I've been reading posts on this site for 6 months now trying to decide whether or not to buy a screw. Since it costs more than I make in a year, I want to be absolutely sure in my choice. I have seen pictures and descriptions of the new 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad cab and it looks pretty cool. You can get 20 inch tires and even an 8 foot bed. Everyone at work says buy Dodge...but I think the screw is better. Why does everyone on this site choose Ford over Dodge? Thanks for the help.

 

The main reason(s) I usually choose a vehicle is first looks, then functionality for my purpose. I love the looks of the Ford trucks. I did do my homework before buying just like you are. I chose the SCrew and haven't regretted it one bit.

 

Stay away from Dodge. I just traded my 99 Dodge Ram Quad Cab for 2001 Screw. My Dodge gave me nothing but problems from the start. I needed a new rear end after 50 miles (yes 50 miles!), new battery after 3 months, and was in numerous times for transmission problems, although the dealer said nothing was wrong. I am VERY happy with the Supercrew so far.

 

imo, the reliability issue is a wash. i don't think either has the lead. as for looks, the new ram certainly appears to be a looker in photos, i have yet to see one in real life. i'm gonna check them out when they show up at my local dealership. however, i'm pretty sure i'm sticking with an s-crew because the dodge back seat looks too small. the s-crews is just about right. plus ford's large v/8 is much more modern than dodges and ford offers more niceties than dodge like automatic climate control, retained power for the power accessories and a real leather back bench instead of vinyl. just my two cents.

 

I used to own a Dodge Ram and had no problems with it. I also work with a guy who owns a 2001 Ram and he seems to like it. I really don't think theres a "bad" truck out there (American made). Some people get sub-par ones then the next truck in line can be great.......Dodge was talking about putting there Hemi in the next Ram.

 

I certainly don't mean to jump on anyone's feet that has a Dodge, but in my opinion the SCrew is a far superior truck to the Dodge (especially the current model.) I think you will find the Ford will out perform the Dodge in nearly every category, will handle better, and is MUCH more reliable (check out this year's report on Consumer Reports, the Dodge doesn't even compare in reliability to the Ford.) And might I add, Chevy is even behind Dodge in reliability if that's possible.) I have no question Dodge will makeup some room on Ford and Chevy in performance atleast with there new model due out next Spring, but I personally wouldn't want a first-year model Dodge. (Hell, who am I kidding, I wouldn't want a Chrysler at all!) Chrysler needs all the time they can get to iron out the kinks. First year reliability on there last generation truck that came out ten years ago was terrible. (A friend of mine bought one and had about four or five recalls in his first six months alone.) Not to mention, as far as offroading goes atleast, the new model Dodge got rid of the one thing it had going for it, a front solid axle. My advise - buy a Ford!

 

I personally couldn't disagree more. I think you'll find if you look in just about any publication on reliability, especially Consumer Reports, you'll find that the new Ford and Toyotas are MUCH better (two or three times better) than Dodge or Chevy as far as the number of reported problems per 100 trucks sold.

 

will see...but the multitude of recent run of recalls on new ford models is equally troubling (escape, focus, explorer, etc). the f150 has been out for awhile so it is doing okay. when the new f150 shows up in a couple years...who knows.

if anyone cares to check out a recent review of the new '02 ram...here it is:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/columns/healey.htm

 

Screw4Me, I owned Ford trucks and old Mustangs my entire life. In 2000, I sold my 15 year old Ford pu to a friends son and went in search of a new pick up. I shopped Ford to Dodge and back several times. Finally a Dodge dealer made me a deal with a large rebate. Being that they were priced farely close, the rebate made the difference and I purchased the Dodge 1500 4x4 Quad cab Magnum 360 Auto with a 3.55 rear. Within a month I was regreting this decision. This truck was found to be covered with over spray, after several attempts the dealer has been unable to get it all off. The window felt started coming off of the drivers door a short time later, it was replaced after some threats were made. The truck has never idled smooth from day one, dealer said that is the nature of the Magnum series engine, some b.s. about a lopey cam. Thats funny my friend has a 99 with the same engine that idles much smoother ,but not as smooth as the 15 year old Ford I sold. Finally, the part that is ouch, I consisently get 10-11 mpg around town mixed driving, but I've never been able to bust 14 on the highway in cruise control, I believe the sticker stated 13 city 16 hwy. I put a cat back gibson duals and a K&N intake system on this truck to the tune of over $500 and the mpg didn't change 1 mpg. I know the 2002 are getting a slight restyle and some mods but if I had to do it again I would buy the FORD. That is why I am on this site. I really like the looks of the Screw. I drove a Lariat 4x4 5.4 last week with the moon roof, I will definetely go moon roof. It would be hard to say if the 5.9 or the 5.4 had more power I think it was too close to call. I do know the Ford idled so smooth at one stop I thought it stalled, if it wasn't for the tach. Well enough of my comments. I hope you make the decision that is right for you.Good luck

 

As for the difference between the Dodge 1500 and the SCrew ... My wife bought a 2000 Dodge 1500 last June and I bought myself a 2001 Super Crew last month. Now she wants to drive MY truck all the time! Seems it has more power and a lot better seating!

 

Good point, I haven't personally been affected by any recalls, but i'm tired of seeing them on the news every night aswell!
I personally don't remember many recalls on the '97 F-150 when it came out, but didn't own one so who knows.)

 

When I was shopping for a new truck, I looked at the Chevy's Ford's and Dodge's. The one thing that I hated on the dodge was the seat. I couldn't get comfortable and that was in the dealers lot. I know I'm a big guy 6'4", but when he shut the door and it hit my shoulder. Needless to say I'm not even close in the screw. It has been the best truck I have owned so far. A lot of people will complain about the gas mileage that they get, but hey it is a TRUCK. But the choice will be yours, just do your homework and get the truck that fits you best.
Psst..... I'll bet it's a screw
Good Luck

 

My $0.02

Recently drove a Dud-ge ext cab 2wd. It rode much worse than my 4WD F150 ext cab. Does the expression log wagon ring any bells? Seriously, nothing really compares to the F-series.

 

i actually leased a 97 4x4 regular cab ram for two years and it treated me very well. imo the seats were very comfy. in fact more comfortable than my gen II s-crew. however, i will be taking care of that by getting a new '02 s-crew this fall with the better seats!

 

IMHO---somewhere along the line you have to consider that technology is an important aspect when purchasing a new vehicle...Its very high on my list....But I am a high tech person...

The Ford justs leaves the dodge in the dust...isn't dodge still using those 318, and 360 V8's and Ford is fixin to move to the next generation of engines....already a generation ahead now....

The dodges are cheap and inexpensive as well...they know how to manufacture cheaply...where the ford or chevy have 5 bolts,,dodge will use 3....cheaper construction=lower costs..

This is bad---I would rather drive a chevy then a dodge....ouch...