I had a busy weekend test-driving diesel trucks from the big three. Here are my notes and thoughts on each one.

1. Chevrolet HD2500 crew cab, 2wd, Duramax/Allison 5 spd auto. The interiors on the GM trucks are much nicer than Dodge and Ford. The seats are by far the most comfortable. I already knew this though, since I drive a 2002 GMC with the same interior. Diesel engine was kind of loud, but sounded good. Not nearly as loud as a 7.3L Power Stroke Ford. The tires on GM trucks just plain suck, what is with the tiny tires and huge fender gaps? No biggie though, as I typically upgrade wheels/tires anyways. Best ride quality overall compared to Dodge and Ford.

2. Dodge HD3500 quad-cab, 2wd dually, HO 600 ft-lb Cummins, 4 spd auto. This truck looked the best of any I drove, I really love that mean RAM front end and the monochromatic sport appearance package. It looked just like this:

The Dodge had the quietest diesel of the three brands, and the best "usable" features and storage space inside the cab. The interior is somewhat mega-plastic, but the looks aren't that bad. Seats were comparible to the GM seats, and I liked that power pedal position and all of the storage bins in the front and rear. Felt bigger inside than the Chevy did. Nice white faced gauges gave it a sporty look. Dually trucks look MEAN, I love 'em.

3. Ford F250 Ex-cab 2wd Powerstroke 6.0L, Auto. This truck was the lightest of the three, and of course felt the quickest. The Ford has the loudest diesel, but I think that is just fine. Interior is ~YAWN~ the most boring of the three brands. I really hate the look of the dashboard and the green gauge lights, reminded me of my old Ranger. Ride was the roughest of the three. I really can't understand why Ford charges so much for their trucks after driving/comparing all three on the same day.

Opinions:

1. Best value - Dodge, GM, Ford
2. Best appearance - Dodge, Ford, GM
3. Best ride - GM, Dodge, Ford
4. Best interior - GM, Dodge, Ford
5. Best engine - tie, they all felt similar
6. Best tranny - GM, Ford/Dodge tie. GM shifted smoother
7. Best stance - Dodge (see above!), Ford, GM (GM hurt by tiny tires)

Dodge was willing to sell at invoice minus $2500 rebate. That would put a nicely optioned dually like shown above around $33K (sticker $41K). Ford and GM had no specials going on with the diesel trucks.

GM lots were the most short in supply, they didn't have many Duramax trucks to choose from. Ford and Dodge had about the same numbers to choose from, with Dodge carrying more models with the Cummins.

So, right now, if I were to go buy a new diesel, I'd have to lean in favor of the Dodge for the price and overall package. Of course, I'd want a bright red one like the one shown above.

Tony

 

awesome write up. it is funny that the cummins diesel is the quietest now. really cool that they have put the technology into it. also i think it is weird that the GM dealerships wouldnt budge. i know there is a 2-3K rebate on those trucks right now. with dodge it always has been easy to buy at invoice + healthy rebates. the best part of the cummins (other than the natural low rpm power) is the platform has been around a LONG time and the aftermarket is just SICK for them.

also tony, if you like lifted trucks, the dodge has GREAT clearance for big tires under there. the ride height is just crazy. i know guys are putting 315/70/17 H2 tires on teh stock wheels. i think that is around a 35" tire!

 

I bought my truck on 12/1/03. I got it for about 7k under the sticker price. The chevy stock tires are small and I replaced them immediately, but I would replace the stock tires on any of the trucks. My experience is that the ford trucks are somewhat tougher than dodge.

 

Tony, you mention 7.3 and noise.. Did you drive trhe 6.0 litre ford deisel..It does not compare to the older .7.3.

I got 7 grand off sticker and 3.9%..Sweet!

 

DAM that Ram looks good!! I still really like the Cummins.

 

Brooke, I drove the 6.0L PowerStroke. The Duramax and PowerStroke were both kind of loud, about the same. The Dodge was quieter than both, noticeably.

 

I am kinda partial to the Duramax. Have you looked on ebay Tony? Lot's of dealers in Texas on there and they sell new ones too!

 

I love my new dodge. It pulls like a dream.

Coach

 

in my opinion i think the engine comparison between the dodge and the chev are about the same.heard alot of bad stuff about the powerstrokes new 6.0,still working bugs out.almost everyone i now with a dodge has had to rebuild the front end after about 50,000mi,ball joints,wheel bearings,steering boxes and such.but that was on the old body style,dont know if they corrected it or not?if dodge would build there front end better id buy a dodge because of their looks for a hd duallie(picture above)but on an overall i would still stick with the gm. just my 2 cents

 

Love the Cummins.....My Dad has Own 94,98.......Both made it to 225,000....With no problems...Little Crap like Water pump,Starter Stuff like that...My 98 Cummins 24v has 195,000 and Runs like a Tank....Just Had to have the Hole Front end done.1,800 bucks.....its spent 95% of it miles Pulling 16 foot lowboy Loaded With lumber and Steel....Gets better MPG than Any of them......I love Chevy And the Duramax so dont get me as a Dodge lover thats just my .02 cents.....Nice write up.....