2nd Jul 2008, 10:40

This is my original review. I cannot believe this ridiculous debate going back and forth in these comments. Most of it having nothing to do what so ever with Tundra's.

The truck I wrote this review about is still as awesome as it was the day it was new. Nothing has gone wrong, 6 plus years now. It looks like it did the day I brought her home. Granted, with gas prices what they are, its only driven now on the weekends when I pull a camper with it.

This quality debate between the domestic haters and japanese haters is ridiculous. It's a free country, you can buy whatever you want. You like Fords, good for you, buy one. You like Toyota, good for you, buy one. Most people find a brand they like, and remain loyal, no matter what the quality is.

I love my 'Yota and have had some great times in it with my kids, treking to campgrounds out in the woods. I had an old F150 I felt the same way about. NOTE: my review says "no more GM". Ford makes some awesome trucks.

2nd Jul 2008, 15:28

20:25 I'll be glad to define 'quality' for you. The definition of quality is "the degree of excellence of a thing". The degree of excellence of a Toyota or Honda automobile is high, therefore 'high quality'. The degree of excellence of a Ford or GM automobile is low. They are 'low quality' vehicles. Which is exactly why they sell for less, don't last as long, and lose a greater percentage of their value over the years than a Toyota does.

That is a fact. Even if you do not agree with it or choose not to believe it, it still remains a fact. Not because I say so, but because that's the way it happens in reality.

2nd Jul 2008, 16:58

Anyone that owns a Toyota or Honda wish to comment on 20:08's comment? Did not think so... I am certain I would not pick any Honda or any Toyota..... even 1 out of 3 not happening,

2nd Jul 2008, 18:01

"In the 1970's, Toyota and Honda began selling cars in the United States that were so much better built than any American product that people immediately took notice and started buying them. Through the 80's, 90's, and right up until this day, more and more people are leaving the Big 3 and buying foreign cars, because they last longer, run better, have less trouble... many reasons."

Sorry, but this is just not true. You make it seem that Japanese cars appeared on our shores one day and took the country by storm. The actual case is that the Japanese cars that appeared in the 1970's were slow, unreliable, poorly running junk. However, they were cheap, and in the age of the Arab Oil Embargo when people were giving away their GTO's, they got better mileage than the Big 3's V-8's.

Japanese cars did eventually become more reliable, although they have always been nothing more than bland appliances, and their main selling point has always been better fuel economy.

It may be true that Japanese cars were better poised in the 1980's to increase market share, because they had greater experience with smaller engines, while US auto makers were trying to play catch-up with 4- and 6-cylinders and shift away from 8-cylinders due to increased emission standards.

By 2000, US cars were fully caught up and have now exceeded the quality of Japanese cars. True, market competition was good, and forced the US companies to make a better product. The Japanese cars have never had the appeal as anything more than basic transportation, and have always been without a soul.

Hopefully the US auto makers will survive the next 18 months of downturn, and people will start to discover that American cars are superior again.

2nd Jul 2008, 19:30

One of the main arguments the Toyota fans have used is that declining sales indicate "crappy" quality. Well, the June sales figures are in. GM sales dropped by 18.2%. Toyota sales dropped by 21.4%. Now we have some positive proof that Toyota is "crapper" than GM.

2nd Jul 2008, 21:39

I test drove a 2008 Tundra... 2008 Silverado has it beat handling, room, comfort, load capability, towing and warranty. And looks too.

I agree, talk 2008 only either way, and very shortly 2009's. And small trucks, old trucks and small cars have zero relevance on a full size truck review.

3rd Jul 2008, 12:54

Just to clear a few things up. First Toyota came to the US in the Sixties, not the 70's.

Second to the people who keep saying Toyota only produces small appliance vehicles that are no fun to drive. It is very clear that you have never driven any of the Toyota Supras. Before someone says they don't make them anymore, yes they do. They just are not sold in the US, but you can still buy one and have it shipped over. Which is a better deal anyway, as the ones in Japan have more horse power and higher top end.

Third to the people who keep saying that old Toyotas will never be worth as much as their (insert old car name). I would like to mention a few Old Toyotas that have really held there value.

The 1967-1970 Toyota 2000gt, which sold new for less than $7000 and now you will not be able to get one for less than $200,000.

How about the the 1960's Toyota FJ & BJ -40s (BJ were 4x4), which sold new for less than $5000, and good luck finding one for less than $20,000 that doesn't need a lot of work. One with matching numbers and in good shape will start around $60,000.

Another thing on this topic; not all Fords, GMs, and Dodges will become top dollar collectors cars. Actually very few of them do, yeah there are some Corvettes, Camaros, Mustangs, and others that are worth a good amount, but it really depends on the year and extras that are purchased. Just ask all the people that have the mid-70's Corvettes with the smaller engine, or all the people with the smaller engine Camaros.