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21:16 And no amount of comments made by domestic owners can get in the way of real world experience; that being that imports are built better, are doubtless more reliable, last longer, are worth more than any domestic in the long run, are cheaper to own and drive, and are generally better cars and trucks in every single possible aspect of vehicle ownership.
People live and learn, and that's why each of the Big 3 are and have for years been losing money and in serious trouble while the imports sell more and more vehicles every year and make boatloads of money.
Just because GM sales have an occasional spike and are 'up', the only place they are 'up' from is the complete bottom of the barrel, which is where they deserve to be given the garbage they've been selling people for decades.
They suffered their biggest loss ever this year and deserved it, while Toyota, Honda, and Nissan continue to blow them out of the water with better products.
If GM or any of the Big 3 ever decide to get serious and make something that can compete, I'll gladly look into the purchase of one.
The trouble with that is, my Toyota only has 90,000 miles on it, and since it's built right, unlike any domestic, I won't need another vehicle for probably another 2-300,000 miles.
15:15 Then perhaps specific comments from a domestic owner might be beneficial.
The new Tundra found itself on the bottom of the pack on braking, needing 140 feet to stop from 60 mph. Also the bottom of the pack on stability. Granted this is a full size truck, but I buy drivability first and the total function.
The 6 speed transmission constantly hunts for gears.
The plastic tailgate linkage is prone to failure.
The interior is far below the new standard for GM, with horribly cheap hard plastic on doors, dash and console.
The frame is not on par with Ford or GM, with a C channel design that is noticeably wiggly in the rear.
The TRD package makes for annoying wheel hop on concrete expansion joints especially.
I didn't buy this vehicle, but bought a new GM full size truck. I suspect the last commenter with an earlier truck will drive on and on with vague domestic comments. A few very well defined specific Tundra comments were due.
I'm a long time supporter of U.S. vehicles, and have owned one of about all of them.
Every manufacturer has the lemon models, and the ones that last.
I've replaced 3 Ford transmissions, 1 Nissan tranny, and 2 Chevy ones. Been stranded an hour from nowhere in my 4runner with a water pump/timing belt issue. Plus a list of other brands and models with various issues.
At one time I put 72000 miles on an 88 T'bird with no repairs in 11 months doing multi state travel. It all comes down to what you drive like, what you use it for, and your states environment.
The question of domestic and import is blurred now with most of GM and Fords new models being built in other countries (Canada and Mexico). And more and more imports being built entirely in the U.S. by hard working high paid Americans. The Toyota Tundra is the only truck sold in the U.S. that is built parts and all in the U.S..
Yes I own a 2008 Tundra that is driven hard and a lot with no problems. It was a tough couple month long choice between the Silverado and the Tundra. But in the end the specs, safety features, and track record made my decision.
Auto manufacturers get roughly 2% of the sticker price as profit from every car. They make the money by volume. the workers in the plants that make and assemble the parts get the biggest share. (Look it up!)
15:30.
You are forgetting the double standard import lovers have; Toyota is allowed to put cheap hard plastic in their interiors, GM is not.
Most GM, Ford and Dodge vehicles are made in America, a few are made in Mexico and Canada but not a majority that's for sure. Toyota may make some of their cars here, but they don't allow labor unions, which means they can pay the employees whatever they want. And the profits still go back to Japan, so it isn't even close to being an American company.
Let's see. Specifics.
No import we have ever owned lasted more than 100,000 miles without a major problem (such as engine or transmission failure).
No domestic we have ever owned has ever required ANY major repair before 200,000 miles and was sold or traded still in excellent running condition.
Now why should we pay any attention to the advice of the owner of ONE 10-year-old import?
The domestic vehicles from all three manufacturers have a higher satisfaction ratio for a longer period of ownership than any import (and PLEASE, don't start the "look at all the crappy Taurus ratings on here". The older Tauruses have higher ratings than Camry by far).
Imports require more repairs as they age, and those repairs are far more expensive. Ask any Camry owner. (or better yet, just look at the "crappy" CAMRY reviews on here).
20:16 Ever hear of a trans cooler and a towing package options when you order your new vehicle? I have yet to replace a drivetrain on my new domestics.
I never tow in overdrive plus I touch the tow selector button on the stalk. It's tempting to tow in overdrive and just go. I have a lot of experience towing in heavy beach traffic 2 plus hours towing a large boat at times in 100 degree heat. It would be ideal to open your new owners manual or contact the dealer indicating your towing expectations.
I also never neglect recommended trans service intervals, change my oil and filters every 3000 miles; basically being proactive then reactive scratching my head wondering what happened. I did have import transmissions replaced at ridiculously low mileage with no towing and overmaintaining them as well. But this is positive suggestions on hopefully not having more trans failures due to towing without being informed or ordering properly. I hope you didn't just add a hitch and hope for the best in the past.
Seems like to many trans on multiple different vehicles....... I have yet to replace my first, and I have towed for years many boats.
15:30 Your comments are specific, although mostly not true. The Tundra transmission does not 'hunt' for gears, the new Silverado's do though.
And the Tundra interior embarrasses anything GM or Ford is making right now. GM's controls in the cab still look and feel cheap when you move them. Like always.
Nor are your comments about the frame anything other than opinion. The Tundra's frame is in fact stronger than the Silverado due to better design.
And the most obvious factor is the the Tundra has a Toyota engine, any of which put to shame all GM products.
22:33 facts were from Auto Week April 14 2008 issue... not an opinion... however since you brought it up.
I also have opinions as I drove both the new Tundra and new Silverado as well. My comments are more room, more load carrying capacity, better ride which Auto Week also indicated, handling which again they covered, better towing and I feel better quality and warranty with GM.
I must have been impressed have bought a new truck and new SUV and they have been great. Straight line light to light the Tundra is quicker if that's how you drive. I like handling and a smooth ride as I drive long distances on weekends. Even though it's a truck, it's nice having a comfortable ride, even while towing.
Well, I guess those Toyota Tundra engines are the ones other engines "put to shame". Toyota had to replace most of them because they wouldn't run. As for GM transmissions "hunting" for gears, this statement is very clear evidence that this commenter has never even ridden in one, let alone driven one. GM transmissions are the best and smoothest transmissions made.
I asked a mechanical engineer friend of mine to clarify the discussion concerning the boxed frame design of domestic trucks versus the open "U" design of the Tundra. His reply was "The open frame material would have to be much, much thicker in order to have the same strength and rigidity of the boxed frame." Since it is actually THINNER material, there is no way it can be as strong. That should settle that argument. Oh, and my engineer friend's choice of a truck? A 2001 Chevy Silverado that now has 189,000 trouble-free miles.
8:50: I made the comment you are referring to. And I have driven, ridden in, and owned both GM cars and trucks, which is exactly why I'd never consider buying another one ever again.
And by the way, GM doesn't make the 'best and smoothest' of ANYthing. That honor goes to Toyota.
You domestic owners make me laugh when you bring up Toyota recalls. You must have conveniently forgotten the mountain of recalls that GM has had; far more than Toyota ever had or will have most likely. At least Toyota handles them properly, which is more than can be said of GM.
If bringing up Toyota recalls make you laugh, you'll probably have plenty to laugh about.
I have owned Chevy's, Dodges, Fords, and Toyota's. I am hard on my trucks and usually only keep them 2 to 3 years. So in my vast experience of truck ownership I have reached some conclusions.
First, you couldn't give me a Chevy. When I was younger I loved Chevy's. After becoming a Chevy mechanic out of necessity you couldn't give me one.
I have had fairly good luck with Dodge and Ford and would consider another.
In fact I have been researching a new vehicle which brings me to this site. I have looked at Dodge, Ford, and Toyota very hard. I really wanted a diesel. Now that diesel is almost a dollar a gallon higher than regular, I won't be getting a diesel! I currently own a 97' Toyota with 210,000 miles on it. It doesn't leak or burn a drop of oil. If it wasn't too small for my family I would probably just keep on driving it. My point is, you would be hard pressed to find an American truck that runs and performs as well with 210,000 miles. No media was involved in my decision!
Yet Toyota owners do such hard work with their trucks right?
What about the awesome 4wd system? Or maybe the sturdy stone cold tailgate?
In all honesty I dislike seeing the import fans that look down on those that choose to buy domestic. I have an import truck and it is bulletproof because it's a Toyota.
To the domestic owners that bash import owners for "buying foreign." Stop acting as though they stole your favorite toy. A lot of domestic vehicles are crap, sadly it's the truth. Anyone ever look at the interior of an early to mid-90's domestic car? Bet you were speechless.
Honestly, some imports ARE more reliable than domestics, however don't believe the dribble from motor trend etc. The Toyota is faster, more comfortable and the amenities are more reliable. For work... I'll take a domestic.