But could it hold a cadle stick to it????

 

Oh and I bet you can probably get a V10 and even diesel motors in a 3/4 ton.

Wow, I wish the new Tundra had that......

Trying to stay on topic here.

 

Yea, Tundra is such crap................couldn't even out tow or out haul my buddy's F650!!!

This is (ANY)Ford Vs the comp.; right????

 

Wow.

Here I was thinking I could do some research, about what Ford owners who have driven the new Tundra have to say about it vs. their current truck; and find that I have wandered into a semantics and grammar pissing contest. Way to stay on topic.

Oh well, what the hell do I know. I'm just a new guy here, I don't even own a truck. I hate trucks, hate the way they drive, hate the way they look, hate how much fuel they swill down. Name any truck, and I probably will not like it from a looks or driving standpoint. Unfortunately, I have relocated to a place that having a vehicle with ground clearance is going to be needed in order for me to enjoy my hobbies.

I'm looking for a 1/2 ton, a 3/4 ton holds little interest for me as I will never tow enough to justify it outside of work. I work for BNSF, and get a discount from Ford, GM, and DC. On the otherhand I was in the car business for a couple of years (BMW), and the dealership I worked for also had a Toyota store. So I am familiar with Toyota products and will not rule out the new Tundra until I drive one.

With all that said, for the individuals that have test driven a new Tundra; how did you find the build quality, room, seating comfort, features, and last but not least powertrain and transmission? I know the physical appearance of the vehicle is polarizing, but I am not concerned with looks at all, they could paint the sonofabitch olive drab for all I care. Function and features are all I care about. So function wise how does the current F-150 stack up against the new Tundra, with the top respective engines available? Price is very much a secondary concern for me at this point, as I will keep the truck indeffinately since trucks are not exciting to me and I will see no need for an exciting new truck.

 

You think you'll get an objective opinion on a Ford site???

Most of the published tests have the Toy (and in one case the Nissan) ahead.

You say money is secondary; than the Toy is by far the latest and greatest.

However, if I HAD to buy a truck TONIGHT, using my own money, and like you I could get the X or D plan........factor in the 0% financing, rebates etc... and I'd be inclined to buy a Ford.

I'd RATHER have the Toy....and if total cost was close (including financing) I'd get the Toy. But best guesstimate is the Toy would be over $10,000 more after EVERYTHING is considered.

Like you said, drive 'em and come back with YOUR subjective/objective notes.

 

Because of interest here and on other forums, mostly concerning the 5.7 V8, I drove one 4 days after they appeared in showrooms. Based on my size, it's too small for me (6-5 325#). While it's a better truck than the 2006's, it's still somewhat cramped inside, does not offer power adjustable pedals, the seat doesn't raise up far enough and the dash is confusing and in three different colors. A dash cover will be necessary, because the center of the dash is shiny gloss black.

Exterior sheet metal is thin, the tailgate is flimsy, and at $32,078.00 is overpriced in comparison to Super (Double, Xtra, King) Cabs from Chevy, Ford XLT and NIssan Titan (which is a better truck IMHO). For that price you get a midrange model with the usual equipment, but no bedliner. The one thing I liked was the door locks that locked when the shift lever is moved to drive, a safety feature for those who forget to lock the doors manually (like my wife).

Driving it...lots of power, more than one would need in average situations. Unlike previous Tundras, the brake pedal feel was firm, with minimum travel and no spongy effect. Quiet inside, but just about everything is today. The model was a 4X2.

Personally I would not buy one simply because it's a first year model. I also think, and this is JMO, that it's ugly as sin, over hyped and expensive. Deals will be slim and none. The F150 is still a better truck, except for the crappy brakes.

I suggest you drive the 4X4 model with the smaller V8. my local dealer didn't have one.

After I drove it, I posted info here twice in several threads, but don't recall which ones.

 

I don't expect completely non biased answers by any means, if you go to a Toyota oriented site you have to troll through tons of brand bashing too. Everyone has biases, and those that say they do not are either liars, or idiots, or both. I came here because the Toyota guys have been drinking so much Toyota kool-aid they can't form a complete sentence much beyond "the new Tundra is so great blah blah blah", but the only thing they compare it to was the old Tundra, which I did not feel was the equal of the Ford, GM, or Dodge in actual truck capabilities. I fully expect it to be better than the old Tundra, I want to know how it compares to current competition, beyond looking at spec sheets.

I had a chance to drive by the Toyota dealer in Rapid City the other day, but they were closed. Took a quick look around at the new Tundra, but looking at the outside tells me nothing about the vehicle other than what I can read on the window sticker. I will more than likely not have an opportunity to get up there and drive one for a couple of months, but I have driven the current F-150, as I took quite a few in on trade. I have also driven the previous generation Tundra. The Ford felt more like a truck as far as capability to do truck duties, especially in the engine room, and overall driving capability was not too objectionalble. The Toyota had better fit and finish, a better ride, and seemed to have better build quality in regards to the cabin. The 4.7L V8 was guttless for that size of vehicle though, so I would not consider that engine.

Any info that anyone can give that has driven the new Tundra vs. their current F-150 will be greatly appreciated.

 

Just for clarification, how did you come to the determination that the sheet metal in the bed was too thin? Did you measure a cut away with a set of callipers? In what way did the tailgate seem flimsy?

Out of curiosity does your current truck have more room? You are a big guy, and I know how hard it can be to find vehicles that fit, I have friends that are really tall and they have a hell of a time finding vehicles.

 

Every year since the 1970's I have driven around 30 new vehicles a year. Yes, I'm a Ford guy, but I don't have my head in the sand. I'm a car collector owning such diverse cars as a Packard 12, Bentley Continental, several 1963 Galaxie HiPo's, a Studebaker Super Hawk, and a 65 F100 I bought new. Modern iron includes a 2004 Lariat 4X4, and a Nissan Murano my wife drives.

I know cars and to some extent half ton pickups, better than most. I've owned 100's, and because of that, I feel I can be fair when evaluating something. Interior ergonomics: Toss up between the F150 and a Titan. The Ford dash is outstanding, but the seats are hard as iron. The Titan has a better seating position, but is cramped, leg room goes to the F150 for this sasquatched sized arthritic geezer.

The tailgate on the Tundra was thin and flimsy. Sitting on it, dropped the truck down about 10 inches. The bed was flimsy, compared to sheet metal from Ford and Nissan. In my immediate family, my two sisters own: a BMW 7 Series, several Ford Explorers, a Camry, a Titan LE CC, Volvo something or other, and a few others the kids drive.

My choice if I was to buy new tomorrow: Ford F150, Titan SE, Tundra SR5, I wouldn't consider the Chevy, or a Dodge. I do like the looks of the new GMC, but haven't driven one yet.

And I don't need calipers to gauge sheet metal.

I also can tell a T head engine from an L Head engine. And whether the Cad V16 60 degree OHV is a better engine than the later 135 degree flathead V16.

 

I have no idea how many ppl here have driven a Tundra besides myself. Some here are diehards, and knock the truck, but haven't seen or driven one. Where you will find a fair analysis, I can't say. The car mags take advertizing, and CR hates anything unless it's Japanese. The universal agreement, even on the Toyota sites is the styling. Most hate it.

I think it's the most overhyped vehicle since the 1958 Edsel. Time will tell.

 

Yes time will tell. I am also considering just buying an old beater truck that I won't feel bad about beating up in the hills. Like I said, I hate trucks, and the thought of putting up with horrible vehicle dynamics for 95% of my driving for the 5% of the time I need the capabilities seems like a complete waste of money. We'll see. If anyone else can chime in with actual experience with the new Tundra I'll be happy to consider their opinions.

 

Any Ford F100/150/250 made from 1968 to 1976 will be better than anything new. With a 390 or a 460 and a C6, Super Cab or Regular Cab, they're hard to beat. Gas mileage won't be anything to write home about, but those were the best Ford trucks ever made, IMO. I prefer the styling of the 78/79's, but after 1976, there are no more 390's. The 351M/400 engines are not one of my favorites, because I know the history and warranty issues regarding those engines.

I hate new stuff, prefering the old. But need something newer for a daily driver because of med conditions. Power steering/disc brakes/power seat with recliner is a must, as is a/c and a tilt wheel.

 

I trust Bill's report 100%............but being 5" shorter and 100 Pounds lighter, I felt quite comfy in the Tundra.

I also liked the interior.........the Ford was/is the cream of the crop interior wise, but the Tundra dash/gauge layout is very modern/sporty IMHO.

I didn't actually drive it, but on paper (like Bill alluded to) the hype of near 400HP has me mesmorized. The published performance times (in spite of perceived bias) are objective and kind of blow my mind that a 5600 pound truck can move like that.


You already mentioned looks are subjective.........I think the thing looks OK. The pug like front end and SHORT hood take some getting used to.

 

The proportions didn't look terrible to me, but then again I am admitedly no judge of beauty in a truck, to me they are all pretty ugly.

My main areas of interest in the new Tundra vs. any other competitor in the 1/2 ton class are the 5.7L engine and the 6 speed transmission. Having worked for BMW, and also having been exposed to Toyota and Lexus, gave me some very firm opinions on the advantages of DOHC multi valve engines with variable valve timing. BMW's engines were by far my favorites in this regard, as the modern valvetonic (variable valve timing on intake and exhaust, as well as continuously variable valve lift for intake valves) V8's and I6's make excelent power all over the powerband. The tranny of course helps a great deal in making any vehicle perform better, the more gears you have the wider your spread of ratios can be while still maintaining good driveability.

I am very interested in seeing how good the 5.7L Tundra engine/transmission combo is, while I don't expect it to be all that fast (an M3, M5, or an M6 are fast, just don't ask me how I know) it should at least be spirited when it needs to be.

I am just hoping that Ford will get their asses in gear and bring out an engine that is more competitive, and for crying out loud they need a 6 speed gearbox. GM also needs to put a 6 speed behind their new 6.0L Vortec, that and eliminate the delay programed into the throttle for full power (4 seconds!). I have about a year to wait before I make any decission one way or the other so I will wait to see what if anything happens.

 

Honestly, if you aren't going to drive it all that often - the old beater is really a good idea.
Why spend all that money (even if it isn't a huge issue) on something that is going to sit in your garage and depreciate?
Make mine a 68 F100 with a 390...

And I happen to think that something like THIS:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...p?albumid=1385
Looks far more stylish and beautiful than any BMW/Toyota/Lexus