interesting: "Seen plenty loaded up gm's, dodges and fords jacknifed and busted up tryin' to make that big haul without the swaybars or aux brakes." i would have to say that 1) i've never seen a light duty pickup truck and trailer jack-knifed, so for you to see plenty...hmmm, interesting. 2) if indeed you've seen "plenty loaded up gm's, dodges and fords jack-knifed and busted up", it's because ain't no other trucks out there that can haul.
When them folks get them ownin manual truths slapped in them faces, they just go on makin up things like "jack-knifin" big3 ones! Where that one come from? They reachin for sure, but them folks should be lookin too them forien owin manuals on em: Haul restricted too max 2000 lbs Haul restricted too 45 mph
First them folks deny them restrictions in them ownin manuals, then them folks call them ones who be pointin it out too em liars, and now, instead of just admittin they got skinned by that factory, they be talkin on "jack knifin" big3 ones! See, these folks aint haulin nothin no how, but that pride is still stingin. They got em a pint sized, pee-wee parts, no haulin, little one and they was braggin on how HD it was! They aint got nothin too compare them limited ones too ceptin them forien cars they owned before em. Well, lets just set it straight for em: Them tundras aint "full size", they aint got no "haul", they sure aint "HD", and they sure aint built for "workin". Facts is facts, sorry too be bustin up that "yuppie reasonin" for this one on ya. If ya really want a workin one, get ya a big3 one. If ya just chasin that fad, be happy with that limited one ya got. Just dont be claimin ya got ya one that compares too them big3 ones now, cuz it dont. Good luck on this one now!
The twistin of some numbers on them sales means little too them that works em. Folks who work em be more interested in these too numbers: 2000 lbs and 45 mph. Them pee-wee truck restrictions on them limited ones sure dont be "addin" up too a "full size" one now! Read them ownin manuals for the truth on that one now. Them forien ones aint got much haul, but they got shine, eh! Good luck on this one now!
I think the easiest way to tell how each manufacture is doing is to look at how many of the previous years models are on the dealers lots right now.Up here there is no GMC's left over from last year as well as Dodge(they cheated with an early release for 2001 but up here they are very popular) Chevy and ford have a few left and the Toyota dealer has 5 left.So far the Tundra has not caught on with many people up here yet.
Only thing about I know about 'sale' is when they are cheaper and it's time for me to buy! And that's not always the case. I do believe it depends on the area also as to what brand/make will sell more than the other. Here in Snottsdale AZ, I see a lot of the Tundra's, but.. still can't compare to the numbers the other brands put on the road.
Them numbers bein twisted, but the facts is the facts, them ones aint sellin cuz that truth be gettin out on em now. No hitch, No haul, No SALE! Good luck ont this one now!
similar thoughts like Ryan. At least when its about this topic. RWELL and JUSTTHEONE seem to post 60-70% of the content. It is usually useless, incoherent babbling, or involves cutting and pasting. Its not worth the time anymore.
JUSTLETONE I'm certain is not a girl, and is most likely the former (not farmer) F150RULES. He is just searching for anyone to side with him so he has finally picked on Toyota. He was probably denied nurturing(spell ?) from his family as a child, and who could blame them. He can't think of anything to say that amounts to anything worth commenting on, probably comes from eating too much paste and sniffing jocks.
Sorry to ramble on I'm done with this topic too.
By the way Tim, Toyota is not in NASCAR because current ruling is that you must run a pushrod engine and carb's. Toyota can join but they wouldn't get the backing of the fans. Self included. RWELL... I go to races and actually never have had a drink. Such a little mind. OOPS! Did I say that out loud.
"But we especially liked the power of the Tundra's 4.7-liter V-8. Combined with the four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, this powertrain did not disappoint. And we pushed it hard. With the 6,300-pound Tahoe behind us, kissing the Tundra's 7,100-pound tow rating, we went from sea-level to 9,000 feet through desert heat in late summer and the Tundra never so much as hiccuped. "
"That said, the Toyota pulled as well as any of its Big Three counterparts and yet, when not in tow, the Tundra was nimble and veritably attacked the winding mountain roads. It handled and responded akin to a smaller version of its actual self. The steering was tight, the ride was distinctly not like any truck we've driven lately, and, pushed to its limits, the Tundra accelerates 0 to 60 mph in a rapid 8.1 seconds. It seems the Tundra is more than able to take on its intended half-ton-rated counterparts in the U.S. light-truck market. "
Those Big3 pickups are getting smaller all of the time. When are they going to come up to Toyota's standards?
Them folks at Trailer Life need too be readin them ownin manuals on them ones now. They was lucky that limited one aint broke now! Them forien ones aint made too be doin no haulin like that now! Facts is facts, look too them ownin maunuals for them restrictions. Good luck on this one now!
I would like to know what it says in the owners manual. Does it say use a sway bar over 2,000 pounds - this seems about right for a small truck. But does it say limit speed to 45 mph during the first 500 miles (or forever)?
Lets be honest - if the Tundra is limited to 45 MPH when towing 2,000 pounds for the first 500 miles that would be normal - if this is an ongoing restriction that means the Tundra is a JOKE as a full size truck -with these restrictions it would also be a joke as a mid-size. My compact Nissan was rated at 3,500 pounds. Anyone who buys one and plans to tow with it is an idiot. BTW GM recommends sway control for loads over 5,000 pounds - and also recommends limiting speed to 50 MPH for the first 500 miles while towing.
Can some Tundra owner please clear these restrictions up - please post what the manual says. I am sure your salesperson pointed them out to you before you wrote the check for $25,000++.
The new tundra board did not transfer over here. So let's continue in this forum for now. I'm going to see about getting the other board over here. I may have to do some copy/pasting.
Anyone saying that the Toyota v8 4 cam is overly complex doensn't know what the hell they're talking about. Open the hood on any of the Toyota's competition and tell me which one looks the most basic. With the Big 3 you have wires every where. Coils dangling from the cylinder head on the Chevy. And the dodge's engine must be so simple that the rubber band breaks often. The Toyota engine uses FEWER moving parts that any of the others. Research this before looking like dumb a**es. It's called "BETTER ENGINEERING"!!! Thats all. If you've got $30k to spend on a new truck these days than you can also afford to pay someone else to fix it. If its a Toyota you won't have to since its engine has a 5 year warranty. Now, for you guys that will have to wait til the truck is 7 or 8 years old to afford it then I say "the Tundra will still be a better buy for you since you can get a second job with all the free time you'll have not fixing your Fords or Dodges.. If you buy a Toyota you won't have to sit on that fender every weekend fixing your truck. That's a fact that's been proven around the world boys.!
Explain why the $30K you spend for the Toyota Tundra's "better engineering" limits you 45 MPH when towing and also requires sway control to handle a 2,000 pound trailer? I look forward to your response.
The people who argue that the Tundra is overly complex also argue that a flat head engine is better - they don't have a clue. The Tundra 4.7L has more low end torque than the Shakerado 5.3L. I wonder why? Could it be that the 32valve 4 cam engine is just a little more powerful?
The Chevies came with sloppy main bearing clearances for the first two years of production, causing cold engine knocking. Oops! The Chevy execs were laughing all the way to the bank on this one. They figured that all of their loyal followers would think that knocking is normal for Chevies - so why fix it? Now it is a marketing gimmick that the new Chevies come with correctly toleranced main bearings.
Now Chevy is heavily bracing their flexi - flyer frames. Another marketing gimmick. Boy - I'm glad Chevy didn't sucker me into buying their expensive junk.
Chevy has 3" less ground clearance so that women like Libby (justheone) can climb into her truck and maintain her modesty. You have to upgrade the suspension just to add a tow hitch! The Chev comes with weak brakes to boot. And this wimpy truck is supposed to be able to tow?
Get real Chevy pack - If you want a heavy duty 1/2 ton truck - get a Tundra or a F150. Chevy isn't even close.
Better engineering huh?? Well, in 10 yrs. when you need parts, whose do you think will cost more?? And don't give me this BS that Toys don't break down as much - we don't need to go there. Maybe it is engineered better, but it will cost more to fix - so who's better off???
Look too them ownin manuals on them forien ones. That truth be there, slappin them folks hard! 2000 pound limit for haulin 45 mph limit for haulin
Yup, that be a real "HD" one. Guessin them yuppies aint got the knowin of what "workin" a truck be. Chase that shine yuppie! Good luck on this one now!
Yup, them yuppies got em a real mystery on this one now. Where is all them long lastin forien ones now? Is they all in hidin or somethin? Guessin them yuppies aint got the knowin on them head-gaskets popin and them rockers rustin! So much for them one lastin long. Good luck on this one now!
I have yet to see a head gasket fail on a Tundra. Please show me proof of one failing. If you can't prove it, don't be talking about it, cause you don't have the knowin on it. Also, the older ones did have a rusting problem. They stopped using that kind of sheet metal a long time ago. Show me a newer one that's rusting.
You are making a grave mistake - you are treating Libby (Justheone) as if she has a brain. Get real - She is just a phony hick. Everyone already knows that she lied about having a '52 pickup - she stole her truck pictures from another website.
Chevies are perfect for a woman like her. They are low to the ground and have a big back seat. Perfect for a housewife who doesn't know anything about trucks.
Good brakes? Uh,oh - the Tundra has by far the best brakes.
Low end torque? Uh,oh - the Tundra 32 valve DOHC V8 has more low end torque than the Chevy.
Durability and Reliability? - Hey we are talking Chevy vs. Toyota - need I say more? It took Chevy 2 years to find out that they left most of the braces off of their wimpy frame. It also took them two years to figure out that they needed to tighten up main bearing clearances to keep their engines from knocking.
Let's talk about some real competition like the F150.
Chevy Long Term test results:
These are from Car and Driver:
"Two things kept us from calling the Silverado a perfect tow vehicle: It was not bulletproof during its stay, and the brake pedal felt mushy, not firm the way you'd like it when towing a heavy load."
Uh, Oh! Wimpy brakes.
"Skidpad grip increased from 0.70 g to 0.73 g, but braking had worsened, stopping at the end of the test from 70 mph in 226 feet, 19 more feet than it required at the outset. The brakes were the least impressive feature of the Silverado--they produced heavy fade and would emit a spooky gasp when the test driver hit the brake pedal."
Uh, Oh! The wimpy brakes got worse!
"Brakes have the typical awful, spongy pedal that feels like one out of a 1978 Chevrolet Caprice Classic."
rooster - just go take a look at Tundra Solutions. do a search for "rust". you'll find plenty of people complaining about rusting on their new tundras.
bama - good to see that some things never change. that's a wonderful citation of one instance you have there. i'd hate to see you on a vote counting board...
"ok folks, my first ballot was for gore...so, gore it is. congratulations mr. vice president!"
as i posted earlier (before the format change), gm buyers have the option of selecting a vehicle that will tow before they purchase it. it's just like selecting between a manual or auto transmission. you get your preference. not what the dealer/manufacturer tells you you can have (read: toyota). you either get a truck that tows or you don't. if you're not going to tow with your truck, you can get one with shocks that provide a smoother ride.
i mean, for real, we're not splitting atoms today...ok? there's no after-market required, unless you change your mind after you buy, or unless you buy one used.
unlike the "limited" ones - "limited" refers to your towing capacity - where you drive the truck off the lot thinking you're ready to tow 7200 pounds. only to get home and, if you're intelligent check your manual before hooking up a trailer. then you realize that you're going to need sway bars (unless you are bama or rwell, who apparently got the only two tundra manuals available that don't have the 2000 pounds/45 mph warning). either that or you just go out and tow a massive 3000 pound trailer that whips your wannabe full-sized truck around, only to go back to the dealer and get laughed at for not reading your manual and told to go buy yourself some sway bars since, apparently, you can't read.
It says something to me that you have to upgrade the suspension to put a tow-hitch on a Chevy. Can you say WIMPY?
If you change your mind after you buy of you want a used one - what do you do? You rework your suspension. Lets see - you have the dealer replace your shocks, springs, add a transmission cooler, etc. On the Tundra - you add a hitch. Much more heavy duty.
The fact that the Silverado doesn't have a standard heavy duty suspension says something about their targeted buyers. They wanted a minivan. They are marketed for phony hicks such as Libby, and soccer moms. If you want a heavy duty 1/2 ton pickup - get a Tundra.
Dont need no magazine tells for that truth on this one. Them tundra ownin manuals be spellin it out for them seekin that truth: No haul over 2000 lbs No haul over 45 mph
Fact is facts. Aint it funny how them yuppies be reachin for them magazine tells, when that truth be in them ownin manuals now! Good luck on this one now!
Usin them words "Heavy Duty" and them words tundra in that same sentence just makes that point now: They aint got the knowin of them trucks! Them yuppies got me belly slappin with them tells! Are they just makin up them tells for humor, or is them yuppies really believin such things? Look too them ownin manuals yuppies! Good luck on this one now!
"But we especially liked the power of the Tundra's 4.7-liter V-8. Combined with the four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, this powertrain did not disappoint. And we pushed it hard. With the 6,300-pound Tahoe behind us, kissing the Tundra's 7,100-pound tow rating, we went from sea-level to 9,000 feet through desert heat in late summer and the Tundra never so much as hiccuped. "
"That said, the Toyota pulled as well as any of its Big Three counterparts and yet, when not in tow, the Tundra was nimble and veritably attacked the winding mountain roads. It handled and responded akin to a smaller version of its actual self. The steering was tight, the ride was distinctly not like any truck we've driven lately, and, pushed to its limits, the Tundra accelerates 0 to 60 mph in a rapid 8.1 seconds. It seems the Tundra is more than able to take on its intended half-ton-rated counterparts in the U.S. light-truck market. "
Those Big3 pickups are getting smaller all of the time. When are they going to come up to Toyota's standards?
So you voted for Al Gore!! Geez Kyle, first you buy a chevy. then vote for Gore. Don't feel too bad, my wife voted for him(you know how women worry about the environment). Lucky for us, ol' Jeb and Ms. Harris took care of business in florida for his brother. they made sure all the "right" votes got counted!! We can rest easy now that George won, fair and square!
The reality of buying American by cyberwombat Jun 30, 2000 (09:56 pm) It would probably be safe to say that most Americans are proud of their country and want to support it when they can. I read labels and given the choice will buy American-made whenever possible. But in today's global market, it is unrealistic to extend that philosophy to big-ticket items.
Pop the top on your computer, especially if it's a Compaq - a good ole' US company based here in my hometown of Houston. You'll see chips and parts made in a dozen different countries. There's no telling where it was assembled. American-branded software is being written by Indian codesmiths (a pet peeve of mine, being a developer myself). Toyotas are made in the U.S., GM's are made in Canada, Fords are made in Mexico. Or maybe its vice versa; I can never keep it straight.
And when you get right down to it - the whole question of keeping the money in the States - well, there's no way of knowing the nationality of the stockowners. And ultimately, THAT is where the profits go.
The point is that it's myoptic - and unfair - to bash someone as "anti-American" for buying a Toyota truck.
I'd like to only buy American, but the reality is you can't always. Their are good foreign products out there (Toyota included). I did look at them, but quite honestly it didn't stack any of the big 3 - in my opinion...
I still say all of them are good products, my personal experience anyway when I tested all of them. Came down to personal preference and very good (not perfect) past experience with the brand I bought.
Comments
"Seen plenty loaded up gm's, dodges and fords jacknifed and busted up tryin' to make that big haul without the swaybars or aux brakes."
i would have to say that 1) i've never seen a light duty pickup truck and trailer jack-knifed, so for you to see plenty...hmmm, interesting. 2) if indeed you've seen "plenty loaded up gm's, dodges and fords jack-knifed and busted up", it's because ain't no other trucks out there that can haul.
bco
Haul restricted too max 2000 lbs
Haul restricted too 45 mph
First them folks deny them restrictions in them ownin manuals, then them folks call them ones who be pointin it out too em liars, and now, instead of just admittin they got skinned by that factory, they be talkin on "jack knifin" big3 ones! See, these folks aint haulin nothin no how, but that pride is still stingin. They got em a pint sized, pee-wee parts, no haulin, little one and they was braggin on how HD it was! They aint got nothin too compare them limited ones too ceptin them forien cars they owned before em. Well, lets just set it straight for em: Them tundras aint "full size", they aint got no "haul", they sure aint "HD", and they sure aint built for "workin". Facts is facts, sorry too be bustin up that "yuppie reasonin" for this one on ya. If ya really want a workin one, get ya a big3 one. If ya just chasin that fad, be happy with that limited one ya got. Just dont be claimin ya got ya one that compares too them big3 ones now, cuz it dont. Good luck on this one now!
Good luck on this one now!
bco
http://www.autosite.com/editoria/asmr/svolpu.asp
I do believe it depends on the area also as to what brand/make will sell more than the other.
Here in Snottsdale AZ, I see a lot of the Tundra's, but.. still can't compare to the numbers the other brands put on the road.
JUSTLETONE I'm certain is not a girl, and is most likely the former (not farmer) F150RULES. He is just searching for anyone to side with him so he has finally picked on Toyota. He was probably denied nurturing(spell ?) from his family as a child, and who could blame them. He can't think of anything to say that amounts to anything worth commenting on, probably comes from eating too much paste and sniffing jocks.
Sorry to ramble on I'm done with this topic too.
By the way Tim, Toyota is not in NASCAR because current ruling is that you must run a pushrod engine and carb's. Toyota can join but they wouldn't get the backing of the fans. Self included. RWELL... I go to races and actually never have had a drink. Such a little mind. OOPS! Did I say that out loud.
Trailer Life Magazine:
"But we especially liked the power of the Tundra's 4.7-liter V-8. Combined with the four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, this powertrain did not disappoint. And we pushed it hard. With the 6,300-pound Tahoe behind us, kissing the Tundra's 7,100-pound tow rating, we went from sea-level to 9,000 feet through desert heat in late summer and the Tundra never so much as hiccuped. "
"That said, the Toyota pulled as well as any of its Big Three counterparts and yet, when not in tow, the Tundra was nimble and veritably attacked the winding mountain roads. It handled and responded akin to a smaller version of its actual self. The steering was tight, the ride was distinctly not like any truck we've driven lately, and, pushed to its limits, the Tundra accelerates 0 to 60 mph in a rapid 8.1 seconds. It seems the Tundra is more than able to take on its intended half-ton-rated counterparts in the U.S. light-truck market. "
Those Big3 pickups are getting smaller all of the time. When are they going to come up to Toyota's standards?
I would like to know what it says in the owners manual. Does it say use a sway bar over 2,000 pounds - this seems about right for a small truck. But does it say limit speed to 45 mph during the first 500 miles (or forever)?
Lets be honest - if the Tundra is limited to 45 MPH when towing 2,000 pounds for the first 500 miles that would be normal - if this is an ongoing restriction that means the Tundra is a JOKE as a full size truck -with these restrictions it would also be a joke as a mid-size. My compact Nissan was rated at 3,500 pounds. Anyone who buys one and plans to tow with it is an idiot. BTW GM recommends sway control for loads over 5,000 pounds - and also recommends limiting speed to 50 MPH for the first 500 miles while towing.
Can some Tundra owner please clear these restrictions up - please post what the manual says. I am sure your salesperson pointed them out to you before you wrote the check for $25,000++.
Pocahontas,
Edmunds.com/Pickups Host
The Chevies came with sloppy main bearing clearances for the first two years of production, causing cold engine knocking. Oops! The Chevy execs were laughing all the way to the bank on this one. They figured that all of their loyal followers would think that knocking is normal for Chevies - so why fix it? Now it is a marketing gimmick that the new Chevies come with correctly toleranced main bearings.
Now Chevy is heavily bracing their flexi - flyer frames. Another marketing gimmick. Boy - I'm glad Chevy didn't sucker me into buying their expensive junk.
Chevy has 3" less ground clearance so that women like Libby (justheone) can climb into her truck and maintain her modesty. You have to upgrade the suspension just to add a tow hitch! The Chev comes with weak brakes to boot. And this wimpy truck is supposed to be able to tow?
Get real Chevy pack - If you want a heavy duty 1/2 ton truck - get a Tundra or a F150. Chevy isn't even close.
Better engineering huh?? Well, in 10 yrs. when you need parts, whose do you think will cost more?? And don't give me this BS that Toys don't break down as much - we don't need to go there. Maybe it is engineered better, but it will cost more to fix - so who's better off???
2000 pound limit for haulin
45 mph limit for haulin
Yup, that be a real "HD" one. Guessin them yuppies aint got the knowin of what "workin" a truck be. Chase that shine yuppie! Good luck on this one now!
Chevies are perfect for a woman like her. They are low to the ground and have a big back seat. Perfect for a housewife who doesn't know anything about trucks.
Good brakes? Uh,oh - the Tundra has by far the best brakes.
Low end torque? Uh,oh - the Tundra 32 valve DOHC V8 has more low end torque than the Chevy.
Durability and Reliability? - Hey we are talking Chevy vs. Toyota - need I say more? It took Chevy 2 years to find out that they left most of the braces off of their wimpy frame. It also took them two years to figure out that they needed to tighten up main bearing clearances to keep their engines from knocking.
Let's talk about some real competition like the F150.
Chevy Long Term test results:
These are from Car and Driver:
"Two things kept us from calling the Silverado a perfect tow vehicle: It was not bulletproof during its stay, and the brake pedal felt mushy, not firm the way you'd like it when towing a heavy load."
Uh, Oh! Wimpy brakes.
"Skidpad grip increased from 0.70 g to 0.73 g, but braking had worsened, stopping at the end of the test from 70 mph in 226 feet, 19 more feet than it required at the outset. The brakes were the least impressive feature of the Silverado--they produced heavy fade and would emit a spooky gasp when the test driver hit the brake pedal."
Uh, Oh! The wimpy brakes got worse!
"Brakes have the typical awful, spongy pedal that feels like one out of a 1978 Chevrolet Caprice Classic."
Uh,Oh!
just go take a look at Tundra Solutions. do a search for "rust". you'll find plenty of people complaining about rusting on their new tundras.
bco
good to see that some things never change. that's a wonderful citation of one instance you have there. i'd hate to see you on a vote counting board...
"ok folks, my first ballot was for gore...so, gore it is. congratulations mr. vice president!"
as i posted earlier (before the format change), gm buyers have the option of selecting a vehicle that will tow before they purchase it. it's just like selecting between a manual or auto transmission. you get your preference. not what the dealer/manufacturer tells you you can have (read: toyota). you either get a truck that tows or you don't. if you're not going to tow with your truck, you can get one with shocks that provide a smoother ride.
i mean, for real, we're not splitting atoms today...ok? there's no after-market required, unless you change your mind after you buy, or unless you buy one used.
unlike the "limited" ones - "limited" refers to your towing capacity - where you drive the truck off the lot thinking you're ready to tow 7200 pounds. only to get home and, if you're intelligent check your manual before hooking up a trailer. then you realize that you're going to need sway bars (unless you are bama or rwell, who apparently got the only two tundra manuals available that don't have the 2000 pounds/45 mph warning). either that or you just go out and tow a massive 3000 pound trailer that whips your wannabe full-sized truck around, only to go back to the dealer and get laughed at for not reading your manual and told to go buy yourself some sway bars since, apparently, you can't read.
bco
If you change your mind after you buy of you want a used one - what do you do? You rework your suspension. Lets see - you have the dealer replace your shocks, springs, add a transmission cooler, etc. On the Tundra - you add a hitch. Much more heavy duty.
The fact that the Silverado doesn't have a standard heavy duty suspension says something about their targeted buyers. They wanted a minivan. They are marketed for phony hicks such as Libby, and soccer moms. If you want a heavy duty 1/2 ton pickup - get a Tundra.
No haul over 2000 lbs
No haul over 45 mph
Fact is facts. Aint it funny how them yuppies be reachin for them magazine tells, when that truth be in them ownin manuals now! Good luck on this one now!
http://www.trailerlife.com/test/0002tundra.cfm
Trailer Life Magazine:
"But we especially liked the power of the Tundra's 4.7-liter V-8. Combined with the four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, this powertrain did not disappoint. And we pushed it hard. With the 6,300-pound Tahoe behind us, kissing the Tundra's 7,100-pound tow rating, we went from sea-level to 9,000 feet through desert heat in late summer and the Tundra never so much as hiccuped. "
"That said, the Toyota pulled as well as any of its Big Three counterparts and yet, when not in tow, the Tundra was nimble and veritably attacked the winding mountain roads. It handled and responded akin to a smaller version of its actual self. The steering was tight, the ride was distinctly not like any truck we've driven lately, and, pushed to its limits, the Tundra accelerates 0 to 60 mph in a rapid 8.1 seconds. It seems the Tundra is more than able to take on its intended half-ton-rated counterparts in the U.S. light-truck market. "
Those Big3 pickups are getting smaller all of the time. When are they going to come up to Toyota's standards?
The reality of buying American by cyberwombat Jun 30, 2000 (09:56 pm)
It would probably be safe to say that most Americans are proud of their country and want to support it when they can. I read labels and given the choice will buy American-made whenever possible. But in today's global market, it is unrealistic to extend that philosophy to big-ticket items.
Pop the top on your computer, especially if it's a Compaq - a good ole' US company based here in my hometown of Houston. You'll see chips and parts made in a dozen different countries. There's no telling where it was assembled. American-branded software is being written by Indian codesmiths (a pet peeve of mine, being a developer myself). Toyotas are made in the U.S., GM's are made in Canada, Fords are made in Mexico. Or maybe its vice versa; I can never keep it straight.
And when you get right down to it - the whole question of keeping the money in the States - well, there's no way of knowing the nationality of the stockowners. And ultimately, THAT is where the profits go.
The point is that it's myoptic - and unfair - to bash someone as "anti-American" for buying a Toyota truck.
This topic will be frozen and archived in several days. Thanks for your participation.
Pocahontas,
Edmunds.com/Pickups Host