I’ve Owned 30 Chevrolet and GMC Trucks in the Last 40 Years, But If They Want Us to Keep Buying American, They Need to Bring Back Real Quality

There’s a difference between loving a brand and trusting it, and some lifelong GM truck owners are starting to realize that one doesn’t always guarantee the other.

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I’ve Owned 30 Chevrolet and GMC Trucks in the Last 40 Years, But If They Want Us to Keep Buying American, They Need to Bring Back Real Quality

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It's powerful hearing from people who’ve lived through the full arc of a brand. From the highs, the frustrations, and the slow realization that things aren’t quite what they used to be. You don’t need a press release or a teardown video when a seasoned truck owner spells it out in plain words, and that’s what I discovered this morning when reading through the comments of my recent article. This reply came from a reader named Bobby Owenby, and it stopped me mid-scroll. It wasn't because it didn’t just echo a concern, but it captured a sentiment that a lot of longtime GM truck owners are starting to feel.

Here’s what Bobby wrote: "I have owned approximately 30 Chevrolet/GMC pickups over the last 40 years and currently own 3: A 2006, 2017, and a 2019. I am constantly worried about the 6-speed automatic transmission in the 2 newer trucks. The ‘06 I have had since it was new and will probably keep it forever, but the other 2, I think about getting rid of all the time because of all the problems people are having. I know it's not just GM, but when are the auto manufacturers going to start building vehicles for the hard working people of America again and tell the government to take a hike! They want us to buy American, well then build something that is worth buying and not JUNK!”

What stood out to me was the feeling of unease and betrayal from someone who has clearly stood by the brand longer than most. Bobby’s 2006 still feels trustworthy to him, yet the 2017 and 2019 models, both equipped with GM’s 6-speed automatic transmission, have left him constantly on edge. And the more you dig into owner feedback across forums and Facebook groups, the more you realize he’s far from alone.

From hard shifts and torque converter failures to full-on transmission replacements under 100K miles, it’s clear that even die-hard loyalists like Bobby are losing confidence. One reader shared in a separate article that their Chevy Silverado 1500 blew through three transmissions in just 100,000 miles, eventually making them question the very brand they had trusted for decades too.

So what’s going on here? Why are so many longtime Chevy and GMC truck owners feeling like the quality isn’t what it used to be?

2025 GMC Sierra

The Hidden Cost of Complexity

A large part of this shift in perception can be traced back to the modern pressures automakers face: stricter emissions standards, rising fuel economy demands, cost-cutting to hit quarterly goals, and the never-ending push to pack more technology into the same frame. Somewhere along the way, simplicity seems like it got sacrificed, and owners like Bobby clearly notice it.

Where older trucks like his 2006 model are often praised for their mechanical honesty and dependability, newer models are more likely to be scrutinized for software bugs, transmission logic issues, and unpredictable reliability. That growing gap is what’s fueling this wave of distrust.

Another particularly sharp example of the reliability gap came from a Silverado owner who returned their 2024 Chevy 2500 HD after just one week of ownership due to several unresolved problems. That kind of experience used to be unthinkable for a truck platform that was once synonymous with rugged reliability.

Loyalty Isn’t What It Used to Be

Bobby’s comment raises a hard truth: American truck buyers are some of the most loyal consumers in the industry, but that loyalty is earned and not just automatically given. People buy American not just for the badge, but because they want to believe they’re investing in something that reflects their values: durability, resilience, and pride in what’s built at home.

When that trust starts eroding, it’s not just a product issue, but also an identity one. And when those same buyers are being asked to keep paying premium prices while quality appears to slide, you start seeing more people speak up, just like Bobby did.

Even at the engine level, there’s reason for concern. Recent reports suggest that GM might even be replacing every L87 6.2L engine found in certain Silverado and Sierra trucks, sparking worry about long-term dependability in vehicles that were marketed as high-performance workhorses. If engine and transmission durability can no longer be taken for granted, there’s very little left to anchor the buyer’s faith.

A Culture Starting to Crack

I think what Bobby said rings especially true for a lot of older buyers who remember when trucks were simpler, tougher, and more honest. But even as someone from a younger generation, I can still understand the frustration clearly. We’ve grown up hearing that American trucks are built to last that it’s practically part of the culture. So when we see newer models struggle with basic longevity, it doesn’t just affect buyers like Bobby, but it also undermines the promise that these trucks were supposed to carry forward.

And let’s not forget, this isn’t just a GM issue. Ram, Ford, Toyota — they’ve all had their share of problems. But GM seems to be getting hit hardest in the court of public opinion lately, and that’s partially because so many of their most loyal customers feel like they’ve been left behind.

It’s no longer just about brand pride. It’s about whether a truck will actually go the distance without turning into a recurring expense. And for those of us who love trucks, that reality is more disappointing than any marketing campaign can fix.

Takeaways for Buyers and Automakers

Decades of loyalty shouldn’t be met with doubt. If someone like Bobby, who’s bought 30 GM trucks, starts to feel uneasy about his newer vehicles, it’s a clear sign the brand has strayed from its foundation.
Transparency and consistency matter. Automakers need to address the known transmission and engine concerns head-on, not just through service bulletins, but through meaningful updates and communication.
Old-school simplicity still holds value. There’s a reason so many owners are clinging to their 2000s-era trucks. They work. They last. And they’re not overloaded with systems that fail before 100K miles.
Buy American shouldn’t mean compromise. American truck buyers want to support homegrown brands, but they need a product that earns that trust, and not one that takes it for granted.

What Do You Think?

Have you owned an older truck from the 2000s or earlier and noticed a difference in reliability compared to recent models?

And are you someone who still believes in buying American, but now finding yourself second-guessing that decision after these kinds of stories?

Let us know of your honest opinions in the comments below. We want to hear what the public perception really is regarding these trucks.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: Chevrolet and GMC Galleries, respectively.

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