Ram, Ford, Chevy, Toyota?

[Sportznut]

I bought a 2014 Ram 1500 Crew Cab with 5.7 Hemi. I have about 24,000 miles on it now. For the most part I'm pretty satisfied.

The only issues I've had is some recalls that the dealer took care of without any problems.

The only thing I don't like about my Ram is the ride when the road gets bumpy. It is really harsh. Could be as simple as upgrading the shocks or springs.

I have come to realize that I should have ordered a higher level of trim. I have the Big Horn package with several options (Nav, big screen, heated steering wheel, bumper sensors, tow package, bed liner, 20" wheels, etc) but I want leather, remote start, and a few other goodies. I know I could get these in the aftermarket.

I'm thinking I want a different color, and I don't think I want my current Ram to get beyond the factory warranty period. I bought white but think I want red. I will take a bit of a hit financially but that is ok as this is a business expense so the hit won't be as bad.


I did not know Ram was actually owned by Fiat until after I purchased it. Obviously buying foreign is not a major hurdle for me anyhow.


My point is I'm going to get a chance to redo this and I'm wondering if I should consider all four brands. Each has its pros and cons in my opinion. It's just a matter of which has the least amount of issues with expensive fixes.

Of the four brands the only one I would be concerned with the powertrain might be the Ford EcoBoost as it approaches the 80 - 100, 000 mile range. I would not have the concern with the Ford V8. I do like the fact that Ford did not participate in the bailout.

I have a real comfort zone with Toyota products because 3 out of my last 4 new cars were Toyotas and I put almost 400,000 miles on them without any reliability issues.

But I think the American brands have come a long way too.


I like the looks of the Chevy and some of the unique features like the step bumper. The ride seems quieter and smoother. The 5.3 seems rock solid, has enough power, mated with the 8 speed transmission seems to get great MPG like my Ram. The term "great" is relative to trucks. The soft Chevy paint is a little concerning.

I drive mostly highway miles and I don't tow anything.

Surprisingly I have not checked out the Toyota very closely. When I bought my Ram the Toyota was going for at least $10,000 higher, so I did not pursue it.

The sticker on my Ram was approximately $47,000 and I paid approximately $35,000 before taxes. I will need to pay a little bit more to get what I'm looking for regardless of which brand.

So my questions to some of you is if you were to do it again what brand would you buy today? And why or why not? What would be your second choice?

I do realize I am asking a bunch of Ram owners so some loyalty driven responses are expected.

I did search and read several threads so I have a feel for some of the pros & cons but feel free to add any details you want.

Thanks for any input you might offer.

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[sriley531]

Man, I had to double check your screen name when I read your post, because as you broke down your pros and cons I thought to myself "I don't remember posting this!". I had the very same thought process you have as far as the 4 brands in consideration. I recommend you do what I did: drive them all. When I went shopping I drove/stared/played with rams, Silverados, tundras, and f150's. I found likes and dislikes with them all, but I will say it was very close and a lot of little ticky-tac things that swayed me. They all seemed like very solid trucks, and I'm not sure I would have been UNhappy with any of them. That said ...

I too was a little funny about the ecoboost. Drove one anyway, and although the power once boost came in was definitely solid, I couldn't get past all the extra moving parts that required the v6 to get comparable mileage and power to a v8. Not worth it in my opinion. The 5.0 f150 I drove solved that issue, although I wasn't a huge fan of the transmission. Again, it was minor, but I just wasn't crazy about it.

My last truck was a 5.3 silverado and I loved it, it was as solid and reliable as I could've ever hoped. That gave Silverados an edge from the get go. The LS platform is fantastically reliable, just a good solid foundation. However I didn't love the interiors, and the exteriors were so so IMHO. The front end isn't bad, but the back looks like they really didn't try. Alot up front, out back is "meh". Again, ticky-tac, but I'm spending my hard earned money so I'm going to really scrutinize.

I went over a tundra, it was a cool truck indeed. Off-road package, good power, but a smaller back seat. But the one thing that removed it from the list (again, I reiterate, ticky-tac) was the gauges/dash and interior. It didn't feel all that different then my old beater camry, and for that coin it should've. Also I personally thought the gauges were hideous. No way I could stand looking at those things for every mile.

I then drove a 6 speed hemi Ram and felt it was a solid contender and neck and neck with the others. It had the small screens (both center and dash). I then drove an 8 speed with the larger screens and a few extras. The 8 speed transmission I think sealed the deal, although I also found the larger screens and full center console to be a plus. Also the back seat leg room was really nice.

So, ironically, based on what you have, I ended up with a white crew cab big horn. I don't feel the ride is particularly harsh compared to the others to be honest, but that's just me. Also, I'm not really picky on color, so that wasnt a big deal.

That said, it goes without saying "different strokes for different folks". If you're discontent with your current truck, go shopping! Drive em all and weigh out the likes/dislikes. It's so much personal preference, there really is no universal right or wrong answer in my opinion. The answer for me was the Ram, you? Only one guy can answer that, and its not me!

 

[roastpuff]

If you think the Ram ride is harsh, you should try some of the other truck manufacturers out, especially on a bumpy/rougher road. The coil springs (and the air suspension if you get it) make the Ram the best riding truck in the class.

 

[Sportznut]

Thanks for the input.

Just so there isn't any confusion I am not disappointed in the truck or the ride on smooth roads ( just rough roads).

I am probably more disappointed in myself in not realizing I would want to upgrade to a higher trim level.





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[Sportznut]

If you think the Ram ride is harsh, you should try some of the other truck manufacturers out, especially on a bumpy/rougher road. The coil springs (and the air suspension if you get it) make the Ram the best riding truck in the class.

Yes I kind of wished I would have got the air ride too.

You might be right , All 4 could be the same on rough roads.

When it all comes down to it I suspect when you add the pros and cons for each one you will come out with a close score.

Maybe I should just do like my wife and pick my favorite color[emoji41]



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[jasonw]

Chevrolet/GMC and Ford have come a long way with their interiors and exteriors. Took them two or three years to catch up, and in a few ways surpass the Ram, but they are right there with us. Many of the things now just being offered in their lineups were offered in the Ram back in the 2013 model year.

The Fords are nice, but they are taking a few chances with turbo engines that are not necessarily the best way to go, especially with their smaller engines, in my opinion. Read many articles, with supporting pictures, where carbon buildup is a major issue on anything smaller than the 3.5L EcoBoost. They also have the aluminum, which saves weight, but does cost more to repair. The aluminum I don't really count as a negative myself, but it is something to take into consideration. Ford does still offer their 5.0 V8, which I've read a lot of good things about. The looks of the new Fords... wow. Very nice.

What GMC/Chevrolet has done with their interiors in this last redesign... wow. I really like them. The newer GMC headlights and tails though, very cool.

The Tundras, meh. Their exterior refresh isn't bad at all, but their interiors are still... meh. They need an interior refresh badly.

The Titans, again, nice exterior redesign, in my opinion. But their "redesigned interior"? It was already behind the times when they showed it off at the auto shows, way before they started putting it into production.

Reliability wise, ignore the Consumer Reports koolaid. Toyota and Honda do have some pretty good reputations in the car world, and their smaller trucks back in the day were definitely strong. However, now-a-days all the full size trucks are pretty reliable overall regardless of brand. You will find nay-sayers on every forum, whether it be Ram, GMC, Ford, etc. that will tell you of their horror stories with the brand and to stay away. But for every nay-sayer, there are dozens upon dozens of happy campers in every brand. If there weren't, the top three selling motor vehicles for 2015 wouldn't have been Ford trucks, Chevy trucks, and Ram.

 

[Hootbro]

Sounds like you got new truck fever. Been there myself.

If the last 5 years, I have owned two Tundra's (2010, 2014). Great trucks and boringly reliable but they were leading edge in 2007 and the rest of the other makers have upped their game since. If reliability is paramount, I would say go the Tundra but even after the re-skin job in 2014, it is the same basic underpinnings as when the 2007 model was introduced. As you have surmised, Toyota just does not discount heavily as the RAMs for their Tundra's so you will usually pay more but also get more at trade in time.

My last vehicle was a 2014 Chevy Silverado. Mechanically fine but the interior quality rattles and squeaks drove me into buying the RAM. It said a lot to me when I joined a GM truck forum and they had a dedicated forum section to just all the quality problems with their current new generation trucks that was pages and pages long with numerous transmission and other quality issues like drive line shaking that were getting lemon lawed left and right.

Quite honestly for me though, I would wait until the 5th gen before moving out of my current RAM.

 

[TarPaper]

1) RAM
2) FORD
3) GMC
4) CHEVY
5) TITAN
...after extensive research and test rides, I went with the Ram Sport..I like the looks, the sportiness and the ride...I like the Fords interior a bit better, and do not like the interiors on the GM Trucks, Toyota nd Nissan...plus, I love the 5.7...just my opinion

 

[TarPaper]

Ram all the way....

1) RAM
2) FORD
3) GMC
4) CHEVY
5) TITAN
...after extensive research and test rides, I went with the Ram Sport..I like the looks, the sportiness and the ride...I like the Fords interior a bit better, and do not like the interiors on the GM Trucks, Toyota nd Nissan...plus, I love the 5.7...just my opinion

 

[Csanders1992]

Me being only 23 I think I am thankful for realizing to get one trim level higher than you want (in some cases). When I was shopping I was originally looking at the express package, and I got a big horn instead. I am very thankful I got a big horn instead. If I got an express I would have been disappointed I didn't get certain options. In your case you probably looked at big horns and bought one, but in reality you would have been happier in a sport or Laramie. My next truck will without a doubt be a Laramie btw! These trucks are simply to amazing to switch to another brand


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[TruckNut]

A nicely appointed Sport can be had in the 36-38K range. Leather, heated/cooled seats, heated steering wheel, keyless entry, remote start, park sense, nav, satellite radio, Alpine audio, etc.. Despite all the other brands, the deal maker for me was the 5.7 (395hp) and the 8 speed with 3.92's. Serious power here and the Ram is very easy on the eyes. Tough combo to beat.

 

[wsutard1]

one suggestion to figure out what you want, rent a truck for the weekend to check it out. much better than an hour long test drive.

 

[Skrap]

Some minor points but this is not from my perspective. I don't have a half dozen comparisons with different Ram styles but have been driving them since 2010 in a couple trim levels.

First, my personal truck is my 2500 Mega Cab Laramie with just about every option. My company sales truck is a 1500 SLT. While the company SLT trim level truck has been n the shop for the past 7 weeks I have been driving another 1500 that I believe is a Tradesman level trim. My 2500 Laramie is by far the nicest truck I've ever driven in all regards. The biggest comparison I will make between the three Rams I drive daily is that my 2500 Laramie is so quite at highway speeds. The road noise is absolutely minimal compared to either of the 1500s. I realize everytime I get off the freeway or interstate in the 1500s I'm having to turn the radio down because it was high due to the road noise at speed.

The options and amenities in the Laramie are top notch. I would assume this translates into the 1500 Laramie as well. My father in laws several year old F250 Lariate does not come close to the Laramie, granted it is several years newer.

You will spend a bit more money on the higher trim levels which is understandable. However, I'd be dollars to donuts that if you find a Ram with the higher trim level you like with all the options you desire and compare that to the comparable F150 you will spend 12%-18% more for the similarly optioned Ford. Is that worth it to you?

 

[chris1965]

I agree with most what was said.
first Toyota- despite the fact, that the Toyota is the one truck which is more American made than any other truck on the market, it looks nice, it rides good, but how others already said- it's boring inside and out. But also what should be considered- it's the most thirsty one of all trucks. The Tundra has a mpg like RAM, Ford and Chevy had 10 years ago. even worse. it also has a turning radius like a transfer truck. My brother in law bought one and he hates it. I drove it, I would hate it too. another big deal breaker: the price. I don't think you get that much more truck for the amount of money you pay more.
The Nissan- well- I personally don't like the design. it looks flimsy against the other trucks and other than what the magazines say about it, I can't tell. I looked at one at a dealer and I had no wish to drive it. As I looked at the price tag, I wondered, how they even can stay in the market with this....thing....- Ok- the new designed one with the diesel might worth a test drive. but still- for the price of this truck, I get the top notch RAM including everything- even a sun roof.
The ford- well- it's a question of taste. for me, they look boxy and the new grille, for me a no. the interior is nice, but driving: like you sit on a piece of wood with wheels on it. everything seems hard and stiff on this truck for me. not in a positive way. and when I also look toward the ram- the Ford is always $5k more expensive for similar trim. what also drives me away- I want a V8. but if I compare to the RAM, the only engine which can hold up against the hemi is the 3.5 ecoboost. It might not be a bad engine, but no. I personally don't like it. I think, inn the long run- I'd be better off with the V8.
The chevy- good that I'm not the only one with the opinion when I compare the front with the rest of the truck. For me it looks like, the designers lost the enthusiasm right between hood and windshield. great looking and impressive front and the rest like- hey we ran out of money. the interior is another taste thing. for me: too many tiny knobs and buttons, no love to detail in the inside and for my personal opinion- it looks cheap.
What I also don't like is, everything feels wobbly and rubbery. this gives you the impression, to move double of the weight around, you really have. everything feels heavy and wobbly, which gives you the impression, the truck is slower and not really moving forward ,when stepping on it. no- don't like it.
The RAM. well. It's light footed, responds immediately without lag, the hemi is compared with all other engines the fastest, strongest and most elastic of all three. just try: drive 55 and step on it and count, how long it takes to 70mph. this is where you need the power and elastic dynamic. Also the hemi is reliable. The RAM has for me the best look, the whole truck is nicely designed and even in the lower trim levels you don't feel every time you enter, somebody saying: "this is Sparta".
I personally think my SLT has everything I need. I don't miss anything and yeah- I don't want more. reason: why should I pay for gimmicks I never use or just one time, until adjusted? I'm the only one driving it- so why do I need electric seat adjustment? I listen to the same stations- so why do I need a radio with 500 programmable spots?
I also do not like complicated displays with hundreds of touch screen buttons- I hate to get distracted. but that's my personal opinion.
And the leather part: I had leather in my BMW I owned before and I burned my butt in the summer and froze it in the winter when I entered. I also don't like the feeling when I sweat in the summer. I like cloth seats.
At the end- with the RAM you get the most for your money. the question is more: how much you're willing to pay, what design do you like best and what do you prefer and where are your priorities.
Drive them all and decide, in which one you feel home in the moment you sit in.

Good luck.

 

[skidozer67]

I just got a Ram 1500 Express double cab about 3 weeks ago with the Hemi 5.7

I had planned on buying a F150 that day, I have family connections at the Ford dealer but can get anything in there large group.
I drove a Chevy first and my buddy has one so I'm in it all the time. I'm not a big Chevy fan but they had some good discounts going so figured I would give a look.
I felt of the 3 the Chevy rode the harshest especially on the interstate over the bridges and expansion joints in the roads.

I had already driven a F150 extended cab 2.7 ecoboost and liked it but was looking for a good lease deal and Ford had the worst pricing because their trucks are selling. I had Just sold my old F150, I wanted to Lease because a truck is just a third vehicle for me as I need one to haul stuff around but don't need one to drive 38 miles one way for work.

I drove the Ram and wasn't planning on getting one but I loved the ride, it rides smooth steers well at highway speeds, there is no rear kick going over bridges or expansion joints and I am sensitive to this as I had spinal fusion in my neck and had surgery on my upper back. I ended up getting a lease for half of what the F150 quote was. The second quote they gave me was down a step from a xlt to a xl sport. The xl is real basic with a rubber floor no rear camera, black bumpers. The express I got has a rear cam and the u connect with screen in center tow hitch and chrome aluminum wheels.

I did not look at Toyota due to price and the 5.7 is pretty harsh on fuel.

3weeks in I love the truck and its perfect for my needs, I love the color Blue streak pearl, I like the looks hated the Chevy colors and didn't like that it looks like a block, square and hate the square wheel wells. It is amazing how far trucks have come in the last 10 years from my old f150 in terms of ride and handling, comfort power, fuel economy. I don't think you could go wrong with any of them today.

 

[laffs]

For me it broke out like this

- My old truck was a 2006 Ram 1500 Laramie, I got 230,000 out of it before it started to give me major issues, so points to Dodge there.
- I have family who worked at Ford so I'm generally obligated to look at Ford's when shopping, plus I have a Mustang already and wife has a Cobalt so no set brand loyalty.
- I'm eligible for employee price on both Ford and FCA vehicles, so that excluded Chevy pretty much from the get go. I live in Windsor, ONT where driving a Japanese truck would be equivalent to treason, plus they didnt make anything I really cared that much about.

F150
- I like the new styling, and the new QNX sync works well and eliminated some hesitancy I had because of dealing with old sync (hot garbage).
- Aluminium pro is no rust, aluminium con is repair costs and has Ford finally figured out how to make paint stick to it. Looking at the legions of Mustang owners with peeling 05+ hoods is cause for pause.
- Powertrain, the 2.7 eco really really really had me intrigued. Lots of great reported MPGs from owners, no DEF or anything like the Ecodiesel, and you can get it in the Sport trim (didn't want chrome bumpers on this truck, had them replaced with painted on last Laramie). 5.0 was also a solid choice and being built locally I know how stout they are.
- Driving/ride was where it all started to go wrong for the Ford. Drove an XLT Sport and was semi shocked by how firm the ride was, was expecting a little improvement from my 06. And it was on 18s and not the 20s I would have ordered... I guess that's the trade off still running leafs and being lighter probably firms it up.
- Got back to dealer and started to talk deal, I had my employee pricing info, and was going to trade in my 06. The 06 would have sold 10-11k on open market, they offered me 3k. I got up to leave they said they could "graciously" come up some on price, to around 5k. At this point I was sort of turned off already, but still kept rolling. Optioned out ab XLT Sport which is basically a Sport with Cloth, 4x4, and some other options and would build it since they didnt have any stock due to demand.

Ram
- Styling on the 13+ Sports to me is the pinnacle of 1500 trucks. Love the lights, grill, bumpers, wheels, everything. This had edge from day 1.
- I know people complain about rust on Dodge but when I sold my 06 it was rust free, thanks to my OCD cleaning and oil sprays.
- Powertrain, really like the MPG on the Ecodiesel, but its not offered in a Sport, and I wasn't going up to a limited trim level to get painted bumpers. Hemi 8spd was getting good reviews from friends inside FCA and figured I had good Hemi experience before.
- Driving/ride, well you see where this is going. Took out a 16 on a drive and was like "I'm buying this". Was smoother, the 8spd wasnt intrusive, and steering felt nicer to me.
- Talk deal and they immediately offered me more on trade (I didnt tell them about other dealers offer) and a few other incentives. They had 5-6 Sports in Black or White in stock, ended up having a truck how I wanted on the lot. Made a deal to get a basically fully jammed (sans airride) Sport Crew 4x4 for little more then the F150 with way less kit.

The rest is history.

 

[2015HD]

Having sold my 2014 Silverado after 4 months (and taking a big time bath on the trade) I can only say this, don't be suckered into the Chevy looks. I hated that truck, the ride was nice, the MPG's were nice BUT the drive characteristics were terrible. Chevy's AFM (advanced fuel management) was VERY poorly done, there were times I thought the drive shaft was going to fall out. Chevy will say 'Nothing wrong with it'. I ended up buying a AFM disable device just so I could tolerate driving it. Then there is the frame rust, brand new trucks on the lot with rusty frames. They did repair my frame rust but I know if I kept it, the rust would be back. Toyota replaced my 12 year old Tacoma's frame last year but my buddy's 12 year old Silverado got hauled off to the junk yard because the frame rusted through. That's when I fell in love with the RAM, Toyota gave me a loaner 1500 CC for 4 months. Thanks Toyota Google Silverado vibration, another mystery plaguing thousands of 2014+ GM trucks.

When I purchased my RAM the dealer said 'I'd love to offer you more on your trade but look at all the used 14 and 15 Silverados I have on the lot, I can't give them away'. There is a reason for that.

If I didn't need the towing capacity I would have gone with a Tundra simply because Toyota replaced my Tacoma frame after 12 years, I don't know another car company who would stand behind their product like that.

So good luck, just stay to hell away from GM, friends don't let friends buy GM.

 

[Greeco]

Having sold my 2014 Silverado after 4 months (and taking a big time bath on the trade) I can only say this, don't be suckered into the Chevy looks. I hated that truck, the ride was nice, the MPG's were nice BUT the drive characteristics were terrible. Chevy's AFM (advanced fuel management) was VERY poorly done, there were times I thought the drive shaft was going to fall out. Chevy will say 'Nothing wrong with it'. I ended up buying a AFM disable device just so I could tolerate driving it. Then there is the frame rust, brand new trucks on the lot with rusty frames. They did repair my frame rust but I know if I kept it, the rust would be back. Toyota replaced my 12 year old Tacoma's frame last year but my buddy's 12 year old Silverado got hauled off to the junk yard because the frame rusted through. That's when I fell in love with the RAM, Toyota gave me a loaner 1500 CC for 4 months. Thanks Toyota Google Silverado vibration, another mystery plaguing thousands of 2014+ GM trucks.

When I purchased my RAM the dealer said 'I'd love to offer you more on your trade but look at all the used 14 and 15 Silverados I have on the lot, I can't give them away'. There is a reason for that.

If I didn't need the towing capacity I would have gone with a Tundra simply because Toyota replaced my Tacoma frame after 12 years, I don't know another car company who would stand behind their product like that.

So good luck, just stay to hell away from GM, friends don't let friends buy GM.

You're not kidding about the engine vibration in the Chevy 5.3L. In fact, that's the primary reason I've been shopping RAMs lately. My 2013 Tahoe shakes so much at idle I can't take it anymore.