23rd Apr 2008, 15:30
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.
23rd Apr 2008, 20:16
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!)
24th Apr 2008, 08:55
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.
24th Apr 2008, 11:39
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.
24th Apr 2008, 12:31
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).
24th Apr 2008, 16:19
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.
24th Apr 2008, 22:33
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.
25th Apr 2008, 07:36
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.
20th Apr 2008, 21:16
My "opinion" of domestics is based on family ownership of many over a 40-year period. Many were driven well over 200,000 miles. One was driven over 300,000. Not a one of them ever had a transmission or engine replacement or rebuild. Not one ever had the heads, pan or intake manifold off the engine.
During that period we also owned Toyota, Honda, Mazda and VW. The Toyota made 100,000 before beginning to have serious problems. It was the best of the imports. The Honda began having very serious problems at 50,000-60,000 miles. The Mazda and Volkswagen were some of the worst examples of poor build quality I ever saw.
All-in-all, we've owned far more domestics than imports, and the domestics have always proven more reliable in the long run. ALWAYS.
We currently own an 8 year old and a 6 year old GM, neither of which has ever required even 1 repair.
No amount of unsubstantiated comments from import owners can ever take the place of real world experience. I'll never spend my hard-earned money on another POS import that is in the shop every other week.