Earlier this month, GM debuted the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and Silverado Z71 alongside the 2014 GMC Sierra. Now that the news related to the trucks has (more or less) settled and we’ve had some time to truly digest the announcement, we’re starting to wonder whether the new Silverado has what it takes to unseat Ford’s F-150, which has been the segment’s volume leader for over three decades. Given that market share ultimately plays a big role in the financial success of an automaker, achieving the feat is of a non-trivial importance.
Of course, we don’t yet know all the details about the new Chevy truck (such as power figures or complete specifications)… but based on what we do know — do you think the new Silverado has what it takes to take the sales crown from the F-150?
Vote in the poll and sound off in the comments below.
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Comments
Worthy goal but kinda hard to say since none of us have driven or even seen one yet. A big improvement would be to offer more variations similar to Ford (XL, XLT, Fx2/4, Lariat, Platignum)
Rocky says it best, there is too much we don’t know. In my opinion, even though Chevy might have the better truck, just the brand of the F-150 is too strong. I think the truck segment is in need or a major revolution. The next huge step forward for them would be in the next decade I would suspect, and who ever leads that wave will be the next king of the hill.
If Gm offered one nameplate it would. The only reason Ford can say it now is because GM offers two nameplates.
Wes, you hit it directly on the head. Game gets a lot closer (I am guesstimating) when the combined sales are there.
Pretty sure combined sales of Silverado and Sierra outsell F-150, and have for several years now. We’ll see when December sales are released
Even with combined sales, the F-Series still comes out on top, at least for this year.
I spent 3 weeks in Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota this summer and saw way more GM pickups then Ford or Dodge. So at least in those states GM is already a winner.
On the Silverado website you can design your own 2014 Silverado now. And yes you can get a regular cab work truck. I went with the crew cab 4×4 LTZ in ruby red with 20″ chrome wheels. That red is one sharp looking color, like the deep blue also.
In order to do that, Chevy needs to offer more models including variants of top of the line trims that would compete with ford and also 4500/5500 medium duties. To have a better chance, rename Colorado to Silverado 1000 since its 95% of the size of Fullsize Silverado. There are also plenty of features that could be added that competition do and don’t have, they’ll earn respect to the brand which result in more sales.
After a half of month of staring at the next gen Silverado, there is a thing or two I would change. First I think those headlights are way to big, the lower piece needs to be an inch or so thinner (like 800’s GMC), again it would look a lot better if the wheel wells and fender flares were round (this is why I didn’t buy GMC terrain), and interior needs to be up to date (it didnt even match the competition look wise).
Here is a more practicle question, how will Ram trucks impact the sales of Ford trucks and the new Chevy trucks.., The Ram is now more of a contender than it ever has been. GM raising the bar with these new trucks helps but the competition is more competitive the ever… And the F150 brand speaks for itself. The Silverado needs to be seen as the truck for every job, be it the guy just entering the truck market and only wants the most down and dirty base truck to the guy that wants every bell and wistle on the face of the earth. I have actually been very turned off by the full size truck, because you go to the dealership and they want to sell you this expensive over the top vehicle when I just want a truck that is reasonably priced.
Here’s a hint GM, when you design brand new engines, give them different displacements than the ancient ones they replace. Maybe a 4.4L instead of a 4.3L V6, or a 5.2 instead of a 5.3, a 6.3 instead of 6.2. It’s a psychological thing – people want new and they especially don’t want be reminded of the same, older than dirt 4.3 V6 you’ve been putting in trucks since Reagan was president.
@Heye what’s the purpose of different displacements for all-new engines? As far as I can see, the only reason would be some artificial differentiation that plays to the psychology of the buyer.
As it stands, it could also be argued the other way: those who wrongly believe that the engines are the same since they have the same displacement might also put more trust in the powerplants, as they might believe that, since they’ve been around for a long time, they are therefore more reliable and time-tested.
Ultimately, the real decision as it relates to displacement should be left to the engineers, who should ensure the engines attain the most 1) power, 2) fuel economy, 3) durability.
Maybe I wasn’t clear: We all know GM makes pushrod activated magic. Their engines usually make more power at a higher efficiency than their “high tech” overhead valve counterparts over at FoMoCo. That said, I have already read many posts by the uninformed on other sites who are convinced GM is using old engine designs in these new trucks, which isn’t all that bad when you’re thinking 5.3 or 6.2, but it certainly IS bad when you’re thinking 4.3. So many a cross shopper now won’t even consider GM because they think they can get something more modern over at the Ford stealership. Aside from that, GM really missed the chance at being the first to offer a diesel in a half ton. The time was right.
Really good point Heye. Even Land Rover changed their engine from a 3.9 to a 4.0 but never added a cubic inch to its size.
well put rocky
Every comment was right on the money. Guess GM never asked it’s customers what the new truck should be like. They always seem a little out of touch.
@thehofinator do you think GM didn’t ask its customers, or did they ask those who purchased a competing vehicle?
If I might comment, Alex, I would say that what GM was asking its customers what they wanted. And those customers said “more of the same, boys!”. I’ve heard it said that we in the internet world are guilty of cheap talk, since the majority of us aren’t buying the trucks. Apparently the folks who will be buying these things are the ones that should have the say in whether the trucks are hitting the nail on the head or on the tip. I for one wouldn’t touch either of these trucks. When the time comes for me to get a truck I will be looking elsewhere. I will just do without the in-bumper steps and the dampened tailgate [yawn] and go for a Colorado or just jump ship entirely and go for a Ram. GM made a huge mistake by not including folks who are not so-called brand-loyalists in their decisions regarding these trucks. I hate both of them and would not be looking to reward mediocrity with my hard-earned money.
Really ? Aren’t you tired of the thumbs down you get ? I’m guessing you don’t have a car or truck.
Patrick, he is simply stating his opinions. He isn’t looking for electoral votes or approval. And really, I agree with his post.
Richard — you may not hear/read this elsewhere as I’m not sure this is public info yet, but GM did, in fact, hold multiple sessions that included cross-sections of buyers. It especially focused on those buyers who chose the products of the competition over its own.
But more to the point: what don’t you like about the new trucks?
Anyone else notice that the steering wheel isn’t centered with the driver’s seat?
GM, that’s Chevy/ GMC, has almost always outsold the F150. I can’t believe how many people fall for that BS marketing strategy Ford uses by splitting up Chevy and GMC sales figures. Come work in my auto repair shop for a few months and you would never look at a Ford truck again. If the older Triton engines aren’t blowing spark plugs out of their cylinder heads, the newer ones have them breaking off during removal! They eat coils like they’re candy and front end work on Ford trucks is how I will put my kids through college! Don’t even get me started on Fords 6.0 diesel either. They have a few common failure items as well. Like VGT turbo problems, FICM problems, EGR problems, head gasket failures, high pressure oil problems, etc, etc, etc. I never liked Dodge trucks much, but these days even they seem better than Ford (as long as you get one that doesn’t have a valve issue brought on by their MDS system)! Give me a GM truck any day of the week over ANY other brand! They are the only vehicles I see in my shop regularly with 350K plus miles on them.
Yea my brothers job they have a few pick ups 2 f250s gas both 08 and a 2003 or 04 silverado 2500 with the 6.0 and one of the fords had an engine replaced a 5.4 and the other had a transfer case problem.. and he says the beds in the fords r fuked up compared to the silverado.. he said after seeing both trucks abused he’d only drive a chevy
you are correct, the ford sohc engine has always been trouble, the ram hemi is twice the motor and the gm LS series motor is simply incredable, try just changing spark plugs or exhaust manafolds on the ford and it would not sell as good.
You are 100% CORRECT ! Its the media and people who can’t count. GM full-size trucks have outsold the F-Series for an eternity ! 40,000 more mile warranty than Ford at a worth of a dollar per mile, do the math. Why doesn’t Ford match GM & Dodge? Because Ford knows the failure rate of the their trucks would break the bank! ! Ford has 1 of the worst suspension on the planet. My brother in law has a 2010 F150 5.4 V8 4X4 & he is getting rid of it on ebay. Say’s it is a POS ! Both of our GMC 5.3 Z71s 4X4 pull away from his truck on & off road. Dodge (Fiat) only has 15% market share, who cares. Ford has class action lawsuits pending for the crap 6.0 & 6.4 diesels. Now I hear that new lawsuits are pending for blowing head gaskets on ALL the modular V8s (like their V6) at only 125K, or less. Ford Modular V8 exhaust manifolds are notorious for early cracking. Please don’t believe the horsepower ratings Ford publishes, they have lost in court before for stretching the truth. GM full size trucks rule the market PERIOD !
Gotta get rid of the “Government Motors” albatross before the games can begin again on a level playing field.
Changing the displacements won’t do anything.. The 5.3 is a great engine.. Changing something for really no reason is a bad marketing decision.. Remember when Coke changed its formula.. Called new coke, that was the worst business decision in the 20th century.. So changing something doesn’t always do justice.. But improving what they already have is what is needed.. The new Gen V engines are exciting… People are more concerned on what it’s capable of doing instead of the name of the engine.. We will just wait and see the hp ad torque ratings..
I like to GM get better support and less hate of the whole bailout for one thing.. They are paying it back.. Kicking someone while their down is the only way some people can feel superior.. We been through a tough point and that should be understandable… I kind of thought what if GM did a thank you commercial for the support of the American people and Canadians.. I know it’s been 3 years ago but that might would help their image and showed what they’ve done when coming back… The image/brand of a company being portrayed to is really important.. Look at Toyota, they offer a good mid-sized truck.. People think they will outlast anything out there, they clearly don’t care about the accelerated brake problem… They think it is better than anyother brand you can find.. That is why Ford can continue to sell their trucks and so on and so forth.. Improving their brand name I think is needed just like having a great truck.. Not saying they don’t have a good reputation already but regaining market share, you have to regain trust and that is important..
Unfortunately, I expect GM to lose market share to Ford & Ram in the full-size segment. The strategy of offering a new 7/8 size Colorado/Canyon as an alternative to a full-size will play right into the hands of Ford & Ram. Don’t get me wrong, GM will sell plenty of Silverados and Sierras, but it likely will lose sales to it’s own 7/8 trucks. Ford will continue to be the pace setter with the F-series, it really has no choice but to be very agressive with models/options/packaging. GM was very “safe” with these new trucks and safe can also be defined as boring.
To many Republicans and Ford fans on here. I believe the Chevy alone might beat Ford next year. Happy New Year You all.
I would like to see GM beat Ford next year, but new GM pickups won’t show up until next summer, that’s half a year into the year. Currently Chevy sells 3:5 to F-seriries. Plus there won’t be new HD trucks available yet, and few features that won’t come with launch. 2014 could be the year, but Ford is also coming out with its F150.
Not true. Pickuptrucks.com had an article on this. If GM went to one nameplate Ford would still be on top. GMC and Chevy owners aren’t that loyal to each other according to the poll taken. GM is smart to do it this way because combined sales out sell Ford. (Light duties only) Go to the website and search for the article for the proof if you need to.
Look the HD pickup this truck is better puller compare to ford but people thing ford is better gm need to show they have a better product ??
Yes gm sold more pickup combine the Chevy and gmc f
GM lost momentum with the American Axle strike, then with the bailout and then the closure of the dealers has hurt too. This truck certainly be better but I don’t think it’s up to the task for a number of reasons.
One — powertrain. Although the engines are better, Ford has succeeded with Ecoboost beyond their expectations. Now Chrysler is touting the best fuel economy and an eight speed tranny. Maybe if GM had a LD diesel or some other showstopper, it might have been different. We won’t even talk about the name change and dropping Vortec
Two — packages. Ford has the hot Raptor, Harley Davidson models. GM needs to make a splash here.
Three — color and trim. The palate that I saw didn’t have a dark blue for example. Hope that isn’t true, but…..
GM did this with the old GMT800 trucks — dropped the dark blue and put in a bright blue but had to rescind and put back the dark blue metallic. Not even having a blue would be disastrous.
The color palate for the current trucks is terrible.
We won’t even go into the fact that there are no two tones. GM used to have the best two tones on the GMT400’s with the ZY4 as well as other two tones. I know that the plant doesn’t like them — they complicate the process and add hours to the build times so that they look bad on the Harbour report, but customers like them and are willing to pay for them.
Four — innovative marketing. I think that GM is definitely a distant 3rd in marketing to Ford and Chrysler.
Who cares about gas? Just hurry up and put the smaller Duramax in the 1500!!!! I know 100 people that will buy one and that’s just little ole me!!! We want 500ft/lb and 30 mpg!!!
Kill the ecoboost with Duramax!!!
Alex, does GM listen to customers clamoring for hatches or wagons? They build and sell what they think we want based on stock prices. They feel if they don’t sell it here you don’t need or want it. I have always owned GM products, but they don’t make sell one vehicle in the US that fills my vehicle needs at this time. What do they have to replace my aging HHR? Don’t say Equinox or I’ll think you’re on GM’s marketing staff.
thehofinater, When you always owned GM vehicles, what were those vehicles before your HHR? and did they suit you well? Also, currently what vehicles do you like outside of GM?
Thehofinator, I have had an HHR now for a year, a 2011. I have to agree I would really be hard pressed to figure out what to purchase. There are many things I dont like about my HHR, I was thinking what would I own instead. A used Equinox was the first vehicle I thought of but really dont want an SUV and the added cost most SUV’s have.
Lex, We had a Vibe before the HHR. Over close to 40 years of GM cars, too many to list. Had a Celebrity wagon, Caprice wagon, ’79 2WD Blazer, even ’82 Citation 2-dr hatch. Several pick-ups. Currently leaning towards Subaru Impreza hatch. Yabadabadoo, like the HHR but like you, the Equinox is too big and I want at least the same mileage or better than what I currently get. Cruze wagon or hatch would be great. I’d be at the dealer today if they sold either of those.
It’s a bummer that GM doesnt offer Cruze with wagon/hatch and coupe variants. If you want to stay in GM family and Equinox is too big for you, the only vehicles I can think of is Sonic hatch or Encore that might work for you.
Go to Canada and buy a Trax or an Orlando. GM US has decided that they don’t need those vehicles in the US.
http://www.gmcanada.ca
how big of a deal is that to buy in Canada and register the car in US?
Not sure — know that there are brokers that take vehicles back and forth all the time — think more so with used vehicles only because it gets sticky with new vehiicles and incentives. You might be better off buying a one year old vehicle so that you get the benefit of incentives and depreciation.
The Trax is bascially the Chevy version of the Buick Encore.
The Orlando is basically a 7 passenger wagon. Not a replacement for the old U vans though — smaller. The nice thing about the Orlando is that the load floor folds completely flat when you need it — not angled like many vehicles. Most of the time though it’s used just as a five passenger wagon.
NO!! Too ugly! Plain and simple. And this from a 26 year, 11 vehicle, 6 truck GM- exclusive man.
If these new trucks test well in comparisons , they should have a shot a beating Ford in total sales. GMC especially is a handsom looking truck.
Ram could siphon off enough sales to keep Ford in the lead, however.