subject: Ford F150 Detroit Faces Tough Challenge in MI Auto Times Competition [print this page] DETROIT, M.IDETROIT, M.I. Ford F150 Detroit truck owners learned the Ford F150 contestant squared off against the GMC Sierra MI in the first round of the MI Auto Times competition "May the Best Truck Win."
The MI Auto Times in-depth analysis of The GMC Sierra 1500 SLE and the Ford F150 STX was extremely difficult because both Michigan trucks have strong advantages, but in the end Ford F150 Detroit drivers may be disappointed.
The GMC Sierra 1500 drives forward and will continue in the competition, as Ford F150 Detroit drivers are left without the bragging rights of owning the MI Auto Times Best Truck Competition winner.
MI Auto Times rates Michigan trucks based on the following categories, each with a possible top score of 4 stars:
Value: What are the current factory incentives offered and estimated cost of ownership (including fuel, financing and maintenance).
Comfort: Interior, safety, and integrated user-friendly technologyand entertainmentfeatures
Factory Warranty: How do the automotive manufacturers back their vehicles?
In the value category the GMC Sierra earned 4 Stars against the Ford F150's 3 Stars.
Although the Ford F150 is priced slightly below the cost of the GMC Sierra MI, with Ford's current factory incentive of 6.9 percent at 72 months, the F150 has a net cost1 of $1,701 more than GMC's net cost, thanks to GM's current factory incentive of 0 percent at 72 months.
In the power category the GMC Sierra earned 4 stars against the Ford F150's 3 stars.
Though the Ford F150 has a larger payload capacity, it loses out to the Sierra by 1,300 pounds of towing strength (7,200 pounds total towing capacity). Furthermore, the GMC Sierra MI has more torque and more horsepower2. For those wanting to equip their truck with a snow plow package, they better choose the GMC Sierra SLE because the Ford F150 STX doesn't have one available.
In the comfort category the GMC Sierra earned 3 stars against the Ford F150's 3 stars.
In order to play an MP3 player in the Ford F150, buyers must upgrade to the SYNC In-Car Connectivity System which increases the cost by $395. The biggest boost to comfort comes in the peace of mind created by GMC's OnStar subscription for one year. Additional GMC Sierra comfort features include cruise control, rubber floor mats, power mirrors, door locks and windows, heated mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, MP3 connectivity, and available rear-window defroster. These features would either be optional or not available in the Ford F150.
In the factory warranty category the GMC Sierra earned 4 stars against the Ford F150's 3 stars.
Any person who purchases or leases a new GMC receives full backing by the auto manufacturer on his or her vehicle which includes a 100,000 mile/5-year transferable Powertrain Limited Warranty with no deductible; 100,000 mile/5-year 24/7 roadside assistance; and 100,000 mile/5-year courtesy transportation. The Ford F150 only offers a 60,000 mile/5-year Powertrain, 60,000 mile/5-year roadside assistance and no courtesy transportation program.
The first round winner is: The GMC Sierra 1500 SLE, never send a truck to do a Sierra's job.
Ford F150 Detroit owners who want to see the full details of the MI Auto Times competition can visit http://www.miautotimes.com to read more or watch the video.
MI Auto Times covers all Michigan automotive news all the time, featuring newly released vehicle recall information, relevant Michigan automaker news, vehicle ratings and comparisons, and everything else auto-related Michigan and world readers need to know.
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1Est. total cost for Ford F150 includes assumed down payment of $2,000, monthly payment of $375.64. Figure assessed through MSN Auto Affordability Calculator.
