Dubspeed Driven First Drive – 2007 Toyota Tundra
2007 Toyota Tundra CrewMax
Story by Wes Grueninger
Photos courtesy of Toyota
Toyota waded into the full-size truck market in 1993 with the T-100 pickup, a half-hearted effort at a large truck that was so far out of step with what consumers wanted that it even offered a four-cylinder option. The T-100 was supplanted by the first-generation Tundra in 2000, a velvet fist in an iron glove that was vastly improved over its predecessor in every way, and even offered an optional V8, but still retained the original’s unflagging, go-for-the-bronze streak. When it came time to introduce a new Tundra, Toyota knew that they had used all their mulligans. The redesigned Tundra had to, through sheer brawn, scare the socks off of General Motors, make Ford reach for the Excedrin, and deliver on the promises of convenience and durability made to prospective buyers who were willing to put their money where Toyota’s mouth was.
2007 Toyota Tundra Double Cab
While Toyota’s luck in converting the domestic faithful can be debated (one attendee at the Tundra launch compared it to “convincing Mohammed that pork was actually pretty tasty”), one thing that can’t be denied is that the new Tundra is absolutely huge. At nearly ten inches longer, five inches wider and six inches higher than the truck it replaces, the new model is so expansive that dealers were required to install oversized lifts in their service bays before Tundra goes on sale in January. It’s not shy about its newfound girth, either. From its pronounced trapezoidal grille to its bulging wheelhouses, every surface of Tundra’s new body was designed to – sometimes successfully – exude a visceral design theme which Toyota unintentionally comically refers to as the “power of the fist.” Whether truck buyers will warm to Tundra’s curvy figure at a time when design is moving towards shapes sketched with rulers and triangles remains to be seen. Extended-cab models have now eschewed their rear-hinged pseudo-doors in favor of true front-hinged doors with power-lowering windows, and four-door CrewMax models come standard with a power rear window which motors down into the cab. All Tundra models have a tailgate damped by a gas strut hidden behind the left taillight, which prevents the gate from clanging down against its tethers. A backup camera system which focuses on the hitch, making backing up to a trailer easier, is available with or without navigation.
2007 Toyota Tundra Regular Cab
When Tundras start arriving in dealers in January, they will be offered with three cabs, three bed lengths, two drivetrain choices and three engines. Two-wheel-drive regular and extended-cab models come equipped with a 4.0-liter V-6 rated at 236 hp and 266 lb-ft, but the majority of trucks will be powered by one of the two available V8s, starting with the carryover iron-block 4.7-liter DOHC V8 with 271 hp and 313 lb-ft that’s standard across the rest of the model range. Optional on every bed, cab, and drivetrain style is an all-new, all-aluminum 5.7-liter DOHC V8 rated at 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. All three engines are designed to run on 87-octane unleaded and have full stainless steel exhaust systems.
2007 Toyota Tundra 5.7L V8
The V6 and the smaller V8 are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, while the 5.7 is bolted to an all-new six-speed automatic which Toyota claims allows enough gear ratios for easy hauling while keeping a top gear and rear axle ratio suitable for relaxed highway cruising. What does this mean when it comes to hauling? It means that payload capacities range from 1,410 to 2,060 pounds, with an optional towing package pushing maximum towing capacity to a whopping 10,800 pounds – enough to drag a new Silverado chained to a new F-150 along for the ride. Sure, it’s pointless chest-thumping, but it underscores the point that Toyota has come a long way since the T-100’s mousy 5,200-pound tow limit.
2007 Toyota Tundra CrewMax
In order to achieve those numbers, Toyota engineers had to redesign Tundra’s frame, which now has rails a full six inches wider than before, a fully boxed front section to support the drivetrain and reinforced C-channels underneath the cab to control crumpling in a collision. The rear axle is supported by leaf springs mounted wider in the front than the rear, a move which increases stability in corners and while towing, while the front suspension is pickup-traditional coil springs over shock absorbers. Massive 13.9-inch front and 13.6-inch rear disc brakes necessitate standard 18″ wheels. ABS, traction control and stability control are standard on all models, and the former can be disabled without shutting off the latter. Every Tundra has front, side, and curtain airbags, as well.
2007 Toyota Tundra Interior
Inside the Tundra, you’ll be greeted by a long horizontal row of gigantic control knobs, next to a gigantic shift lever, which is directly across the cabin from a set of gigantic window switches – Toyota’s concession to construction workers wearing gloves and the those with perennially fat fingers. Other interior features include a center console which holds a laptop, map and phone charger, and also has rails for hanging file folders. A painted silver dash bezel the size of central Texas houses deep-set gauges, and a slick, two-door glovebox is big enough to hold a standard-size Thermos bottle in the top half. Split-bench seats are standard on base and SR5 models, while Limiteds get buckets and a floor console. CrewMax models feature a back seat big enough to double as a dance hall, and the seatback even reclines. The extended cab’s rear bench is acceptable for most six-footers, although they will be getting surly on drives longer than a half-hour.
2007 Toyota Tundra Interior
Available on Tundra are the usual bucks-up options like leather seats, a premium sound system and an overhead console, plus some unusual ones like dual-zone automatic climate control, a glass moonroof, a flip-down DVD entertainment system for the rear seat, touch-screen navigation and an iPod line-in.
2007 Toyota Tundra Regular Cab
On the road, the larger V8’s beefy torque output hustles the two-and-a-half ton Tundra up to highway speeds with ease, then settles in to a quiet murmur. Quiet is no idle brag, either – even with the oversize towing mirrors on the truck I was driving, wind noise and buffeting was nonexistent. Tundra’s steering managed to lock on to dead center and follow the road like a champion, but a large portion of that can be laid at the feet of a large dead spot on-center more than the grace of the alignment, tires or suspension geometry. Visibility is excellent despite the chunky A-pillars, and braking is nicely linear and predictable, with no tramlining or drama.
For fun, Toyota took us to the Cycle Ranch, a dirtbike race course on the outskirts of San Antonio. Even with a wheel or two dangling over the edge of a washboard surface bumpy enough to dislodge the hardiest of kidney stones, our test trucks felt firm and composed, with none of the wiggle and porpoising expected from a body-on-frame truck, not even between the cab and bed. Careful tuning of the suspension’s jounce and rebound prevented us from getting the truck to bottom out – and make no mistake about it, we were trying our damndest to do this – when crashing over a blind hill. Body control was exemplary, even when driving over broken roads with an empty cargo bed.
2007 Toyota Tundra Regular Cab
Dozens of cab/bed/drivetrain/trim level combinations are available, though Toyota won’t talk price on any of them except to say that they will be “competitive”.
2007 Toyota Tundra Regular Cab
When the first new Tundra rolled off the assembly line in San Antonio on November 17th, Ford responded by booking country star Toby Keith to play a free concert for F-series owners at the nearby AT&T Center. General Motors’ ad agency has recently dusted off John Mellencamp to croon about Chevy trucks against a backdrop of slow-motion Americana filmed at sunset. Truck loyalties run deep, especially in Texas where we drove the new Tundra, and Toyota tipped a sacred cow by muscling its way into the Lone Star State. But after Toyota’s multiple false starts of “getting it”, should domestic manufacturers be worried? Yes, they should. The Tundra is a legitimate player in the big game. Is it good enough to cause mass defections from existing brands? Even the most optimistic of Toyota’s fans don’t think the stars shine that bright, deep in the heart of Texas. — DD
holy shit that looks awesome! 381hp and 401 ftlb, WHAT?!?
That truck is SOOOOO UGLY!!!!!
ugly on the outside and ugly on th inside. but american, keep our dollars here!!
it looks like a dodge
PERHAPS NOT AS VISUAL AS THE F250. BUT….WITH THE TOYOTA HISTORY OF QUALITY AND 381HP, I CAN OVERLOOK STYLING.
AS OPPOSED TO MY 2004 STYLISH GMC 1500 THAT CAME WITH RUSTED BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR LINKAGES WHICH THE DEALER HAD TO PAINT BLACK, OR THE TRANSMISSION CLUNK FROM 2ND TO 3RD EITHER UP OF DOWNSHIFTNG IN A BRAND NEW VEHICLE AND HAVING THE DEALER TELL ME THAT THE FACTORY CLAIMS THIS IS ‘NORMAL, NO ADJUSTMENT REQUIRED’, OR THE A/C DUCT BLOWING ONLY OUT ONE SIDE, OR THE POWER STEERING STIFF WHEN TURNING AT A STANDSTILL, OR THE RADIO CRAPPING OUT AT 8000 MILES REQUIRING REPLACEMENT.
BUT THEN, IT IS STYLISH?! AMERICAN MANUFACTURERS BETTER GET THEIR S__T TOGETHER, IF IT’S NOT TOO LATE.
Wow! Looks like GMC has some tough competiton ahead.
Beautiful inside and out. Even the exterior car parts are beautiful. I love the design, the style, everything.
y’all are crazy if you think this truck is at all good looking!!!!
Have you guys seen the truck in person? it’s HOOOOOT! the pictures don’t do it justice. the car is gorgeous (well, for a truck( and has great presence….
It’s good enough to be a real serious competitor, but unless you were really badly burned by a big 2.5 truck in the past, I see nothing here worthy of switching to.
Since most trucks have been used up to 200,000 miles, I don’t know why most people would consider this.
It’s American CARS which have been suspect. But even they now are engineered for 200,000 miles.
That thing went on a test a few days ago it allready beat chevy and GMC the ones left are ford and dodge !! freaking hot car i love the dam design it does look like dodge but 1 trillion million billion times better
Anyone who would even consider buying this crap should read this.. And for all you unamerican AHOLES out there.. If you wish to support the Japanese economy I suggest you move there.
Toyota to recall 533,000 SUVs, trucks
Automaker says 11 accidents were reported because of a defect that makes Sequoia, Tundra difficult to steer.
January 19 2007: 8:43 AM EST
TOKYO (Reuters) — Toyota Motor Corp. plans to recall about 533,000 Sequoia SUVs and Tundra pickup trucks in the United States to repair faulty components that could make the vehicles difficult to steer.
Six injuries and 11 accidents were reported as a result of the defect, Japan’s top automaker said Friday.
Toyota Tundra
Toyota (Charts), on its way to becoming the world’s biggest auto maker ahead of General Motors Corp. (Charts), has vowed to step up its quality efforts after a rise in vehicle recalls and increased scrutiny from Japanese media over quality issues.
The latest recall covers certain 2004 to 2007 model year Sequoias and 2004 to 2006 model year Tundras, both built at Toyota’s Indiana plant, the automaker’s U.S. sales unit said in a statement.
Collectible cars of tomorrow
Toyota as a policy does not disclose estimated recall costs. A spokesman said the automaker has funds reserved against quality costs at all times and expects no impact on its earnings.
Toyota last year recalled more than a million vehicles in Japan and 760,000 units in the United States, but the publicity has done little to hurt it. Toyota boosted its global sales by 9 percent in 2006, fueled largely by a 13 percent jump in sales in the United States.
Toyota and its premium Lexus brand are perennial outperformers in the closely watched J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey in the United States, although the Toyota brand ranked second among non-premium brands in 2006, behind South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Co. (Charts)
“Toyota has a lot of goodwill built up,” said Christopher Richter, an auto analyst at CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets, adding that recall numbers would naturally rise with an increase in vehicles sold.
Recalls have also been on the rise across the industry as car makers use common components on various models to save costs. The Tundra and Sequoia, both of which are due for a full remodeling, share most of the same components.
Toyota will notify owners starting in mid-February and repair the defective front suspension lower ball joints free of charge.
new blog, very good
http://classpower.splinder.com/
Great blog. If your italian.. Its in italian… DOH
General Motors’ Trucks Still Lead Way in KBB Marketing Research Brand Watch Report
Research Reveals Latest Consumer Brand Perceptions and Purchase Intent Within Truck Segment
IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ — Kelley Blue Book and Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research’s latest report series, Brand Watch, reveals that in the pick-up truck segment, more in-market truck shoppers are considering the purchase of a domestic truck than an import brand, with Chevrolet’s consideration topping the chart at 56 percent, Ford at 44 percent and GMC at 38 percent. Brand Watch also collects data on consumer loyalty, or repurchasing the same brand of vehicle currently owned. The first wave found GMC at the top of the rankings in loyalty among truck owners. Chevrolet and Toyota tied for second place at 40 percent, while Dodge and Ford tied for third place in the loyalty rankings.
Brand Watch solicits the opinions of truck intenders regarding 13 different attributes associated with choosing a vehicle and asks shoppers to not only rank them in importance, but also rate each manufacturer on that importance of that factor. As expected, truck considerers seek out strong, functional truck features such as durability/reliability, fuel efficiency and towing capacity. Durability and fuel efficiency rank as the two most important factors among truck considerers at 72 percent and 58 percent, respectively. In both categories truck shoppers claimed that the two top brands with those features are Toyota and Honda, with Toyota being perceived as the leader in durability and Honda perceived as having the best fuel efficiency. GMC comes in a close second in both of these attribute categories and is perceived as having the most new fuel system technologies.
Driving comfort, towing and driving performance are also rated as important factors for truck considerers. Among those categories Chevrolet ranks tops in driving comfort and driving performance while Ford takes the top spot for towing capacity. Chevrolet receives top recognition on the highest number of factors overall, including driving comfort, driving performance, interior layout/design, and available options.
“While Honda only has one truck in its line-up, the Honda Ridgeline and its fuel efficiency is the same as other trucks in its class, it’s clear the Asian brands are seeing a halo effect from the other vehicles it sells,” says Rick Wainschel, vice president of marketing research and brand communications for Kelley Blue Book. “The Asian truck manufacturers have made amazing strides including Honda’s innovative Ridgeline and the newly introduced and redesigned 2008 Toyota Tundra. While these automakers have clearly changed their brand perception among passenger car buyers, they still have some work to do in the minds of truck buyers.”
General Motors’ products also place high for exterior styling and design among truck intenders. They are credited with having ‘innovative design’ that ‘commands attention and stands out from the crowd’ as well as having ‘attractive looks and lines.’
“Chevy and GMC have led the market in U.S. truck sales for years,” says Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “The truck market is a very important sales segment and one that the domestics really need to keep a firm grasp on over the next few years.”
The truck segment of Brand Watch is made up of 273 in-market vehicle shoppers planning to buy a pick-up truck within the next 12 months. The study was fielded on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, the No. 1 Web site for new vehicle shoppers, with more than 12 million unique visitors each month.
About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)
Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company’s top-rated Web site, kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book(R) Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book(R) Official Guide. Kbb.com is rated the No. 1 automotive information site by Nielsen//NetRatings and the most visited auto site by J.D. Power and Associates eight years in a row. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com; nearly one in every three American car buyers performs their research on kbb.com.
why would any of you wnat to pay 3k more for this POS, keep your money and get a GM product, youll be happier
This truck looks like a pile of shit.
dosent just look like it.. look at the specs. Horsepower dosent make up for the fact is has a weak frame and ALMOST catches up to the rest. Nothing special by any means.
Mike take a look at recalls on GM cars and trucks. There are alot more for them than on Toyota and for the your GM and Ford they are less american now than Tundra GM and Ford build in mexico and canada.
T… You better ALWAYS remember to do some fact checking before you ever ever ever challange me on facts. TOYOTA LED THE WAY IN RECALLS IN 06… Doubt me.. Do some research. I have already posted earlier on their number of recalls.. WITH FACTS NOT TALK BUT FACTS…
THE ONLY truck built in Mexico by GM is the Avalanche.. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EVEN THOSE BUILT IN MEXICO HAVE ALMOST 90% DOMESTIC CONTENT!!!!! TUNDRA IS 100% Foreign content built in America.. GM is 90% Domestic content and 95% built in America. Want to challange those numbers? Be glad to shove some more facts down your throat. 70CENTS for every dollar you spend on japanese vehciles no matter where they are assembled goes back to Japan.. SO YOU CAN BE PROUD TO WAVE THE RED WHITE AND BLUE while you support the japanese economy.. Be proud of yourself..
Who cares where ford builds their trucks. they will be out of business within a few years unless the sell out. It is the only thing that MIGHT save them right now. They lost 24K a minute during 06… Do understand the magnatude of that? they LOST $4300 per vehicle last year. So who cares.
NOW top that off with the fact TOY is playing a catch up game that has yet to touch GM in QUALILTY, FUEL MILAGE, DURABILITY, DEPENDABILITY, AND AND AND THEY STILL use a C channel frame…. and what do you get?
only one choice left.
GM
Thank you. and have a good night,.
Congratulations on your new College degree…You seem quite proud of it, That is impressive however I am a bit confused, Did it included cut and paste anywhere in the studies as you pasted that same information at least three times.
Yes I see the number of supplier plants on site, How could I not you repeated it 3 or 4 times. I am curious of those 21 how many are American companies? And just how many suppliers does it take to build the new Tundra? Where do the majority of the parts come from? ESPECIALLY the engines and transmissions?
I also ask you. IS Toyota traded on our stock exchange? Let me answer that for you. NO, so who gets to share in the company profits? Japan. They should have taught you that in College.
What is the Warranty on the this new wonder truck that still uses old C channel technology? Again I answer for you. NO where near what GM offers you.
533,000 Toyota trucks and SUV’s were recalled a few weeks ago due to a serious fault that can and has causes accidents and possibly deaths. HOW many trucks and SUV’s? Were recalled by GM last year for major defects? Let me answer that for you.. ZERO.
The size of their new facility is not much to be proud of. It is just a bit larger then GM’s largest Chevrolet Dealer who sits on 36 acres, houses over 2K units on any given day and employees over 500 AMERICANS.
Now I much appreciate your ability to cut and paste data. However dig into the research a little more. I think you will be highly surprised. If not then support the Japanese economy proudly, In fact why don’t you head on over to Japan and put your college education to use.
Are you old enough to remember Pearl Harbor? Just curious as that is who you are sending your money to. Yet something else to make you PROUD to be an American huh???
Toyota is projected to sell about 200K units in 07… Since that is all they can produce anyway. GM will sell about a million or better. 48% of Americans refuse to buy foreign cars.. That number should be 100% but nobody has bothered to educate people on how a simple car purchase can affect the US economy. For those that know the facts and still buy foreign vehicles those people in my opinion are not truely Americans. They wave the flag and support others. NICE..
My ALL-MIGHTY attitude comes from people like you. The uninformed who believe they have all the answers when in fact there is a lot more to the story. What is sad is it appears not even your own COLLEGE education could prevent your ignorance to the real facts.
way to go mike,
to mike (not a moron) and the rest of you morons who think this truck is better, how can a truck that is still using old tech, smaller and with the link posted here be better than our GM trucks. Cannot be. if it were, it would have recieved some awards along the way, but it didnt, did it, no MT truck of the year, no Car and Driver five best award, no North American Truck of the year and you know what else, every where the chevy was the Toyocrap was there floundering in its footsteps wondering how do we get an award. you dont get recognized for crap only quality
http://www.caranddriver.com/dailyautoinsider/12407/prices-posted-for-2007-toyota-tundra-pickup.html
ONLY the regular cab can tow 10.8k, big f..n deal, this is proof that the GMs lineup is even more superior than the toyocrap.
INTIMIDATION IS A BITCH HUH, REAL FACT OF THE MATTER IS THE TUNDRA OUT PERFORMS ALL DOMESTIC TRUCKS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CLASSES. I WORK PRETTY DAMN HARD FOR MY MONEY, I WANT TO BUY A VEHICLE THAT WILL LAST, AND PERFORM WHEN I NEED IT TO. DONT TAKE MY WORD FOR IT, I GUESS YOUD’E SAY I’M A JAP LOVING COMMIE BASTARD, AND GIVE SOME LAME LINE ABOUT PEARL HARBOR, IN CASE YOU DIDNT KNOW… THAT WAS A LONG TIME AGO. WERE OVER IT NOW, UH WELL MOST OF US. SO WHILE YOU CONTINUE TO HOLD ON THE RACISM AND STEREOTYPES READ THIS http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=119281#55
AND WHEN YOUR DONE, GROW UP, POP YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASSES AND HAVE A GREAT DAY.
FOR ALL YOU HISTORY BUFFS… WE PROVIDED THE JAPANESE WITH AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY, BE PROUD OF THAT.
Ummm Rick.. where exactly does the Tundra outperform domestic trucks??? And at what cost. The base price is nearly 3K over GM.. And you are part of the problem. I am ashamed you call yourself an American. Was Pearl Harbor lame??? Your words speak volumes about your intellect.
that was a good comparison. The only thing i will say as a GM guy is that Edmonds is nortorious for going with the jap. Not to say that the Tundra didnt really win, it probably did. But as you probably know by now, the Tundra is priced over 3k more than GM and for me to consider paying 3k more for this truck is unconceivable. im not going to beat you up over what truck you choose based on this comparison, but remember this GM has a better warrenty and is less expensive (3k = to about $100.00 per month more at the same interest rate).
this is from what i feel is from an independant source
http://yahoo.businessweek.com/autos/content/jan2007/bw20070130_509719.htm
2007 Chevy Silverado Awards & Accolades
Awards
• Driver’s Choice Awards (MotorWeek) – Best Pickup Truck
• North American Truck of the Year
• Motor Trend Truck of the Year
• Truckin’ Magazine Truck of the Year
• Detroit Free Press Truck of the Year
• One of three Urban Wheels Truck of the Year finalists
• ICOTY (International Car of the Year) – Truck of the Year
• ICOTY Pickup Truck of the Year – Most Athletic (Crew Cab)
• Car and Driver Best Pickup of 2007
• Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards – Workhorse
• Kelley Blue Book Best 2007 Redesigned Vehicle
Accolades
• “Smooth, powerful, confident.” – USA Today
• “Chevy (Silverados) has the best offering in an intensely competitive market; great chassis, great powertrains, great variety, great drivability, great value.”- Tony Swan, Car and Driver (NATOY juror comment)
• “Improvements in the interior as well as the steering, braking and handling, give this workhorse the comfort and dynamics of a finely-build automobile without sacrificing its ability to get the job done. Two levels of interiors, fuel economy improvements and bold looks … put Chevy’s pickup out front in the pickup truck wars.”- Matt DeLorenzo, Road and Track (NATOY juror comment)
• “Hard to believe: over 20 mpg highway operation (in 2wd) with a full-size pickup truck … and a 315-horse V-8, but the Silverado did it.” – Paul Weissler, Motor (NATOY juror comment)
• “The new Silverado is highly redefined and rock-solid. Ideal for day-in, day-out tough jobs and high-tonnage towing, you can still dress it up and take it anywhere.”- Ken Gross, Playboy – Hemispheres – CARGO (NATOY juror comment)
• “The Silverado offers traditional values people want in a pick-up – it’s rugged, durable and versatile, but it’s also stylish and comfortable. GM has done a good job in understanding that these trucks are not just for work but also for recreation, and it’s done a great job in maintaining the Silverado’s reputation for value – prices have only increased about $300 on most models.”– Motor Trend
• “Yet, with our substantial load, we marveled at the new Silverado’s jet-smoothness.” – Automobile Magazine
• “…we had high expectations of the pickups… They didn’t disappoint…both on the road and on the course, the GM trucks garnered unanimous praise…Chevy has built a truck with genuine appeal to pretty much any truck buyer…” – caranddriver.com
• “After some time spent sampling the ‘07 Silverado’s style and substance, the onus clearly rests on the rest of the pack to, ahem, “pick up” the pace.” – Wheelbase Communications
• “The new Chevrolet Silverado delivers the comforts a modern family requires with all the power capabilities of old and better energy efficiencies for tomorrow.” – Saanich News
that should shut some of these people up!!!
john
one could only hope.. but it won’t stupid is as stupid does.
Silverado vs. Tundra — What’s New: So the sky isn’t falling after all, though most automotive journalists proclaimed it when Carlos Ghosn, aka Lord of the Nissan Manor, clambered out of the Titan pickup and slapped a leather glove across the cheeks of Ford, GM and Dodge. Yeah. Looks like the Titan made just a tiny dent in the big truck market, failing to become the Import Truck Americans Prefer. Today, however, the sky may indeed be falling – especially if you’re Ford or Dodge. But it’s not an import that threatens to run away with truck sales, it’s General Motors and a vastly improved Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.
Go buy your chevys and fords. Drive them for 10 years and 200,000 miles and see how much money you have to put into them to keep them going. Get you heads out of the sand and do some research, or keep supporting GM and Ford just because of the name. I’m sure that will make them actually design better trucks.
It’s amazing people can be so blind about a vehicle just becauce it’s a Chevy.
By the way the new Tundra is designed and built here with mainly US sourced parts.
Hey CHRIS YOU IDIOT…. TUNDRA / TOYOTA has more problems per 100 vehicles then GM by a large margin. TRY JD POWERS AND ASSOCIATES IF YOU WANT FACTS. It your lack of research and your faith in a name that makes you ignorant.. do you not read the newspaper? Your beloved toy just recalled 1.588,000 trucks and suvs due to a dangerous safety problem with the steering. You know how many GM recalled in the last 3 years??? NONE!!!!!! Dont blabber bullshit. Back it up dumbass. I will continue to support GM as it is a superior product. PERIOD.AND I AM AN AMERICAN. I AM NOT JAPANESE I AM AMERICAN. And I support my country by buying AMERICAN products to employee AMERICANS. If you can buy a superior product for less money and help employee millions of AMERICANS. Why would’t you? A percived notion of quality? Go look up the facts..
READ THIS CHRIS… HERE ARE SOME FACTS FOR YOU…. THIS IS JUST IN THE US.. OVERSEAS OVER 1MILLION WERE RECALLED.
Toyota to recall 533,000 SUVs, trucks
Automaker says 11 accidents were reported because of a defect that makes Sequoia, Tundra difficult to steer.
January 19 2007: 8:43 AM EST
TOKYO (Reuters) — Toyota Motor Corp. plans to recall about 533,000 Sequoia SUVs and Tundra pickup trucks in the United States to repair faulty components that could make the vehicles difficult to steer.
Six injuries and 11 accidents were reported as a result of the defect, Japan’s top automaker said Friday.
Toyota Tundra
Toyota (Charts), on its way to becoming the world’s biggest auto maker ahead of General Motors Corp. (Charts), has vowed to step up its quality efforts after a rise in vehicle recalls and increased scrutiny from Japanese media over quality issues. Quality has deteriorated over the last 5 years.
The latest recall covers certain 2004 to 2007 model year Sequoias and 2004 to 2006 model year Tundras, both built at Toyota’s Indiana plant, the automaker’s U.S. sales unit said in a statement.
Toyota as a policy does not disclose estimated recall costs. A spokesman said the automaker has funds reserved against quality costs at all times and expects no impact on its earnings.
Toyota last year recalled more than a million vehicles in Japan and 1,760,000 units in the United States, but the publicity has done little to hurt it. The perception of the people is the product is still quality.
“Toyota has a lot of goodwill built up,” said Christopher Richter, an auto analyst at CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets, adding that recall numbers would naturally rise with an increase in vehicles sold.
Toyota will notify owners starting in mid-February and repair the defective front suspension lower ball joints free of charge.
Quality has deteriorated over the last 5 years.
the publicity has done little to hurt it. The perception of the people is the product is still quality.
So if this is true and GM has raised its quality over the last 5 years, shouldnt they now have the same “numbers” or rating by now. the media is the one that needs to get its head out of the sand. Performance numbers may not have been there for GM over the years but they are stil built better than everyone else over the same period. and now that performance numbers have skyrocketed and the quality is now superior, why would you consider any thing other than a GM product. Also, with that said, why woud you buy something that has more quality issues and costs over 3k more. I just looked at Toys web site, it looks like you can do a build your own, ill compare them and post each and we will see the price difference.
For the Toyocrap
http://www.toyota.com/byt/pub/showSummary.do?sessionName=Tundra%204×4%20SR5&seriesCategory=17&zipCode=48473&modelId=16635127&packageId=7596479&exteriorColorId=18746800&interiorId=18746818&accessories=18746867&accessories=18746889&accessories=18746925&accessories=18746927&object
For the Silverado
http://www.chevrolet.com/byo/buildSummary.cv;jsessionid=WIMLKIFGUBU1OCQN1EBCDSQKBXMQKIPS?selectedOptions=PDD&selectedOptions=PCY&selectedOptions=LMG&selectedOptions=JL4&selectedOptions=UY2&selectedOptions=AG1&selectedOptions=A48&selectedOptions=NZZ&fromPage=Option&inValidOptions=&modelDesignator=CK10753&pvc=81028&exteriorColor=Blue+Granite+Metallic+&colorOptions=46U%5E19D%5EAZ3&styleId=1LT&interiorColorId=19D&make=Chevrolet&seatTypeId=AZ3&model=Silverado&cabSize=Extended+Cab®ularOptions=PDD%5EPCY%5ELMG%5EJL4%5EUY2%5EAG1%5EA48%5ENZZ&modelId=109&wheelBaseId=0&cabSizeId=2&exteriorColorId=46U&y=8&boxSizeId=59&x=44&year=2007&driveType=4×4+Drive&interiorColor=Ebony+Select+Cloth+&subModelId=316&boxSize=Standard+Box&cabSizeLength=2&makeId=001&subModel=1500&style=1LT&zip=48473&boxSizeLength=2&wheelBaseLength=0&driveTypeId=61&vehicleModel=%2Fimages%2Fgmbp%2F13001%2Fvehicle%2F2007%2Fmed%2F316_928L.gif&driveTypeLength=2&x=27&y=9
let me know if or what i may have missed re options, cause toyocrap packages their crap its hard to tell
HEY CHRIS Chevk this out.. Tout quality and now read FACTS.. I did not write this information.. IT IS IN THE NEWS. TOYOTA RECALLED MORE VEHICLES THEN IT SOLD LAST YEAR… HOWS THAT FOR QUALITY????
Subject: Fw: Toyota Recalls Outnumber Sales-prompting study of vehicle development
process
Competitive Connection
January 2, 2007
A look at the competition
Toyota recalls more vehicles in the U.S. than it sold last year prompting study of Vehicle Development Process
Last year, Toyota recalled 2.38 million vehicles in the U.S. — more than the 2.26 million vehicles Toyota sold in that year. This statistic resulted in a formal review by Toyota to determine what needed to change. After a two-month review of its product development process, the significant lessons learned include:
1. Engineers in some cases may have rushed out products without conducting enough quality checks, nor building a sufficient number of physical prototypes.
2. Toyota also concluded that it outsourced engineering perhaps more than it should have, and relied on computer-aided engineering and other computer analysis too much.
3. Toyota is determined to build more physical prototypes in the future to quell recalls and quality glitches.
Other actions taken as a result of the study include the decision to slow down Toyota’s ambitious growth plans around the world. Each product plan in every market was reviewed to determine whether to delay, cancel, reallocate or proceed. This review was in response to product recalls and other quality problems.
Even as it slows down the pace of new product introductions, Toyota still wants to extend its business in every segment (of the auto market) in every region of the world. Toyota sees its growth coming from three key efforts:
1. To transform its Lexus premium brand, a North American-only franchise today, into a more global premium franchise;
2. To launch low-cost $6,000 to $7,000 cars in emerging markets around the world;
3. To develop commercial vans that would compete globally, including in Europe and North America. (Source: Wall Street Journal 12/11/2006)
Despite the recalls at Toyota, GM brands still lag behind most of our transplant competition when it comes to the public’s “trust” perception, according to Strategic Vision Inc.
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/toyotas-results-just-another-step/story.aspx?guid=%7B72926AE6%2D220E%2D4439%2D8188%2D6D80481D1CBC%7D&siteid=yhoo&dist=yhoo
to all you toyocrap lovers who post here, F**k you and thanks for your continued support of the japs. you cant get any more american than that…assholes
Toyota Delays Models Due to Quality Problems
Published January 25th, 2006 Automotive , Industry News
With the recent plethora of news about quality problems and recalls that have been coming in from Toyota, here’s another one: they are slowing down development of upcoming models, in hopes that they can eliminate any possible problems.
This news comes in the middle of long list of bad news, including:
Numerous steering-failure recalls
Sienna liftgates that fall onto people
Complaints about fit & finish on new Avalons and Camrys
A scandal about them possibly hiding defects and recalls from the public
A scandal involving sexual harassment
Of course, they reassure us that quality is still their top priority and that they will make sure tha there is no repeat of this recent flood of quality problems. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
1 Response to “Toyota Delays Models Due to Quality Problems”
——————————————————————————–
1 Yeidy Rodriguez
Oct 12th, 2006 at 6:16 pm
I have a 2004 Camry LE. It accelerated on its own causing a major accident. My air bags did not deploy. I found 15 complaints stating the exact problem on the Nationa Transportation and Safety Website. Toyota dealer and manufacturer are not taking any action.
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There ya go..
Toyota: [Falling] Quality is Job One
By Frank Williams
January 18th, 2007 10,525 Views
Play word association with the average American consumer. Say the words “quality cars.” Chances are they’ll respond with “Toyota.” For decades, the Japanese automaker has carefully nurtured and perpetuated a reputation for producing well-built/reliable cars and trucks. As a result, the company’s US sales have grown like kudzu. As of last month, Toyota now sells more cars in the Americas than Ford. If you discount fleet sales (so to speak), Toyota’s totals are within shouting distance of GM’s, both nationally and worldwide. Despite this startling, seemingly unstoppable success, or perhaps because of it, the company’s supposedly impenetrable façade has begun to show a few cracks.
Toyota’s first foray into US manufacturing began with a 25% federal tariff on foreign pickups. Toyota reacted to the punitive tax by importing bare chassis and attaching the truck beds in an American facility. When The Big Three (who were about to introduce their first domestic small trucks) pressured Congress into widening the tariff to include imported chassis, Toyota built an American plant to assemble complete trucks. Once the Japanese manufacturer realized they could build competitive vehicles stateside, they began expanding their American operations.
To avoid the United Auto Workers (UAW), Toyota situated their new factories in “right to work” states. As many industry analysts have concluded, Toyota’s clean sheet factories (eventually aided by state-funded tax breaks) and non-union workforce gave them an immediate and unassailable advantage over their “domestic” competition. While GM, Ford and Chrysler were busy appeasing their unions, draining funds which could have been used to upgrade their ageing products and antiquated production facilities, Toyota hit the ground running and never looked back.
At some point, Toyota became a victim of its own success. The company’s double quick expansion, from perennial underdog to voracious overlord, has compromised their unique selling point: product quality. Specifically, Toyota has suffered a plague of recalls around the world. In 2003, the automaker recalled 200k American vehicles. In 2004, the number increased fivefold, to a little over one million vehicles. In the following year, the number leaped again, more than doubling to 2.2 million. So far this year, (2007) Toyota has announced five recalls affecting approximately 2.9M vehicles.
Again, Toyota’s rapid growth is to blame. For one thing, the company’s design centers have been understaffed. The shortage of in-house talent has forced Toyota to outsource, relying on its parts suppliers to design key components. At the same time, the automaker has increased the amount of parts sharing among different models. The practice has dramatically increased the scope of a “single” failure, as witnessed by last October’s recall of 1.27m Japanese vehicles. Goldman Sachs estimates that design faults (e.g. rubber parts not thick enough to withstand engine heat and joints too weak to hold together) account for 68% of Toyota’s 2004 recalls.
Andrew Phillips of Nikko Citigroup stated “Toyota’s resources have been stretched quite a bit by the big increases in volume.” Shinsei Securities analyst Yasuhiro Matsumoto lays the blame for Toyota’s declining quality squarely on Katsuaki Watanabe’s shoulders. He claims the CEO’s constant focus on cost cutting has created devastating production glitches. The resulting quality issues have become so alarming that Watanabe recently admitted, “I take this seriously and see it as a crisis.” It’s just as well; Goldman Sachs analyst Kunihiko Shiohara estimates that it may take Toyota four years or more to achieve “a fundamental turnaround in quality levels.”
Toyota also seems to be off their game in predicting market shifts. True, the company displayed impeccable timing by importing the Yaris just as American demand for smaller, higher mileage cars kicked into high gear. But Toyota’s also about to begin production on a larger, heavier and more powerful full-size Tundra, assembled in a brand new $800m Texas plant. While Toyota sells the high mileage cars tree huggers love to hug, they also have the thirstiest truck fleet on the market. And now that large truck sales seem to be tanking, they’re gearing-up to produce them in record numbers. Only time will tell if they’ve made a smart move (i.e. if sales recover or GM goes bankrupt), but at this point their timing could hardly be worse.
Earlier this year, Toyota announced they were delaying the introduction of the new Corolla for a year to focus on the launch of the new Camry. This will leave the current generation Corolla in service for a Big Three-like six years. While the move could reflect a redoubling of Toyota’s commitment to quality, it gives the model’s competitors some much-needed breathing room. Is this a minor setback in Toyota’s relentless march on American market share or warning signs of a more fundamental, less easily solved problem? It’s too early to tell. But stay tuned. We’re on it
poor mike, seems to be getting pretty butt hurt over this whole ordeal, don’t take it personal little guy.
i understand that no matter what any one says, your going to twist it around, and take your info completely out of context, and call every one else stupid because they don’t agree with you. that’s ok, because thats who you are., as you said before “stupid is as stupid does.”
couldn’t have been more right mike.
just as your assumption about me is 100 percent correct , I’m an unamerican jerk who is causing all our economic problem, and you know this to be the truth because, well mike you seem to know everything about virtually everything.
WELL MIKE, SIR, YOU ARE AN ASS.
I’m a veteran Purple Heart recipient, Staff Sergeant , Big RED 1,1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division… medically retired from my beloved Army for being nearly fatally wounded in combat on my second tour to Iraq, yes
i am the “unamerican” soldier who defends your right to bash people on the internet, I’m pretty sure doing so makes you feel tough and “American” huh.
so any how mikey,
wow Toyota had some recalls on their cars… man you are really driving your point home about the tundra with those fact. you forgot to include that the Camry is the 2006 car of the year. when was the last time GM owned that title? yes… yes mike I’m sure you’ll eventually find that info somewhere, congrats on the hard work guy.
In the mean time, try not to be such an ass, there are some pretty obvious reasons that some of these people (including me) prefer the tundra, were not telling you to go out any buy it, shit I own two Chevy’s (69′ c10, and 2000 silverado), i just wasn’t real impressed with their newest addition, the2007 silverado, and after driving both trucks, and the f150, the tundra just stood out more in a couple of key areas, handling and power. you know how we Americans love power… huh mike.
Rick says – wow Toyota had some recalls on their cars… man you are really driving your point home about the tundra with those fact. you forgot to include that the Camry is the 2006 car of the year. when was the last time GM owned that title?
UM lets see.. This YEAR… INTERNATONAL TRUCK OF THE YEAR AWARD. CHEVY SILVERADO
INTERNATIONAL CAR OF THE YEAR AWARD SATURN AURA – Same care that will replace the Maibu in 08.
With much less quality problems then toyota. SO while you can call me an ass. GM is pumping out HIGH quality vehicles at a lower price while Toyota is pumping out lower quality vehicles at a higher price… AND YET. you still wish to support that product. AS They articles state, Your perception does not match the reality of things.
If that is being an ass then so be it. I give you only the facts. If you still wish to make poor decisions with your money that is your choice.
Rick.. here are some more facts for you… It would be best if you checked into some of your statements beore you make them. NOW you look totally uninformed and out of touch with reality… OH by the way.. whats the Warranty on a Toyota??? LOL
2007 Chevy Silverado Awards & Accolades
Awards
• Driver’s Choice Awards (MotorWeek) – Best Pickup Truck
• North American Truck of the Year
• Motor Trend Truck of the Year
• Truckin’ Magazine Truck of the Year
• Detroit Free Press Truck of the Year
• One of three Urban Wheels Truck of the Year finalists
• ICOTY (International Car of the Year) – Truck of the Year
• ICOTY Pickup Truck of the Year – Most Athletic (Crew Cab)
• Car and Driver Best Pickup of 2007
• Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards – Workhorse
• Kelley Blue Book Best 2007 Redesigned Vehicle
Accolades
• “Smooth, powerful, confident.” – USA Today
• “Chevy (Silverados) has the best offering in an intensely competitive market; great chassis, great powertrains, great variety, great drivability, great value.”- Tony Swan, Car and Driver (NATOY juror comment)
• “Improvements in the interior as well as the steering, braking and handling, give this workhorse the comfort and dynamics of a finely-build automobile without sacrificing its ability to get the job done. Two levels of interiors, fuel economy improvements and bold looks … put Chevy’s pickup out front in the pickup truck wars.”- Matt DeLorenzo, Road and Track (NATOY juror comment)
• “Hard to believe: over 20 mpg highway operation (in 2wd) with a full-size pickup truck … and a 315-horse V-8, but the Silverado did it.” – Paul Weissler, Motor (NATOY juror comment)
• “The new Silverado is highly redefined and rock-solid. Ideal for day-in, day-out tough jobs and high-tonnage towing, you can still dress it up and take it anywhere.”- Ken Gross, Playboy – Hemispheres – CARGO (NATOY juror comment)
• “The Silverado offers traditional values people want in a pick-up – it’s rugged, durable and versatile, but it’s also stylish and comfortable. GM has done a good job in understanding that these trucks are not just for work but also for recreation, and it’s done a great job in maintaining the Silverado’s reputation for value – prices have only increased about $300 on most models.”– Motor Trend
• “Yet, with our substantial load, we marveled at the new Silverado’s jet-smoothness.” – Automobile Magazine
• “…we had high expectations of the pickups… They didn’t disappoint…both on the road and on the course, the GM trucks garnered unanimous praise…Chevy has built a truck with genuine appeal to pretty much any truck buyer…” – caranddriver.com
• “After some time spent sampling the ‘07 Silverado’s style and substance, the onus clearly rests on the rest of the pack to, ahem, “pick up” the pace.” – Wheelbase Communications
• “The new Chevrolet Silverado delivers the comforts a modern family requires with all the power capabilities of old and better energy efficiencies for tomorrow.” – Saanich News
Accolades – cont.
• “The “Classic” Silverado was at the top of its game. The new Silverado takes that game to the next level. This truck in any combination is a “must drive” for truck fans.” – The StarPhoenix
• “Of the Big Three, it’s Chevrolet’s turn to whip up a new pickup to compete with the redesigned Ford F150 and Dodge Ram. Based on a new platform that’s shared with other full-size General Motors pickups and sport-utility vehicles, the Silverado clearly sets the tone for the others.” – Vancouver Sun
• “…they’re at the top of the light-truck hierarchy.” – Jalopnik reviews
• “Verdict: no contest. The Silverado, particularly in LTZ trim, is the full-sizer I’d use to haul drywall to New Orleans, then point it toward Mona Lisa or Irene’s for dinner.” – thecarconnection.com
• “Combined with the segment’s highest available towing capacity and horsepower, as well as its best available fuel economy, we think Chevy’s newest pickup is poised to make quite an impact in this era of tougher and more luxurious trucks.” – Kelley Blue Book
• “Engineers and executives, alike, seemed to have anticipated every possible gripe before critics had a chance to level them.” – Wards Auto
• “The Verdict: Why haven’t you bought one yet?” – Winnipeg Free Press
wow mike you sure got me now LOL!!!
i don’t know what I’m going to do with myself now that I’m completely detached from reality, maybe its the PTSD i hear so much about.
again guy, as i stated, some people want to go with the tundra, some with gm it purely a decision based on what that persons preference is and what they are looking for in a truck. I’m sure if it were possible you’d fornicate with the entire new line of GM vehicles, or maybe you already have and that why you’ve taken this entire posting so seriously.
mike go drive both trucks, make your decision and be done with it.
I have driven both.. I would never own a Japanese vehicle. PERIOD. I am an American and such will support the American economy. I have made my decision. I just feel others need to be informed when they make their’s.
If you wish to spend more money on a toy, that is your choice. If you do not care about value and Warranty that is your choice. But you should be informed.
One other thing you need to take a good look at, is the availablity of a Locking rear axle. Toy does not offer one. They offer a limited slip. Search youtube for the Eaton G80 . Watch the videos, and you will find yet another reason toy would never be the choice of anyone who needs a real truck.
Informed puts you in a postion to make good decisions. Ignorance causes poor decisions. Pretty simple really.
Who cares about the rest of the crap. This truck is so ugly it should be left under the covers. I could care less how good it is. It looks like ass.
Rick,
This site should be able to help you with your other issues. Best of luck to you.
http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/index.jsp
Sorry but GM and the word “quality” should NOT be even in the same sentence! If Toyota is been having a few problems lately it’s probably because they’ve been in America too long, now they’re learning how to make inferior quality-gee, maybe they’re taking pointers from GM, Ford and Dodge!! GM, Ford and Chrysler have been making CRAP for DECADES,(it’s why the BIG 3 are going bankrupt and about to be overtaken by Toyota), and NOW inbred, hillbilly, toothless Bubbas like Mike brag about how wonderfull GM is-oh please! If Mike likes Chevy/GMC, then more power to him, but cut the stupid,worn-out ” remember Pearl Harbor” crap-ola or “you’re un-American for buying foriegn” horseshit! Mike, I served 20 years in the military and I drive Toyota’s-I dare you to call ME un-American or whatever. Shut up ,take your crappy GM product back to the trailer park from whence you came!! IDIOT!
kurt you have no clue
Jack…
Such a fun and informative blog! Hopefully others can find value in my site as well….
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