10th Mar 2009, 11:18

Then I'm not sure where you live because out here in Cali, I've yet to meet a single person who has switched to GM from Toyota, and especially not when GM has several toes in bankruptcy.

This thread is never going to end. You pro-domestic people need to give it up. People who drive Toyotas have zero reasons to switch when what they drive is typically better and more reliable. And for the pro-Toyota crowd, it wouldn't matter if a pro-domestic guy has had 5 Ford Tauruses in a row blow their head gaskets. They'll swear by their clunkers until none of them are in business anymore.

10th Mar 2009, 11:30

I tend to agree with your comment, except that my 1990 Dodge Omni was one of the most reliable vehicles we ever owned. It made 240,000+ miles with two timing belts, two brake jobs and one heater hose and NOTHING else beyond normal maintenance. I test drove several Calibers, but was not sure about the reliability of the CVT belts. My nephew has a new Charger (240hp V-6) and it is a very nice car, though a far cry from the original Chargers in sportiness.

Ford has been building some of the best cars on the planet. We own a Fusion and a Mustang. Both are flawless. We also own 2 GM vehicles and they are also both flawless. I can't conceive of calling ANY new domestic vehicle "crap". The name is hardly appropriate.

10th Mar 2009, 11:41

I bought a 2000 Tundra SR5 with 38000 miles on it. It was a good *light duty* truck. I towed my 31' Airstream with it. Loaded it weighed close to 7000 lbs. I would suggest that others who do this put LT tires and overload leaf springs, because this is very close to the maximum weight limit for these early Tundras.

I also built a house and used this truck to haul building materials. I've put a ton+ in the back. I was careful because this was well over its payload capacity, and the axle was bouncing off the snubbers when I went over bumps. It did fine, though. It still was straight and true after my project.

At the time this truck was built it was a little lighter duty than 1/2 ton Silverados and F150s. But it served my needs well. I sold it last year.

Warranty-wise it was already out of the bumper-to-bumper when I bought it but I think that there was still a powertrain warranty until 60,000 (I could be wrong about that... set me straight -- I can't remember for sure). I never used the warranty.

At that time I knew plenty of guys who owned and were happy with their domestic trucks. But if you need a lighter-duty truck a first generation Tundra may work out for you.

If you need something heavier, I would suggest a domestic. The new Tundras aren't proven and have had a few disturbing "teething problems". My personal taste runs toward the F150, but the Silverado has better capacities and has also proven reliable. If you want a smoother ride, the Dodge Ram isn't as tough, but has coils in back make for a good riding and handling vehicle.

Everyone's needs and tastes vary. Plus some people feel that there is a strong economic and/or patriotic reason to purchase domestically. So, for them, there isn't any reason to even consider any non-domestic --- regardless of capability. Thankfully there are some very fine choices among the domestics that would likely serve their needs well.

10th Mar 2009, 11:52

Maybe you should move from California to the Northeast as I see the complete opposite. Few Tundras.

If you like a Tacoma and have had some other Toyotas since, fine... but that does not make one an absolute authority on late model domestic full size pickups in the 16 years since you owned one.

I have never had a head gasket issue on my new GM Silverados... I drive a lot and love mine. I actually carry loads and tow. What do you carry, what do you pull and how is the warranty on your new truck? (whatever size it may be)

This is a full size truck review. I do not own Taurus or Aveos... I like GM V8 engines and have had zero drivetrain issues.

10th Mar 2009, 21:24

It gets funnier and funnier. People are switching from Toyota to GM. Yeah, right. Well, I can tell you what's happening in my little town... the Ford dealership looks like a graveyard. And that's sad, because they're the best of the domestics right now, which still isn't very good.

The Dodge dealership closed completely and is now a Honda dealership. Business is good now that people can buy Honda's there instead of crappy Dodges.

Dodge is the absolute worst of the worst. The lowest reliability ratings on the market. Their whole lineup is a joke. Especially the cars.

The second largest Dodge dealership near me also closed it's doors. Meanwhile, a Hyundai dealership opened up directly across the highway and is doing great. I should know; I bought an Accent there last year. They had 6 of them when I shopped, and 2 days later when I had made my decision, there was ONE left, and I bought it.

Meanwhile, the GM dealership also looks like a graveyard and appears, to me, to be on their way out. They've had the same 8 trucks parked near the street for about a year. Nothing moves. Meanwhile, the Toyota dealership bought the entire shopping plaza next to them and has overflowed into two full blocks.

I don't know where all these people are that are giving up reliable Toyota's for junk GM's, but it surely isn't anywhere close to where I live.