Funny how different folks have different experiences. I honestly dont think theres a nickles difference in Ford, Chevy or Dodge. Just good and bad experiences.
I bought my first new truck in 1988. It was an 88 Chevy, 3/4 ton 4x4 with the new 350 Fuel Injected. Supposed to be the baddest boy on the block. Went to check some cows on the way home from the dealership and got stuck. The 4x4 wouldnt engage. Had to get a tow truck to come get me, less than 50 miles on it. Then, right after warranty, I had to buy an alternator, which at the time was $400 and that was alot more money in 1988. During warranty, I had multiple problems with the injection system. Not a real good experience.
Then, I bought a 1991 Ford F-150 with the 300, 6 cyl. It did good. No real problems til it got about 70,000 miles, then it started falling apart. It nickled and dimed me to death.
So, I traded for a 1995 Dodge 1500, 4x4 with a 360. The new hot body style and rage. It was great til it got about 45,000 miles on it and I bought a transmission. Didnt have much more trouble with it. Other than some fuel system issues that was nagging.
Then I traded for a 1997 Dodge 1500, 4x4 with the 360. At almost the exact same mileage, another transmission. I couldnt believe it. I was furious. So guess what I went and done?
Traded for a 1999 Dodge 1500, 4x4 with the 360. Smart, aint I? About the same mileage again, the tranny was good, but I had to buy a rear end for it.
So, I traded it for a 2000 GMC 1500, 4x4 with the new 327 or whatever they called that motor. Smoothest riding, and great runing truck. As long as you stayed on the blacktop and didnt hook anything to it. It was a gutless wonder.
So, I traded it for a 2001 F-150 with the big V-8. By now, who the hell knows what size the motors are. No problems with it. But, by this time, I decided not to own one out of warranty, or at least not too long.
Since then, Ive had a 2003 F-250 Powerstroke, and now have a 2004 F-250 Powerstroke. Love them, no problems. But like I said, warranty. I got about another 15k to go and its out. Should be about the time they are wanting rid of the 05s to make way for 06s and got some good sales going on. I will most likely have one.
In my experience, theres no difference. I happen to like the Ford better, but dont know that its a better truck. I think its all personal taste. They are all going to give trouble. You can find people out there for all three brands of trucks that will swear by theirs that has run them for 200,000+ miles. It dont matter.
Sorry for the long post, but Im killing time at the moment and this subject always amuses me.
Andy