Maybe I was harsh on the GM's interiors. To me the interiors are just rather dated-looking comapred to other trucks out there.

I'm in agreement with you though. A Chevy 1500 would be one of my personal picks if I were looking for a truck. I've heard nothing but good about them.

 

My vote would be a 2001-2003 Silverado 2500 w/6.0l and the 4L65E or 4L80E.. If you're doing any towing stay away from the 4L60E trucks (1500 series), that tranny is the known weak spot.. Otherwise, the Chevy's are quite solid..

p.s. check out www.fullsizechevy.com for more info...

 

Honestly, I have had personal experience with both Toyota and Dodge full size trucks (my dad has owned one of each), and the new F-150 puts them all to shame. It is easily one of the most attractive trucks I've ever seen, and the interior fit and finish is incredibly high for what I would expect in a truck. All my relatives swear by the blue oval. My vote goes for the Ford!

 

I do not know who rated the Chevy as most reliable but they were lying! Not only are the transmissions weak check this out - http://www.pistonslap.com/index.html
And here is nothing but wisdom on GM - http://www.wildwizards.net/Personal/Rants/gmsucks.htm

 

Weak argument. I could find sites like that for any vehicle currently in existence, regardless of brand.

I stated what I stated because GM trucks have been highly-rated by the press, and because I know people with GM full-size trucks (and regular passenger cars as well) that do not have monthly problems as your two links suggest, and are very satisfied with how their truck runs and performs.

Two of the quotes at the top of that first link you posted do not directly implicate GM in anything. The third one is entirely likely, as no manufacturer is free from producing a few lemons.

 

We can all understand your dilemma. I wish you luck. If you're looking for a full size truck with lots of comforts, you'll obviously be buying used with the associated risks involved in that.

If you're willing to take a bit of a hit on the fancy stuff and all out performance, you should be able to find a new truck for at or slightly below your 20k limit. I'm talking a minimal truck interior and probably a V6 engine but it will be new, will tow what you've mentioned with no major problems. Ok, you won't be setting any land speed records but you're pulling a trailer here.

You'll probably have to do some looking around to find the deal but it is possible. A guy I work with recently bought a new standard cab Dodge for just under 19k, drive out. It's not fancy, but it's new and runs good and knowing him, he'll keep it for the next decade at least. All you've got to do is decide on what compromises you're willing to make on options, performance, and prestige. Personally, whether you choose new or used, if I were leaving the vehicle at the airport a lot, I'd go after something that's a little less likely to attract attention. Best of luck on what you decide.

Drive Safe,
Steve R.

 

Damn dude what planet you been living on? Pick up a copy of Consumer Reports and GM trucks are rated as BAD on reliability verdict . Models included are Sonoma,Sierra,Suburban,Yukon,Jimmy,Envoy,Avalanche ,Blazer,97-98 1500,Tahoe,and most S10s .
Only years I see with a positive are 00-01 C1500 but I am sure a few more years that will all change.
Much like Honda and Toyota are bound to make a bad one every now and then GM with all the lemons they have made are bound to make a good one once in a while but why take that chance especially when there are MUCH better choices out there!

 

I hate ford, and would never own one. However, I do give credit where credit is due, there is no better truck than the F series.

 

Personally, I prefer an f-150 over any other truck. I've had a Chevy 1500 , S-10 , and now I still own a F-150. I had only a few problems with the 1500, a lot of problems with the s-10, and no problems with the f-150. I have the 4.6L V8 in my Ford now, with 2wd, and I've towed a lot of cars with no problem, although if you live in a place with a lot of mountains or hills, I recommend the 5.2L. Either way, I'm a Ford fan

 

I'm a Ford (truck) fan too. My garage has a Ford and a Chevy in it right now. The Chevy is a Duramax Diesel / Allison and I had a 2004 Crew Cab F150 for a while also last year. The F150 was thirsty with the 5.4 but drove great. However if you want to drive a great driving truck that tows great also you owe it to yourself to drive a GMC or Chevy with the Quadrasteer option. The difference is hard to believe, it's much better.