Judgin by post #162 most of them folks be buyin US of A over them forein ones now. The top 7 be good ol US of A, guessin this be makin ya wantin too gag. The fact is the fact, them US of A ones be whippin them forien ones now. God bless that UAW! Good luck on this one now!
The ones from the USA are going to be cheaper. Also, the work crews in cities and companies around the US are bought American trucks for work (in fleets) because they are CHEAPER!!! If the Tundra went for the price of the Americans, it would outsell the Americans. But, quality costs money. It's like buying off-brand clothes. You might as well spend a little more money on the brand name, because it will last a HELL OF A LOT longer than the cheap, trashy knock-off.
Homer, I'm not sure what type of "top 10" list you have there, but it's probably from the National Enquirer or some other type of quality publication you read. If there's any truth to that list at all, it's probably a "sales figure" list for the amount of units sold for each truck. There's no doubt that Toyota sells way less trucks than the big three, so they're not going to be near the top on a sales figure list. A sales amount/figure list has nothing to do with how good the vehicle is, duh!!! Do you think the Lexus (Toyota) LS400 ever made it to the top of a sales figure list for the most units sold? NEVER! But, that doesn't mean it's not good. It's been rated as the best luxury sedan the world over for a decade now, it's been consistently beating the Jags, BMW's, and Mercedes at their own games. But, it'll never be at the top of the sedan sales figure list, because it's so expensive, not many people can afford it. But, it's still best in class. There's two main reasons Toyota isn't at the top of the truck sales list: 1.They're a bit more expensive than others in their class and there's a lot of cheapskates out there who won't pay more for the extra quality Toyota gives. For some, the bottom line is all that counts; the cheaper the better. 2.Many of your typical truck buyers only think about the big three when it comes to trucks, because they won't take the time to educate themselves on what else is out there. That's their shortfall.
Homer, I don't know about the Tundra sharing T100 parts. If that's true, what's wrong with that? Is that supposed to be something bad? If a part's perfectly good, then why not use it in other vehicles? For the most part, the Tundra is new from the ground up. Most of the Japanese companies share parts between vehicles if they can, as that only makes sense. If it won't effect performance negatively, then why not share some parts? Only the big three have traditionally made unique parts for every vehicle in their line, and it costs them tons more money. The Japanese parts-sharing philosophy works. It put them to the top of the automotive world. We need to learn from them and do more of that with our own vehicles. Besides, the T100 tranny and transfer case must have been pretty darn good if they can handle the Tundra's V-8 power. That tells you they make some pretty solid parts. Only a true hillbob would try to cut down a vehicle with reasoning like, "they be reusing dem T100 parts in dat dare Tundra. Dat Toyota musta run outta new parts, so they be using parts from their old truck. Dat's a good 'nuff reason to skip out on dat dare p'up!. Yea, and day be usin' molding strips from the peewee Tacoma on the Tundra (like that would effect performance or something)"!!!!! Homer, you may be able to sell that reasoning to them back-road boys, but not to people with minds.
Trucksrme, Vocus made a good point. One of the reason the sales figures for American trucks is so high, is because companies that have fleets of vehicles buy the big three trucks. They're cheaper, and they're not worried about quality in a fleet vehicle anyways, since they get beat up. Cities or organizations usually go for the lowest bid. You have to pay for quality! That's a rule that's been written hundreds of years ago. You've never heard, "you pay for what you get"?
Besides, 'dem dare Dodge trucks are being made out of the Mexican Dodge plant (that's not American), and the Silverados and Sierras have been coming out of GM's newer Canadian plant (that's not American either). The Tacomas and Tundras are made by Americans in Toyota's Fremont, California plant.
Like Vocus said, "I'd rather push a Toyota than be seen drivin' a Ford, Chevy, or Dodge!". Good luck on that now! (It's getting really stupid hearing that).
The Tundra does as well as the F-250s in a lot of areas. I ask RVers if their pickup will tow their trailer or fifth wheel in overdrive. The answer as always "no". Doesn't make any difference if they are driving a Ford or a Chevy. The Tundra is no different. We all lock out overdrive and drive in 3rd gear unless we get a downgrade that isn't curvy. Naturally, the Tundra will not tow as much weight as a F250 or a 2500, but if you hook up a 6 - 7 thousand pound trailer behind a Tundra and an F250 and a 2500, the Tundra will do as well as the other guys.
I bought the Tundra because we only want one vehicle. And we did not want to drive a 3/4 ton truck when we are not towing the trailer. We did that with a 3/4 ton Chevy a few years ago and it was the most uncomfortable ride I've ever had. And we only use the trailer about a week a month. So it made sense to us to buy a half ton.
Hi, all. Just want to dispel some of the recent rumors regarding the Tundra:
"Ya cant even get a factory hitch on them limited ones" -- not true. Mine isn't one of "them limited ones", it's the SR5 4WD and it came with a factory hitch installed. Just to check up on "them limited ones", I just went to greenlight.com and guess what? You'll never believe this in a million years, but you can actually order one of "them limited ones" with a hitch. Ol' trucksrme *almost* had me brainwashed into believing that nonsense. Good luck on this one now.
I also have a comment about the cost. Bear in mind that the members on this list represent numerous states across the USA and probably other countries as well. Having said that, in MY area, the Tundras were no more expensive than the others. In my previous post I mentioned that I compared all 4 of the 1/2 ton trucks similarly equipped (extra cab, 4WD models with the same options: off-road package, towing, etc.) For me, it came down to a final decision between the F150 and the Tundra. The sticker prices were identical (roughly $29,500), but the Ford dealers also had a dealer markup of about 2K. Sure, you can haggle with both Toyota and Ford dealers (it's not Saturn, you know), but they will probably come down a comparable number of dollars (as I recall the invoice cost for both vehicles was also about the same). I was happy to get my fully-loaded Tundra for 27,200 and I doubt that Ford could have beat that.
I still like the other trucks too. My friends and family members have all different brands and options, but I would never change my decision to go with the Tundra. It's perfect for me. My next-door neighbor has an F150 and I helped him install his bedliner yesterday afternoon. He always admires my Tundra and says that if he were to buy another truck, it would be the Tundra. I like the fact that most folks with trucks can get along and admire the strengths and advantages of the other, competing models out there.
I have more, but I'll save it for a subsequent post. In closing, I'll just say that I'm proud that my Tundra was built here in the USA - a few miles south of Princeton, Indiana in the heart of Gibson county.
I bought my SR5 2X4 access cab because of Toyota's reputation for reliability. I only have 3,500 miles on it so far so I can't judge reliability yet, however this is by far the best riding truck I've ever been in. The V-8 handles towing my bass boat great. I rank my truck as ***** in all categories except gas mileage.
Tundra's gas mileage is a big minus in my book. I test drove both F-150 and Tundra and the F-150 according to the EPA's estimates got 14/18 with the 5.4 (260 HP) vs the Tundra's 4.7 (245 HP). The problem is the Ford is 1.25x the size of the Tundra. The other thing is that Ford uses older technology getting the horses, too. Tundra's got the Japanese high-tech engine, Ford's got the ol' 5.4 beast of an engine AND it's way bigger, and it get's, if anything, better MPG.
WHY IS THIS????
I would be an F-150 in a hearbeat, though, if it had Tundra's engine in it despite the gas mileage. It is a world of difference.
My problem is I like the F-150 looks and almost everything about it, but the Tundra is much more refined. I don't know which one to pick.
I also had a tough time making that final decision between the F150 and the Tundra. I'm extremely pleased with my Tundra and if I had to do it all over again I would still go for the Tundra. To be honest, the gas mileage and the puny horn are the only things I dislike about my truck.
However, based on the statistics I saw, all of the 1/2 ton trucks were within a couple MPG of each other so it wasn't as if any of the 1/2 tons got *great* mileage anyway. Knowing that I was going to get a 1/2 ton, I just knew that the mileage would be hard to get used to regardless of the truck I chose. I thought that the power, comfort of the ride, etc. was much more important.
Fortunately I'm not much of a horn-honker, but if it continues to bother me, I will just replace it with a horn that sounds more appropriate for a truck.
Got this off of Edmunds: DH Towing Receiver Hitch (All Except Limited)
Even cliffy who be sellin em be statin you cant get no factory hitch on them limited ones. Claimin it be the EPA or somethin, but the truth be gettin out on it. This be fact on that. Best argue with Edmunds or cliffy on this one. So much for that haul in them limited ones now. Good news be that them yuppies dont do the haul with em, they just be chasin the fad now. Good luck on this one now!
Get ya that Ford, ya wont be regrettin it come time too work it. Get ya a real "full size" truck now. The truth be gettin out on them limited ones now, they be goin the way of them t100 ones, got no resale in em. They be ranked #10 in sales behind them littler ones and all. Good luck on this one now!
Well, fellas, you don't buy a truck in hope of good mileage! The folks at the Sierra Club hate all of us truck-drivin' people! I think we'll see trucks get better mileage in the future, but it's hard to get a truck that gets decent mileage, especially if you're loading it down. My wife and I each commute about 70 miles total every day, and we have 4-cyl. cars for that purpose. Our truck's for the weekends, and we don't worry about gas mileage. The only way to have a full size truck with some real guts and get good mileage (for a truck) is to get a diesel motor. But, they're not for everyone. One of my good friends has a '97 F250 4x4 ext. cab Powerstroke that gets some surprisingly good mileage. He claims he can cruise at 70mph on the Interstate pulling his enclosed snowmobile trailer with 6 sleds in it, and still get 20mpg. Now if Toyota could only offer a Tundra 3/4 ton with a diesel option!!!! That would be great.
Rushfan2112, I agree about it being nice to discuss trucks with the fellas, it's something I enjoy. But, I don't agree that all truck owners admire each other's vehicles. Look at Trucksrme, he can't find a decent thing to say about Toyota, even though Toyota is deserving of massive credit for their vehicles! I know a lot of "small town boys" from my hometown that are just like Trucksrme. Well, it takes all kinds, I guess.
I like big three trucks, too. But, I'm mainly a Ford fan. I'm planning on getting an F-350 4x4 crew cab short bed with Powerstroke in a year or so. I wish I could do it sooner, but I can't see it before then. I have need for a heavy truck, and that'll suit me quite well! If I were buying a new 1/2 ton right now, it'd be a Tundra, even though I do like the F-150 alot. The Tundra's a lot more refined.
Trucksrme, It's great you adhere to what you like, but you really need to do yourself a favor and drive a Tundra. We're not expecting you to give up that good 'ol Chevy (?) of yours, but you should be a little more open-minded. I have fun slingin' mud at 'ya, because you're really full of it. No offense buddy, just havin' fun. Are you sure you're not from Texas? I had a roommate in the USAF that was from Houston, and he had as much hot air as yourself, maybe more. Well, the big three's lucky they have such a dedicated fan as yourself!
Be from SC now. Workin the farm for sure. Aint got enough room in them ones for me now, so got no need to be putin one to the test. Good luck on this one now!
Just wondering how true these statements are about Tundras being the vehicle-of-choice for Yuppies. I don't know what life is like in South Carolina, but here in Southern California, the yuppies really go for the SUVs. You would be hard-pressed to find a yuppie in a Tundra (or any pickup for that matter). And believe me, we have our fair share of yuppies here.
One more thing, be careful about those statistics y'all be readin' 'bout on that there edmunds.com. Sure, them there towin' figures be lookin' mighty impressive on that there Chev-ro-lay, but them-thar Tundra performance specs be showin' the 6-cyl numbers only. At least they be showin' *some* of the right infermation on them there Tunrdas:
rattles33, you must own a chevy with that handle. My previous truck was a chevy and I know where you are coming from. I finally got wise and got a Toy.
Take that word "tundra", now guessin what it really spells? Give up? "Da Runt"! See, that factory got a sense of humor now. Them yuppies be lovein "Da Runt" for sure. Guessin the joke be on them yuppies for spendin all that cash on them limited ones now and thinkin they got a "full size" one. Good luck on this one now!
Cute with "Da Runt". Now you can simply repeat yourself and babble for the next 50-100 posts like usual.You figured out a new one that once again has absolutely no impact on the visitor to this board.
After reading the latest J D Power results for number of problems per 100 vehicles and the Tundra came out NUMBER ONE (surprised? not really), I am once again assured that this is one smooth, well engineered and quality controlled vehicle. Just talk to the happy owners, not spiteful owners of other rigs.
Oh yeah, I forgot something. I have no personal bias against other manufacturers (why waste my energy, I've got better things to do), but if I recall overall as a brand Chevy finished in the thirties, while overall Toyota was at the top of the heap.
No bashing here, I think that the entry of a new competitor into this market will benefit all consumers because the increased level of competition raises the bar for all the manufacturers to constantly improve their product. In the long run, it's the consumer who benefits because of increased pressure and competition for their spending dollars. So no matter what your choice, we all get to drive better trucks.
If Toyota or other manufacturers didn't exist, the big three would get lazier and lazier to the point that we'd all be forced to drive their sub-standard vehicles. Freedom of choice, God bless America! As consumers, we DO benefit from Toyota's presence and from the presence of other manufacturers putting the heat of competition on our home-brands. We all come out winners that way. In the end, whatever you choose is your business, and whatever I choose is mine. If you buy a Silverado or a Tundra, it doesn't matter to me.
Just took a trip with the Tundra 300+ miles with a good mix of highway and city driving. Topped off and got 20.7 MPG. Just keeps getting better,and now have nearly 3000 miles. It appears that many of the posts here have very little to do with "trucks" and everything to do with "labor unions"... Based on comments (redundant)by a couple of folks, I can only wonder how deep the shallowness goes..
I think trucksrme is in a computer class and just learned how to "cut and paste". He was required to practice this as much as possible. He's just doing his homework!
This be a good one now. Folks just cant be believein them eyes, so them numbers need too do the speakin now. Them tundras aint "full size" now. Heard them S10 ones that be comin, goin be bigger than them limited ones. Cant wait too hear them yuppies explainin that one away. Good luck on this one now!
But I am a person who would go OUT OF HIS WAY NOT to get an American vehicle. My last car, a Chevy Cavalier, broke down all the time and made me want to not have an American car for a long time (if ever). Tundras are quieter and more refined than any truck on the market.
Trucksrme, you need to do some serious growing up. You may be proud of your Chev-ro-lay now, but when it blows up in 5 years and the Tundras are still running, then let's see how proud you are.
And as far as yuppies buying them for fashion statements, I will proudly say that I am one of those who would buy a Tundra for its looks and all that, not for hauling (maybe occasionally). But I think it's an individual decision on what car you pick, unless the person running their trap is paying your car payment for you.
Also, a LOT of people buy trucks for personal use, like towing a small watercraft or something. Not everyone works construction and stuff like that. And IMO, the Tundra is more than fine for that. It also tells my peers that I was smart enough to get a vehicle that will last nearly forever.
A misled buddy of mine just bought a Tundra the other week. Pretty vehicle (I hesitate to even call it a truck). In fact, it's so pretty, he called me to see if he could use my truck to tote a load of rock chips from Lowe's for him, because he didn't want to run the risk of mussin' up his new girlfriend. Well, never one to turn my back on someone in need of a hand, I helped him out. 'Corse I did have to cuff him up side the head for what amounts to a two and one half passenger $32k el camino (no disrespect to el camino fans).
Factory got another one, hook, line, and sinker now. Ya be belevein all that factory talk? When them head-gaskets start popin, ya be walkin, while them big3 ones just keep on workin. Yuppies, they sure be hard too learn. Good luck on this one now!
Them ones at that toy factory aint UAW cuz that factory wont let em be! And ya be sayin we should support that factory? No sir, aint supportin no forien company that be exploitin American workers. Get that smoke outa ya eyes now. The truth be the truth, no yuppie logic goin twist that truth right. Good luck on this one now!
1.What I was saying was that not only does Toyota employee a lot less people here they don't have Unions, so they can pay them less. SO building a factory here is obviously a media move. SO if you buy an American car your are supporting a lot more people in this country than if you bought a toyota.
2.What's good for the working people of this country is definantly what is good for the country.
3.as far as saying go screw yourself, my temper tends to flare when people act like they care about this country but go do something that doesn't help this country at all. Now don't compare me to trucksrme because I have reasons for what I say.,
Now I don't think it is fair of you either to say your last sentence. Making fun of the thousands of farmers in this country is just stereotypical yuppie tundra driving anti-american citizens.
The reason Toyota builds the trucks (Tundra and Tacoma) in the USA is due to the 25% import tax imposed on trucks made outside of the states.
You said in an earlier post "Them ones at that toy factory aint UAW cuz that factory wont let em be!" Why do you say this? What is preventing them from organizing if they wanted to?
I never said support the factory. I said support the Americans who work there. Why do you think they are exploiting American workers? Can you show me any facts, and maybe the source where you got them from?
Here is some numbers that may interest you: I got these numbers from www.carpoint.com:
My "mini-size" pickup will actually haul more than the Silverado: The Tundra Access cab V8 4WD hauls 1680 lbs. and the Silverado extended cab V8 4WD short bed is only rated for 1603 lbs. Seems like so-called "full-size" will not haul as much. What does this make the Silverado - "micro-size"?
Those Silverados should be good for hauling a couple bags of groceries or in trucksrus' case a couple of cartons of cigarettes. It is too bad Chevy decided to make such a wimpy truck. Not much competition for Toyota. Better luck next time!
They be makin bout half the wage of them UAW ones. This be the fact. Now ya suppose they be makin half that wage cuz they be likein it better? Figure this one out for ya self now. Good luck on this one now!
Them Silverados 1/2 ones be rated at 1965 lbs now. Got this one at www.chevrolet.com which be the factual place to get them facts. Folks that work them trucks aint given no heed too them limited ones now, as they aint got no haul in em. Just use your eyes on this one, they be 1/3 the size of them big3 full size ones for sure. Get that factory smoke outa your eyes now, do that compare. Give them eyeball, see for yourself on this one now. Even the yuppie should be able too figure this one out now.
Why do ya think that factory name in "Da Runt" now? Good luck on this one now!
"What's good for the working people of this country is definantly what is good for the country". That may be true if it includes all the working people of this country not only auto workers. What is good for auto workers is not necessarily good for the country as a whole. Let me explain why.
1. First of all, let's say we all start buying American cars(I mean cars made by Union Auto Workers) and no imports. That's a huge increase in demand for American cars. Is it good for Union Auto Workers? Definitely. However, what happens to price when demand increases? That's right. It increases too. Big time. As a result, we have to spend much more on cars than before. Because of that, we won't be able to afford many other things, for example, home remodeling or a new refrigerator. That means less work for the construction company who would do your home improvement, the company who produces material for home improvement or the company who would have produced your new refrigerator. Less work means less need for workers, and those companies will start laying off employees. Americans losing their jobs! Are they less important than auto workers? I don't think so. Now. A few auto workers are better off. Result: Lost jobs elsewhere, lower living standards for those who pay the higher prices for cars.
2. Every country should produce more of what they are the best at. For example, let's say we are better at producing computers than producing cars and the Japanese are better at producing cars than computers. It doesn't mean the Japanese are better at making cars than us or we are better at making computers than the Japanese. It only means each country is better at producing one product than another. It's called "Comparative Advantage". Then each country should produce more of what they are better at and then we can trade. Each country can buy the other country's easier produced product for less than if they had to produce it and both benefits. This may be bad for a few auto workers, but it's nothing compared to how much the country benefits as a whole. This is getting too long. I'll continue next time
PS. I didn't mean to make fun of American farmers. Only one of them.
The plant that builds the Tacoma, and also the Corolla are union. The Tundra plant and the plant in Canada that builds the Camry I believe are not. Toyota has many American suppliers, supplying anything from driveshafts to raw materials also employing many Americans, many of which are union workers. On the other side of the coin, GM was, and I believe still is Mexico's largest employer. How many of these work for the UAW? I am a union member for over 22 years and have seen many jobs leave this country, exploiting people in poor countries while American CEO's stuff their pockets with more money than they could ever spend in a lifetime. Many American companies adapted the team approach to manufacturing that the Japanese companies were so successful with. We became more productive, cut costs, they still lay us off and move our jobs to Mexico. Japanese CEO's make just a fraction of what ours make. They have been reinvesting their money in our country, employing Americans in new state of the art factories. Unions have forced companies, that wouldn't have done it otherwise, to create a safe work environment and give workers a fair days pay for a fair days work. Shouldn't we respect companies that do this on their own, without a union? Good luck on this one now!
The yuppie justify them actions by doin what be called strechin and twistin the truth. They use this yuppie "logic" too feel better bout stickin it too the workin man, when they be buyin some forien product cuz its "trendy". But they be gettin stuck when them forien ones be popin that head-gasket or rustin up down the road. Cause they done traded that forien one by then, cuz it lost that shine. They be off chasin the next fad, slappin there backs on how "smart" they be and such. Good luck on this one now!
Ya said: Unions have forced companies, that wouldn't have done it otherwise, to create a safe work environment and give workers a fair days pay for a fair days work. Shouldn't we respect companies that do this on their own, without a union?
Them ones workin that tundra plant be makin bout half what them UAW folks be gettin paided. When ya spoke on respectin companies that do this on there own, ya werent meanin that toy factory was ya? If so, ya got smoke in ya eyes. Good luck on this one now!
It seems like you are calling all Tundra buyers "yuppies". I mean, just because a requirement to drive a Chevy truck is that you drink at least a fifth of Burban a week, smoke a pack of Marlboros a day, and have 3 tattoos on each arm, how can you categorize someone just by their choice in a vehicle??? Good luck on this one now.
Come on now, let's try to get some facts here. Otherwise, ol' trucksrme will just keep repeating all of his usual responses including that stuff about Toyota workers making 1/2 of UAW workers. I find this EXTREMELY hard to believe and I highly doubt that any legitimate research was done to support that statement. So let's hear it, Toyota employees. What is the truth about pay/benefits?
I never expected you to understand anything about economics. You can call my last post strechin and twistin the truth, it doesn't matter. You don't matter. At least yuppies are educated people and they understand what I'm talking about. Fortunately, none of my economics professors were tobacco farmers. You sill owe me a proof for Toyota factory workers making half as much as the UAW.
Don't expect any proof from the Chevy guys on the wages at the Indiana Toyota plant. Some time ago Barlitz was claiming that those workers were making 1/3 less than Union workers. When I asked him to show the proof, he clammed up.
The chemical plant where I work (a Fortune 50 company) matches the union wages in the area just to keep the unions out. (What a deal, the hourly guys get the wages but don't have to pay the union dues). I wouldn't be surprised if Toyota in Indiana did the same.
Since the topic of this thread is Tundra OWNERS, Rate Your Truck, here's mine: ***** (the best). 5200 miles and no problems.
Hey, you Tundra owners can't have BOTH 1/2 ton towing AND 1/2 ton hauling capacity!! You don't get both!! You either get the V6 with 1,680 lb. payload and 5,000 lb. towing, OR you get the V8 with 1,532 lb. payload and 7,100 lb. towing.
By comparison, the Dakota V8 4x4 ext. cab has an 1,800 lb. payload and 6,200 lb. towing capacity.
Hey, you Tundra owners can't have BOTH 1/2 ton towing AND 1/2 ton hauling capacity!! You don't get both!! You either get the V6 with 1,680 lb. payload and 5,000 lb. towing, OR you get the V8 with 1,532 lb. payload and 7,100 lb. towing.
By comparison, the Dakota V8 4x4 ext. cab has an 1,800 lb. payload and 6,200 lb. towing capacity. And the Dakota with a V6 has 1,800 lb. PAYLOAD and 5,000 lb. TOWING!!
In fact, the largest Tundra capacity is 2,010 lb. payload and 7,200 lb. towing. And the largest Dakota capacity is 2,100 lb. payload and 6,700 lb. towing. Not much difference here!!
Wow! That Dodge of yours will out haul a Shakerado also! Man, those Shakerados are wimpy. Must be made for housewives to haul groceries with. If you want a working truck, you need a Toyota.
You were right about the V8 only having 1532 lbs. haul. The funny thing is, this still beats that wimpy Shakerado! The Shakerado with a 5.3L and airconditioning weighs 4920 lbs. If you take the 6400 lb GVWR and subtract 4920 you get 1480lbs. Wimpy! Maybe Chevy will build a real "full size" truck someday. Just no competition for the Toyota.
If them numbers still not convincin folks, use your eyes on this one. Park up, side too side, then eyeball over, this will tell ya the truth on em quick. Good luck on this one now!
Comments
1.They're a bit more expensive than others in their class and there's a lot of cheapskates out there who won't pay more for the extra quality Toyota gives. For some, the bottom line is all that counts; the cheaper the better.
2.Many of your typical truck buyers only think about the big three when it comes to trucks, because they won't take the time to educate themselves on what else is out there. That's their shortfall.
Homer, I don't know about the Tundra sharing T100 parts. If that's true, what's wrong with that? Is that supposed to be something bad? If a part's perfectly good, then why not use it in other vehicles? For the most part, the Tundra is new from the ground up. Most of the Japanese companies share parts between vehicles if they can, as that only makes sense. If it won't effect performance negatively, then why not share some parts? Only the big three have traditionally made unique parts for every vehicle in their line, and it costs them tons more money. The Japanese parts-sharing philosophy works. It put them to the top of the automotive world. We need to learn from them and do more of that with our own vehicles. Besides, the T100 tranny and transfer case must have been pretty darn good if they can handle the Tundra's V-8 power. That tells you they make some pretty solid parts. Only a true hillbob would try to cut down a vehicle with reasoning like, "they be reusing dem T100 parts in dat dare Tundra. Dat Toyota musta run outta new parts, so they be using parts from their old truck. Dat's a good 'nuff reason to skip out on dat dare p'up!. Yea, and day be usin' molding strips from the peewee Tacoma on the Tundra (like that would effect performance or something)"!!!!! Homer, you may be able to sell that reasoning to them back-road boys, but not to people with minds.
Vocus made a good point. One of the reason the sales figures for American trucks is so high, is because companies that have fleets of vehicles buy the big three trucks. They're cheaper, and they're not worried about quality in a fleet vehicle anyways, since they get beat up. Cities or organizations usually go for the lowest bid. You have to pay for quality! That's a rule that's been written hundreds of years ago. You've never heard, "you pay for what you get"?
Besides, 'dem dare Dodge trucks are being made out of the Mexican Dodge plant (that's not American), and the Silverados and Sierras have been coming out of GM's newer Canadian plant (that's not American either). The Tacomas and Tundras are made by Americans in Toyota's Fremont, California plant.
Like Vocus said, "I'd rather push a Toyota than be seen drivin' a Ford, Chevy, or Dodge!". Good luck on that now! (It's getting really stupid hearing that).
I bought the Tundra because we only want one vehicle. And we did not want to drive a 3/4 ton truck when we are not towing the trailer. We did that with a 3/4 ton Chevy a few years ago and it was the most uncomfortable ride I've ever had. And we only use the trailer about a week a month. So it made sense to us to buy a half ton.
DHS
"Ya cant even get a factory hitch on them limited ones" -- not true. Mine isn't one of "them limited ones", it's the SR5 4WD and it came with a factory hitch installed. Just to check up on "them limited ones", I just went to greenlight.com and guess what? You'll never believe this in a million years, but you can actually order one of "them limited ones" with a hitch. Ol' trucksrme *almost* had me brainwashed into believing that nonsense. Good luck on this one now.
I also have a comment about the cost. Bear in mind that the members on this list represent numerous states across the USA and probably other countries as well. Having said that, in MY area, the Tundras were no more expensive than the others. In my previous post I mentioned that I compared all 4 of the 1/2 ton trucks similarly equipped (extra cab, 4WD models with the same options: off-road package, towing, etc.) For me, it came down to a final decision between the F150 and the Tundra. The sticker prices were identical (roughly $29,500), but the Ford dealers also had a dealer markup of about 2K. Sure, you can haggle with both Toyota and Ford dealers (it's not Saturn, you know), but they will probably come down a comparable number of dollars (as I recall the invoice cost for both vehicles was also about the same). I was happy to get my fully-loaded Tundra for 27,200 and I doubt that Ford could have beat that.
I still like the other trucks too. My friends and family members have all different brands and options, but I would never change my decision to go with the Tundra. It's perfect for me. My next-door neighbor has an F150 and I helped him install his bedliner yesterday afternoon. He always admires my Tundra and says that if he were to buy another truck, it would be the Tundra. I like the fact that most folks with trucks can get along and admire the strengths and advantages of the other, competing models out there.
I have more, but I'll save it for a subsequent post. In closing, I'll just say that I'm proud that my Tundra was built here in the USA - a few miles south of Princeton, Indiana in the heart of Gibson county.
WHY IS THIS????
I would be an F-150 in a hearbeat, though, if it had Tundra's engine in it despite the gas mileage. It is a world of difference.
My problem is I like the F-150 looks and almost everything about it, but the Tundra is much more refined. I don't know which one to pick.
However, based on the statistics I saw, all of the 1/2 ton trucks were within a couple MPG of each other so it wasn't as if any of the 1/2 tons got *great* mileage anyway. Knowing that I was going to get a 1/2 ton, I just knew that the mileage would be hard to get used to regardless of the truck I chose. I thought that the power, comfort of the ride, etc. was much more important.
Fortunately I'm not much of a horn-honker, but if it continues to bother me, I will just replace it with a horn that sounds more appropriate for a truck.
DH Towing Receiver Hitch (All Except Limited)
Even cliffy who be sellin em be statin you cant
get no factory hitch on them limited ones. Claimin
it be the EPA or somethin, but the truth be gettin
out on it. This be fact on that. Best argue with
Edmunds or cliffy on this one. So much for that
haul in them limited ones now. Good news be that
them yuppies dont do the haul with em, they just be chasin the fad now. Good luck on this one now!
Rushfan2112, I agree about it being nice to discuss trucks with the fellas, it's something I enjoy. But, I don't agree that all truck owners admire each other's vehicles. Look at Trucksrme, he can't find a decent thing to say about Toyota, even though Toyota is deserving of massive credit for their vehicles! I know a lot of "small town boys" from my hometown that are just like Trucksrme. Well, it takes all kinds, I guess.
I like big three trucks, too. But, I'm mainly a Ford fan. I'm planning on getting an F-350 4x4 crew cab short bed with Powerstroke in a year or so. I wish I could do it sooner, but I can't see it before then. I have need for a heavy truck, and that'll suit me quite well! If I were buying a new 1/2 ton right now, it'd be a Tundra, even though I do like the F-150 alot. The Tundra's a lot more refined.
It's great you adhere to what you like, but you really need to do yourself a favor and drive a Tundra. We're not expecting you to give up that good 'ol Chevy (?) of yours, but you should be a little more open-minded. I have fun slingin' mud at 'ya, because you're really full of it. No offense buddy, just havin' fun. Are you sure you're not from Texas? I had a roommate in the USAF that was from Houston, and he had as much hot air as yourself, maybe more. Well, the big three's lucky they have such a dedicated fan as yourself!
One more thing, be careful about those statistics y'all be readin' 'bout on that there edmunds.com. Sure, them there towin' figures be lookin' mighty impressive on that there Chev-ro-lay, but them-thar Tundra performance specs be showin' the 6-cyl numbers only. At least they be showin' *some* of the right infermation on them there Tunrdas:
Class: Full-size Pickup
Where Built: USA
Good luck on this one now!
After reading the latest J D Power results for number of problems per 100 vehicles and the Tundra came out NUMBER ONE (surprised? not really), I am once again assured that this is one smooth, well engineered and quality controlled vehicle. Just talk to the happy owners, not spiteful owners of other rigs.
No bashing here, I think that the entry of a new competitor into this market will benefit all consumers because the increased level of competition raises the bar for all the manufacturers to constantly improve their product.
In the long run, it's the consumer who benefits because of increased pressure and competition for their spending dollars. So no matter what your choice, we all get to drive better trucks.
That is what the freedom of choice is all about.
It appears that many of the posts here have very little to do with "trucks" and everything to do with "labor unions"... Based on comments (redundant)by a couple of folks, I can only wonder how deep the shallowness goes..
#1 Ford F series
#2 Chevy Silverado
#3 Dodge ram
#4 Ford Ranger
#5 Chevy S10
#6 GMC Sierra
#7 Dodge Dakota
#8 Tacoma
#9 Frontier
#10 Tundra
How ya figure them JD top ones be rankin so low in the sales now? Hint: it got somethin to do with that haul now. Good luck on this one now!
Trucksrme, you need to do some serious growing up. You may be proud of your Chev-ro-lay now, but when it blows up in 5 years and the Tundras are still running, then let's see how proud you are.
And as far as yuppies buying them for fashion statements, I will proudly say that I am one of those who would buy a Tundra for its looks and all that, not for hauling (maybe occasionally). But I think it's an individual decision on what car you pick, unless the person running their trap is paying your car payment for you.
Also, a LOT of people buy trucks for personal use, like towing a small watercraft or something. Not everyone works construction and stuff like that. And IMO, the Tundra is more than fine for that. It also tells my peers that I was smart enough to get a vehicle that will last nearly forever.
2.What's good for the working people of this country is definantly what is good for the country.
3.as far as saying go screw yourself, my temper tends to flare when people act like they care about this country but go do something that doesn't help this country at all. Now don't compare me to trucksrme because I have reasons for what I say.,
Now I don't think it is fair of you either to say your last sentence. Making fun of the thousands of farmers in this country is just stereotypical yuppie tundra driving anti-american citizens.
You said in an earlier post "Them ones at that toy factory aint UAW cuz that factory wont let em be!" Why do you say this? What is preventing them from organizing if they wanted to?
Why do you think they are exploiting American workers? Can you show me any facts, and maybe the source where you got them from?
My "mini-size" pickup will actually haul more
than the Silverado: The Tundra Access cab V8 4WD
hauls 1680 lbs. and the Silverado extended cab V8
4WD short bed is only rated for 1603 lbs. Seems
like so-called "full-size" will not haul as much. What does this make the Silverado - "micro-size"?
Those Silverados should be good for hauling a couple bags of groceries or in trucksrus' case a couple of cartons of cigarettes. It is too bad Chevy decided to make such a wimpy truck. Not much competition for Toyota. Better luck next time!
Got this one at www.chevrolet.com which be the
factual place to get them facts. Folks that work
them trucks aint given no heed too them limited
ones now, as they aint got no haul in em. Just use your eyes on this one, they be 1/3 the size of
them big3 full size ones for sure. Get that
factory smoke outa your eyes now, do that compare. Give them eyeball, see for yourself on this one now. Even the yuppie should be able too figure this one out now.
Why do ya think that factory name in "Da Runt" now? Good luck on this one now!
country is definantly what is good for the country". That may be true if it includes all the working people of this country not only auto workers. What is good for auto workers is not necessarily good for the country as a whole. Let me explain why.
1. First of all, let's say we all start buying American cars(I mean cars made by Union Auto Workers) and no imports. That's a huge increase in demand for American cars. Is it good for Union Auto Workers? Definitely. However, what happens to price when demand increases? That's right. It increases too. Big time. As a result, we have to spend much more on cars than before. Because of that, we won't be able to afford many other things, for example, home remodeling or a new refrigerator. That means less work for the construction company who would do your home improvement, the company who produces material for home improvement or the company who would have produced your new refrigerator. Less work means less need for workers, and those companies will start laying off employees. Americans losing their jobs! Are they less important than auto workers? I don't think so.
Now. A few auto workers are better off. Result: Lost jobs elsewhere, lower living standards for those who pay the higher prices for cars.
2. Every country should produce more of what they are the best at. For example, let's say we are better at producing computers than producing cars and the Japanese are better at producing cars than computers. It doesn't mean the Japanese are better at making cars than us or we are better at making computers than the Japanese. It only means each country is better at producing one product than another. It's called "Comparative Advantage". Then each country should produce more of what they are better at and then we can trade. Each country can buy the other country's easier produced product for less than if they had to produce it and both benefits.
This may be bad for a few auto workers, but it's nothing compared to how much the country benefits as a whole.
This is getting too long. I'll continue next time
PS. I didn't mean to make fun of American farmers. Only one of them.
Unions have forced companies, that wouldn't have done it otherwise, to create a safe work environment and give workers a fair days pay for a fair days work. Shouldn't we respect companies that do this on their own, without a union?
Them ones workin that tundra plant be makin bout half what them UAW folks be gettin paided. When ya spoke on respectin companies that do this on there own, ya werent meanin that toy factory was ya? If so, ya got smoke in ya eyes. Good luck on this one now!
I don't have time to make a good reply but will later.
You sill owe me a proof for Toyota factory workers making half as much as the UAW.
The chemical plant where I work (a Fortune 50 company) matches the union wages in the area just to keep the unions out. (What a deal, the hourly guys get the wages but don't have to pay the union dues). I wouldn't be surprised if Toyota in Indiana did the same.
Since the topic of this thread is Tundra OWNERS, Rate Your Truck, here's mine: ***** (the best). 5200 miles and no problems.
By comparison, the Dakota V8 4x4 ext. cab has an 1,800 lb. payload and 6,200 lb. towing capacity.
By comparison, the Dakota V8 4x4 ext. cab has an 1,800 lb. payload and 6,200 lb. towing capacity.
And the Dakota with a V6 has 1,800 lb. PAYLOAD
and 5,000 lb. TOWING!!
In fact, the largest Tundra capacity is 2,010 lb. payload and 7,200 lb. towing. And the largest Dakota capacity is 2,100 lb. payload and 6,700 lb. towing. Not much difference here!!
You were right about the V8 only having 1532 lbs. haul. The funny thing is, this still beats that wimpy Shakerado! The Shakerado with a 5.3L and airconditioning weighs 4920 lbs. If you take the 6400 lb GVWR and subtract 4920 you get 1480lbs. Wimpy! Maybe Chevy will build a real "full size" truck someday. Just no competition for the Toyota.
Better head for the border. Taco Bell has your order!