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Toyota Tundra vs. Chevrolet Silverado
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Comments
One of your best posts pal.
Rocky
Both have another 18 months to go. The current Gen F150 came out in 2003 as a 2004 model. Unless they somehow goose the developement like GM did You can expect it Sept/Oct 2008. It has a lot of development ahead of it still.
And to be competitive it needs
a new big V8 - mandatory
6 Speed tranny - mandatory
Stability Ctl/Tract Ctl
6 or 7 airbags standard
better fuel economy
The interiors need to be brought into the 21st century as well.
100% agree
and they need to raise the real world transaction pricing by at least $10000. This may be the most difficult job of all. After 8 years of F150 buyers waiting for the next crisis and waiting for prices to drop - again, to convince these buyers that it's mandatory that they pay $10000 to $15000 more than they are now paying or Ford will cease to exist forever will be a heck of a job.
Well it better be one helluva truck with every gadget know to man if your going to get those MSRP's. I think the buyer would proble just buy something else as tears streamed down their faces.
Rocky
Rocky
660 1b.-ft of torque @ 1600 rpm
Trailering Capacity 16,000 lbs
Hears a hint, contractors who use 1/2 ton pickups are not trailering 10,000 pounds all day or lighting up the tires a every stoplight. They need a truck that can capably load and transport materials. They spend alot of time driving so comfort and ride is a priority. The Silverado does this better then the Tundra.
By the way, you can get a spray in bedliner aftermarket no problem for a Silverado. Maybe after you buy your Tundra, see if you can get the frame fully boxed aftermarket. The Chevy comes standard with that and I think its a little more important than plastic in the bed.
Don't have a problem with the Tundra losing, if you have a reason. Read the article, and show me how this truck is inferior to any truck tested. The firmer ride comes with the TRD pkg. That's a given. Give me something.
The G35 vs 328i article was brilliant! Old-school C&D, why I loved the magazine from when I was young. Now I know why the BMW is better. But this truck article is virtually useless. It is painfully obvious that trucks are not big in C&Ds skill set. The trucks weren't even tested as trucks, but as AWD cars. It missed the point, and misses the winner.
Fully-boxed frames aren't new, and Toyota knows that some trucks have them. Implying that the Tundra will fall apart without one is wishful thinking. Toyota seems to think there is a better way for a truck to tow, haul, and drive with a composite frame. With this truck, they weant to lead, not follow.
The last Tundra was more carlike and gentile than the Silverado, and it won no awards for it.
Have tried the GM, Nissan, and Toyota tailgates, and I like damped tailgates better!
Hopefull, MT did a better job justifying their decision.
If the GM is better, fine! Tell me why. C&D sure didn't. :confuse:
DrFill
Oh NO not the 'it-doesn't-have-a-fully-boxed-frame' curse again.
Darn didn't Toyota learn from all those dead GM's and F150's from the 80's and 90's that died from overwork because NONE of them had fully-boxed-frames. Heck they're all over the road and job sites dead as Iraqi tanks simply because they don't have fully-boxed-frames.
Oh wait a second none of this is true. Many are still working and have given GM and Ford a reputation of durability and toughness WITHOUT fully-boxed-frames.
What did Ford gain by going to a f-b-f? Nothing, except that it wasn't embarrased when the IIHS did follow up crash tests on the new 2004 models and the frame withstood the crash forces instead of folding up like an accordian the way the 2001 did. It gained lots of weight to further stress out the weakest engine in the class and it made the F150 a hard working burro.
Then Nissan and GM followed dutifully along behind because Ford was the leader. And they gained?
Nissan - great motor but the payload capacity of a Frontier.
GMT900 - a solid smooth ride....and more weight....and.....
Rocky
I dislike the new interior gages, too much plastic chrome. GM, This is a truck, not some blinged-out pimpmobile. The old interior was straightforward, easy to read gages, please bring it back.
While you're at it, please bring back the Protec composite bed. I absolutely love this option in my truck. No dents, rust or cracks in 3 years and now Toyota is offering a composite bed. GM had this option years ago and really needs to market this again or risk falling behind Toyota.
No matter what I say or C&D or Motor Trend or anyone else you think the Tundra is the best and thats fine with me. Its a good truck. I think the Silverado is better. You asked me reasons why and here they are:
Better Interior
Tighter gap tolerances
Fully boxed frame -> More rigid frame (Read Automobiles review of the Tundra. They complained about the chassis flex)
Heavy Duty Versions
Diesal Power Available
Better Ride
Better Looking (this is subjective)
drfill, have you ever owned a full size truck? Again, I'm not trying to convince you because I'm sure I won't. To each his own.
So Toyota did not follow the leader. What does the Tundra bring to the market that is so unique? Don't say power because each generation of these trucks ups the power race. I'm sure the 2009 Ram and F1050 will trump 381 hp and then the leapfrogging will occur again and again.
I would like to add:
Why do you Toyota fans discount the advantages of the GM over the Toyota as "useless", "insignificant", etc, etc. yet you claim the Tundra is better because it can tow 300 lbs more and does the 1/4 mile in a fraction of a second less time. Talk about useless specs!!!
Tell me what the Tundra can do that the GM's can't? And with higher tech frames, better ride, better interior, more availability (HD versions...PROVEN ones), better warranty, etc, etc. The obvious choice is the GM.
But, you're right about it being technically the most powerful up until recently. That isn't the point though, the larger point is that Dodge in particular, and even Ford have a serious issue producing efficient engines. When a 5.7l Hemi is getting close to the same gas mileage as an 8.1l Chevy engine, something is seriously wrong. Look at some feedback numbers from customers just on sedans with the Hemi in it! It is ridiculous that an AWD 300C with the 5.7 Hemi gets almost the same real-world mileage as an AWD truck like the Tundra or Silverado. Many are saying 14mpg city, 20mpg hwy and there are just as many claiming significantly less as more than that. I didn't do any averages on customer feedback, but results are definitely poor. And that Hemi has MDS on it as well to save fuel on hwy drives.
So, if a car that weighs 1700 lbs less than a truck has an engine that takes virtually as much gas, what do you think happens when you put it in a full-size truck with the extra weight? Never mind the problems in trying to use the same Hemi design to get more power. That means that fuel consumption will go up even more. The 6.1 Hemi on the sedan gets worse mileage than the Tundra and the Silverado (and Titan and even Ford). That engine already produces 425hp, but add another 1700 lbs, and the already poor mileage drops by another 30%. Ram owners are reporting numbers in the 10mpg range city and 12/13mpg hwy. That is with the current Hemi. Their 5.9l did considerably worse, so the Hemi was a step up, but gas mileage is certainly more important now. Manufacturers have to be able to produce a truck that has a huge capacity for strength, durability and power, while ensuring that it is efficient when those attributes are not required. That is VERY difficult to do.
Ford has a similar problem though they are not obligated to a particular engine design because of marketing like Dodge is. They just need to bring their numbers up period. Too much weight in the truck, an anemic engine, and pretty much the ugliest truck around up until this current model. I've always wondered why people ever bought them... but they are nice inside.
Anyhow, point taken on your specs, I understand that; my point was that, going ahead, Ford and Dodge are going to have a lot of challenges to tackle. Nissan's challenge is more related to offerings and more variety in bed lengths and cab configurations. Chevy/GMC have a variety of engines to choose from. Toyota needs to bring out 3/4 and 1 ton trucks to continue to be competititve. I just see Dodge trying to hang on to their current numberd for dear life. Ford is definitely going to shed some truck sales to the competition, though the rate may not be too bad overall.
Still, it is hard to believe that these trucks all get much better mileage than my dad's 1975 Nova 6-banger...
The reasoning is that a fully-boxed frame all the way through puts a lot of strain and stress on the suspension. It also has the problem of dragging the front end of the vehicle (causing some control loss) when the bed is loaded and there is a loss of traction.
The idea of the chassis is to provide both strength and durability. Fully boxed frames are nothing new, but there are proven reasons why they have not always been used. Squeaks and rattles BTW are just as easily caused by a fully boxed frame because the interior materials used in trucks flex more than the frame. So, it is striking a balance that prevents it. If the frame flexes too much, you get squeaks -- not enough, you get squeaks. It has to be accommodating in certain areas.
It is the same concept used with crash protection. We have the knowledge, materials, and capability to produce a vehicle that will virtually be indestructable in a car accident, but we don't design vehicles that way because all of the crash-energy would then be absorbed by the occupants in the vehicle and would cause a much greater fatality rate.
I like the Toyota setup on the chassis moreso than on the Chevy -- I consider that a strength. Heck the leaf spring design is great too. For 3/4 and 1 ton models, we're talking completely different priorities. These are, after all REAL trucks. If Toyota could make a chassis design similar to the current Tundra's for 3/4 and 1 ton trucks, it would be pretty amazing. A fully boxed frame in that case may out-weigh the comfort/design benefits of the current frame.
Boy, you sure are able to convince yourself that even the drawbacks and inferiorities of the Tundra are actually advantages. Impressive. Do you work for Toyota? Have stock in them? Or just plain brainwashed?
Yeah, I know there aren't a lot of Tundra fans on this board (or at least they aren't as visible as the Chevy fans), but I think there is a unique challenge in the truck segment. For the first time in a LONG time, there are two very good, very capable trucks. There is no denying that despite many of our differences on tastes, etc. that both the Tundra and Silverado are way ahead of the competition (including the Sierra as well obviously). My personal preference right now is the Tundra, though I'm holding out on a final decision until I see the Denali. But, others will choose the Silverado.
In any case, the unique challenge in the industry is that now there are two other companies that thrive on truck sales and are in serious trouble -- both financially and in terms of design. They are a good 1 to 2 years from updating their platforms. They have serious challenges to address in terms of sheer engineering, design, and capability. They have to pair that with the need to be able to charge more for their vehicles without alienating their faithful customers and STILL be able to offer as much or more in terms of features, capabilities, and options.
In all likelihood at least one of them will do so, but it will be interesting to see the approaches of both Ford and Dodge on this one. It is not going to be easy on either company...
There is little benefit to making a chassis rigid to the point of unusability in a truck. They strive for that in racing cars because the ultimate goal is shaving off that extra 1/10 of a second over the course of 500 miles. In a truck, it is primarily the ability to tow (has nothing to do with fully-boxed frame or not because most of the force is moving front to back) and the actual support between the main channels (i.e. ladder-frame design).
All you do by making a fully-boxed frame throughout the truck is make the ride more stiff and the handling a little more dangerous. Trucks are not like cars in this regard, they're expected to carry a load and they need a proper balance of strength and durability. That said, we're talking literally 10ths of an inch difference in tolerances, it isn't like these are wooden chassis like on some older exotic race cars.
So, no, I don't work for Toyota and have never been to a Toyota-only plant, but people here act like these manufacturers and engineers don't know what they're doing. There are different priorities for manufacturers and their designs are far better than most people realize. The "fully boxed" frame that the new Silverado rides on, isn't towing any more than the Tundra, in fact it is less and in some cases the difference is quite a bit more than the 300 lbs that is mentioned here all the time.
Anybody that thinks that either GM, Ford, Dodge, or Toyota doesn't know how to make a good design has obviously no clue whatsoever about engineering and manufacturing. All of these companies can build vehicles with literally two or three times their current capabilities with little effort (and the engineers would literally LOVE it), but they would also be building vehicles that a) cost $250K, b) kill off most of the rest of their vehicle line-up, and c) prevent them from coming up with a tiered-improvement system for future products (that is what happens when you take one big leap).
So, Toyota's take was to come up with a better balance. Honda's take was to join the bed with the overall frame for better handling. GM's take is to have a fully-boxed frame to accommodate a variety of engine/platform combinations. Ford and Dodge and Nissan have other priorities.
jreagan, if you can't see that, then stick to driving trucks, not talking about strategic design. You're fooling yourself if you think any one of these companies can't produce a truck exactly like the others... ok, now I'll get off my soap box!
I too am in the Mfg industry and have been designing custom machinery (automation) for the past 18 years. So, I do know a thing or 2 about engineering principles, so, yes, get off your soap box and stop trying to fool people, including yourself.
All you do by making a fully-boxed frame throughout the truck is make the ride more stiff and the handling a little more dangerous.
Then why does the GM truck ride and handle better and smoother than the Toy? (based on EVERY comparison I have read).
Yes, Engineers have the capability to design/engineer anything they want. What is your point? Toy Engineers have the same hurdles and restrictions that GM and Ford Engineers have. So, maybe they didn't incorporate a fully boxed frame for financial or economic reasons rather than because it was a "better" design? Obviously, all of the Engineers at GM, Ford and other's who use it think it's a better, higher tech design, are they all wrong? Face it, GM is always the "Lead Frog" in the technological game of leapfrog. IE: GM started using Hydroformed frames (for lighter, stronger frames) back in the late 80's and Dodge started using that technology at least 10 years later, then had to "gall" to brag about it in their ads.
So, call it what you want (balance?) and justify it however you want. The bottom line is that GM is ahead of Toyota in the overall technology dept. yes, they have a great drivetrain (on paper anyway), and my guess is that is where they focused their attention and is why they did not incorporate higher technology elsewhere (such as in frame design). More to follow, gotta go to a meeting...
I know from sitting in, but not driving, both trucks, seen them on the street, and read about them in the mags.
Have seen the C&D and Inside Line comparisons, and both Tundras had the TRD susp. pkg, which takes the ride quality away, so pumping up the Silvys ride is phony in that regard, since a std. suspenion Tundra hasn't been tested.
This website's assessment of the Tundra's handling: Steering is quick and precise, and the chassis is suited to dancing.
Again, the last Tundra rode better, and had a better interior, than the Silverado ever did! Where is the statue in Tundra's honor?
C&D had to reach to find a negative thing to say about the Tundra. Low tow hooks?
Why are people here comparing HD GM trucks to the Tundra? GM doesn't make a half-ton diesel/dualie, so you are comparing apples and oranges.
C&D called the Tundra chassis "sophisticated", with "excellent control". I guess they'd rather have a "squeaky-flexy" Nissan chassis instead.
To each his own. :surprise:
DrFill
I'm not sure where you're getting the "better handling" from (better ride was mentioned in 1 review) but Chevy is giving up more than an inch of clearance to do it, so that isn't surprising. My car handles a lot better than my wifes, but it is lower to the ground. Still, the point was that Toyota wanted a better balance and that means that under load, it is much better. Read the comparison reviews, they've all mentioned that in towing and with payload that it handled better than every other truck. That is what I mean about "balance". Each manufacturer has a different interpretation of it. They gave up a "little" comfort with no towing and no payload to provide better handling and safety under load.
GM the "Lead Frog"? Completely false, not even close! GM's own strategy for most of the past 30 years was to watch Ford and Dodge take the hit on the newest technology and adapt it for themselves at a lower cost. They did that for so many technologies that it isn't even funny; everything from air bags to CD players -- they weren't even remotely close to being first on that.
I will concede that they have gotten better the last 2 or 3 years, but they are still considerably behind in that area. Step into a Cadillac and then step into a Lexus, no comparison on what is available. Heck, there is still a column shifter on a $60K Escalade when there isn't even a bench seat configuration for it (just taken from the same platform where bench seats are available for lesser brands). The Nav systems (on even the Cadillac) are about 3 years behind Honda and Toyota and has no traffic reporting. Many of their vehicles are still 4-speed autos when everyone else is 5, 6, and even 7 speed. Heck, Bluetooth isn't even available on any of their models and you can get that on Scion!
So look a fully boxed frame is exceptional, but it isn't the end-all of chassis design. The fact that Toyota can produce a frame that is even more capable and better handling under load is saying something about hybrid frame designs. Heck, even the review here on Edmunds could find no noticeable difference between the Titan, Silverado, and Tundra in handling and their frame-twisting obstacle course. The Tundra has a more off-road suspension then the Silverado -- still has nothing to do with the frame!
But just go to any design facility and talk to engineering there, they'll say that you need the right amount of flexibility in design, not just for safety, but for the vehicles durability. Not saying that the Silverado's fully-boxed frame is bad at all (it is actually fantastic) and the fact that they can get a smooth ride out of it is great. But that doesn't mean the Toyota's is bad either and arguing that a fully-boxed frame is not a rougher ride than one without is just ridiculous. Trucks and truck-based SUVs all ride harsher than their "non-fully-boxed-frame" counterparts. They also all handle worse too.
the Silverado over the tundra...........
Either those testers got a bad batch of toyota koolaid
or the superior truck actually was the best!
I still am in shock that they chose Chevy over the
"terroist toyota brand" !.................. :confuse:
Absolutely they are stronger ( heavier ), stiffer with less flex ( harsher? ) and maybe more durable ( 25 yrs vs 20 yrs? ). But there is nothing all this weight does except give the sense of a more solid ride - at the cost of reduced payload and possibly towing capacity.
It's like throwing sand bags in the bed over the rear axles. It has a purpose but at what cost. It's very likely that the f-b-f's are Ford's way of putting a cast on a papercut.
Again show me some measurable advantage of a f-b-f over Toyota's fully boxed-lipped C- open C frame.
Heavier? Why? A box design enables much more strength with less material. Why is the Tundra so much heavier than the GM? Surely not from there chincy sheetmetal.
no measurable benefit to them.
Back that statement up please. Good luck, I am a mechanical Engineer. I know a little about structural rigidity.
Harsher? NOT!!! the GM's ride is second to none, loaded or empty. It also was better than the Toy in the slalom course according to PM magazine's test.
Careful here, this is my area because I was the sole supplier to GM through Magna for their truck frames at one plant in the late 80's and 90's when hydroforming first began. Even in 1995 GM was still using stamped frame rails. Hydroforming began in earnest at about that time to reduce the stresses from the traditional stamping process.
As to technological leadership.
Obviously, all of the Engineers at GM, Ford and other's who use it think it's a better, higher tech design, are they all wrong?
Until it can be shown that there is a measurable advantage to the f-b-f's then this 'innovation' is at best marketing bling-bling. It 'feels' like it gives a more solid ride.
The bottom line is that GM is ahead of Toyota in the overall technology dept. yes, they have a great drivetrain (on paper anyway), and my guess is that is where they focused their attention and is why they did not incorporate higher technology elsewhere (such as in frame design).
Turning the question around what does GM's purported 'technical leadership' bring to the T900's that aren't also in the Tundra? As a truck to be used for work - nothing.
It may look nicer ( subjective )
It may have a prettier interior ( for a work truck? )
It may 'feel' more solid. ( benefit? )
It has a rear locker vs Auto LSD ( possibly, an engineer's choice )
But...
GM skimped by not making some key safety features standard or even available on most of their models. Now that's a shame.
The maximum towing capacities are lower for GM vehicles across the board save two ties. Now that's measurable.
GM also left off it's newest technology in transmissions, 'nuff said for a technological leader
But other than these three the vehicles are very very close.
Summary:
GM opted not to provide some key safety features on most models but gave the truck a more solid feel with a fully boxed frame.
Toy gave every model all the safety features and opted for a 'triple-tech' frame.
Toyota has the most capable and technologically leading transmission on the market.
And jreagan, please, GM itself produces SUVs without the fully-boxed frame BECAUSE it offers more room and a better ride -- it is right there on their web-site. Find anybody with a 9th Grade physics education and they'll tell you as much. For pete's sake, nobody's arguing strength (though again, in this application it isn't making a noticable difference) is a benefit of a closed-frame, but you're loosing all credibility on this harshness thing... give that up. Chevy is getting a better ride because the comparisons that have been made were with the Tundra having the TRD off-road package. Ride comfort is certainly not enhanced by a fully boxed frame. If anything it shows that Chevy has done something great with their suspension, but all things being equal, ride quality is definitely going to be less harsh with a frame that is some form of a C channel.
"The composite frame design has three distinct types of construction: a fully boxed front half, rolled and reinforced C-channel in the midsection, and an open C-channel under the bed. When asked why the boxed design wasn't used all the way through, a Toyota engineer explained that the composite approach was employed to reduce NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels and accommodate differences in stress loads, depending on location.
The suspension layout uses dual A-arms and coilovers in the front, and leaf springs in the rear, but with a number of refinements in the geometry and electronics to improve stability, handling and ride quality. Disc brakes are found both front and rear, and are controlled by a type of advanced electronic system not yet found on other full-size pickups, Toyota says."
PM magazine rated the GM best in handling and ride. Next...
GM is almost always ahead of the competition in new technology (ok, maybe not for audio electronics, big deal). Ford and Dodge always follow. And as far as Japanese technology (in general) goes...they never "invent" anything over there, they take existing technology and build on it. They are known for that in every niche of technology.
GM's own strategy for most of the past 30 years was to watch Ford and Dodge take the hit on the newest technology and adapt it for themselves at a lower cost.
BS!!!! GM was the first to use Hydroforming technology to make a stronger, lighter frame. Back in 1989!!! Ford followed a few years later, Dodge bragged about introducing it on their trucks only about 7 or 8 yrs ago.
Bluetooth? No, because they have a contract with OnStar. Just as good.
GM was the first to use the 2nd generation Air Bags as well. They also used the "Smart" air bags first. (deployment speed based on occupant size).
Nice try, but you are WRONG!!!!
Oh, and why can't a high-tech, well engineered fully boxed frame be designed to flex where needed and still have superior strength and overall rigidity? It's not like they buy rectangular tubing and weld it together. They ENGINEER it.
I am starting to wonder why I am wasting my time with you Toy lover's. You haven't got a clue!!!
Because it lacked in all of the other areas!!! Duh!!
And so....
Towing? GM is significantly behind Toy in 8 o/o 10 configuration and slightly ahead in two.
Speed with a load or in towing. Toyota is far ahead.
Braking? Empty and with a load. Toyota leads GM
These are measurable.
Even when the Silvy or the Titan win the C&D or Pop Mech comparo's all the testing in both shows the Tundra to be the leader in measurable metrics.
Now go to the Trailering Boat comparo here Trailer Boats comparo
where realworld tests were done and the Tundra wins and outshines all the rest.
All I have been reading about when it comes to interiors is how BAD GM's interiors were the last several years until the 07's came out. I have a 2000 GMC with buckets and the center console. I have tried to find fault in this interior since reading all of this negativity towards it and for the life of me, I cannot see it? What is so bad about it? Yes, I do like the interior in the new GM's alot, but I still don't see anything wrong with my interior. Please help me out here.
Define "Significantly"!!!
ALL of these towing numbers are exaggerated for a 1/2 ton anyway. So, Toy exaggerated a little bit more, big deal!!! ANYTHING weighing over 7000 lbs should be towed with a HD anyway. I don't care how much power or torque you have. It's the chassis that's the limiting factor. Not just the frame, the entire chassis!!! (Frame, suspension, brakes, drivetrain, etc, etc). So, let's compare "realistic" numbers here.
Oh, and the idea behind fully boxed frame goes well beyond stiffness. It is ENGINEERED better to be rigid where needed and flex where needed. I guess it's unfair that I (a Mech Engineer) is arguing with a bunch of bean counters.
'Yeah but you really need a diesel.'
What you're saying in effect is "OK, OK the Tundra is better than the other's in 1/2 ton measurable metrics, but so what we've got diesels and Toyota doesn't." ... Yet.
Oh, and the idea behind fully boxed frame goes well beyond stiffness. It is ENGINEERED better to be rigid where needed and flex where needed. I guess it's unfair that I (a Mech Engineer) is arguing with a bunch of bean counters.
OK there is no disagreement here. There never has been. But it comes back to...... so what, where's the benefit?
You keep saying on one hand 'Yeah but the Tundra is over-engineered for a 1/2 tonner with all these over the top capabilities that should be done by a diesel' but on the other hand 'The fact that GM has over-engineered it's frame with no measurable benefit is a good thing.'
At least with the Toyota you can actually do something with the over-engineering other than 'feel' it.
Define "Significantly"!!!
No GM 2WD T900 can out tow a similar 2 WD Tundra. In most cases the difference is over 2000 lbs.
Using your rationale that no truck should be towing right at it's max capacity then by leaving a margin of safety of say 2000#, the T900's max out under 7000# while the Tundras max out at under 9000# - safely.
And they accelerate faster and stop shorter with more standard safety features. These are all measurable.
PM magazine rated the GM best in handling and ride. Next...
They also rated the Tundra ahead of the Chevy and the Titan better than both -- shows you what they know. Also, quoted from the comparison...
"Our disappointment grew on the track and on the road. Even though our test truck was optioned with the 6.0-liter Vortec Max V8 — the largest engine in the test — the Chevy lost to both the Toyota and Nissan on the strip. What happened to American muscle? Part of the problem was the transmission. Not only was the Chevy down one gear to the Nissan and down two to the Toyota, its shifts were lethargic. Around town, the Chevy had the same type of easy-to-drive élan as the '06 Silverado. Like the Nissan, the Chevy drives smaller than it actually is. You can confidently wheel it into parking spots you wouldn't dare try in the Tundra or the Ford. Our truck had the NHT towing package that brings with it firmer rear springs to handle the 10,500-pound towing capacity. The ride quality should have been compromised; happily, it wasn't. The Silverado was one of our favorites on the freeway and rough roads. We still like the Chevy more than we did its predecessor, but less than we like the Nissan and Toyota."
GM is almost always ahead of the competition in new technology (ok, maybe not for audio electronics, big deal). Ford and Dodge always follow. And as far as Japanese technology (in general) goes...they never "invent" anything over there, they take existing technology and build on it. They are known for that in every niche of technology.
LOL, I don't even know where to start on this one, it is such a ridiculous statement... how does leading in technology suddenly exclude things that are "technological". That is like saying "I have the best computer in the world; but don't look at the processor, memory, video card, or hard drive... but hey, check out that case..."
In case you didn't notice, virtually every single quality control, just-in-time management, and management science book has been written on the basis of what Honda and Toyota have done over the last 50 years with regard to manufacturing. Even companies like Intel, Cisco, Applied Materials, HP, and Dell have based their manufacturing systems on the innovative manufacturing designs from those companies. Never mind that GM and Dodge have done so too (not sure about Ford).
GM's own strategy for most of the past 30 years was to watch Ford and Dodge take the hit on the newest technology and adapt it for themselves at a lower cost.
BS!!!! GM was the first to use Hydroforming technology to make a stronger, lighter frame. Back in 1989!!! Ford followed a few years later, Dodge bragged about introducing it on their trucks only about 7 or 8 yrs ago.
Bluetooth? No, because they have a contract with OnStar. Just as good.
Hydroforming -- ok, cool, one innovation in 30+ years. I'm sure there are many more, but "technology" is NOT GM's "forte". Bluetooth isn't offered because they want you to buy cell-phone minutes from the more expensive OnStar offering - it still sucks, it costs you nothing to have bluetooth on your cell phone (most people have cell phones by the way).
GM was the first to use the 2nd generation Air Bags as well. They also used the "Smart" air bags first. (deployment speed based on occupant size).
Nice try, but you are WRONG!!!!
Oh, and why can't a high-tech, well engineered fully boxed frame be designed to flex where needed and still have superior strength and overall rigidity? It's not like they buy rectangular tubing and weld it together. They ENGINEER it.
I am starting to wonder why I am wasting my time with you Toy lover's. You haven't got a clue!!!
Are you in wonderland? Do you realize that even the top of the line Silverado still only offers 4 airbags? How is that innovation and "technological" leadership? Even the Ridgeline beats it on that. GM finally discovered HIDs for headlights and LEDs for tailights after virtually every other manufacturer offered them... even Cadillac was lacking for the longest time.
You can't claim technological leadership when a 2004 Acura TL still has more technological innovations in it then any 2007 Cadillac offering. Never mind Lexus and forget about it completely in lesser brands. Please... the Silverado has a lot going for it as a truck, technology is not one of them.
I had a 1989 GMC Sierra that had Hydroformed rear frame rails!!! Explain that Mr "Supplier".
Toy gave every model all the safety features and opted for a 'triple-tech' frame.
I love this...."Triple-Tech"???, Did you coin that phrase yourself or did Toyota do it to sugarcoat an inferior design?
The maximum towing capacities are lower for GM vehicles across the board save two ties. Now that's measurable.
Is 300 lbs (or even 1000 lbs) really "measurable" when we are talking about over-inflated, unrealistic numbers anyway?
Toyota has the most capable and technologically leading transmission on the market.
Maybe as std, but wait a year and that claim will die. GM does have a 6-spd automatic available now, only reason it isn't used as std is due to production numbers, something Toyota doesn't have to worry about @ less than 200K/yr.
Anyone can make the newest tech std right away when they only make a fraction of the number of vehicles.
GM opted not to provide some key safety features on most models
Please elaborate? Oh, and if you are referring to side airbags as optional, yes, they are, but don't think Toyota is throwing them in for free. GM is simply giving customers more choices on how to spend their money. Why FORCE people to spend money on them? Personally, I chose them because I was willing to pay for them. Others may think otherwise and decide not to get them. it's their CHOICE!!! Since when is choice a bad thing?
Trucks today (1/2 tons anyway) are designed and marketed for much more than just working. I am a perfect example of why. I need a truck for boat towing, but I also use it year round as a daily commuter. So, ride comfort is HUGE for me. As are all other car-related amenities. It is my "car" as well as my truck.
Until it can be shown that there is a measurable advantage to the f-b-f's then this 'innovation' is at best marketing bling-bling. It 'feels' like it gives a more solid ride.
It's only "bling bling" to people (like you) who don't understand it. As far as "feeling like a more solid ride" All I can say is...Huh?
As to the other poster, yes GM does not fully box the full size SUV's, SUV's are not Pickup trucks. Different market, different needs.
That's the now-well known ( thanks to Edmunds ) Torque Management 4 sec closed loop GM slipped into the 6.0L so that the 4 spd tranny's wouldn't grenade.
Hopefully GM will elimiate this when they actually do get around to upgrading their transmissions.
You can't compare these trucks by the numbers. Do any of you drive pickup trucks?
Speaking of bogus benefits..I am still waiting for the answer to my earlier question: Where is the "benefit" to a fraction of a sec time in the standing 1/4 mile? And you missed my point regarding over-inflated towing numbers. What criteria was used to determine these numbers? Did both GM and Toyota use the same criteria? I doubt it.
The benfit to a better engineered frame is a better overall chassis. Period.
"The first high-volume hydroformed automotive part was made in 1990-an instrument panel beam on a Chrysler Minivan made by VariForm [Warren, MI]." The next highvolume part-an engine cradle used on the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique-came into production in 1994, he says. "From that point onward, interest in hydroforming accelerated."
Did I say that no GM's had hydroforming? NO I said that at the truck plant where I supplied all the frame rail steel GM used stamped parts. Hydroforming began in earnest in the mid 90's.
Maybe as std, but wait a year and that claim will die. GM does have a 6-spd automatic available now, only reason it isn't used as std is due to production numbers, something Toyota doesn't have to worry about less than 200K/yr.
Anyone can make the newest tech std right away when they only make a fraction of the number of vehicles.
DING!
GM opted not to provide some key safety features on most models
Please elaborate? Oh, and if you are referring to side airbags as optional, yes, they are, but don't think Toyota is throwing them in for free.
DING! Yes they are free. That's what standard means.
GM is simply giving customers more choices on how to spend their money. Why FORCE people to spend money on them? Personally, I chose them because I was willing to pay for them. Others may think otherwise and decide not to get them. it's their CHOICE!!! Since when is choice a bad thing?
The rest of this is just unbelievable and so..... Eighties. Just put them in the vehicle and don't skimp. Cutting corners at the customers' expense? Making them pay to get a safer vehicle? Didn't they learn anything from the 80's.
It's only "bling bling" to people (like you) who don't understand it. As far as "feeling like a more solid ride" All I can say is...Huh?
And you still have not been able to state one single measurable advantage of the f-b-f over the Tundra design, other than it was ENGINEERED. Hello, both designs were ENGINEERED!!!
Just like your "technology" without actual technological items included. That gave me a much needed laugh..
Maybe the next Silverado will get BlueTooth just in time for everyone to step up to WiMax!
If you don't know the Advantages a fully boxed frame provides, I can't help you.
That's funny, my 2007 Sierra with the side curtain airbags COMPLETELY protect you from side impact. Check the photos. It is a Side "Curtain" airbag. Look at the total area of protection, not the number of airbags....duh!
Please... the Silverado has a lot going for it as a truck, technology is not one of them.
Simply idiotic statement. Period!