Consumer Reports is the reason I'm driving a Toyota now after a never ending cycle of new Dodges every 4-5 years.My first was a '99 Camry.It only took me 14 years to figure it out.
RichR
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Former Dodge Boy
Now a Toyota Man
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The only negative about this know is that you don't see any Tundra truck on dealer lots anymore. I remember when I was looking at them in 2000 every dealer had there lots full of them. Its negative because they’re in high demand and that makes it harder to get a better deal.
Originally posted by v8Toilet The only negative about this know is that you don't see any Tundra truck on dealer lots anymore. I remember when I was looking at them in 2000 every dealer had there lots full of them. Its negative because they’re in high demand and that makes it harder to get a better deal.
Yeah, but another way of looking at it is that our trucks are more valuable. This definitely should help resale and trade value.
1The Toyota Tundra was the highest ranked Full-Size Pickup in the J.D. Power and Associates 2000-2002 Initial Quality Studies.SM 2002 Study based on a total of 64,905 consumer responses indicating owner-reported problems during the first 90 days of ownership. www.jdpower.com
2Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Tundra press release date: June 4, 2001. Trucks evaluated to date: 5 (40-mph 40% frontal offset crash test). Ratings are only meaningful when comparing vehicles in the same weight class.
32002, The Complete Small Truck Cost Guide,TM IntelliChoice® Inc., www.IntelliChoice.com.
AutoPacific's annual Vehicle Satisfaction Score study has once again named Cadillac its top brand. The brand, which shared the VSS award with Lexus in 2002 and won outright in 2001, registers the highest overall owner satisfaction in the consulting firm's survey. Among individual vehicles, the Lexus LS 430 is the highest rated passenger car and the Cadillac Escalade EXT, the highest rated truck. Nissan's Murano also garnered a special award because of its exceptionally high score in its first year of production. The awards were given as follows:
BRAND: Cadillac
PASSENGER CARS:
Premium Luxury Car Lexus LS 430 (4-peat winner)
Contemporary Luxury Car Acura TL
American Luxury Car Cadillac DeVille (repeat winner)
Premium Mid-Size Car Honda Accord (sedan and coupe)
Standard Mid-Size Car Mazda6
Compact Car Hyundai Elantra (tied)
Volkswagen New Beetle (tied) (repeat winner)
Sports Car Lexus SC430 (repeat winner)
Sporty Car Acura RSX
LIGHT TRUCKS:
Large Light-Duty Pickup Toyota Tundra
Large Heavy-Duty Pickup Ford F-Series Super Duty
Large 4-Dooor Pickup/SUT Cadillac Escalade EXT
Compact Pickup Toyota Tacoma
Compact 4-Door Pickup/SUT Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Luxury Sport Utility Lincoln Navigator
Large Sport Utility Ford Excursion (repeat winner)
Premium Mid-Size Sport Utility GMC Envoy
Standard Mid-Size Sport Utility Kia Sorento
Compact Sport Utility Honda CR-V (repeat winner)
Minivan Honda Odyssey
I think people become mislead by issues with Tundra and a minority of posters complaints of problems. I thoroughly researched this truck before buying and would like to post some of what I found. Here is the Rating from consumer Report first Review of the new Tundra....I would like to post the updated Reliablility Study, but you need to be a member to view. If someone could tell me how to upload a Word Doc. I will post that too. Anyway It goes on to Rate the Tundra Good to Excellent in every catagory except 2000 model Brakes are below average. Clearly it stands heads above the croud in overall reliability and customer satisfaction!! So lets try to remember...we Do have the best 1/2 ton truck available!!
We don't test pickups very often, simply because they usually change little from year to year. The Ford F-150, for example, was last redesigned in 1996. But now there's the Toyota Tundra, a 2000 model that's the first serious challenge to the size, power, and price of Detroit's pickups. And for 1999 General Motors has brought out the first redesign of its Chevrolet and GMC pickups in 11 years. We tested those three plus the Dodge Ram, the only other direct contender. Pickups are available in endless permutations of engine, cab, and cargo-bed size. We tested extended-cab four-wheel-drive models with a V8 engine and a cargo bed just over six feet long. They all hover around the $30,000 mark.
The Tundra, made in Indiana, can be had with a refined V8 derived from Toyota's Lexus division. It's a few inches shorter and narrower than Detroit's trucks but still sized comparably. The base engine is a 190-hp 3.4-liter V6. We chose the 4.7-liter V8, good for 245 hp. Starting price: $25,585. With the usual power options, alloy wheels, bucket seats, towing hitch, and shipping, the price came to $29,826. Antilock brakes, a $630 option, were not readily available when we bought our Tundra. (ABS is standard on the Chevy, optional on the Ford and Dodge.)
GM's redesigned trucks, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, replace the C/K and Sierra pickups. We chose a Silverado LS 1500 with a 5.3-liter, 270-hp V8. (It's been boosted to 285 hp for 2000.) Ours came with only one rear door, but a fourth door is available on 2000 models. Base price in this configuration is $26,146. Automatic transmission, power seats, an off-road package, a towing package, and other options brought the price to $30,793.
For the Ford F-150, we chose the popular XLT trim line with a 5.4-liter, 260-hp V8. The starting price was $25,765. With automatic transmission, antilock brakes, running boards, and off-road and trailer-tow packages, the price totaled $30,385 with shipping.
The Dodge Ram has been largely unchanged since the 1994 model year. An extended-cab four-wheel-drive version starts at $23,150. Our Laramie SLT, with power windows, locks, and mirrors, chrome wheels, a trailer-tow package, antilock brakes, fog lights, and other options brought the sticker to $29,125.
Recommendations
Mere brawn isn't enough for a high score in our Ratings. Since two-thirds of truck buyers use them for ordinary transportation as well as for hauling loads, we also look for decent handling, comfort, convenience, and fuel economy.
While all these trucks are higher and harder-riding than their two-wheel-drive counterparts, the Tundra does the most things well. It's a bit smaller than the others but more competent where it counts. It has a slick powertrain, a comfortable ride, and a very quiet cabin. Handling and braking are sound. On the downside, the rear seat is very cramped, and antilock brakes may not be readily available. Reliability should be very good.
The Chevrolet Silverado's good points include a strong powertrain and generous load capacity. It's the first pickup to offer selectable full-time four-wheel drive. And it's the only truck here with standard antilock brakes and a decent rear seat. However, the ride is stiff and bouncy, particularly with the off-road suspension. And first-year reliability has been below average. These judgments apply equally to the GMC Sierra.
The four-wheel-drive Ford F-150 is a lot rougher around the edges than the two-wheel-drive version we tested a few years ago. Good points remain a strong engine, fairly nimble handling, and a fairly comfortable ride. But braking is marginal, getting in and out is difficult, and the rear seat is cramped. The cabin is relatively noisy. Reliability of the four-wheel-drive version has been average; for the two-wheel-drive version, better than average.
The Dodge Ram has been eclipsed by the competition. Getting in and out is a chore, the ride is stiff, handling is ponderous, the 5.2-liter V8 is slow and thirsty, the cabin is fairly noisy, and the brakes don't perform well. Reliability has been subpar.
Compact pickups like the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, and Toyota Tacoma (December 1998) can handle many of the same kinds of chores that a full-sized pickup can. Their fuel economy is 2 to 4 mpg better, they're somewhat more maneuverable, and they cost some $5,000 to $7,000 less. But ride and handling are still trucklike, and towing capacity tops out around 4,000 pounds. Overall, the full-sized pickups give you a lot more truck for the money--if you really need their extra capacity.
I disagree. I filled out one of the consumer reports forms and I was VERY negative in my responses!
If you are in love with your truck, that's fine.
But other people should not be subjected to Toyota's "stuff".
Apparently, despite your negative marks, the majority responded favorably to thier ownership experiences. Since this is a scientific survey averaged out among all responses specific to the truck, the majority had good marks to give.
Sorry your truck is a bad experience, .....but mine rocks!
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2005 Tacoma Doublecab TRD Offroad 4X4 shortbed - Modifications - Fog light mod, Debadged, Black Toyota grille emblem, Map Light Mod, DRL mod
Factory Accessories - Tacoma Bedmat, Extra set of D-rings installed in front bed bolts, Extra set of factory tie downs
Optional Options - FilterMag, Fumoto valve, Westin Suregrip running boards w/LED lights, WeatherTech Floorliners, WeatherTech window visor vents, Prestige remote car starter w/keyless entry, SilverStar headlight and turn signal bulbs, Toytek 2" lift, Muth heated signal mirrors, WAAG grille guard (center only, I'm old school), Taillights tinted by JonsTintedTails.com, Anthracite FJ Cruiser wheels w/ 265/75r16 BFGoodrich A/T
Originally posted by tansu I disagree. I filled out one of the consumer reports forms and I was VERY negative in my responses!
If you are in love with your truck, that's fine.
But other people should not be subjected to Toyota's "stuff".
Nobody is saying there is a guarantee of no problems. All vehicles can have them. This is an independent report that states that Percentage of problems are fewer then competators. It is not "Toyota Stuff"...its independent survey. Consumer reports polls owners independent of Toyota...you should know that if you filled out a report.
PJGrimm Tests the Titan, Tundra DC, F-150, Silverado and Ram
I'm thinking of getting a new truck. I went test-driving last night. Here's my impressions (and this is just the opinion of one guy)
Silverado LT - Nice quiet and smooth. Decent power from the 5.3. I don't like the new front end. The seats don't offer great support, but not bad. Handling is ok, but feels disconnected from the road. Cab is roomy. Pricey - 38 large for a loaded extended cab 1500. You can get 'em over 40 if you check too many option boxes. Sure, you can get some rebates and stuff. Fits in my garage.
F-150 - Much better than the old one, but that ain't hard to do. Quiet interior, nice dash and seats. Roomy. Nice looking, but not much personality. Engine is unimpressive. Not under-powered, but doesn't feel like 300 ponies. I still think my Tundra could take one in a race. Throttle tip-in is quick, giving the false impression of power. Handles nice. Expensive - 38 large for a loaded crew cab, or more if you really get carried away with options. At 224 inches, it will fit in my garage.
Dodge Hemi Ram - 345HP MY A$$. No way. If that's true, my Tundra has 300HP. Throttle tip-in is fast, which fakes us out. It's fast, but not 345HP fast. How heavy is this thing, anyway? Handling - surprisingly decent, but "truckky" (bouncy, bouncy). Seats are decent. Dash isn't my thing (too "big" looking or something). I do like the gauges. Truck is friggin huge. 249 inches? Good god, not in my garage. Roomy for not being a "crew cab" (full size bed). Priced like Ford/Chevy.
Tundra DC - A quieter version of my SR-5 Access cab. I drove an SR-5 DC, and hate that THIN DAMN STEERING WHEEL. Whose stupid idea was it to put a cheap-*** steering wheel on a 33 grand truck? My SR-5 has that nice thick, padded wheel they put on the old SR-5s. Anyway, back to driving...drives like my Tundra (no surprise). The DC is roomy. Rear seats are big, and pretty comfortable. Seat bottoms a bit low for me. The truck feels heavier, and is a bit slower. I still love the i-force, though. Throttle tip-in is perfect - no "fake" power. Nice truck. A loaded limited lists at about 38 large, like the Ford N Chevy. At 230 inches, I could just close my garage door. The dealer sure didn't want me to test drive a Titan - he was bad-mouthing them the whole time I was there, sooooo....
Titan - Why the hell did Nissan have to put that ugly front end on such a great truck? Did I mention that the Titan is a great truck? Handling: Great. Seats: Best I've ever sat in. Engine - smooth, powerful, sounds great. Throttle tip in is a bit quick, but slam it down and the Titan really goes. Stand on it at 60 and you're suddenly going 80+. Tranny - smarter than I am (not hard), always knows the right gear. Crew cab - roomy doesn't begin to describe it. Rockford-Fosgate sound system - very nice. Price? Put everything you can think of on a crew cab, and you can get it to about 36 large. Take away the silly navigation system (you're supposed to be looking at the road, silly) and it's about 34K. A King-Cab LE (top line) that's loaded is about 32-33K. Big price advantage. At 224 inches, it fits in my garage.
The american trucks are all decent rigs (I'm only talking about driving 'em, and using 'em, so spare me the reliability flames). Heck, they've been doing this for a while, and it shows. The Tundra DC is a nice truck, but I couldn't help but feel like I deserved more for the money. I can't say what it was missing, just something.
Bottom line? I might just have to put a bag over the front end of a Titan, and buy one.
NOTATION: The thread "PJGrimm Tests the Titan, Tundra DC, F-150, Silverado and Ram" has been merged with " Tundra Ranked" as they pertain to the same topic matter. --- Possum
Last edited by cubic22; 10-19-2004 at 06:11 PM.
Reason: Inappropriate language
i think it's a size comparison thing. it still don't matter how many ponies you got.
...it's just a number to generate sales. you're completely correct, nobody really needs that much power in a half ton pickup, but it's awful nice to feel the power press you back in your seat. -s
I use CR for everything
Toyota Tundra #1
Sweet... btw what the he!! is a Nissan Murano???
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