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
HERE is what you and others like you are doing to the US economy. Be proud to wave the Red White and Blue.. I am going to go barf… Makes me sick. This was reported today. Read it carefully. Every name on this list is one you probably own in your house or one you drive… These companies are sucking us dry and we just do not understand why any company in the US would be losing jobs… IGNORANCE.
Slowing U.S. Economy
Toyota, the world’s second-biggest automaker, dropped 250 yen, or 3.2 percent, to 7,460. Sony Corp., the world’s No. 1 video-game console maker, declined 170 yen, or 2.9 percent, to 5,660. Canon Inc., the world’s No. 1 digital camera maker, lost 130 yen, or 2.1 percent, to 6,130.
Exporter shares also declined on concern the U.S. economy, the world’s largest, is slowing. Consumer confidence in the U.S., dropped as fuel prices rose, a day after the government reported an increase in jobless claims.
The Reuters/University of Michigan’s reading for consumer sentiment fell to 91.3 last month from 96.9 in January, a two- year high. The figure compares with an initial reading of 93.3 issued Feb. 16.
Last week, economists lowered forecasts for a U.S. jobs report due on March 9 after the government said the number of people on unemployment rolls jumped to the highest in 14 months.
Exaggerated Impact?
Exporters shares were also hurt as the yen strengthened against the dollar and the euro, reducing the value of sales when converted into local currency. Overseas sales accounted for 63 percent of Toyota’s total sales while Sony made 70 percent of its sales outside Japan. Canon generated 75 percent of its sales overseas.
The yen jumped 1.2 percent to 115.39 against the dollar, the strongest in almost three months, and climbed 1.2 percent to 152.18 against the euro after rising 3.7 percent and 3.5 percent respectively against the U.S. and European currencies last week.
“Investors may remain bearish all week as expectations over solid U.S. consumption have dropped and the yen advanced rapidly against other currencies,” said Masaaki Endo, who helps oversee $10 billion at Norinchukin Zenkyoren Asset Management Co. in Tokyo. “The global plunge made people sensitive to risks and any negative news can have a bigger impact on market sentiment than it actually has on the economy.”
Actually the GM techs that went back to school for Toyota, and received jobs as toyota techs some are making more not all, but some. As for buying Japanese cars and depleting the sales of American cars and causing Americans to loose jobs that would be true. But Give toyota few years American employee rate will rise drastically. They are building new factories in America(i believe Texas was one ) and there are others to soon come. As for dealership employment dealerships across the country are beginning to expand the one i work at was recently built and went from 30 service bays to 90 bays, the dealership in the next town over is now 110 bays, and the dealership three towns over is at 160 bays. Demand for American service techs are increasing, and pay wise most of the senior techs make 100,000 plus when they move there ass.(also toyota when working for them pays you to go back to school, and to take cert test) And Currently i drive a dodge, and as for GM having to lay people off its because there loosing the game, people demand reliable cars its not mine or anyone else fault that they would rather keep their pockets fat then invest the money into further research, gm in all fairness had the best cars at one time hands down but they fell behind.(p.s. there is a Pontiac, two dodges, a Chrysler, and a Chevy in my drive way. So try some other way to make me feel bad.
Part of GM’s problem is the union and retired workers sucking the money out of the company for health care and pensions. GM spends more money paying current and past employees than it does for materials to build its vehicles. Good for the workers, bad for the company, and in turn, bad for the workers in the long run.
you cant blame all the American unemployment on Toyota, there are so many other factors, BUSH being the biggest problem. The only thing that will save gm at this point is their research on the hydrogen fuel cell, and if hydrogen over takes hybrids in the future toyota is going to be knocked down big time. But also in all fairness my dads Pontiac (04 grand prix) is junk, car lost complete power and almost got my mom hit by an 18 wheeler. The dealership tech that came to towe the car said it was probably the fuel pump. The car got towed back and started when it was taken off the truck, GM dealership put their “top tech” on it he put ninety miles on it and found no problem with the car. They couldn’t explain what happen so they sent the car home. When it happens, not if, but when it happens again they will loose long time gm customers. As for my dodge probably the biggest piece of crap i have ever drove i have had so many problems with this car i will give it the horrible death it deserves when i buy a new car( and no i will not sell it to another human being because of how much of a piece of junk it is) as for my brothers dodge its at 60000 miles and no problems yet, except for a belt and pulley) as for the Chrysler it has been to every mechanic in the area and dealership it runs rough almost like its miss firing but not as extreme, it also only has 40000 miles on it all roughly new cars except for my piece of crap, and last of all my pride and joy, and my car that has my American flag in the rear view window. My 73 chevelle ss. Classic weekend driver/ drag strip car. as you can see i have nothing against owning an American car its just fact though american cars are not built like they used to be.
Jon,
I do not care to make you feel bad. I am simply stating facts. I KNOW for a fact a TOYOTA worker makes less
then a GM Union Employee. They also do not have burden of 100+ years of retirement benifits to pay to
their employees. Tom is quite right on that subject.
You want reliable cars? GM builds them… Look at JD Power and associates if you do not believe it!!!!
You want Recalls??? Try Toyota. THEY BUILD that! They recalled more then they sold last year alone!
It will never end. Your arguments are meaningless. YES.. The plant was built in Texas. In San Antonio
The lowest Per Capita Income in the Great State of Texas.. WHY did they built it there? I will let you
figure that one out for yourself.
“You would rather own a Nissan ???? NICE.. bet your the same guy who puts a US flag on his rear window after he buys it too…
WHATEVER..
I have never heard of anything more ignorant then this crap. ”
HAhAHAAA…speaking of ignorance… what does me buying a vehicle have anything to do with being a proud American?
wow, your mother drop you on your head when you were born, now we’re back to the patriotic shit again. cant tell you how bad i feel for your former special-ed teachers, and the driver of the little bus you used to ride to school.
its funny how when you don’t have a point, you spit out the dumbest shit … your parents must be proud.
Rick,
I refuse to stoop to your ignorance level. If you do not understand how your purchase of a particular
vehicle can hurt the US economy I highly suggest you return to economics 101..
Yes it is Patriotic to support your countries economy. I do not understand how you do not understand
the simplicity of it.
it is simple.
the man who sold me the car, american, the guy who owns the dealership… american, shit the guy who cleaned it and gassed it up, american.
mike you dont have to stoop to my level, your already below me.
economics 101, you jokester you.
Dude. Your arguments pales.. People like you make me sick. Look at the bigger picture not the small self
centered argument. What do you do for a living? How would you feel about it if a Japanese company moved in
took away your customers, cost you and your friends thier jobs, cost you your retirement. Put out on the street
after 20 years of service. Then sent 70% of the profits back to Japan?? Well thats exactly what you are doing.
Unfortunatly that is not a JOKE.. Its a fact. Keep buying foreign vehicles.. Then complain that GM or Ford
is losing money and laying off workers. All the while driving your nissan with a red white and blue flag on
the rear bumper..
Ignorant at best.
hey all you toyofags
This is a truck, not that tunda frumunda
http://www.caranddriver.com/previews/12624/first-drive-2007-chevrolet-silverado-and-gmc-sierra-hd.html
“hey all you toyofags”
Wow, John, very articulate.
In the current global economy loyalty to almost any major company on the grounds of patriotism is very naive.
Only in a utopian ideal would GM and Ford have the same loyalty to the United States as its customers do to them.
Hey Tom.. Pleae I beg of you.. Show me how it helps the American economy to buy foreign built
vehicles?? Please also enlighten us as to this new GLOBAL Economy..
Show us our naivgaty please!! I would be interested hearing this argument.
I would love to hear your worldly view of the Ameican economy and just how great
it is to send our dollars to Japan..
Please explain..
Tom-Toyofag: Screw you and this article to me shows that toyocrap isnt very confidnet in their truck and are already prepared to lose money on it
Check out what the american people think of it…
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17439553/site/newsweek/#anc_nwk_OV_070303_Toyota
HAHAHA.. This cracks me up.. The most hyped vehicle struggling to sell 200K units. ANY they were just released
Some Toyota Dealers Are Discounting New Tundra Pickups – Daily Auto Insider
The Daily Auto Insider
Monday, March 12, 2007
March 2007
Toyota says some of its dealers are offering as much as a $1,500 discount on the basic work truck version of Toyota’s newly redesigned Tundra pickup truck, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The discount comes barely one month after the truck went on sale. It is a one-month, nationwide program that’s in addition to relatively low APR and lease deals Toyota has already offered since the truck’s debut.
Toyota’s new program offers dealers $250 “coupons” they can use to offer the customer as much as a $1,000 discount on the truck. The coupons are not available for use with sales of the other versions of the truck: the four-door double cab and the high-end CrewMax.
Although the Tundra launch is still in its early stages, Toyota’s top management in Japan is concerned about whether the company can meet a target of selling 200,000 new Tundras this year, the WSJ said, citing senior Toyota executives who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Toyota has manufacturing capacity to build more than 300,000 Tundras between two plants in San Antonio, Texas, and Princeton, Indiana.
when i made my vote at MSNBC it was at 92665 responses and 83-17 in favor of GM. Take that you toyofags
Toyofags… Hrmm might not be very articulate as Tom say’s.. But it is pretty fitting. Most of their cars are
kinda gay looking. And EXTREMELY boring.. There is absolutly nothing exciting about thier cars.
Now the trucks come along and all the mags are saying the same thing. BORING. ::)
Mike,
It seems ridiculous that I would have to explain my limited education on global economics to someone that is likely a decade or two my senior, but here goes:
GM operates in several continents (four other than our own, to be exact). Their parts are sourced from around the world and their cars are built and sold around the world. The same goes for Ford, DCX, Toyota, Honda, and so on.
I would love to buy a new Duramax Silverado, Tahoe, F-150, or Cummins Ram, that would be great. I hold a great deal of regard for those vehicles, just as much as a Toyota product (but not as much as a Lexus product, hehehe). It would be great to believe whole-heartedly that every last dollar from the purchase of that vehicle stayed in the United States, but that simply isn’t the case. Some of it will go to parts suppliers in China, and some to expanding GM, or Ford, or Dodge’s market share in Brazil. That is simply the crux of multinational corporations.
That MSNBC poll is pretty funny, as a large number of Americans don’t know who the Vice President is…
Tom… Let me put a few things in perspective for you. You are correct to a small degree but nowhere near
the level you believe. Yes, GM sells all over the Globe as they should! But how much content comes out of the US?
Take a look at a previously posted list and tell me. That is why you need to take the time to research before
you attempt to degrade or imply superior knowledge. Fact is your beloved Lexus is the worse.
Domestic parts content for
new vehicles sold in North
America†
General Motors 78%
Honda 59%
Toyota 48%
BMW 11%
Infiniti 10%
Kia 3%
Hyundai 3%
Lexus 2%
That lack of North American parts is what keeps Lexus vehicles at the top of quality standings, right behind Porsche. I worked as a Lexus tech for two summers and all of the Canadian-built RX330s I dealt with are noticeably lesser in quality in than their Japanese brethren.
You tell me to do my research, yet you completely ignore all of the research I have posted for your review.
Do you think the parts content of every GM vehicle is 78% North American, even the ones built in Europe or South America?
Interesting links…
Parts content:
http://www.usstuff.com/cars203d.htm
Cadillac CTS, the brand which is the top GM make in quality standings, is 65% US/Canadian parts content, which by industry measures makes it an import. Engine from the UK and transmission from France, car assembled in Michigan.
Chevrolet Silverado, 90% US/Canadian.
Chevrolet Suburban, 67% US/Canadian and 30% Mexican parts.
Quality ratings, which I will post again:
http://www.cars.com/go/advice/Story.jsp?section=top&subject=iqs&story=iqsBrand&referer=&aff=national
tom,
the voice of reason is upon us.
finally some one who has a touch on reality.
thank you
mike, if a Honda is assembled in the US, is it considered domestic?
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/09/honda-plant-confirmed-in-alabama/
your turn captain “cut-and-paste”
let me say something to respond to “if a Honda is assembled in the US, is it considered domestic”?
My answer is no, because, you may be right in saying that the money generated from the sale of a car
is disbursed all over the world. but when that sale is made, 70% of the profit is sent back to the auto
manufactures headquaters, ie japan, detroit, germany, the company as a whole takes their chunk, then other moneys
are then disbursed. so to say that a honda is domestic just because an american assembled the foreign made
parts is silly.
and to respond that my remark of toyofag is not all that articulate, well i dont care what you say, because in my
opinion any one who buys any japanese car is not a true american and can kiss my red white and blue ass.
and to justify my opinion on domestics, my car was built and assembled in lake orion michigan with the profit going
just a few miles south to detroit!!
You got it, Rick.
John,
Some info on parts content: http://www.cars.com/go/advice/Story.jsp?section=top&subject=more&story=amMade1206
“There are a few options for determining a car’s domestic-parts content. We went with the figure that appears alongside the window sticker of new cars as a result of the American Automobile Labeling Act, enacted in 1994. The AALA mandates that virtually every new car display the percentage, by cost, of its parts that originated in the U.S. and Canada. We deemed cars with a domestic-parts content rating of 75 percent or higher eligible for the index.”
And…
“‘It’s impossible to know exactly where the dollars go,’ said Steven Szakaly, an economist at the Center for Automotive Research, based in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Still, he said Detroit automakers do have a stronger U.S. employment base than import automakers do — particularly when it comes to research and development engineers. There are, however, some exceptions. Toyota’s redesigned Tundra pickup is built at the company’s $1.3 billion plant in San Antonio, Texas. It will go on sale in February, and Szakaly said much of the research and development for the Tundra was done in the U.S.
‘That’s one example of what should be happening more, I think,’ he said.”
$1.3 billion, right in the heart of classic Americana, is a pretty big investment, especially when the Detroit Three are laying people off or offering buyouts, which would be a negative investment.
Neat story:
Went to Lowe’s today and a couple of US Navy sailors said, “That’s a nice Toyota man!” as I was walking away from my Tacoma. US servicemen and women are the greatest people in this world my mind, and if a couple of them approve of my truck, I couldn’t be happier.
again, thanks for supporting the japanese economy…toyofag
Nice Tom…
Move to Japan. You belong there.
Your blabbering bullshit while the rest of the world is buying Chevys… A TACOMA? Damn .. thats a girls truck isnt it?
Barf….
Tundra is just a few flowers away from a girl truck.. But Tacoma?? THAT IS a girls truck. IT IS CONFIRMED!! AND EXPLAINED! HE IS GAY!
TOYOFAG?? Hrmmmm.. I think websters just adobted it with Tom’s picture next to it.
Seriously dude? All this arguing you have been doing is to make you feel better about buying a Tacoma?? I mean come on!!!! At least bring a real gun to the fight.. Your playing in the Major Leagues.
RICK…
In my opinion.. AND in my wallets opinion. When a majority of the vehicles profit starts and stops in the US then it is a domestic vehicle. PERIOD. ONLY 2 manufactures qualify under those standards.
General Motors and Ford.
Blabber on and on about content. Blabber about 200 jobs created.. Whatever. Those 200 jobs fill about half the positions of a GM dealership. And the majority of the profits return right back to Japan.
Why are any of us talking about Honda?? What dog do they have in this fight?
This is supposed to be about the Tundra, Silverado and or F-150.
And since we get right down to it Silverado wins there as well.
Tacoma is not in the fight, honda is not in the fight, Go buy a camry or something. We are discussing working mans trucks. not play toys.
So.. Lets just agree to buy the best truck. I already did.
Lou Kaltenstein
President
Gene Norris Buick-GMC Trucks Inc./Norris Auto Group
18170 Bagley Rd
Middleburg Hts., Ohio 44130
There has been a lot of talk about Toyota Tundra’s new ads and how
impressive they are. Here are some myths about their spots that I
have found and that should be refuted. Also, they are offering a
“IVC” type program on Tundra to help with sales.
I would guess all of you have seen the ad where the Tundra pulls a
trailer up a steep grade (a ’see-saw’), and then barrels down hill and
locks the brakes up just before the end of the ramp. Many of you have
commented on how well done the spot is visually. However, here are
the actual facts to share with people:
1. The V.O. at the beginning of the spot says….”It’s tough
pushing 10,000 lbs up a steep grade”. Myth: Toyota would like the
audience to believe the trailer is 10,000 lbs. Fact: It’s a 5,000 lb
truck pulling a 5,000 lb trailer. A little slight of hand? You bet.
2. Then, on the way down the grade, the camera zooms in on the
brakes as the vehicles comes to a screeching halt just prior to the
end of ramp. Next time you see the ad….look for the ‘mice type’.
It indicates the trailer is equipped with electric brakes.
Fact….the electric brakes stop the trailer — not the truck. A
little slight of hand? You bet.
3. And why does Toyota have bigger brake pads? They need
them….their truck is heavier. Stopping distance between our truck
and theirs is virtually identical. And why does Toyota have a 6 speed
transmission? To improve their fuel economy….which is still 2 mpg
less than ours.
4. And don’t forget….their big V8 has one axle ratio — a
4.3. Suck fuel much? Our trucks offer several axle options to
optimize towing and fuel economy. Bottom line: OUR TRUCK IS BETTER!
Spread the word…….we can all make a difference.
Toycrap is following Ford in false advertising, hope it catches up with them
Just went to look at a tundra… A few nice features. but the cheapness of the vehicle SCREAMS AT YOU..
Just open the doors and listen to it rattle. Climb underneath and look paper thin frame. The seat mounts are
thing and feeble a fat man would actually break the seats. There is no fire barrier under the hood or on the “FIRE”
wall.. The Oil cooler is about the size of a six pack of coke. It maybe a big step forward for Toyota. BUT in reality
its a huge piece of crap. I will be highly surprised if gets even a 5 star crash rating. GARBAGE!
Hey guys… I went by and took a very close look at the tundra today. I have to tell you I expected it
to be a serious truck. It is a play toy. And probably unsafe at best. I could go on an on about how
crappy a truck this thing is.. BUT..I can sum it up simply with a few key points you should take a
look at and decide for yourselves.
1. Look at how the seats are mounted to the floor pans with 1/8″ stamped steel bolted to to the body.
DO YOU WANT YOUR FAMILY riding in those seats? I think not.
2. Open the doors and listen to the cheap hollow sound of the handles and door frames. AGAIN I would
be amazed if they made a 5 star crash rating.
3. Look at the door hinges.. They are about the same strength and thickness of the seat attatchments.
4. Take a good hard look at the frame.. Especially the thickness and stregth of the frame.
I hate to admit this. BUT even ford f-150 is a stronger/safer truck this the toyo crap. I can go on. BUT
those are the worst offenders in my opinion.
I feel sorry for anyone who buys one without looking at the reality of the situation. Toyota has sunk to
their lowest level of quality EVER.. Trying to make a run at full size trucks. DO NOT trust your families
lives to these garbage vehicles. PLEASE….
Mike
as I suspected…. It did not make a 5 star crash rating. IS THIS WHAT YOU
want for you and your family… I cartainly hope not.
http://www.safercar.gov/NCAP/Cars/4177.html
In what may turn out to be a significant marketing and sales blow to the biggest vehicle launch in Toyota’s history, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released its frontal impact crash test ratings for the new 2007 Tundra full size pickup – only four out of five stars for driver and passenger safety. NHTSA tested the Regular and Double Cab versions of the Tundra, with the same four star results.
In the same test, the all new 2007 Chevrolet Silverado scored five out of five stars, matching the same five star scores previously earned by the current Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram 1500 pickups for driver and front passenger safety in a frontal impact.
NHTSA conducts its frontal crash tests by crashing vehicles into a fixed barrier at 35 miles per hour, the equivalent of a head-on collision between two similar vehicles, each moving at 35 mph. Using crash test dummies, instruments measure the force of impact to each dummy’s head, neck, chest, pelvis, legs and feet. Frontal star ratings indicate the chance of a serious head and chest injury to the driver and right front seat passenger. A serious injury is one requiring immediate hospitalization and may be life threatening. Four out of five stars represents an 11% to 20% chance of serious injury. A five star rating indicates serious injury is reduced to 10% or less in a frontal crash.
Toyota has vociferously stated the new Tundra is ready to go head to head with the half-ton pickups offered by the Detroit Three, including expectations for receiving five star safety ratings (page 4, first paragraph).
The NHTSA crash test results are likely to put Toyota’s truck team into a deep defensive posture as the Tundra tries to prove itself an equal to the incumbents, and Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler pounce on any perceived weakness in the new truck’s armor.
whats with all this toyofag talk guys, are you all coming out of closet together?
if thats your thing, by all means i guess.
anyhow, thats awesome that a whopping 70% of sales profit goes back to the manufacturer, wonderful because that effects us how? do you see the benefits of that profit? nope, you still get a domestic car that gives up after 60000 miles.
john is your ass red white and blue after mike gets done playing in it. I’m sure he’d kiss that for you homo..
hahaahaa
i wont lie, i used to be a fan of domestics, until i owned a few.
GM has yet to realize the truth that is; quality, not quantity.
Rick..
You must live in the stone ages. The quality is there. And keeps getting better
all the time.
Want to buy some garbage go pick yourself up a toyota…
Do the research. MORE VEHICLES RECALLED THEN THEY SOLD IN 06!!!
INTERNAL cover up of quality issues forced executives and Toyota to be
tried in a Japanese criminal court!!!
4 STAR CRASH rating in the new Tundra.
Dosent take a rocket scientist to see the pattern here.
Rick tell me a GM vehicle that gives up after 60000 miles, i dont know any and have never owned one that did.
4star crash rating in the tundra with the 6 standard air bags I will take that over your american/mexican crap. Mike you are a typical chev customer rude arraogant and not up to date on your facts. Toyota builds the tundra in texas with american employees and with domestic parts. You say you would buy silverado to support your american economy but they are built in mexico by mexicans so who do you really want to support? Do your research as you love to say so much. I know all this as i am in the industry. Yes the chevy is less money but when you resale your chevy after 3 years it is worthless because it is crap with no reliablity. Mike you are so blind and wrong I hope you buy a chevy and know a good repair shop that will give you a loaner, because with all the repairs you will be doing you’ll need it.
Adrian..
First off. I own more then one chevy. AND they are all 5 star crash rated. I would not put my FAMILY in anyhting less. maybe you wish too. THat is your choice.
Silverado is 90% domestic content. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!!!
DO THE MATH ON 07 SILVERADO.. then tell me who holds the best reasale value.
When you are done appolize for your ignorance.
Thanks
mike where are you coming up with 90% domestic content? I cannot find any material that tells me that. Its ok that you support mexico as you must be part mexican. why else would you buy a truck that is built outside of the usa. I did my homework and that is why i wrote what i did. have you checked up on the resale value of the tundra? i think not DOO YOUR HOMEWORK!!!
Adrian…
I suggest you drive on down to your local Chevrolet Dealership and take a look at the window sticker. It CLEARLY STATES the vehicle is is built with 90% Domestic Content. THEN, open the door and take a look at the sticker inside the door that shows where it is manufactured. Ummmmmm in most cases Indiana. The Avalanche is assembled in Mexico with 78% Domestic content. Again. Head on down to your local dealership and take a look for yourself.. Then blabber your bullshit.
As for resale value use KBB as a guide. See what ya come up with. Might surprise you. Resale in states like Texas, Arizona, Colorodo, Etc.. That actually need their trucks and use their trucks would never think of buying a toy truck.. that is why they resale is better on GM trucks.. On Cars I agree, the camry holds its value better then the Impala.. I personally wouldnt be caught dead in a Camry.. worlds most boring car… Zzzzzzzzzz…
But we are still discussing trucks. AND GM is and will continue to win the truck war. Toyota needs to step up a ton if they want to compete in the real world.
Mike
Here is your resale values.. 2006 Crew Cabs. Comparable vehicles. I built hypothetical vehciles on KBB.COM and used Retail values. Toyota retail when it was new is an average of 5,000 more for the same truck then was the Chevy. So all things considered it appears the Chevy holds its value better then the Toyota.
Chevy Retail 27165.00
Toy Retail 30,165
Build it yourself and see for yourself!!
DOH…
how can you compare like trucks on kelly blue book when some options on the tundra you cannot get in the chev??? so your numbers can never be right. Chevs are cheaper only because chev has to give big discounts just to sell their tucks. I am also in Canada and up here chevy is just junk and breaks down after 60000kms also average repairs on chevy are between 8000 and 10000$ over the three years. This is coming directly from chev customers who are happy toyota has given them a reliable truck with more power and torque than the newest chev. As for your domestic content you are blindly wrong period!!!!
adrian… Yeah. I am wrong.. The window stick lies… Whatever.. Enjoy your toy.. hope you live through an accident. That high quality sure proved it could stand up to a collision didnt it???
Brilliant.
And you are exactly right. Chevy gives you so many more standard features then does the toyota is impossible to comapre the two exactly.
Chevy has these standard features at its LTZ level that are not even available on the toy.
Remote Start.(only available afer market on toy)
Electronic climate controal (DUAL CLIMATE CONTROL)
Rain Sensing wipers (not available on toy)
Heated Washer fluid (not available on toy)
Locking rear differential (Not available on Toy)
SUN ROOF AND DVD (not available on toy.)
5 Star frontal crash rating (not available on toy.)
Road side assistance (not available ont toy)
5 year 100,000 mile power train warranty (not available on toy)
5 year 100,000 mile loaner vehicle (not available on toy)
Onstar (not available on toy)
Sturdy seat mounts that are not paper thin (not available on toy)
Fully boxed, hydroformed frame (not available on toy)
Thanks but no thanks.
Enjoy your toy.. Your outclassed anyway and probably deserve less for you money.
Mike
mike you are so wrong roadside is availible, dual climate control is also on the tundra sunroof and dvd also availible remote start is also availible and i prefer more standard airbags to protect my family then heated washer fliud. if onstar is so great than why is it that less than 1% renew after the free period ends? oh yeah because like i said chev has to give you all this fluff to make thier truck look like a good value. but when it comes to truck parts that matter chev plays second fiddle. rear diff on toyota tundra 10.5” largest disc brakes in its class and the ability to stop 10000lbs 31feet faster than the nearest competitor. Fastest under full load acceleration. looks like your mexican truck is just a toy. once the blindness has left your eyes maybe you will see the real facts.
Mike why is it your oh so great truck cannot tow as much as the toyota tundra? Why is it all the facts you spit out at me are so wrong. As for chev putting a loaner prevision in the warrenty shows just how confident they are in the fact that the truck will break down. Can you even get six airbags in a chev? How come you do not deny that over a five year period you spend $6000-$8000 on repairs? Would that have to with the fact you spent even more just to keep your oh so great truck running? I guesse you like to throw money away oh well too bad for you family.
Adrian…
Let me prove to you what at total moron you are… First off the chevy has a 5 star crash rating no matter how many Airbags it comes equpped with. The Toyota only has 4.. Bottom line is you and your family will probably die in a toyota and not in a chevy. SIMPLE…
I know for a fact it will not cost you anything close to 6-8K on repairs unless of course you drive 100K miles per year. How can it?? the powertrain has a cost free powertrain warranty for 5 years or 100K miles.. DOH.. Guess your math skills are lacking.
Who cares how bag the rear diff is? It gets worse gas milage in its attempts to keep up with GM towing capacity. THEY ONLY way to get greater towing ability in a toy is with the regular cab. Everone drives crew cabs these days. The crew cab GM with the Vortec Max engine tows 10,500lbs. The toy dosent even come close. So get a grip on reality.
Whats that cargo capability on a toyota? Over 2K in the bed.. Not even close but it is on the chevy.. WHY? Fully boxed frame. Toyota has sheet metal for a frame. If that is what you want go for it… Nor for me. I do not have a need for a girls truck.
And no.. You cannot get both a Rear seat DVD player and a Sunroof from the factory … sorry dumbo. do your homework. Also you cannot get remote start from the factory. AGAIN I BEG YOU please do your homework. You sound like a 2nd grader.. without a brain.
I assure you me and my family and are much safer.. and better equipped and will be just fine in an AMERICAN MADE.. AMERICAN BUILT Chevrolet with more features. MORE TOWING CAPACITY. SAFER TRUCK.. so go buy your toy.. And hope like hell you never get in an accident.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK NEXT TIME YOU WISH TO TAKE ME ON….
Reuters
3/22/07 Silverado Gets 5-star Rating. Toyota Does Not.
You know the Toyota Tundra, right? The one with the “bigger brake rotors” (that takes 10-feet longer to stop according to the April issue of Car and Driver )? Well, turns out Toyota has a little problem on its hands in regard to safety.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released its frontal impact crash test ratings for the new 2007 Tundra full size pickup, and the news for Toyota was not good. In an era where five stars is the price of entry, the Tundra only garnered four stars for driver and passenger safety. NHTSA tested the Regular and Double Cab versions of the Tundra, with the same four star results.
In the same test, the all new 2007 Chevrolet Silverado scored five out of five stars. Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram 1500 also scored 5-stars for driver and front passenger safety in a frontal impact.