25th Apr 2008, 23:02

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.

26th Apr 2008, 22:18

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.

27th Apr 2008, 15:23

If bringing up Toyota recalls make you laugh, you'll probably have plenty to laugh about.

3rd Jun 2008, 16:00

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!

10th Jul 2008, 14:01

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.

11th Jul 2008, 05:48

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.

11th Jul 2008, 10:57

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.

17th Jan 2009, 20:23

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.

18th Jan 2009, 15:49

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.

17th Feb 2009, 17:09

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.

1st Aug 2009, 01:56

My two cents.

I've had a Chevy 1500 for five years, a Suburban for 4.5 years and 'til last year a Tundra for almost 2 years, and the most reliable and trouble free was the Tundra, and it was its ONLY good point which is very important for many pick-up lovers.

Comfort, look, torque hauling capabilities, and pleasure to drive, from my part, belongs on Americans. Time will tell if the Tundra will be as durable, because I can still see many Ford and GM pick-up trucks from the 80's and 90's with many hundreds of thousands of miles and still going, hauling and towing very strong, and their owners takes great pride of maintaining them..

You know some men prefer blondes, some the brunettes, and some prefer Asians, And no way you're gonna convince them to change their preferences. Now my "new" love is a 1996 station wagon Buick Roadmaster, 5.7 liter, faster, and more economical than many pick-up trucks, very comfortable, ugly like the Tundra, a lot cheaper to insure and maintain, and can also haul or tow almost anything, The worst point is I cannot go in the dirt like the 4X4 I've had.. If I have the chance to own another truck, it would be the DIVINE Escalade from Cadillac, this truck turns heads, I've driven once for 3 hours and it tops them all.. and I wouldn't care to change the transmission or the engine every year.. I want one! If only I could afford it.