21st Jul 2008, 09:28

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...

21st Jul 2008, 16:30

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.

22nd Jul 2008, 10:32

I think the discussion shifted from Tundra to other vehicles because the point had been well made many comments back that the Tundra is not now, and never has been any real competition to a full size domestic truck.

Those commenters who can find no means of defense for the Tundra, start grasping at straws in any way they can to defend the myth of "import superiority", and it doesn't work.

23rd Jul 2008, 16:30

10:32 Well, those of you that don't know that 'import superiority' is a fact because of sloppy, disposable workmanship in domestic vehicles have no proof to dispute it, because there isn't any, and can only dismiss it as a 'myth'.

The FACTS remain that Japanese auto manufacturers have had far, far more vehicles rated as 'high quality, 'best buys', 'most reliable, and 'best used cars' than the domestics have had in the last 25 or so years. And these comments are from Consumer Reports, Edmunds, etc, and every reputable car magazine on the market that I've ever read.

Oh, let me guess, ALL of those sources are misinformed and we should all believe YOU? Give me a break.

The only myths are 'Quality is Job 1' at Ford and 'Like a Rock' for GM. Import superiority is a fact simply because they build better vehicles. Plain and simple. Look at the last 2 decades of reviews and they back me up.

23rd Jul 2008, 18:06

I agree if it's has no relevance to a current full size truck candidate, what's the point?

I am not going to rush out and buy a tiny car or a tiny pickup. And if it's a 10-15 year old vehicle, and I am about to buy a 2009, I just don't even see merit.

I do like getting out and driving first hand more than one exact style vehicle... look at the carrying capacity, towing etc. If you need a full size truck, check them out.

24th Jul 2008, 06:36

16:30 All I have to do is look at half the imports warranty and my empty wallet. Enough for me to immediately buy domestics. Are we back in the 80's again with these comments?

24th Jul 2008, 14:39

This is my review, my truck. Now that this absolutely off subject, ridiculous debating is over, let me reiterate what my review was about. A now 6 year old Tundra. And it remains the best truck I have ever owned, has never needed anything except a front brake job. It has hauled anything I have asked it to. It has taken me and my family too many a fabulous camping trip with trailer in tow. Is it the truck for everyone? No. But it has been flawless.

This is America. If you like Fords, buy one. If you like GM, hey, buy one. This reviews purpose is to aid anyone thinking about buying a 2002 Tundra.

The truck is no longer a primary vehicle, with gas being what it is. So it sits in the garage now, and is used only for camping, more or less. We love the Tundra, and I will never part with it. I am sure there are folks out there that feel the same way about their Fords and Chevy's, and that is the beauty of America!!

24th Jul 2008, 15:18

To my knowledge there have never been any frequency-of-repair records that give a clear indication that imports are now, or ever have been, in any way more reliable or durable than domestic vehicles. If such records exist, I'd love to see them. Modern domestics are very reliable, but so were those of the 80's and 90's (many of which are still in use).

24th Jul 2008, 16:39

I think people rush to look at small imports, and just ask mpg and maybe lock in their options. So let's look what you could have with a superior handling fun to drive vehicle. I will mention 2 new domestics.

The new Vette has 430 hp and with the 6 speed at 70 mph you cruise at 28 mpg with 400 miles on a tank. 0-60 in 4.3 sec, great handling and a blast to drive.

If you have under 25K, the Cobalt SS has greatest front wheel driving, great handling and drivability, and 0-60 in under 6 seconds and averaging on the highway 30 mpg. It amazes me people will rush out and buy imports that take 10.5 seconds to do 0-60, and if you feel they handle great and are fun to drive, that's an individual's opinion.

My whole comment is there are other options and great cars to drive, that perform and are good on gas. I am sold on domestics, meaning the present, and get tired of the same 10 year old plus what I use to have.

I do not see any Toyotas that are a nice combination of features to own. My friend with a new Prius does not care about cars, she bought mpg. Maybe there are others like me left that love driving, want the mpg but not at the sacrifice of everything else. 0-60 in 10.5 seconds is boring to me. And keeping a new vehicle a few years with that outlook is not happiness.

26th Jul 2008, 08:08

15:18 Well, beyond your realm of knowledge, those records do in fact exist that will illustrate frequency of repairs and so forth.

Toyota's and Honda's go to the garage much less than Fords or Chevy's. I've read it many times, and if you research this, you will find it to be true also, whether or not that is to your liking.