'07 Toyota Tundra

[L8 Apex]

Linky-doo:

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060209/FREE/60209001/1041

Not too crazy about the looks, but the gimongous size and new 5.7L V8 (coupled w/ Toyota quality and reliability) should win plenty of converts from the Big 3's fullsize pickups.
Still no word on the rumored 3/4-ton and/or diesel models...

 

[skip0110]

Toyota is willing to do what it takes to sell cars (and trucks) in the US.

Any word if that is a pushrod V8 (any relation to the engine running around in the Craftsman truck series, perhaps?) or another OHC engine, esentially a 4.7 derivative?

 

[Carl.]

I'm not a big fan of pickup trucks, but I like the FTX cues.

👍

Best pickup truck I've ever seen. It's even better in person.

 

[Omnis]

Wow, that emblem is like the size of a head.

 

[YSSMAN]

Ho hum, its STILL a Toyota. Whats so special about them having a 5.7L V8? GM had that design years ago, but switched to the 5.3L and 6.0L variants post-1999.

With the new GMT900 Silverados and Sierras due out later this year, GM doesnt have to worry about the Toyotas invading their turf.

 

[Keef]

Yes, they do. If not worry, they at least have to know the Tundra will actually compete more closely than it used to. I haven't looked at any interior shots of this here Tundra, no engine pics, haven't read any stats or volumes or capacities, but it'll be competitive. Look at the success of the Nissan Titan, I've actually accepted it as better than the Dodge Ram. I'd still take an F-150 with the FX4 package over it, though.
Which brings me to another point: This truck is supposed to be bigger than the FISO (reference to blonde joke), but I don't see it. It sure doesn't ride as high off the ground, or have the good-looking rake that the FX4 does. Or the Ram, for that matter. Or the Titan. Haven't seen the GMT900 pickups yet, noone has, so I couldn't tell ya how they are.

 

[YSSMAN]

...The assumptions made about the GMT900 Silverado and Sierra (probably to debut at the NYC Auto Show) are based mostly off the Tahoe/Yukon as they pretty much are the same vehicles. The good power choises, refined interior and exterior, and improved fuel economy (as well as E85 capabilities) will make it a strong seller once again.

That said, you ask ANYONE who knows anything about pickup trucks and they will tell you that they wouldnt be caught dead in a Tundra. The trucks are too small, dont have enough power, and cant carry enough weight to attract any buyers from GM, Ford, or Dodge. Sure, the ride and overall refinement inside the truck may be lightyears ahead of it's American competition (not so any longer), but when it comes down to it, a truck is supposed to WORK not drive around and look pretty and feel good.

I will give credit where credit is due, and Nissan has done a good job making a compeditive truck in the full-size segment. Although their refinement may come into question, they have a solid powertrain available that will beat most standard combinations available at the American stores. I will also concede to the fact that Toyota has outdone every American manufactuer when it comes to the small-truck segment, as the Tacoma kicked the snot out of the Colorado/Canyon, Durango, and the aincient Ranger.

 

[YSSMAN]

...Just got back from the Chicago auto show and I was given the oppertunity to sit through the Tundra's "debut" that they do privately at the autoshow. Heres my two cents:

1) The truck is the right size this time. Although they only had the crew cab available too look at (see picture above), they said that it will come in King Cab and Regular Cab variants as well. In terms of size, the new Tundra is about the same size as the Silverado, but the lines of the truck make it seem longer and wider.

2) Interior trim looks good, but of course they wouldnt let you touch it. There are two glove compartments in the front, one that can carry a full-size thermos and another for other stuff... In the center console, they made it large enough to become a "filing cabinet" that can accomodate hanging files. The rear seats (in the double cab) can fold up to create a flat floor across the back, and I believe the front seat also folds flat (I cant remember).

3) In terms of power, Toyota claims the Tundra will be the top in it's class with the optional 5.7L V8. They couldnt specify power numbers, but they went on to say that it will have the most towing capacity of a quarter-ton truck available on the market today, somewhere in the neighborhood of 10,000 lbs. (I must ad that I am completely skeptical of that figure, as they have not released any power figures) Toyota will be revamping all of the current engine choises, and all will be matched to a 6-speed automatic.

Will it be enough to topple the US truck market? Not hardly... The fact of the matter is, its still a Toyota, and most American truck-guys arent going to go for it. As I have said before, wait on the GMT900 Silverado/Sierra and then make the call... As for the F150 and Ram 1500, I think their numbers are up...

 

[1X83Z]

hey yssman, remember the t100?

 

[YSSMAN]

Ohh yeah, the T100 brings back memories... It was a good truck in it's time...

 

[1X83Z]

i consider it the worst large truck ever built. i mean, they gave it a four-cylinder. but it was dead sexy.

 

[zoxxy]

GM had that design years ago, but switched to the 5.3L and 6.0L variants post-1999.

Wow! GM is soo ahead of us! Hemis, 10 feet pick-up and feathersprings?! F1 seems like horseracing compared to that!

[/sarcasm]

 

[Poverty]

^^ LOL

I think it looks like a dodge ripoff. I agree with YSSMAN though that even if this was better than its competitions in everything it does it just doesnt seem right.

Id take the american version please.

 

[YSSMAN]

Well, its not that the Tundra wassent a good truck, it just couldnt do as much as the Ram, Silverado/Sierra, and F150. Alltogether the Tundra was put together better, had somewhat better packaging, and offered a sense of civility that would allow you to drive the truck around if it be for work, or not.

...As for the American trucks, they can serve double duty in some trim levels, but there are a lot of models and model variations that wouldnt fare well in most city situations...

 

[Z32]

looks like toyota learned a lesson from nissan...

come out bat swinging & balls out.

 

[Amemiya]

 

[a6m5]

I'm not a big fan of pickup trucks, but I like the FTX cues.

Me, too. 4x4 Tacoma's my favorite compact truck, but I've never liked Tundra or T100 much. I think the new Tundra is the best looking full-size truck.

Yes, they do. If not worry, they at least have to know the Tundra will actually compete more closely than it used to.

YSSMAN is right about Toyota screwing it up before. I admire Toyota for trying to do their own thing, but they just didn't understand fullsize pickup trucks, which is as American as it gets. I agree though, Toyota will compete a lot closer than they did before.

i consider it the worst large truck ever built. i mean, they gave it a four-cylinder. but it was dead sexy.

I wonder about you sometimes.......