I am not brand loyal necessarily, but I have had 3 Fords. The first one, a 2003 5.4L XLT was an awesome truck. It never saw a shop except when I had a 4.30 rear-end and new shocks put on. I drove it for almost 100K before I moved up to a diesel. A friend down the street drove it another couple of years before he was hit and the truck totalled.
My second one was a 2008 Lariat with the 6.4L. It was an great truck, but it was in the shop for a few issues. After the last one that was not covered by the extended warranty, I got the jitters and traded it for a 2011 6.7L XLT. That was 7 years ago and I'm still driving it. It went to the shop for a DEF sensor issue, covered under warranty, and a turbo oil cooler leak, also fixed under warranty. Other that that, it has been a really great truck.
I did look at Dodge and Chevy. I just couldn't get into the Dodge for some reason. I really don't know what it was, but I just felt uncomfortable with it when I drove it. I really can't put a finger on what it was, but I passed on it. My Dad is a die-hard Chevy fan, even though he always kept talking about how nice my Fords were. But he wouldn't be caught dead in anything but a Chevy. I drove his a few times (both his 2007 and his 2011), and both me and my wife were not impressed with the trucks. They were "tight" feeling, like not as much room as the Ford. The back seats especially were really crowded with three adults. My Ford was much roomier and more comfortable that my Dad's truck.
I will put in one negative for the Fords. They tend to have a soft rear suspension. I put air bags on both my 2008 and 2011. It helps tremendously with a 5th wheel. They help to control the bucking and chucking to a degree, and level the rear end. If you can live with that (I would recommend the air bags and a wireless remote compressor..awesome to change the bag pressure on the fly), I would give the Fords a serious look.
All that said, with the newer trucks I couldn't really say. I know I have been impressed enough with my Fords to put them at the top of my list when I go looking again. But I will not rule out either of the other trucks. My advice is to drive them all and find the one that you feel most comfortable with. Both ride and drive quality, and with brand quality.
Good luck, and keep us informed on what you decide!
