define the uses for your truck. Once you have done that find the trucks that meet your needs. Then compare. I am sure both Chevy/GMC and The F150 will meet your needs, but durring your comparison you fill find out the following...

 

The Chevy/GMC interiors are generaly nicer, and bigger

The Chevy/GMC trucks usually ride much better

The Chevy/GMC trucks do tend to get better mileage

 

As far as looks, that is all subjective. I prefer the looks of my GMC over the F150, but thats just me.

 

As far as quality, all of the big 3 have good designs, and they all have thier share of problems.

 

By the way I love my GMC... I am on number 4 in 20 years.

 

Good Luck!

Let us know what you decide. If you do go with the F150, I am sure there are others that would love to hear about it.

 

Bill

[03 GMC]

If you're set on buying the truck now then go with the Sierra, but if you can wait a few months then buy an 05 F150. Not every truck will have problems but waiting for the second run could save you some minor but very aggravating annoyances.

[fatman66]

I got an e-mail from a GMC dealer telling me that they would sell me a truck at invoice... I'll have to go and drive one, it seems like I can get "more" truck for my money if I go with GMC or Chevy (still waiting on their quote). d**n, I'll feel like a real heel if I cancel my order with the Ford dealership. Anyone know what kind of production problems that 04 Chevy/GMC owners have experienced?

[foghorn23]

One more thing to consider. Ford, and I suppose GM too, does a mid year update to hopefully improve issues with their vehicles. Ford begins its model year with "Job 1" production. Approximately 1/2 way through the model year (Feb usually) they begin "Job 2" production which has customer input from "Job 1" models to fix problems. If you do decide to go with the Ford you should at least have a "Job 2" truck (it should state this on the window sticker) and maybe some of the initial glitches could be fixed. Just another $0.02. Again good luck!

 

Vroten

[griphon]

I know a guy who has a son that works for Ford and is driving around a 05 F150. He has said that it is a piece of junk compared to the 04. He said that they have cheapened things up a bit and are using cheaper parts that they did in the 04.

 

Scott

[Stllrs]

I'm almost in the same position as you - choosing between 04 F150 Crew 4x4 and Sierra 1500 Crew 4x4. Have been with Ford trucks since way back and always have been happy with their performance.

 

After checking both out, I'm going with the Sierra. I thought about waiting out a model year (or two) with the Ford, but have to get a new truck soon. The new Fords look great and have nice handling. I'm just not willing to deal with the problems many (but not all) of the new F150 drivers are reporting (shake from 45-60, A/C problems). Figure that there's probably other problems that will surface in the next year as well. GMCs have their problems, but the drivetrain is more tested. The GMCs (but not Chevys IMO) look good, and not like they're trying too hard at being a car or semi. The F150 Lariat interior looks great, but feels pretty cheap - wonder how it will hold up. Finally, the price is better with the GMC. Good deals right now with rebates and many options are included.

 

Good luck making the decision.

[foghorn23]

I know a guy who has a son that works for Ford and is driving around a 05 F150.  He has said that it is a piece of junk compared to the 04.  He said that they have cheapened things up a bit and are using cheaper parts that they did in the 04.

 

Scott

Not to turn this into a F*rd forum, but I don't see how he could be driving an 05 when the production hasn't started yet.

 

Ford 2005 Job 1 Build Dates

 

The earliest I see any 05's being produced is Aug 23. It has to be an 04

 

Vroten