22nd Jun 2009, 19:49
The best is to test drive full sizes maybe even rent... haul and tow extensively. You want to ride and bounce in the mud empty that's your choice. I see a pickup as having a bed and a strong frame and hitch/tow package. If it handles well, roomy and comfortable that's a plus. If it skips and bounces on expansion strips empty that's not a plus. Get behind the wheel and test them is better than printed tailgate reviews.
23rd Jun 2009, 12:04
I'd be VERY hesitant to drive a truck that had so much frame flex it twisted like a pretzel over bumps. That causes stress cracks to form in vital frame components, leading to premature and often disastrous failures of structural members. If you'll notice the videos of rock-climbers and Hummer H-1's traversing very rugged terrain, the frames don't flex an inch. The tires come off the ground (as they should) in going over very rugged terrain. To argue that a FLEXIBLE frame is an asset is REALLY stretching things in order to support the Tundra.
Thanks, but no thanks. I'll continue to support the 91% of Americans who work for domestic auto makers rather than buying Japanese and helping only 9%. The domestic trucks are far better and helping my own country is far more satisfying than making a contribution to Japan's economy.
29th Jun 2009, 20:40
I'll continue to support the manufacturer that's given me the best product for my money every time - Toyota.
Did anyone hear GM's pathetic new ad? They said they're now 'smarter' and 'getting down to business'. Which, I suppose, means not so bright and not taking their jobs seriously before now. That was obvious to anyone who owned one.
Toyota was smart and got down to business decades ago. Which is why they're wiping the floor with what's left of the once 'Big 3'... which is kind of a joke to even use that phrase now.
30th Jun 2009, 08:01
But not anywhere near the historic sales volume of the domestic full size trucks. Check your stats. Get behind the wheel and tow or haul something. It's not small hybrids when looking at full size trucks.
I like the handling, room, comfort, capability and far superior warranty on my new Silverado. And I bought after test driving them. I do not combine statistics of an entire line up to and including small little economy cars. Especially on a full size truck review. Full size to full size specs pertain. Then look at the warranty. Everyone should be at 100,000 miles I feel in 2009.
30th Jun 2009, 12:09
Manufacturers who refuse to offer 100,000 mile warranties have VERY good reasons not to: Namely, they know their vehicles aren't capable of that kind of reliability. We have never once had a mechanical problem with our Fords, Dodges or Chevys before 100,000 miles. our company trucks routinely go 300,000 miles before being retired. Needless to say, none of them are Tundras. We'd go bankrupt on repair costs.
In addition, thousands of people in the U.S. are currently out of work due to our citizens thoughtlessly buying from foreign countries. There is no way I'm sending $25,000-$35,000 of my money to Japan when our own citizens are hurting. The lack of patriotism in this country is appalling. Even if domestic vehicles WEREN'T superior, I'd still buy them. As it is they ARE and I save money on repairs as well as helping my country.
1st Jul 2009, 15:45
Buying imports is not helping our local community... large and small businesses going away means higher costs for the rest of us. And it is not just automotive related. Buy an import or even buy on the Internet to save a quick immediate buck. In the end someone pays, and I have found there is no free ride. Those of us still working can benefit the businesses that keep our taxes down, buy the same local utilities we do and keep our neighbors and friends working. I could buy an import and pay cash as I fortunately have a good job. But I am not doing so. I have been looking and buying new domestics made here, patronizing local stores, especially small family owned, more than ever. I am willing to pay a little more and feel in the long run it may net out to the same.
I have found zero issues with our new domestics, and that was not the case with our last new Hondas. Our warranty ran out rapidly and we sold our last. Between the quality concerns, limited warranty and certainly the current state of the economy it was sound decision.
Everyone has an opinion, some may disagree, it's all about me and forget everyone else living in your community. We use to not care and just bought what we liked. The economy is terrible right now and that former attitude seems out of sync. We switched and also like what we own. Good luck on your 2009 and upcoming 2010 vehicle choices.
3rd Jul 2009, 13:42
I totally agree and staunchly support your desire to help our own local economies. Too many people fall for the argument that "Japanese companies build cars HERE" without bothering to do any research. The truth is, 91% of American jobs related to the auto industry are tied to DOMESTIC manufacturers. Only 9% of such jobs are through Japanese auto companies. When you buy a Japanese car you are hurting 91% of the people in the U.S. who work for the auto industry. We are trying to get the word out on this issue locally and it seems to be working. domestic sales (Ford primarily) are going great here, and outpacing Toyota and Honda 2 to 1. There ARE still patriotic Americans who do care about helping their neighbors.
We make it a point to buy NOTHING that is not made by American industries. Our appliances, electronics, cars and home furnishings are made by U.S. based companies. It goes without saying our vehicles are as well. We have found that we are out far less money all around with domestic vehicles. They never require repairs, cost thousands less to purchase, and last as long as we choose to drive them. The idea of my buying a poor imitation of a full sized truck, such as the Tundra, and paying thousands more for it while getting 1/3 the warranty of a domestic is laughable.
22nd Jun 2009, 12:49
I have seen those videos but I disagree with your observation. First did you notice that the Tundra was also the only one to maintain all four wheels on the road? To me that seems to be a really important aspect of a vehicle. Also did you notice the speeds of all four vehicles? The GM and Dodge traveled at a much slower speed to help maintain some control over the vehicle. The Ford was doing 10 mph less than the Tundra and still couldn't keep all four tires attached to the road. Me personally, I will take a vehicle that has some bed flex and all four tires on the road. Plus the videos never tell which suspension packages are being used on which trucks, and seeing how they all have numerous options available, we don't know if it is a comparable study.