29th Jul 2009, 14:49
"The best producer makes the best product"
Ford F Series trucks number one selling full size truck for over 20 years.
Tundra reviewers take note.
29th Jul 2009, 19:06
People who truly WANT to support U.S. industries can find ANYTHING they need or want from U.S. based companies. All of our 4 vehicles are made by U.S. companies. All our 4 TV's are made by U.S. companies. The computer I'm writing this on was made 2 miles from my home. Our heating systems, all our appliances, all our clothing and all our electronic goods were made in the U.S. by U.S. citizens. If they aren't, we simply won't buy them. You DO have a choice to support U.S. industries. If you don't, it's because you choose not to, not because the option is not available.
29th Jul 2009, 19:09
"Buying a Japanese car does not mean all the money goes to Japan"
Yeah, sure. Like the Japanese companies give it all back??
31st Jul 2009, 23:42
"The best producer makes the best product"
Very true. I was just sent a news article about the world's best hybrid, the Ford Fusion. In a recent test in normal driving a hybrid Fusion got 81.5 miles per gallon. Toyota can't come CLOSE to that, and the Fusion doesn't look like an egg, it is a real car. It's no wonder people are trading Toyotas and Hondas in in droves for them. On Wednesday a friend asked me to pick him up for work because his 2007 Honda Accord was in the shop (again). After riding in my 4-year-old Fusion he plans to trade for one.
4th May 2013, 07:16
I bought it with about 15k on it, and put the rest on it in 6 months.
Interior fell apart, the color peeled off it, and the trim itself was very cheaply made.
That said, I did like the truck, despite being a SWB regular cab Z71, which made it the worst tow vehicle I had ever owned. I sold it because I decided to get out of debt... because I choose to support the people of my country rather than the banks whenever I can.
4th May 2013, 07:36
I don't buy new cars, so no matter what I buy, I'm supporting my fellow neighbor Americans. Just sayin...
4th May 2013, 12:51
Actually, when you keep a car you are not helping. Perhaps parts or a mechanic, vs manufacturing all the new components in a car.
24th Nov 2015, 03:13
You might want to research where Toyotas are made; would it surprise you if I said, "America"?
24th Nov 2015, 03:21
When you say patriotism, do you mean when the big three buy parts from China, then have manufacturing plants in Mexico, China and Canada. Or when they don't pay taxes? Is that what you mean?
24th Nov 2015, 03:23
Hate to break it to you, but the big three all have manufacturing plants in China, Mexico and Canada. Is that helping America?
24th Nov 2015, 11:09
Sure, because the biggest profits of the vehicle return to America vs Japan. In other words, as an example I own a home overseas. I rent it out and hire a property manager and landscapers to cut the grass. Created a few jobs. But I own the property and get all the rental income. I do pay some taxes, but am far ahead. I then invest and spend its profits in America. Where something is made doesn't mean it's a domestic product. Honestly no one believes a Honda or a Toyota is a domestic vehicle. You may turn a wrench, but you are not corporate, cashing all the big checks.
24th Nov 2015, 18:53
The domestic plants they have in America, combined with corporate headquarters here in the USA, is great.
25th Nov 2015, 11:03
Let me chime in before this thread gets so far off topic that it is closed. We should consider revenue vs profits. Where does the money go? In the overseas rental property example, what if the house rents for $2000 per month but property management, grounds keeping, repairs, insurance, and taxes average out to be $1200 per month total going straight to the local economy? What about all the foreign exchange added to that country when the house was purchased? Everybody wins, but which country's economy got more benefit? A little complicated I think.
Now back to full-sized trucks: the only way to settle the real-world durability of the Tundra/Titan vs F-150/Silverado/Ram is to buy several examples of each, put them through the same hauling and towing tasks for years on end, and record all repairs/issues. Only a big car magazine or eccentric millionaire would have the willingness and ability to carry out such an extensive long-term test. I know this site gets plenty of well-to-do visitors, so any takers?
25th Nov 2015, 20:19
If you are a commenter, ask yourself how long ago was it that you purchased a brand new vehicle. If you bought one 10 years ago, who are you helping? Yourself? Many people buy used or drive a very long duration with their last purchase. I feel America is fine. 2/3 are built by the Big Three. A lot of us have both new domestics and new imports sharing space at our homes.
Lastly, you are paying and buying your new cars, not the factories. I understand brand loyalty to a point, but since we are buying and not getting a free car, buy what you like. I am 100% fickle and there's no guarantee that I will buy again if poor customer service, excessive recalls and poor quality control are evident. That applies to domestics as well.
25th Nov 2015, 22:18
Nice article. But yet it has nothing to do with people claiming that Toyota is an American car company, just because certain models are built here.
26th Nov 2015, 16:09
There are magazines that do long term reports as mileage progresses. Armed with that and numerous test drives, I bought Silverado models. Personally I feel they are the best handling and highest ride quality. Towing, load carrying is excellent. The sad grille face on the Tundra also doesn't lift my spirits!
16th Jan 2024, 02:12
The Tundra engine was designed in Detroit and built in Alabama. I'm guessing the Tundra has more American parts than you think.
Thinking your money stays in America when you buy the big 3 is a JOKE. They're mostly owned by foreigners, and most American investors bet their money on Japanese imports.
There is more than one instance of the 4.7 going over a million miles and still going strong. I dare you to find an American made (gasoline) engine that has made it HALF that far.
https://www.toyotaofnorthcharlotte.com/blog/the-million-mile-tundra/
29th Jul 2009, 10:05
Sounds like you should test all the 2009 domestic products with newest development. Glad you have never been downsized and find imports better to buy. I wonder if your foreign competition shares your sentiment. Buy foreign, but please pay me for domestic activity. The shirt comment has relevance as the cloth started here, pieced together overseas, yet corporate gets all the profit in America when it is wholesaled here at malls and abroad. Toyota same as their corporate in Japan gets the profits to grow their own economy. Low labor costs, environmental impact tax concessions to lower labor cost. I am glad my wages and pension are not affected, and I am not going backward over the import effect.