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Welcome, Toyota Tundra
I own a Land Cruiser, but if the new Tundra is at
least close to what they say it is , I am ready for
a switch. I need a truck, my lease expires next
fall - perfect timing.
Nothing against the current heavyhitters - Ford,
Dodge and GMC/Chevy - must be great trucks. Though,
judging by constant whining of its owners on
Edmund's - not that great. Well, nothing is
perfect...
I hope it will be different with Tundra (I don't
like the name though). This is Toyota and the name
speaks for itself. At least that's what my
experience with 3 Toyotas tells me and that's the
major difference between Toyota and the rest of the
trucking world.
Reliability and toughness. That's what you want
from your truck, that's what you get here. I was on
a hunting safari last year in South Africa. Tough,
tough country. Only the strongest survive - man,
animal, truck. My outfitter told me after I asked,
that he bought four F-150 several years ago for his
operation, but they lasted less than one season.
Sold what was left to Arabs in Johannesburg. Toyota
survives, same as Nissan and Rover. "Build Ford
Tough..."
You can argue about it, but that's reality.
Anyway, we live in America and the reality for our
trucks is 5 miles on something other than
Interstate 40 - and we call it "off-road" and are
very happy that the truck is still running. And the
"power" - well, you see the difference between 5.4
and 5.7 - at a gas pump.
I welcome new Toyota to the truck family and I
hope Ford and Chevy guys will realize that every
new Toyota is a blessing for them - it makes Ford,
GM and Chrysler work harder to achieve same
standard of quality, so their fans whine less and
enjoy their trucks more.
least close to what they say it is , I am ready for
a switch. I need a truck, my lease expires next
fall - perfect timing.
Nothing against the current heavyhitters - Ford,
Dodge and GMC/Chevy - must be great trucks. Though,
judging by constant whining of its owners on
Edmund's - not that great. Well, nothing is
perfect...
I hope it will be different with Tundra (I don't
like the name though). This is Toyota and the name
speaks for itself. At least that's what my
experience with 3 Toyotas tells me and that's the
major difference between Toyota and the rest of the
trucking world.
Reliability and toughness. That's what you want
from your truck, that's what you get here. I was on
a hunting safari last year in South Africa. Tough,
tough country. Only the strongest survive - man,
animal, truck. My outfitter told me after I asked,
that he bought four F-150 several years ago for his
operation, but they lasted less than one season.
Sold what was left to Arabs in Johannesburg. Toyota
survives, same as Nissan and Rover. "Build Ford
Tough..."
You can argue about it, but that's reality.
Anyway, we live in America and the reality for our
trucks is 5 miles on something other than
Interstate 40 - and we call it "off-road" and are
very happy that the truck is still running. And the
"power" - well, you see the difference between 5.4
and 5.7 - at a gas pump.
I welcome new Toyota to the truck family and I
hope Ford and Chevy guys will realize that every
new Toyota is a blessing for them - it makes Ford,
GM and Chrysler work harder to achieve same
standard of quality, so their fans whine less and
enjoy their trucks more.
0
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
Speaking of the F-150, I'm a bit disappointed at just how much the new Toyota was influenced by Ford. Many of the design details look like they were designed in Dearborn. The dash is a combination of F-Series with the center module's black oval shape (heating, radio, etc) coming almost straight from the Taurus. Even the locking rear tailgate latch looks like it was lifted right off an F-150.
I'm sure it will be a great truck. Toyotas always make a good product. I just wish they could be a bit more innovative when it comes to styling. It will be interesting to see how "truckers" will react to it.
Frankly, I think it will make a great personal-use vehicle. It's not too large, has 4 doors, has a decent size rear seating with 60/40 split rear seats that include a center armrest and headrests, will carry almost a ton payload, and I'm sure will be very reliable. It certainly has a great new V8.
Bob
I totally agree with you that Toyota makes great but boring cars and trucks. Great in performance, but boring to look at. But, perhaps, everything that's perfect is usually boring (to some extend).
And again I agree with the definition "personal-use vehicle" - I think that't where we are going to in trucks: not load-haulers anymore, but [non-permissible content removed]-haulers. Just look at the new Blackwood. So soon we gonna be discussing not the advantage of diesel over gas, but what kind of leather is cool this season.
You're right, it is closer in size to the Dakota than it is to the F-150. It appears to be just a bit longer (not wider) than the current T-100.
In terms of "work capability", which is a big consideration for full-size 1/2 tons, the Toyota should beat or closely match the payload/towing capabilities of GM, Ford or Dodge. The current T-100 4x4's payload rating exceeds that of Ford's F-150 4x4. I would think the Tundra's payload would exceed that of the model it replaces.
Bob
I may be wrong, but I believe it has hydraulic valves, which do not need adjustment. I also think it has a timing chain as opposed to a timing belt.
As to gas mileage... we'll see. Just because it is an OHC engine, doesn't necessarily mean high rpms/low mileage. Their 3.4 OHC V6 proves that.
Bob
1. Were talking 1/2 ton models, not 1/2 ton "&" 3/4 ton models.
2. Granted, Toyota does not (yet) offer the range of model configurations that GM, Ford or Dodge offer; but, in the models that do directly compare, the Tundra is fully competitive.
3. No, the Toyota is not as "wide" as the domestic 1/2 tons, but it can still fit a 48" panel between the wheel wells in the bed. To me, as a personal use vehicle (which is what most 1/2 tons are used for), the smaller size is a positive, not a negative.
4. Toyota, like Mercedes with its ML-Class, offers the customer a different "flavor" of truck. Again, I see that as a positive, not a negative. The more "real" choices for the customer, the better.
5. I don't see the "bigger-is-better trend" that the current domestic trucks are moving towards as necessarily better. I used to have an '87 F-150 4x4 regular cab long bed with a GVW of 6200 pounds and a payload rating of 2,200 pounds. Today's comparable F-150 is bigger, heavier, and... while it GVW may be the same or higher... it's payload rating is much less than that of my old F-150. I don't call that progress.
Don't get me wrong, I would much rather a new F-150 than my old F-150. But, if I want to match the payload capacity of my old truck, I would have to move up to a F-250 with a GVW of 7,200 pounds in order to do that.
Bob
The fact remains that the "domestic" trucks are put into (correctly or incorrectly) 3 classifications: 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton and 1 ton. These terms are outdated for sure, but most people still use them when they're discussing (and comparing) pickups. The Tundra is not meant to compete with a 3/4 or 1 ton pickup.
If you look at most of the 1/2 tons on most dealers lot (GM, Dodge or Ford), you will find that most of them are short-bed extended cabs, and aimed at the personal use crowd. That's where the market is, and that's why the Tundra is so equipped. Who knows, in a few years, they will probably fill out and expand their model range.
GM, Ford, Dodge and the media seem to think of it as a full-size truck.
Bob
from early january. just go to their site if you have it. info just starting to come out from dealers but nothing specific yet
tacoma. overall looks good but will need to wait until they get to the dealers.
Now if only Toyota could keep the base price of the V6 version below $18,000...
The Dakota, however, can't fit 48" wide paneling between its wheelwells flat on the bed floor. The Tundra (and T-100) can. As Volfy mentioned: That has always been the key factor that has historically separated a full-size truck from a mid-size (or smaller) pickup.
Bob
If Toyota did decide to get into the "mine is bigger than yours race" do you think they could pull it off? I have seen the Tundra at an auto show in Birmingham and the NAIAS in Detroit and came away thinking it is a scaled down F-150. I am sure Toyota will grab sales from Tacoma and Dakota owners, but I have a hard time imagining them braking any sales records. Remember, I can only base my judgements on their previous efforts. Heres hoping Toyota will one day see fit to offer a decent diesel engine in a pickup. Later, Wes.
If by "pull it off" you mean make a F-150/Sierra sized truck just as good if not better than Ford/GM/Dodge, then the answer is a definite yes. But I agree that to convince enough of the traditional 1/2-ton-plus truck buyers to hang their cowboy hats in a Toyota will be no small feat.
A great number of these full-size trucks are bought by contractors and tradespeople who are not the type to stop framing with 2x4s everytime somebody comes up with a new and better way to build a house.
Toyota is smart not to mess with that traditional heavy duty work truck market. Instead, they are catering to the growing personal-use truck buyers. Much easier to sell a new truck to someone who hasn't been buying Ford/Chevy for the past 20 years.
I don't remember a 1 ton version of the T100, but I wouldn't be surprised if there was one. Several months ago, I saw an older Toyota compact which had 1 ton printed on the back. And suddenly, I remembered that I had seen other small Toyotas with 1 ton on them in the past. I did a little research and found that 1 ton compacts were sold as recently as the mid to late 1980's. I guess they rode pretty rough but could haul a lot of weight in the back. I think they only came in a long bed version and many were used for conversion for small moving trucks and camper homes. I've seen some dual rear wheel compact Toyota trucks which I assume were the 1 ton models. If I'm not mistaken, the current Tacoma can be classified as a half ton based on hauling capacity.
Of course, these trucks didn't/don't have the power for heavy towing or the larger beds, so the point is moot for most people.
Anyone else remember the little 1 ton Toyota trucks?
To put it in perspective, my current 'one-ton' Ford has a payload capacity of 4,750lbs -- they'd never advertise it as a '2 1/2 ton truck' though.
Rich
Quality and Industry-Leading Features
TORRANCE, Calif., March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- When it goes on sale in early June, the all-new 2000 model-year Toyota Tundra will enter the full-size pickup truck market with an impressive resume of value, quality and industry- leading features.
The Tundra will be built exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI), an all-new $1.2-billion facility located in Gibson County, near the city of Princeton. It will ride on an all-new chassis that will help set a full-size pickup benchmark for handling, ride comfort and interior noise isolation.
Featuring the most sophisticated powerplant ever offered in a full-size pickup, Tundra's optional i-Force 245 horsepower 4.7-liter engine will be the first double-overhead cam, 32-valve V8 ever offered in the segment. Derived from the powerful engine used in the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser, it will provide a high level of smoothness and quietness. It also will be one of the first V8 engines in the segment to achieve an L.E.V. (low-emission vehicle) emissions classification from the EPA, and will achieve good fuel efficiency.
Tundra will be available in three grades -- base, SR5 and Limited. It will be powered by either a V8 or V6 engine, including two- or four-wheel drive, two-door regular cab with an eight-foot bed or four-door Access Cab with a six and-a-half-foot bed.
The new Access Cab features large double-doors and one of the most expansive entry areas in the segment. It also is the only four-door pickup to feature an exterior handle on each door providing easier operation from the outside than the commonly used door-jam mechanism.
The Access Cab's 60/40 rear split-bench seat provides seating for three passengers, dual adjustable outboard headrests and a fold-down center armrest with cup holders. Valuables can be hidden out of sight in a storage compartment under the rear seat cushion or the cushion can be folded up to handle cargo, instead of passengers. On models equipped with a standard front bench seat, the Access Cab will accommodate six passengers -- three in the front and three in the rear.
Standard equipment on Tundra will include driver- and passenger-side airbags (with passenger air bag cutoff switch), all-new sound systems, dual 12-volt power outlets, high solar energy-absorbing glass and driver- and passenger-side dual sun visors with pull-out extensions.
In anticipation of Tundra's summer launch, Toyota has announced prices on the new full-size entry. Manufacturers Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) will range from $14,995 for a base 4x2 model to $27,830 for a top-of-the-line Limited 4x4.
The company said an SR5 4x2 Access Cab powered by the high-tech i-Force V8 will be priced at $22,250. The price includes 4-speed ECT automatic transmission, CFC-free air conditioning, ETR radio with cassette and four speakers, tachometer, cruise control and 16-inch styled steel wheels.
A base-model 4x2 regular cab V6 with five-speed manual transmission will have a price of $14,995. The price includes cloth seats, cut-pile carpeting, AM/FM cassette, dual outside mirrors and P245/70 R16 tires. SOURCE Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc.
Bonnie Rick
Town Hall Community Manager, edmunds.com
1. I find the styling pretty homely, mostly in the grill area. Maybe big tires and wheels would help the overall look...I'll have to see some when they hit the road first.
2. I find the unavailbility of a reg. cab short bed version to be quite odd. A lot of people need trucks that can get in smaller areas(like garages) or just don't need the back seat, yet they don't want the workmanlike look of a long bed truck.
3. I've owned 4 toyotas in my life. My last was a '91 4-runner that looked and ran like new at 100,000 miles, it's paint job was better than my 3 month old Dodge Ram's. But in my experience, the Toyota dealer network has bad business practices. Bait n' switches, adding on "extras" when you come in to do the paperwork, lowballing on price, gouging on repairs, etc, etc. That is a big negative for me. I'd be wary of having to deal with them again. At least the 3 dealers I've dealt with here.
4. Cost. I shudder to think what Toyota will want for these trucks. Add in the "new hot vehicle" premium and I figure it will be a year or two before you will be able to find one at a decent price. I suspect all this first year's models will be loaded up to the hilt, since they will have limited capacity early on, and want to max out the profits per unit.
TOYOTA MIGHT BE DOING THEIR TRIED AND TRUE METHOD OF BRINGING A PRODUCT OUT TO MARKET WITH VERY ATTRACTIVE PRICES AND AFTER THEN FIRST YEAR OF WINNING CUSTOMER SUPPORT FOR THEIR PRODUCT, THEY JACK PRICES UP TO THE STRATOSPHERE. LOOK AT LEXUS. EITHER WAY, THE TUNDRA WILL BE A FANTASTIC PRODUCT. BUT YOU DO PAY ALOT FOR THAT TOYOTA NAMEPLATE ON FRONT.
AS FAR AS BETTER QUALITY THAN AMERICAN PRODUCT, I THINK MOST OF THAT IS PERCIEVED QUALITY.
I WORK FOR A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY AND WE OWN ABOUT 100 COMPANY TRUCKS, ALL FORD. I WOULD BE GRACIOUS TO SAY THAT OIL CHANGES ARE DONE EVEN EVERY 10,000 MILES. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE IS ALMOST NON-EXISTANT. OUR TRUCKS ARE WORKING ON OUR JOB SITES EVERY DAY AND CAN NOT BE BROUGHT IN TO HAVE MAINTENANCE DONE. THEY IDLE FOR HOURS AT A TIME, SIT IN DUSTY, MUDDY CONDITIONS. WE HAVE BOTH GAS(80%) AND DIESEL(20%) ENGINES. WE NEVER HAVE PROBLEMS WITH OUR TRUCKS. MOST OF OUR TRUCKS HAVE 50,000+ MILES ON THEM AND NEARLY ONE FOURTH HAVE 100,000+ MILES ON THEM. NOTHING MAJOR TO COMPLAIN ABOUT. WE WILL CONTINUE TO BUY FROM FROM FORD UNTIL CHEVY OR DODGE OR TOYOTA OFFER US A LOWER PRICE. MY POINT BEING IF THESE "POOR QUALITY" AMERICAN TRUCKS LIKE FORD CAN STANDUP TO THE ABUSE THEY GET ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE, I THINK THEY CAN ALL MAKE GREAT, DEPENDABLE, SAFE, VEHICLES FOR YOUR FAMILY JUST AS WELL AS A TOYOTA OR NISSAN.
Shhhhh....please turn off your caps lock, you're shouting.
97 Ford F150 XLT extended cab. This was my
first domestic purchase since 1981. While the
Ford has many nice features (which I hope to find on the Tundra), it has been back 10 times
for recalls and malfunctions. I am ready to try
Tundra for my 10th. new Toyota vehicle in 15
years.
I have been considering the XLE Sienna in Black.
I have a 91 MPV now. Yes, it's also black! ;-)
I need a van to haul my large and sometimes heavy equipment, recording gear about 25%, and people 75 % of the time.
I am also the soccer coach for U-15 Classic girls team and travel with equipment and team.
I like the way the Sienna handles and rides...although I find that my back hurts after 30 mins. of driving. I am seeking expert advice on this. My family member think their seats are superb.
I have not seen a Tundra, and I am wondering if this might fit my needs better.
I have had the opportunity to drive a new 98 MPV "All Sport" recently...and it kicked like a bucking bronko over small bumps. It is smaller than the Sienna, like my old 2 wheel drive MPV.
Will the Tundra hold 4-5 passengers with great comfort? Does it ride smoother than a truck...or more like a large car?
Lohengrin, there were 4 2wd v8 Tundras and 4 4WD V8 Tundras. 2 of each competitors trucks both 2wd and 4wd extended cabs. And nothing was "rigged" the reason we had more Tundras is that it was an event for Toyota salespeople (which some own Ford, Chevy, and Dodge trucks by the way) and everyone was given a chance to drive the Tundra at least once. Now if you don't like my opinion or the "facts" that's your prerogative. You'll see the actual tests by Motor Trend, Road and Track, and Car and Driver soon.