2007 Toyota Tundra SR5 from North America - Off Topic Comments

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.

14:01 had to be the most confusing comment. If you bought a full size truck, did you buy it not to ever work? Why buy a truck at all?

I see the majority of the full size import commenters as the ones that only walk up and look inside. And then comment and be an expert on non owned vehicles.

Have you driven new 2008 full size trucks before you comment? I drove new ones and commented how they drove and performed. I have yet to hear comments on how carrying loads and towing anything with Toyota owners. It seems it's off road based.

How about some long distance tow comparisons to domestics. I tow up to 2 hours in intense heat on weekends with my Silverado with my family. Serves as a family vehicle and a fully functional full size truck. It runs great and no issues.

This will no doubt invite a compact truck comment about Tacomas. If you ride around solo, like the bouncy ride and go to a off road destination that's fine. Think about why people buy and need a full size instead of a mini pickup. It's because they need it for an application. I cannot see why the added fuel expense could be anything otherwise. I cannot own a small truck that cannot accomplish its intentions that I needed it for. Your small truck does not fit, so please quit beating it to death on here.

The subject of this review (Tundra) may soon be history, and no longer a point of debate one way or the other. Tundra sales have dropped drastically due to high gas prices, and Toyota is shutting down production of both the gas-guzzler Tundra and Tundra-based Sequoia.

"The subject of this review (Tundra) may soon be history, and no longer a point of debate one way or the other. Tundra sales have dropped drastically due to high gas prices, and Toyota is shutting down production of both the gas-guzzler Tundra and Tundra-based Sequoia".

Well here it is Jan of 09 and "the subject of this review" is still being sold. The shutdowns ARE because of slow sales and are being reflected by automakers all around the world including the domestics. But the shutdown in question here was temporary as are other current ones elsewhere. Hope for the sake of thousands of workers that this remains true.

22:18 ...best ride, comfort and handling are far superior with new GM Silverado. Since you have likely never driven a brand new Silverado, Tundra V8's I encourage others to take them both out and pick their favorite. I also maintain the ride in my Silverado is far better than the 15 year old Tacoma's poster as well.

I've also driven many small trucks, but not recently, it was back in 2000 so I am unqualified to comment on 2009 advances... At the time though the long bed, 2 whee. drive with street radials rode much better than elevated 4 wheel drive with hard riding off road tires.

The small GM trucks extended cab long beds at that time also rode better; was more car like in its driving, yet still a small truck was better than the others including Rangers.

The worst riding truck I have ever driven was a Splash; it was cute and cool, but had a little useless bed.

At least I am not commenting on old test drive comparisons indicating any level of expertise in 2009. Or pulling out a magazine and reciting info.

"The subject of this review (Tundra) may soon be history, and no longer a point of debate one way or the other. Tundra sales have dropped drastically due to high gas prices, and Toyota is shutting down production of both the gas-guzzler Tundra and Tundra-based Sequoia".

This is a chunk of misinformation oft quoted by the hopeful. You are misconstruing a temporary shutdown. Most automakers are taking similar measures with other models. Toyota just unveiled the 2010 Tundra. Like it or hate it, it's going to be around for awhile.