Toyota Tundra Owner Experiences

ryanbab

The outback has been out longer than the tundra so to rephrase that

Theres a tundra that looks like a car.

A tacoma in no way looks like an F-150. You must be legally blind to make that assumption

Ryan

ratboy3

I was agreeing that the Tacoma no way looks like the F150 hehe.

The Outback has been out longer than the Tundra alright. It's the latest look Subaru came out with that looks like the Tundra.

tundradude

The F-150 copied the T-100. The Tundra is an evolution of the T-100.

The Tacoma copied the T-100.

z71bill

I can distinguish an F-150, Ram or Silverado from 2 blocks away (from the front anyway) I have also never thought here comes an F-150 and it turns out to be a Tundra. On the other hand when I see a Toyota truck I can not tell if it is a Tacoma, T-100 or Tundra until it is close enough to spit on. (not that I would waste good spit on a Tundra). Not only do they look alike they are also almost the same size.

tundra_guy

Save your good spit for your Chevy when it's in the shop being worked on. You don't want to spit on the Tundra that will be your ride home!

dogster

You had better get your eyes checked if you can't tell the difference between a T100, Tundra or Tacoma. And to think my GM mechanic friend gets upset when I mistake a '56 Chevy for a '55!

rwellbaum2

Have you ever noticed chevy puts really big tow hooks on the front of their trucks. It's like they know they'll be needing them....alot!

ryanbab

yea they put them there so they can help the many people with trucks that do not have the capacity to do what they do.

Ryan

rwellbaum2

That's sure a snappy comeback. Still stinging from that one....Ouch!

dogster

Funny I see more new Tundras with dealer ads for plates on the road here in CA more than any other make of truck. There are 8 within a six block radius of where I live, parked on the street at night.

z71bill

So do you think when the units sold numbers come out for July the Tundra will be leading all other brands? No need to answer this because we all know that Tundra will still be #10 in sales. What that tells me is the Tundra is still over priced for what you get compared to the other brands. This is even with the $5,000 discounts on the Tundra.

I can walk out the front door of my house and see 4 Silverados (including mine), 3 Rams, 1 F-150, 1 F-250 Superduty, and 1 F-250 superduty crew cab. Maybe some of the Tundras you think you see are really Tacomas and Pre-runners? Very hard to tell the difference. LOL

dogster

Sure I see lots of domestics too. I'm talking vehicles with new dealer tags on them. You know. Recent sales? And no Toyota won't outsell Chevy or Ford. 100,000 for the first year was Toyota's goal - and they're on target. As far as the Tundra being overpriced, I think I got a bargain for what I got in a truck. Especially since my one year old will probably be using my Tundra to haul her stuff back and forth to college when she's 20, with the original motor and drivetrain. While we're at it, you ever heard of build it and they will come? There's a saying in the auto biz - there's an [non-permissible content removed] for every seat. Build it and someone, somewhere will buy it. I think that's the Big 3's philosophy. Bad ABS brakes? Short block's that fail? Oh well, there are a lot of people out there. Someone will buy it.

f150rules

Yep, you are right. The proof in that shows with even 100k Toyota Tundra's sold. That should be marked in history. Until they make a real full size truck that compares even close in value, I doubt they will even sell another 100k next year.
Can you say T100 repeat? Of course, like you said, there are naive people out there that will buy them and really think they got a great deal.

Based on Toyota's history, even if the engine and transmission last 20 years (unlikely), you will have to worry about it dropping out of the truck due to all the rust.

ryanbab

How can you compare an F-250 and a tundra? Might as well compare an F-350 dooley diesel with it then. That is like comparing night and day. Maybe an F-150 and tundra comparison would have been much better.

Also how can you ride in the back of a tundra for 2 hrs????? I couldnt sit back there (i swear i am serious) for more than a few minutes. Is your adult mini me and that guy (limo driver) from me myself and irene??? I really think the ext cab room in the tundra is its major downfall. But hey thats me.

Ryan

quadrunner500

F250 SD Diesel with automatic and crew cab getting 12 mpg towing a 28 foot travel trailer....is doing dang good. It's not the weight, it's the size of the hole you punch through the wind that hurts. Be lucky to get 8 mpg with any gas engine highway pulling 28 ft travel trailer.

toytunone

Mini-me? LOL. I'm 5'11 230 lb. The F-250 is the only actual comparison I've made since I've gotten used to the Tundra. The F-150 4x4 is compared by Consumer reports and Motor Trend if you want to read a much more expert opinion than my humble self. :-)
F-150 wasn't in the class of the Tundra either as far as ride, power, quietness, or reliability.
On the power thing, I am going 60mph when diesals are going about 25mph from a standstill. Not for me, pal! I guess the Ford 5.4 L. is similiar to the Tundra 4.7 L. in power.

toytunone

I agree about gas mileage, I wanted to be fair and point out the advantage the diesal has. It is better on fuel, especially under load. Again, if you need it.

toytunone

I agree about gas mileage, I wanted to be fair and point out the advantage the diesal has. It is better on fuel, especially under load. Again, if you need it.

ryanbab

Oh yea i didnt add this about the ext cab

I am 6'3 175 (skinny) and its unconfortable no leg room thats why i gave the mini me reference.

Ryan

ryanbab

You need to explain:

"F-150 wasn't in the class of the Tundra either as
far as ride, power, quietness, or reliability."

Um i have no answer for this. Could you please reply. Also what about the 2 hr comfort for the ext cab??? Still no answer

Ryan

tundra_guy

No the f150 is not in the same class as the Tundra don't lose hope maybe some day. Do you spend much time in the back ?

ryanbab

I guess your right they arent in the same class being that the ford is much bigger and more of a truck (i just opened a can of worms but i am just making a point dont take it the wrong way)

Why arent they in the same class? I dont care for ford that much but all half ton trucks fall into the same class doesnt take a super genious like Tim to figure this one out. A 3 yr old could tell you this.

Nope i dont spend time in the back (well except for you know haha) But i do put stuff back there. When i go fishing usually someone rides back there. My dogg also rides in the back. I wouldnt subject him to the back seat of the tundra. I would be taken to jail for being cruel and mean to my dogg.

Ryan

please explain how the F-150 isnt in the same "class" as the tundra man this is bugging me

cliffy1

of tundra haters seems to have found this topic. It just floors me to see this vitriol over the Tundra. It really makes me wonder why these guys feel so threatened by the fact that some people prefer the Tundra to their beloved domestics.

While I am here, I thought I'd post my gas mileage. I tow a 4200# boat and drive at 65 to 70 with the AC on. I consistently get 10 MPG. I aint braggin about this, I just thought I'd pass it on.

rwellbaum2

"I dont spend time in the back (well except for you know haha). My dog also rides in the back"

tundra_guy

I'm sure you have a fine truck. If you ever drive a Tundra you will see and feel the difference in the ride quality as I did when I test drove the rest.The Ford and Chevys are good work trucks where the Tundra has a more personal feel to me. At the same time does what I ask of it with out so much as a complaint. and ask a lot of it. I could go on but what's the point!

ryanbab

RWELL what was with your last post? Why did you copy and paste what i typed obviosuly everyone can read what i wrote and they didnt need it spelled out again. All 12 yr olds are banned from the computer now. Edmunds needs a parental thing.

I did drive a tundra back when they first came out last summer. I didnt feel comfortable at all. I never said it wasnt a nice truck.

Still cant answer my question on the class thing. Obviously you have NO answer.

Ok before i didnt realize it but now i do. When someone asks the toyota guys a valid question like i did about how ford isnt in the tundras class they do not answer or they beat around the bush. Now maybe you could answer this for me WHY?

Ryan

tundra_guy

OK, let me put it in a way you can understand. Ford and Chevy appeal to a different class of buyers that can't tell quality if it hit them between the headlights. You guys really don't have a clue, do you? You probably think Cadillac is better than Lexus or BMW because it's bigger. Maybe you think McDonald's makes the best hamburgers because they sell more than the competition. You might even say that the Tundra is in the same class because it has a steering wheel and four tires etc. A Mazda Miata is about the same size as a Ferrari (same class???)Let's hear some facts and not some advice from a two year old!

toytunone

I didn't mean "class" as in 1/2 ton pickups, I really meant that the F-150 wasn't at the same level of comfort, quietness, ride, or power as the Tundra. When I said class, I meant the F-150 was a long way off from the Tundra in these categories, other catagories approximately equal except for reliability. BTW, Ryan I notice you're partial to Chevies. I have a couple of friends who had Z-71 4x4 and had big repeating drivetrain problems in less than a year, both '99 models. Hope you don't have a 4x4. Both sold at less than 35000 miles and bought F-150's.
That's one reason I bought a Tundra, since I've owned a '91 Dodge Ramcharger LE 4x4 loaded, (stock 5.9 L V-8 auto) and it had repeat drivetrain problems, (ask any shop that works on transmissions and transfer cases, also differentials), and I didn't trust any domestic 4x4 to be reliable. Now I got the Tundra, I like the increased levels mentioned above more than I expected. What a buy! BTW, the Tundra is assembled in Indiana, the Ramcharger was assembled in Mexico, how about your Chevy?

ryanbab

My silverado was assempled in fort wayne indiana. Same state as where i live and where the tundra is built.

I do own a 4x4 are you trying to scare me cause your not.

Ok i apologize when u said class i thought you were talking 1/2 ton yada yada yada.

Im not even gonna discuss this anymore. All trucks nowadays are very comfortable, powerful, quiet for you to say the tundra is in a class other than the ford is kinda lack of a better word stuck up. The tundra is so much better than the ford eh? They are also a long way off? Buddy how long have they been making trucks?

Oh and yea i would say i am partial to chevy but i do like fords and dodges please dont get me wrong.

Ok i blabbered on enough.

RYan

rwellbaum2

I finally realized I'm writing posts that requires a level of comprehension which seems to have eluded ryanbab. This my fault and I'll make ammends, straightaway!

Ryan: Chev-ee be a bad truck.....Tond-ra be a good truck

f150rules

Maybe the problem with you thinking Toyota has superior quality is because you think all the domestic trucks are like the Dodges. Dodge has been the [non-permissible content removed] stepchild among Ford and Chevy from their first build day.

If you think your Toyota is ammune to the same problems any of the full size trucks have, you are living in the clouds. Even with 1/10th the amount sold, the Tundra has had way more problems in comparison of actual numbers than the full size trucks (by my perception). It doesn't take a rocket scientist to read the posted problems, not only here at Edmunds but also other Tundra boards like TundraSolutions.Com. If you look at the amount of problems compared to total units sold, I would "guess" (no facts implied, only opinion), that Toyota has as many or more problems reported.

If the Tundra had significantly less reported problems, was worked as hard as the full size trucks, and had been around as long as the full size trucks, I would say you may have a verifiable arguement of higher quality in the Tundra. It doesn't, it isn't, it hasn't, and it's absolutely ludicrous to '[non-permissible content removed]'ume it.

I am glad you drive one. I hope Toyota sells twice as many next year. As long as their are people naive in believing such sales jargon crap that actually buy the Tundra, the real full size trucks will only continue to be better for less money.

ryanbab

I better go trade my truck in today and get a good truck then.

Guys ill be right back.

RWELL it was toys topic about the "class" thing which i didnt understand. So please dont flatter yourself thinking i didnt understand you and that your so much smarter.

Ryan

ryanbab

I know their response already. People are falsifying those claims people are messing around on the computer. Who wants to bet me???

Ryan

f150rules

Yep. Couldn't be true! Legend has it that Toyota's don't break. They are indestructable.
So much more of a truck in their first year of production, they kept things modest so as not to show up the full size trucks too much, thus why they didn't go ahead with a truck that compares in size or utility. Great job Toyota! Way to go! Gave all those Tacoma owners a midsize alternative. I hope you sell twice as many next year so to keep the better, full size trucks, lower priced. Sure will hurt the Tacoma sales though. Sorry Toyota. You goofed.

tundra_guy

Ryan: Chev-ee be a bad truck.....Tond-ra be a
good truck ha ha ha ha lol

ryanbab

Whats with these guys repeating something someone else said? Cant come up with their own material???

Ryan

cdalu

I have been reading all the posts on the tundra and just have to comment on the people that been criticizing on the tundra. Let me tell you that all domestic trucks right can't even come close to the quality of the tundra. I test drove all three trucks before buying the tundra. Hands down tundra beats them all in style, comfort and quality. After 10 minutes driving the tundra i bought it in Vacaville, C.A. I was in and out of the dealer in 30 minutes. I purchased the limited 2WD. Bought at invoice with a crisp $100.00 bill for tip.

ryanbab

Check out topic 2056. Quality is better? Judge for yourself from the comments i found on a tundrasolutions website these are from actual tundra owners. Seems as if the tundra is as of the same quality as the shakerado oh no you over paid for a truck that has the same quality as a domestic better get your $100 tip back

Ryan

rushfan2112

I know I have already been down this road a couple of times, but I just have to bring it up again. I bought the SR5/Access Cab/4WD/TRD Tundra and when I park next to any of the other big3 trucks owned by my neighbors, family, and friends, we cannot detect any significant difference in the sizes of our trucks. Sure, the shapes and lines of each truck are different, making such a "naked eye" comparison difficult. For example, I have much more ground clearance than my brother-in-law's F150, the bed in my granfather's Silverado is deeper than mine, the backseat window of the F150 looks narrower than the GM, Tundra, and Ram, etc. But *overall* they all seem to be comparable in size. Now some of the members of this list are sure to regurgitate the facts about Truck A's cubic inches of interior cab space being N% smaller/larger than Truck B's cubic inches of interior cab space, the smaller back seat of Truck C, and so on. Nevertheless, I *still* don't perceive any significant difference in size.

Which brings me to the reason I just had to post about this again. I was driving my 4-year-old daughter home from preschool yesterday and we pulled up to a red light and stopped beside a Silverado. Granted, it was a regular cab (not extended) and it was lowered, but my daughter looked over and said, "Daddy, look at that cute little truck next to us. It's so small!" I couldn't hold back the huge grin across my face as I remembered how vehemently ol' trucksrme and company used to talk about the considerable small-ness of the Tundra.

Glad to see more and more Tundras on the road every day. Are any of you from the Riverside, CA area?

cliffy1

I'm originally from Redlands. I live in VA now. How's life in the Inland Empire?

cliffy1

I owned three different T100s before I got my Tundra. It is bigger but not much. The big difference is in the ride, power and access. Those extra door make me wonder how I ever lived without them.

dogster

First, the problems with the Tundra so far are extremely minor compared to the type of problems on the Ford or GM. the biggest problem was a vibration and is a tire problem, which all the owners I've talked to personally have never experienced. Second, Toyota reliability is proven year after year. Why should the Tundra be any different? Check out the number of complaints and bulletins on the F150 and GMs. Yikes! Third, I don't know what planet F150Rules is on but Toyotas get a real hard workout and are used as work trucks, landscaping, deliveries etc here in CA, where everybody drives the wheels off their vehicles. It's common to see a pre-Tacoma Toyota truck with several hundred thousand miles on them. They just keep running - without rebuilds. Fourth - Is it my imagination or in countries where people's lives depend on the reliability of their vehicles they don't drive Fords, Chevies or Dodges?

ryanbab

Read at the tundrasolutions board the tundra is having the same vib problems as the silverado. Minor??? If you think that stuff is minor ok then.

Ryan

cliffy1

The Tundra will certainly fit two child seats in the back and getting to them is much easier than in the T100. The biggest complaint on the Tundra is the back seat. It is very upright. This will not be a problem for a few years for you but it is a consideration if this is your primary kid mover.

rushfan2112

Well, as you can probably remember (how long have you been gone?) it gets pretty hot in the IE during the Summer. The smog situation has really improved in the past 10 years believe it or not, but still I'm looking forward to the cooler temperatures (and winds) during the Fall months. Lots of new development going on right now and they are adding a new lane on HWY 60 between Rubidoux and Moreno Valley (finally!)

Thanks again for the advice about the Tundra CD player. As much as I didn't want to make 2 visits to the dealership, they did a quick diagnostic test on Saturday morning and decided to order a new unit for me. Hopefully that will be ready for installation in a week or so.

rwellbaum2

The same 6 guys have posted about vib problems on Tundrasolutions for @ year. This is a far cry from the hundreds of different people posting about their Silverado vib problems right here on Edmunds. BTW, at least cliffy is up front about being a Toyota salesman. Why can't you be as honest about your chevy salesman position and list it in your profile?

ryanbab

I should be a chevy salesman your right. But with 2 jobs and school full time its kinda hard.

We wont even get into toyota salesman even my grandpa (toyota owner for many yrs) could rant and rave about them.

Ryan

cliffy1

I left in '91 (really didn't live there after '87 except when I was home from college in Malibu). I'm glad to hear things are clearing up. It must be all those clean burning Tundras roaming around.

cliffy1

Don't even think about disparaging me based on my profession.

ryanbab

Sorry about that comment i made it wasnt directed at any 1 in particular person. Car salesmen fall into a very bad stereotype. Around here toyota dealers seem to be very pushy, no haggling, know it alls. You may say how would i know da da da. Well last summer (august) me and my mom went looking at new vehicles the 4 runner in particular. The salesman was a real jerk. He acted so stupid he knew nothing about the vehicle, said my dad would have to come back if she wanted to buy the 4 runner, and they wouldnt go below msrp. HMMM oh and when i sat in the tundra he asked my opinion i said " i dont like it" and told him i am getting a silverado next yr (this was last aug) and then he got all mad and said no more. Next toyota dealership we were met by a woman salesman. My mom told her what she wanted and she took us to a "demo" my mom wasnt going to buy a truck with mls already on it. The lady got very offended when my mom said it was "used". My mom then told her i am leaving and going to buy a tahoe. Well she bought a blazer cause they stopped making 2 dr tahoes. I have a few more stories when i was with my grandpa but ill save you from those. Ok dont get me wrong i have had worse run ins with chevy dealers but i just said lets not get into the toyota dealer thing because im sure RWELL will say toyota dealers are the greatest and da da da just like everything there is no perfect thing.

Please dont take my comments as a personal attack they truly were not meant that way

Ryan