2002 Toyota Tundra SR5 from North America - Off Topic Comments

16th Jul 2008, 15:47

Oh no, Toyota isn't terminating the Sequoia and Tundra! They are simply "cutting back production." Yeah, cutting back production to zero, and closing the plant!

So, when Toyota terminates models, it's a minor cutback in production due to high gas prices, but when Ford and GM do actually just scale back production, it's an "indication of poor sales because of lack of quality."

Once again read for comprehension not selectivity. The plants are staying open and the Tundra and Sequoia will go back into production after a three month delay in production. There is no termination of models. Please recheck the article and you will see that you are mistaken.

As far as the loss of sales for GM and Ford, it started well before the high gas prices. Both have been seeing a drop in their sales numbers for the last 10 years, as they lost customers to other brands, not just Toyota and Honda. If you want to look at failed and terminated models, you need to look no farther than Ford and GM.

"I love convertibles... people caught up in the mpg focus trap could perhaps own a Corvette rather than pay $300-400 more a month on less fuel efficient alternatives."

Oh yes - me and my Wife are so "trapped" by our fuel efficient car. We drive a older Prius that regularly gets over 50MPG. We drive 40+ miles each way to work. A typical car getting 20-30MPG would cost us around $80 per week to drive for gas alone. This one costs us around $35. That's a BIG difference. Plus, one thing you forgot to mention is that insurance on sports cars is prohibitive.

So we don't feel "trapped" in the least. But I bet there's quiet a few people out there driving as far or farther, and are getting pinched pretty badly driving their gas-guzzling SUVS, trucks, and sports cars.

Besides - beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and in my opinion, Corvettes have to be about the ugliest looking sports cars out there, and they tend to get uglier with each redesign. I actually test drove one of these at a GM sponsored event. Considering how expensive these are, I was blown away at how cheap and plasticy the interiors are on these.

"Once more, Toyota and Honda have a leg up over GM and Ford because they've been building hybrid vehicles in mass quantities for almost 10 years, while GM and Ford barely have anything."

Actually, GM builds (and has for a decade) more 30+ mpg cars than Toyota. Last year one of GM's hybrid vehicles, the Tahoe Hybrid, was Green Car of the Year. The highest mpg SUV is the Ford Escape hybrid. The only hybrid Toyota has built for "almost 10 years" is the Prius. Likewise, the only hybrid Honda has had for any length of time is the little 2-seater model (I forget the name).

10:16 producing high mpg hybrids is the focus. I cannot wait to see what the repair bills are going to be when they are a few years old with different batteries, complex computer systems. Try fixing one on a back road yourself when that occurs.

The new Tahoe by the way received the "2008 Green Vehicle of the Year", exceeding Camry's mpg if you can afford one. One does not need to buy a new Corvette, but at least come out with some sharp aerodynamic styling, convertibles etc. to address the driving appeal factor as well. I might buy one if it was appealing.

The only new small affordable 4 cylinder I liked was my co workers new black Solstice convertible. He has a 30 mile daily commute and loves it.

The Prius has been built since 1997. So it's been built for almost 12 years.

The Ford Escape hybrid uses technology licensed from Toyota. The Escape is basically a Mazda anyway.

The little claim that GM "Builds more cars that get 30MPG" than Toyota isn't totally accurate either, since they build numerous models that are exactly the same, only with different badges slapped on the hood. If Toyota wanted to, they could take a Corolla and slap a Lexus badge on it and then voila - more models!

"10:16 producing high mpg hybrids is the focus. I cannot wait to see what the repair bills are going to be when they are a few years old with different batteries, complex computer systems. Try fixing one on a back road yourself when that occurs."

Well, seeing as how the Prius has been produced for almost 12 years, with many on the road in the US with well over 200,000, there has been extremely few problems with them. The rate of battery failure has been incredibly low, as in perhaps a handful nationally. We have a 2002 Prius and so far, the car has been problem-free. Not bad for an almost 7 year old car.

I have a 39 year old car with only 20,000 miles on the clock. Age is not as descriptive as sales volume/usage (mileage). Must be incredible batteries 7 years never needing replacement on your imports.

A recent news article about the high cost of repairs on hybrids, reported on one Prius customer who had problems with the transaxle just out of warranty, and the repair cost was HALF the new purchase price of the car. Comment 05:38 is right on about this.

Not long ago while in line at my bank I heard a Prius owner discussing how his battery pack had failed, and that he was looking at re-manufactured batteries because a new battery was over $2000. Some companies are now starting to LEASE batteries!!

The cost of hybrid repairs FAR outweighs the fuel savings, and in addition, the disposal of the highly toxic batteries poses a threat to the environment second only to nuclear waste disposal. A high mpg conventional engined car is a far more eco-friendly and sensible alternative.

13:49 Why did you drive one? As far as comparison, you will spend 2-3 times for an equivalent performing import. It never fails with the economy oriented crowd; the emphasis is on interiors and cup holders and the like.

The first Vipers did not have actual operative windows, but absolutely did not detract from its performance and race inspired frame. I am surprised the new Vette does not cost more.

As far as looks, nothing is more hideous in my mind than a Prius or the many boring potato shaped little econo vehicles, of which in all fairness there are domestics included in that comment. The only excitement I can see is the thrill of attaining and getting out at the destination. I prefer driving.

Sorry that driving a new 6 speed Vette 0-60 in slightly over 4 seconds does not give you the excitement present in your new Toyota.

13:49; Being over 50 and with no points, my personal insurance rate would remain unchanged. It makes sense to check insurance beforehand when looking at more vehicles.

You may save $35 a week on fuel, but be prepared for a $4-5K repair bill just in case of an engine/trans issue. You may think imports are immune, and I can state firsthand I have found otherwise.

I'll take a stronger V8 with 100,000 mile warranty, and 20 MPG with no issues; better than 40 mpg with issues.

My new V8 engine runs easily, smoothly, has good power and performance (especially running many accessories), A/C. But it's doubtful you have driven 2008s to accurately comment... for some reason you feel time stands still on 15 year plus vehicles (that may have been poorly maintained) if bought used to start with.

I would really LOVE to get a concise definition of "cheap" plastic. The Corvette, whose sales have gone up 300% in Europe since 2000, is reputed to have "cheap" plastic in the interior. I've driven and ridden in tons of cars in the past few years, including friends' Lexus, Mercedes, BMW's, Lincolns, Volvos and Acuras. ALL of them had the SAME plastic dash and door panels as my Ford or Pontiac. How am I supposed to know the difference between "cheap" plastic and "expensive" plastic?? Does fake plastic wood count as "expensive" plastic??

My youngest son used Honda Civic has plain plastic everywhere, and my Acuras had plastic plus a marbelized plastic faux look on either side of the console.

This is a good comparison, as I doubt you are paying twice as much for the prettier plastic. It's the larger VTEC engine that has the appeal, in spite of 93 octane and low mpg. I never understood cupholders and plastic focus anyway.

As far as appearance, I like black paint with black leather but that's not about the big price difference.

Take a look at Porsche and the wide price spread. But then look at whats under the hood to understand. Same with the new Vette which has to be the best performance bargain anywhere. You will have to spend 2-3 times or more with an imports and plan to spend a great deal more keeping them running.

Toyota has had a new concept sports car that may be relief for those waiting for one. I just saw a brand new black Challenger that has a waiting list. Nice car. Even with trucks it's nice to have tasteful upgrades with great handling and performance.

I'd take a Prius over a Corvette any day of the week. A Vette is an overpriced Cavalier with a bigger engine, and usually bought by people who want a muscle car and don't realize that nobody has made one since around 1972.

With gas at $4.30 or so and rising, I somehow also don't feel trapped in a fuel efficient car. It's stands to reason that they're the only choice that makes sense at this time, and in the foreseeable future.

If you'd like to buy an overpriced Cavalier for 'status' and feed it $80 in gas to go 200 miles or so... well, I don't know. My car fills for about 40 dollars and goes over 350 miles on that, the insurance is lower, it's a more mechanically sound car than any GM... the reasons just keep coming to light. I'd feel stuck in a Corvette.

So, this review has finally morphed into a "Prius versus Corvette" debate. That's a sure sign that any useful commentary is over. Time to drive a figurative stake through its heart and move on...

21:46...think how trapped you would feel if you paid 3 times as much buying an import equivalent to the Vette.

Europeans have paying much more for fuel as well. As of yesterday 7/20/08 many Europeans are flocking to Florida, a hot vacation bargain, and even if fuel were $6 a gallon, it's still less for them.

All of this is relative. If you are in a recession proof industry, and can afford a nice car, why criticize those that can?

I found the Cavalier comment with a big engine quite entertaining. Typically the comparisons are to high end import exotics costing a minimum of twice as much to Vettes/Vipers.

I know someone that drives a Diablo by owning a comic book store! Taking a chance being an entrepreneur vs. working for others is the beauty of living in America. Buy what you like to drive, but do not condemn others.