Differences in Manufacturers

This is actually something I'm interested in as well. What does everyone consider each manufacturers strengths and weaknesses are? Also, why do the people that love Peterbilts love the Petes so much? The interior, especially on the 379s is so much more cramped. The joke about the diff between Petes and porcupines is so funny because it's true. I like the new Kenworth T680s myself

 

Pete's and KW's more solid trucks. Most of the other brands use cheaper materials in the cab. All the trucks have come a long ways ways and just mainly comes down to preference, comfort, and application the truck will be used for. We use Pete's and KW's in the oil fields because they just stand up better. They're not a rattle trap after a month of work.

 

All of the new model trucks in the last two or three years have been game changers in the industry. The ride comfort and fuel economy has been far better because of truck design. Paccar (Pete, KW) are still superior trucks. The quality materials, good ride, and good looks are best out there. Freightliners are called freightshakers for a reason, with the exception of the new cascadia model. The century and columbia models were built mostly as cheap fleet trucks, basically a truck that fleets run 400,000 and discard.They ride rough and the cheap construction and materials devrlop squeaks and rattles. Also not insulated well. The same goes for the International 9200,9400's except they rode like a brick with wheels. Western Star used to be great until they were bought by Freightliner. Volvo has always had a rep as a good riding truck, volvo engines are terrible and have been plagued by problems since the D12 came out. Mack is a great work horse, excellent power from the 460 engines. But you have to stay on the maintenence with them or they fall apart quick.

 

Freightliner was once a great truck until it was bought by Daimler . Production has been moved to Mexico . Daimler also owned Sterling and stopped production of that brand not long after telling dealerships selling other brands they would have to have stand alone Sterling dealerships . Western Star was also bought by Daimler and is no longer the quality truck it was .
Navistar also continues to close American plants and move production to Mexico . International trucks aren't what they used to be either . Navistar can't even build engines to comply with EPA and has to have Cummins build their engines . That new CAT truck ? It's a Cummins powered rebadged Navistar .

 

Peterbilt and kenworth are the BMWs, freightliners are the AMC pacers, International is an old datsun pickup, and volvos are the Prius of the truck world..

 

Pete/KW = Chevy/Ford
Volvo = Volkswagen, but with lots of body roll when turning
Freightliner = Yugo
International = Kia - used to be POS, but getting better

 

International is better since it is Cummins powered but still an import after Navistar closed American plants .
Detriot Diesel was once owned by GM , now owned by German Daimler .