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.
Nissan's full-size underdog runs a bulletproof 5.6L V8 that'll hit 200k miles while costing $10-15k less than an F-150. The hydraulic steering and column shifter feel refreshingly analog, the warranty is class-leading, and owners who ignore the badge report trouble-free ownership. The 2016-2018 models had a cylinder 7 scoring issue, warranty-covered and fixed by 2019, but the bigger problem is fuel economy that makes other half-tons look thrifty and an interior that feels a decade behind. The rare 5.0L Cummins diesel is a disaster; stick with gas. Buy this if you want a simple, capable workhorse and don't need to flex at the job site. Skip it if resale value or cutting-edge tech matters, or if you're shopping 2016-2018 without extended warranty coverage.