GM's midsize contender pairs a punchy turbo four-cylinder with an 8-speed that can't decide what gear it wants and software that freezes mid-commute. The 2024 redesign earned a sales stop within months, infotainment screens go dark, remote start is a gamble, and one ZR2 owner burned through three torque converters before 15,000 miles. The previous generation splits owners into camps: some sailed past 180k with zero drama, others became dealer regulars. The ZR2 off-road package impresses when the truck cooperates, but you're betting GM patches the bugs before your warranty expires. If you need a midsize that starts reliably and doesn't strand you hunting for cell service on a trail, the Frontier costs less and the Tacoma holds value better. Buy this if you like the look enough to gamble on future software updates, and spring for the extended warranty.
Strong towing numbers and a diesel that actually delivers 28-29 mpg highway, but you're gambling on two expensive failures: the 8-speed automatic shudders and slips toward a $6,000 rebuild, and the AFM lifter system collapses into a ticking mess that demands cam replacement. Transmissions have failed at 83k miles, lifters strike seemingly at random, some trucks cruise past 200k, others need major work before 100k. The GMT800 generation (1999-2006) earned its reputation as bulletproof; the current truck tows competently but trails Ram and Ford in cabin refinement, with materials that don't match the sticker. Budget for an AFM delete if buying new, or find a clean GMT800 and avoid the lottery entirely. Skip this if you want modern interior quality or can't stomach four-figure repair risk.