F150, Silverado, or Ram?

[al v]

Thinking about getting a 2 year old pickup to replace 14 yr old mountaineer.

Need 4wd for winter driving and lots of space for family vacations, hunting, and ice fishing.

Any thoughts on F150 vs Silverado vs Ram?

[BF]

The next vehicle I buy for myself will probably be an F150 Lariat Supercrew.  The Toyota Tundra looks very interesting too, but I'll probably pull the trigger on an F150 next. 

I've ruled out the Chevys and the Dodges.  I've had horrible luck with Dodge/Chrysler in the past, and the newer Chevy trucks don't impress me much.......Ford I've had the best luck with. 

[cookiedough]

Coming from a GM family all my life owning several new chevy silverados since 1990 with the 5.7L and current 5.3L V8, I can honestly say the new 2007 on up 5.7L toyota tundra since 2007 kicks all 1/2 ton truck butts hands down GUARANTEED.  Look for a 2009 used since the 2007 and some 2008 tundras had pre-mature rust issues  and chrome rust issues and paint defects.  381 hp and 401 lbs. of torque while ONLY getting 1-1.5 mpg less is very impressive and outhauls/outtows and has the best resale value no question about it over the big 3.  If you need the 6 1/2' bed length, go Double Cab like I did since unless over 6', 3 full sized passengers can fit in the rear seats very comfy.   The crewmax is crazy huge in the backseats and the back seats even recline with enough legroom for someone 8' tall but suffers from too small of a bed length ONLY 5'8" not big enough for me.  For all you race freaks, you can even get from factory stock supercharger in the 5.7L generating 500 hp just make sure you get the 5.7L NON flex fuel capable engine.  I find the 381 ponies and 401 lbs. of torque will outrun 90% of most stock vehicles on the road today, so why bother spending another 5 grand on a supercharger?  The Toyota Tundra may ride a tad rougher/choppier (skip the TRD off road package overpriced and rides rougher) than the silverado, but it is a truck after all and can outrun and outtow the big 3 with ease yet still only getting 1-2 at most less mpg.  Plus, they look the toughest of them all and as you all know, Toyota builds reliable, well built vehicles of all kinds.  Re-sale and trade in value of my former 2007 tundra was 1,000's above any of my chevy silverado's and you won't regret spending a few grand more since you make up that few grand if you ever sell or trade in a toyota tundra 5.7L V8 6 speed tranny with tow package with awesome stump pulling 4.30 rear axle ratio gears.  Can you tell I know the current tundra is king of all 1/2 ton trucks on the market today!  

[Chattanooga Mark]

Between your three options, FORD. Otherwise I'd opt for the Honda Ridgeline. It has some excellent engineering, rides like a car and hauls like a truck.

All the best,

Mark

[BF]

Between your three options, FORD. Otherwise I'd opt for the Honda Ridgeline. It has some excellent engineering, rides like a car and hauls like a truck.

All the best,

Mark

Won't haul a Valk in the back though.

[R J]

I have been driving Dodge's since they 1st brought out the Dakota.    I've had super good luck with them.   Didn't have room in my garage for a full size pickie up.   I've tried 2 Ram's and it was just too tight, especially with me and all this O2 sheet I have to haul around.

I currently have a 2011 Dakota Club Cab, with the 4.6 V8 Mercedes motor.     Wish now that I'd of gotten the Crew Cab like the one I traded in.    BUT mistakes are to be made.       I used to be a Chevy man, and then my son talked me into a Ford, and after all my bad luck with those 2 brands, I switched to Dodge and haven't looked back.   When I was working, Mopars were out assigned vehicles, and we drove the snot out of them.   Only damn reason the Crown Victoria got in was the requirement it had to be rear wheel drive.  All the Departments wised up and changed it to rear, front or all wheel drive.

[wdvalk]

I travel all over the country pulling a trailer where ever I go in a ford f250,Kansas to the east coast regularly,never worry about the ford,not to mention the best looking truck out there

[dragon_slayer_129]

If you do alot of towing......camper - boat - toys and still want to take along 4 other people then maybe a ford f250 fx4 supercrew lariat is in order.  You can get the seating arangement in the form of 2 buckets up front as well as 2 in the back with a HD version or like mine a bench in the front (with a large flipdown armrest in the middle) as well as in the back with seating for 6 if needed.

Here's my supercrew that I bought a little over a year and a half ago with the powerstroke diesel motor in it.  I haven't found anything yet that it failed to pull around without even breaking a sweat and even though it's a 3/4 ton truck it still rides pretty good for a 4x4.




The front:


The back with the flip down armrest/cupholder:


Dragon Slayer 129

[grandpaweaver]

Ford all the way, put 200,000 miles on each of the 3 i owned. Had a chevy blazer b4 that and it was a pos. Never any machinal problems with the Fords just changed oil every 5000 miles and brakes at around 100000.

[9Ball]

Ford....

[Wetrudgeon]

We bought a '99 Ram 1500 that our son still drives with now over 200K.  Virtually flawless. 

We bought an '03 Ram 1500 w/hemi.  Put 125K and it never saw a repair shop. 

Just bought a '12 Ram 1500 w/hemi and based on prior experience, we expect it to go a long, long way.  Our vote is for the Dodge.  And get the big motor.  You won't regret it.

We trudge on.

[Hoser]

Ford guy here, been driving the same one with almost 200k on it for 12 years, no break downs.  F150 supercab.  Hoser 

[BIG--T]

Al v, you will have more opinons on this than Carter has liver pills!

I've tried Ford and Dodge but have always had good luck and service from GM since the late 60s.

The old Chevy 350ci that has been around since 1967 and was the same engine(5.7) in my old 94 Chevy Z-71 truck that I sold with over 300,000 miles and still going strong. I never had any trouble with the engine. I liked the looks of the new Silverados and bought a Crew this time instead of extented and LUV it!

Everyone will have their own experiences and biases, so I suggest you do a lot of research. Compare resale value too!  

[Rams]

Obviously we each are going to have our favorite brand name trucks.  While I've had all three of the Big Three American versions, I have my favorites also but, I have to suggest, brand isn't nearly as important as how the vehicle is equipped for the planned or normal tasks the vehicle is going to asked to accomplish.  

Does it need to be a stretched  cab with more seating?  
Does it need a particular load or towing capacity?
Does it need to be four wheel drive?
Is gas or diesel needed or an issue?
Is bed space an issue, long, short, narrow or wide?
Is this a long term ownership, is potential future value important?
Is fuel mileage important, if so, engine/drive train will help make that decision.

There are probably several more questions that could be asked but, the potentail buyer should ask these questions and then look for a vehicle that satisfies the needs of the buyer.  Whether that be a Ford, Chevy, Dodge or one of the foreign brands.

What I drive is exactly what filled my needs when I purchased it and continues to fulfill them today.
I drive a Dodge with a Cummins diesel, it is equipped with a manual transmission, I pull a gooseneck trailer and pull some very large/heavy loads.  It's not four wheel drive because, 4wd would be a waste of money for what I do 99% of the time so, I don't need it and didn't buy it.  Some foiks may need 4wd, I don't and didn't want to pay for something just to say hey, look, I've got 4wd.  See that all the time.  

I'd recommend researching Consumer Reports for used trucks and look at the factors that are important to you.  What fits my needs may not fit yours.  What I will say is, the truck I purchased is exactly what I needed for the tasks I ask it to do.  It does it cheaper and better than any of the others I considered.  It's been reliable and has never let me down.  But, it may not be the vehicle you need or want.  

Although I have my own prejudices and favorites in trucks, I doubt they will be the same as yours.  Do a little research and find one that fits your needs.  I see a lot of folks running around with show trucks with lots of options they never use.  That's ok with me, I'm not paying for it but, some of them make me roll my eyes.  Like this one, I've got a neighbor that went out and bought a really big 4wd, stretched 4 door cab Ford to pull his fifth wheel camper and all he does is bitch about the fuel mileage, lack of power and towing efficiency  of his truck but, it sure looks good sitting there in his driveway.  

[Master Blaster]

Second the Cummings Diesel.  Have an 04 dually long bed and love it.  Was a Ford man before, this one replaced a 13 year old F350 super cab dually, and is light years better.   The Cummings gets diecent mileage also.   Mine has the 600 ft lb engine, the newer ones are more, although cant imagene needing more.  Got the 4 door and is very comfy, ride is very good for a 3500, and it drives like its on rails.  Did I say I love this truck.

[sugerbear]

Coming from a GM family all my life owning several new chevy silverados since 1990 with the 5.7L and current 5.3L V8, I can honestly say the new 2007 on up 5.7L toyota tundra since 2007 kicks all 1/2 ton truck butts hands down GUARANTEED.  Look for a 2009 used since the 2007 and some 2008 tundras had pre-mature rust issues  and chrome rust issues and paint defects.  381 hp and 401 lbs. of torque while ONLY getting 1-1.5 mpg less is very impressive and outhauls/outtows and has the best resale value no question about it over the big 3.  If you need the 6 1/2' bed length, go Double Cab like I did since unless over 6', 3 full sized passengers can fit in the rear seats very comfy.   The crewmax is crazy huge in the backseats and the back seats even recline with enough legroom for someone 8' tall but suffers from too small of a bed length ONLY 5'8" not big enough for me.  For all you race freaks, you can even get from factory stock supercharger in the 5.7L generating 500 hp just make sure you get the 5.7L NON flex fuel capable engine.  I find the 381 ponies and 401 lbs. of torque will outrun 90% of most stock vehicles on the road today, so why bother spending another 5 grand on a supercharger?  The Toyota Tundra may ride a tad rougher/choppier (skip the TRD off road package overpriced and rides rougher) than the silverado, but it is a truck after all and can outrun and outtow the big 3 with ease yet still only getting 1-2 at most less mpg.  Plus, they look the toughest of them all and as you all know, Toyota builds reliable, well built vehicles of all kinds.  Re-sale and trade in value of my former 2007 tundra was 1,000's above any of my chevy silverado's and you won't regret spending a few grand more since you make up that few grand if you ever sell or trade in a toyota tundra 5.7L V8 6 speed tranny with tow package with awesome stump pulling 4.30 rear axle ratio gears.  Can you tell I know the current tundra is king of all 1/2 ton trucks on the market today!  

sounds like a toyota salesman 

chevy guy here

[Ken Tarver]

'03 f150 lariat crewcab; 242,4xx miles, just the small v8 4.6 liter i think, going for 300k then will maybe start looking to replace. But why?

Ken

[Varmintmist]

I like Ford's because I helped pay off Lee Iacocca's debt buy buying a 83 Charger that was great until 57K, then it fell apart, they all did, wasn't just me. Cousin was a Dodge dealer and he said the Dodge makes good trucks, he just wish they would test the changes before they put them in the showrooms.
We drive GM at work, just not impressed. We are switching to Ford.

That said, you don't sound like you need a real animal. A 15 series with the short bed and a ex cab would do you. If you arent hauling, don't waste the money on a deisel to say that you have a deisel. I have a F250 with the little gas (5.4) and I can haul anything the big boys can, just not as fast. I only overload the 8000 lb trailer up once or twice a year so I can live with that.

I am a huge fan of the 8' bed. I had a Penn Dot limo (crew cab) with the 4.whatever bed, what a waste of truck. It was useless as a truck, except to tow. The 6+ in my 98 f150 is better and you can haul a valk in the back, but I actually use a truck like a truck, the 250 with the ex cab and 8'bed is great for me. Turns like a light cruiser, and she likes her fuel, ride is like a buckboard when I put 75lb air in the tires, but I am happy with it.

[flcjr]

This is like an oil opinion.  I say go drive all tree or four or five and buy what you like and can afford. I have been a GM Tech for 20 years I think they all make a good truck these days. I make a living fixing Gm but have friends at the dodge and ford shops and they make a good living too. They all break. Buy what you like and take care of it.

[cookiedough]

Coming from a GM family all my life owning several new chevy silverados since 1990 with the 5.7L and current 5.3L V8, I can honestly say the new 2007 on up 5.7L toyota tundra since 2007 kicks all 1/2 ton truck butts hands down GUARANTEED.  Look for a 2009 used since the 2007 and some 2008 tundras had pre-mature rust issues  and chrome rust issues and paint defects.  381 hp and 401 lbs. of torque while ONLY getting 1-1.5 mpg less is very impressive and outhauls/outtows and has the best resale value no question about it over the big 3.  If you need the 6 1/2' bed length, go Double Cab like I did since unless over 6', 3 full sized passengers can fit in the rear seats very comfy.   The crewmax is crazy huge in the backseats and the back seats even recline with enough legroom for someone 8' tall but suffers from too small of a bed length ONLY 5'8" not big enough for me.  For all you race freaks, you can even get from factory stock supercharger in the 5.7L generating 500 hp just make sure you get the 5.7L NON flex fuel capable engine.  I find the 381 ponies and 401 lbs. of torque will outrun 90% of most stock vehicles on the road today, so why bother spending another 5 grand on a supercharger?  The Toyota Tundra may ride a tad rougher/choppier (skip the TRD off road package overpriced and rides rougher) than the silverado, but it is a truck after all and can outrun and outtow the big 3 with ease yet still only getting 1-2 at most less mpg.  Plus, they look the toughest of them all and as you all know, Toyota builds reliable, well built vehicles of all kinds.  Re-sale and trade in value of my former 2007 tundra was 1,000's above any of my chevy silverado's and you won't regret spending a few grand more since you make up that few grand if you ever sell or trade in a toyota tundra 5.7L V8 6 speed tranny with tow package with awesome stump pulling 4.30 rear axle ratio gears.  Can you tell I know the current tundra is king of all 1/2 ton trucks on the market today!  

sounds like a toyota salesman 

chevy guy here

Drive a 5.7L tundra with 4.30 axle ratio and decide for yourself.

The only other 1/2 ton truck that comes equal to it in terms of power is the 6.2L Chevy engine which costs 4 grand extra to get.  Big 3 resale is a few grand less than the tundra as well.  Drive one, you all will see it is no slouch and nicely equipped. 

[steve 3054]

I drive a long bed 4 door, 4+4 diesel ford truck...at one time I needed it, now not so much, been paid for and have no plans to ever get rid of it...it an 02, 7.3 and it knows the way home...a keeper

[BIG--T]

Coming from a GM family all my life owning several new chevy silverados since 1990 with the 5.7L and current 5.3L V8, I can honestly say the new 2007 on up 5.7L toyota tundra since 2007 kicks all 1/2 ton truck butts hands down GUARANTEED.  Look for a 2009 used since the 2007 and some 2008 tundras had pre-mature rust issues  and chrome rust issues and paint defects.  381 hp and 401 lbs. of torque while ONLY getting 1-1.5 mpg less is very impressive and outhauls/outtows and has the best resale value no question about it over the big 3.  If you need the 6 1/2' bed length, go Double Cab like I did since unless over 6', 3 full sized passengers can fit in the rear seats very comfy.   The crewmax is crazy huge in the backseats and the back seats even recline with enough legroom for someone 8' tall but suffers from too small of a bed length ONLY 5'8" not big enough for me.  For all you race freaks, you can even get from factory stock supercharger in the 5.7L generating 500 hp just make sure you get the 5.7L NON flex fuel capable engine.  I find the 381 ponies and 401 lbs. of torque will outrun 90% of most stock vehicles on the road today, so why bother spending another 5 grand on a supercharger?  The Toyota Tundra may ride a tad rougher/choppier (skip the TRD off road package overpriced and rides rougher) than the silverado, but it is a truck after all and can outrun and outtow the big 3 with ease yet still only getting 1-2 at most less mpg.  Plus, they look the toughest of them all and as you all know, Toyota builds reliable, well built vehicles of all kinds.  Re-sale and trade in value of my former 2007 tundra was 1,000's above any of my chevy silverado's and you won't regret spending a few grand more since you make up that few grand if you ever sell or trade in a toyota tundra 5.7L V8 6 speed tranny with tow package with awesome stump pulling 4.30 rear axle ratio gears.  Can you tell I know the current tundra is king of all 1/2 ton trucks on the market today!  

sounds like a toyota salesman 

chevy guy here

Drive a 5.7L tundra with 4.30 axle ratio and decide for yourself.

The only other 1/2 ton truck that comes equal to it in terms of power is the 6.2L Chevy engine which costs 4 grand extra to get.  Big 3 resale is a few grand less than the tundra as well.  Drive one, you all will see it is no slouch and nicely equipped. 

Yep, if you're not a Toyota salesman you oughta be!    I might have a Japanese bike but NEVER a Japanese truck!  I'm a Chevy man but would settle for a Dodge or even a 4 letter word truck (cough,cough) can't bring myself to say it!! But NO Toys!!  How about Fomoco. There I said it!!    

[cookiedough]

Big-T, get your facts straight before you ramble.  Toyota tundras are not Jap trucks, they are built in TX and have more American MADE parts than any of the big 3 ever will from 2007 until current 2012 models.  Do the research and actually drive one before you ramble.  Before 2007, the tundra was not full sized (3/4 sized) with not nearly enough engine to compete with the Big 3.  Since 2007, they have exceeded my expectations and before 2007, never would've bought a toyota pickup either.  Drive one and then decide.  Not saying the Big 3 are terrible nor is the current tundra flawless (they do have some minor issues I do not like), but overall, pretty awesome.  I'd also rather employ Americans than Mexicans or Canadians to build my truck and parts vs. all my other GM trucks was built in Mexico or mostly Canada.

[BF]

Big-T, get your facts straight before you ramble.  Toyota tundras are not Jap trucks, they are built in TX and have more American MADE parts than any of the big 3 ever will from 2007 until current 2012 models.  Do the research and actually drive one before you ramble.  Before 2007, the tundra was not full sized (3/4 sized) with not nearly enough engine to compete with the Big 3.  Since 2007, they have exceeded my expectations and before 2007, never would've bought a toyota pickup either.  Drive one and then decide.  Not saying the Big 3 are terrible nor is the current tundra flawless (they do have some minor issues I do not like), but overall, pretty awesome.  I'd also rather employ Americans than Mexicans or Canadians to build my truck and parts vs. all my other GM trucks was built in Mexico or mostly Canada.

Soooo......are you a Toyota salesman?  Do you own one?

btw......I've got a '97 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer edition that has over 200,000 miles on it now.  It still runs and drives like a top.  Other than it's getting on in miles and years and that I'd really like a vehicle with a truck bed in it now, I really have no need to replace it. 

Pretty darn sure that my next one will be a Ford. 

[fudgie]

I got a 04 Sierra Z-71 and like it. It only has 88k on it and only replaced the left front wheel bearing assembly. Common failure. And a front axle seal. Still has the same aggressive tires I put on it in 06!  Been a good truck. Its in the field every spring and fall. I do mudding with it if the fields are wet. Yanked out fence posts and cars out of the ditch till all the warning lights come on. 

I'm a GM guy.

[Patrick]

Gotta number of opinions, huh..  How is that Ford you're driving now?? Good or Bad ??

That said, I will never buy a GM or Toyota.. I don't like either of their business practices and Toyota's are nothing but junk [ I've had 3 to prove it]..

[BIG--T]

I got a 04 Sierra Z-71 and like it. It only has 88k on it and only replaced the left front wheel bearing assembly. Common failure. And a front axle seal. Still has the same aggressive tires I put on it in 06!  Been a good truck. Its in the field every spring and fall. I do mudding with it if the fields are wet. Yanked out fence posts and cars out of the ditch till all the warning lights come on. 

I'm a GM guy.

Ditto on GM!! My 94 Z-71 had over 300,000 miles and needed nothing when I sold it. I put a rebuilt tranny @ 149,000...but that's not engine. I DID put some valve cover gaskets on it one time! 

[Grumpy]

Dodge Ram 2500 4 door mega cab 8 ft bed with heavy duty tow package and 5.7 liter hemi. It will pull a tree out, very frequently pull an 18 ft tandem enclosed trailer. Hardly know it is back there, 130,000 miles, and only oil changes and 1 set of plugs. One of the most trouble free I have owned. Will buy another if the need arises.

[Monkey Boy]

Big-T, get your facts straight before you ramble.  Toyota tundras are not Jap trucks, they are built in TX and have more American MADE parts than any of the big 3 ever will from 2007 until current 2012 models.  Do the research and actually drive one before you ramble.  Before 2007, the tundra was not full sized (3/4 sized) with not nearly enough engine to compete with the Big 3.  Since 2007, they have exceeded my expectations and before 2007, never would've bought a toyota pickup either.  Drive one and then decide.  Not saying the Big 3 are terrible nor is the current tundra flawless (they do have some minor issues I do not like), but overall, pretty awesome.  I'd also rather employ Americans than Mexicans or Canadians to build my truck and parts vs. all my other GM trucks was built in Mexico or mostly Canada.

As a GM worker that makes Chevy and GMC trucks at the assembly plant in Flint Michigan I can tell you that GM trucks are not mostly made in Canada or Mexico regardless of what people think.  GM does have a plant in Mexico that makes trucks but no longer has a plant in Canada.  They moved that work back to the U.S. and closed that plant.  There is also a plant in Fort Wayne Indiana that produces GM trucks.  People started requesting their GM trucks to be made in the US and GM started moving work back to the country.  So there are 2 plants in the US and one in Mexico.  Look at the VIN numbers of the trucks on the lots to make sure they are made in the US.   I am not saying they are flawless because every brand has their issues (yes even Toyota) but they are one of the best trucks on the road today.  I may be a little biased but I truly believe this.  All car companies simply can't just build vehicles in one country anymore and remain in business.  That is just a fact in today's marketplace.  It is true though that if you want to support good paying AMERICAN jobs buy a Chevy, Ford, or Dodge.  I hope you decide to buy GM but if not at least buy a big three vehicle.   

[Big Rig]

I drove  them all in 2010...The Chevy looked nice, but NO head room (6'4" tall). Dodge is a nice looking vehicle but the have a cross member in the roof that I hit my head on. Ford has a crap LOAD of head room. Engines are about the same, towing is a couple hundred pounds better with the ford also.

I have a crew F150 with 5' 1/2 bed. Bought it new in 2010, 29500 trouble free miles. 23 highway and 19.5 around town.

Good luck...

[BIG--T]

Big-T, get your facts straight before you ramble.  Toyota tundras are not Jap trucks, they are built in TX and have more American MADE parts than any of the big 3 ever will from 2007 until current 2012 models.  Do the research and actually drive one before you ramble.  Before 2007, the tundra was not full sized (3/4 sized) with not nearly enough engine to compete with the Big 3.  Since 2007, they have exceeded my expectations and before 2007, never would've bought a toyota pickup either.  Drive one and then decide.  Not saying the Big 3 are terrible nor is the current tundra flawless (they do have some minor issues I do not like), but overall, pretty awesome.  I'd also rather employ Americans than Mexicans or Canadians to build my truck and parts vs. all my other GM trucks was built in Mexico or mostly Canada.

As a GM worker that makes Chevy and GMC trucks at the assembly plant in Flint Michigan I can tell you that GM trucks are not mostly made in Canada or Mexico regardless of what people think.  GM does have a plant in Mexico that makes trucks but no longer has a plant in Canada.  They moved that work back to the U.S. and closed that plant.  There is also a plant in Fort Wayne Indiana that produces GM trucks.  People started requesting their GM trucks to be made in the US and GM started moving work back to the country.  So there are 2 plants in the US and one in Mexico.  Look at the VIN numbers of the trucks on the lots to make sure they are made in the US.   I am not saying they are flawless because every brand has their issues (yes even Toyota) but they are one of the best trucks on the road today.  I may be a little biased but I truly believe this.  All car companies simply can't just build vehicles in one country anymore and remain in business.  That is just a fact in today's marketplace.  It is true though that if you want to support good paying AMERICAN jobs buy a Chevy, Ford, or Dodge.  I hope you decide to buy GM but if not at least buy a big three vehicle.   

Thanks Monkey Boy and I hope everyone reads this. BTW,  What # , digit tells where it's made?

[BIG--T]

I drove  them all in 2010...The Chevy looked nice, but NO head room (6'4" tall). Dodge is a nice looking vehicle but the have a cross member in the roof that I hit my head on. Ford has a crap LOAD of head room. Engines are about the same, towing is a couple hundred pounds better with the ford also.

I have a crew F150 with 5' 1/2 bed. Bought it new in 2010, 29500 trouble free miles. 23 highway and 19.5 around town.

Good luck...

We are the same height and my hair doesn't touch. Did you have your seat in the lowest position?

[cookiedough]

If first digit in vin# is a 1 = American made,  if first digit is a 2 = Canadian made,  if first digit is a 3 = Mexican made.

I use to work for GM for 6 years in the 90's dealing with vin#'s daily and use to know what each number/letter of the vin was.  My GM office closed operations and moved the office to another town of which about 4 of the 40 employees stayed with GM - that tells you something right there.

Before 2007, all my chevy silverado's had started with a 2 meaning made in Oshawa Ontario Canada and they were all made in Canada from around 1990 thru 2007, at least all my 1/2 ton crewcabs were.

No, do not work for Toyota and definitely not a salesman, just stating what I know in my opinion.  Can honestly say my former 2007 Double cab tundra was twice as nice and better quality made as my junker new 6 month old 2007 Chevy silverado crewcab I traded in for the much improved 2007 tundra.  I currently drive a 2012 Double Cab 5.7L tundra.  Powerful, comfy, and roomier inside cab/bed length configuration than a chevy crewmax having the bed too short at 5'10" and the chevy extended cab does have a 6 1/2' bed but the suicide doors for the chevy ext. cab sucks and about 2" less legroom and seat not as comfy in backseats as the Double cab tundra having 'real' doors to open with nice interior and 6 1/2' bed length.

The good thing Ford has that GM nor Dodge or Toyota does not have is a true crewmax/crewcab full sized 4 doors with a 6 1/2' bed length. 

Everyone has their opinions but to say 'Jap' crap when it comes to the Toyota tundra is totally FALSE and shows how much some people do not know when it comes to full sized pickups.  I get it all the time around me with 75% of owners having Chevy Silverado's but they are ignorant and do not know the facts.

[Grumpy]

If first digit in vin# is a 1 = American made,  if first digit is a 2 = Canadian made,  if first digit is a 3 = Mexican made.

I use to work for GM for 6 years in the 90's dealing with vin#'s daily and use to know what each number/letter of the vin was.  My GM office closed operations and moved the office to another town of which about 4 of the 40 employees stayed with GM - that tells you something right there.

Before 2007, all my chevy silverado's had started with a 2 meaning made in Oshawa Ontario Canada and they were all made in Canada from around 1990 thru 2007, at least all my 1/2 ton crewcabs were.

No, do not work for Toyota and definitely not a salesman, just stating what I know in my opinion.  Can honestly say my former 2007 Double cab tundra was twice as nice and better quality made as my junker new 6 month old 2007 Chevy silverado crewcab I traded in for the much improved 2007 tundra.  I currently drive a 2012 Double Cab 5.7L tundra.  Powerful, comfy, and roomier inside cab/bed length configuration than a chevy crewmax having the bed too short at 5'10" and the chevy extended cab does have a 6 1/2' bed but the suicide doors for the chevy ext. cab sucks and about 2" less legroom and seat not as comfy in backseats as the Double cab tundra having 'real' doors to open with nice interior and 6 1/2' bed length.

The good thing Ford has that GM nor Dodge or Toyota does not have is a true crewmax/crewcab full sized 4 doors with a 6 1/2' bed length.  

Everyone has their opinions but to say 'Jap' crap when it comes to the Toyota tundra is totally FALSE and shows how much some people do not know when it comes to full sized pickups.  I get it all the time around me with 75% of owners having Chevy Silverado's but they are ignorant and do not know the facts.
My dodge ram is a full 4 door cab with an 8 ft bed. It is the mega cab, same as a crew cab, seats 6 with out any problems.

[cookiedough]

Grumpy,  your dodge ram from what little I know of dodge trucks being a crew cab with 8' bed has to be a 3/4 ton (2500 series) truck, not what the original poster wanted which was a 1/2 ton truck.  I know, as of now, only Ford offers a true 1/2 ton truck crewcab/crewmax 4 full sized doors with a 6'6" bed length.  

I have owned one GMC 1500HD  crewmax with 6 1/2' bed (basically a 3/4 ton pickup) with the 6.0L engine and unloaded and not pulling, it drove like a brick freight train very unnervy and stiff suspension while ONLY getting 13 mpg tops.  Very slow, but torquey, off the line as well.  Try pulling anything around 8,000lbs. and under in any other 1/2 ton truck configuration from the Big 3 and the 5.7L tundra will easily outpull them all except for the very expensive 6.2L rarely available GM engine (watch some youtube videos comparing pulling power of the big 3 and the tundra).  The tundra does have some minor flaws, but the 5.7L engine and tranny beats the competition and that is, to me at least, what matters most in any truck while still maintaining 17 avg. mpg at best received on long hwy. trip 20 mpg.  Not the best, but only 1-2 less mpg than the rest in terms of mpg with power to spare.  

[Grumpy]

Grumpy,  your dodge ram from what little I know of dodge trucks being a crew cab with 8' bed has to be a 3/4 ton (2500 series) truck, not what the original poster wanted which was a 1/2 ton truck.  I know, as of now, only Ford offers a true 1/2 ton truck crewcab/crewmax 4 full sized doors with a 6'6" bed length. 

I have owned one GMC 1500HD  crewmax with 6 1/2' bed (basically a 3/4 ton pickup) with the 6.0L engine and unloaded and not pulling, it drove like a brick freight train very unnervy and stiff suspension while ONLY getting 13 mpg tops.  Very slow, but torquey, off the line as well.  Try pulling anything around 8,000lbs. and under in any other 1/2 ton truck configuration from the Big 3 and the 5.7L tundra will easily outpull them all except for the very expensive 6.2L rarely available GM engine (watch some youtube videos comparing pulling power of the big 3 and the tundra).  The tundra does have some minor flaws, but the 5.7L engine and tranny beats the competition and that is, to me at least, what matters most in any truck while still maintaining 17 avg. mpg at best received on long hwy. trip 20 mpg.  Not the best, but only 1-2 less mpg than the best in terms of mpg with power to spare. 

Yep, a 2500 series with 1 ton suspension, rated to tow 11,800 lbs.

[BigBF]

I still have Red 2001 F150 Lariat Supercrew and has 176,000 miles still run strong and its V-8 4.6 L same engine same tranny. no 4x4 thought.

I have other Black 2008  F250 Diesel 4x4 is good so far but expensive to take care of like oil change etc...

Go for F150 sueprcrew 4 door  . Oh some said 5 1/2' bed? I always thought 6 1/2' I will check em soon.

Dont bother look at chevy or dodge! 
BigBF

[Rams]

   One good way to start a debate (argument) is to say one oil, truck or blondes are dumb on an internet forum.    

As to what the original poster should do, drive all of them that are close to his needs, compare the data, some have better maintenance histories, fuel mileage and capabiliities.  I'm not paying for it so, I don't really care.  I'd hope he ends up with an American made truck but, I can't influence that any more than I can get some folks to run synthentic oil.  Just the way it is.  

While I don't know what is most important to the OP, I do know what's most important to me.  A half ton pick up won't do what I need to do.  A 4WD won't get the mileage a 2WD will get and Diesel fuel costs more than gas but, normally a diesel will get better fuel mileage if the trucks are equipped the same.  Diesel has more torque than gas but, that may not be important to the OP, diesels also don't come in half ton trucks either, at least not to my knowledge.  Knowing these things and quite a bit more about my needs and the different truck's capabilities, I made my decision and am very happy with what I drive.  Hopefully the OP can sift through the facts and opinions posted in this thread, use other resources and make a determination of what best suits his needs.  Then, the question will be, does he want it enough to spend enough to get what he wants.  Most of us have to compromise on what we want versus what we can afford to have and make do with something in the middle.  Good luck with the search and the decision.  

[al v]

Lots of great info from everyone. Thanks. Hoping to test drive each of the trucks over the next couple of days or week.

A question was asked about my mountaineer, it has been a fairly good vehicle. My only complaint would be the maintenance was a bit high. Replaced a lot of the front end steering and suspension pieces over the last few years and the truck only has 135k.  Perhaps the bad detroit area roads don't help.

[BIG--T]

If first digit in vin# is a 1 = American made,  if first digit is a 2 = Canadian made,  if first digit is a 3 = Mexican made.

I use to work for GM for 6 years in the 90's dealing with vin#'s daily and use to know what each number/letter of the vin was.  My GM office closed operations and moved the office to another town of which about 4 of the 40 employees stayed with GM - that tells you something right there.

Before 2007, all my chevy silverado's had started with a 2 meaning made in Oshawa Ontario Canada and they were all made in Canada from around 1990 thru 2007, at least all my 1/2 ton crewcabs were.

No, do not work for Toyota and definitely not a salesman, just stating what I know in my opinion.  Can honestly say my former 2007 Double cab tundra was twice as nice and better quality made as my junker new 6 month old 2007 Chevy silverado crewcab I traded in for the much improved 2007 tundra.  I currently drive a 2012 Double Cab 5.7L tundra.  Powerful, comfy, and roomier inside cab/bed length configuration than a chevy crewmax having the bed too short at 5'10" and the chevy extended cab does have a 6 1/2' bed but the suicide doors for the chevy ext. cab sucks and about 2" less legroom and seat not as comfy in backseats as the Double cab tundra having 'real' doors to open with nice interior and 6 1/2' bed length.

The good thing Ford has that GM nor Dodge or Toyota does not have is a true crewmax/crewcab full sized 4 doors with a 6 1/2' bed length. 

Everyone has their opinions but to say 'Jap' crap when it comes to the Toyota tundra is totally FALSE and shows how much some people do not know when it comes to full sized pickups.  I get it all the time around me with 75% of owners having Chevy Silverado's but they are ignorant and do not know the facts.

Thanks ,mine is #1! Made in the USA!!    Ummm. 75% of owners couldn't be wrong!! As long as YOU love your Toyoda, Toyota that's ALL  that matters!!