2007 Toyota Tundra SR5 from North America - Comments

20:34.

You are missing the point.

Consumer reports has always been devoted to trashing American automotive, while singing praises about Japanese vehicles, no matter how the two actually stacked up to each other.

Consumer Reports, if they had any degree of objectivity, should have been reporting Toyota's quality/reliability problems years ago. For them to actually be reporting problems now, trying to save what little face they have left, the problems are much worse then they are letting on.

Consumer Reports' poor ratings of domestic vehicles in the past mean absolutely nothing to me, because they have always been blatantly biased against the American manufacturers. Once again, to be fair, I also do not believe their ratings of Toyota either. The difference in Toyota's case however, is that the problems are undoubtedly much WORSE than Consumer Reports is disclosing.

As usual, of course, the excuses from the Toyota congregation keep flying, no matter what garbage Toyota keeps unleashing.

19:37 Don't think small Toyota pickups are totally immune to the so called hillbilly treatment as you say... I have seen these small old Toyota 4x4 pickups myself elevated with rifle racks in the back window, burning oil, a hundred decals on the windows with large rust. Granted they are still running, but not pretty. I do not hunt am not condemning someone that does. By the way new fully loaded domestics F250-350 class run up to 50K each and I know quite a few contractors owning more than 1 that are not conveniently fitting the stereotype you describe. The leave the factory and then have a lot added at times beyond that. Also these stereotypes have to go and trying to apply small car, light truck mentality on the largest segment of the market in the U.S.A. doesn't fit. If you are discussing homeowners driving empty trucks wasting fuel going to work maybe the comments have some relevance. Focusing on fuel economy, light trucks when there are not adequate diesel vehicle platforms to choose from the imports for large contractors is not going to make many of us look. In my discussions talking with many contractors most everyone prefers new large 4WD diesel Fords. The pickups are new however I know those with new and slightly older dump trucks that have been completely rebuilt then applying high end paint work some totally indisquishable from new. I saw a mint 220,000 mile one just a couple days ago at the building supply that looked like it just came off the assembly line.

13:16; 'Consumer Reports is BIASED against domestic automobiles'. What about every other publication that rates domestics much lower than imports in the last 20 years? Are they ALL BIASED? You see, their job is separate the junk (Ford, GM) from the good stuff (Toyota, Honda, Nissan). So, if GM and Ford consistently make garbage, and they do, they will consistently get low ratings.

Granted, Ford has taken steps to improve their quality, albeit small ones and not nearly enough yet, but better, and look, Consumer Reports now gives a couple of their vehicles good ratings. There is no BIAS. If GM ever stops making scrap again and makes a car worth driving, it'll get better ratings to. For now, Toyota is still miles ahead of them, has been for many years.

10:26:

You, sir, have made the most compelling, reasonable and well-founded statement in this whole discussion. I should know. I've been periodically involved in this thread since day one.

Good job. I think that's really all we need to know. Anything else anyone says would simply be glossing over a statement that brings this exhausted topic to a close.

21:08 it stands to reason if you are buying a vehicle and keep it a long time the standard 100,000 mile domestic warranty would have greater appeal than short term 50,000. Add the added loads the domestics can carry as well as stronger towing in which one would typically do and be willing to pay more to own and fuel vs a small economy car. I am extremely doubtful that any import truck will hold up to my towing requirements as I would be buying trans and rear ends in no time. I just had my boat out yesterday pulling in and out on low tide. If you slso consider the added room, comfort, handling and especially the ride and I cannot see how there is any special benefit losing any one of these elements by going with the Tundra. Flat out straight acceleration light to light on the street can be fun in the Tundra but I like the benefits I mentioned more so. I have driven most of the new trucks and will again as I love test driving and owing the latest developments/technology.