Ford- Electrical (Wipers would start running on their own). Transmission (Noticed slippage at around 50 K). Standard Door Key Locks ( When winter time would arrive, keys would not un-lock doors unless locks were lubed every couple of weeks. In the south no less). Bed Cargo Light. ( Rubber Seal deteriated around light, causing leakage into headliner.- Twice). AC/Heater Blend Door (Made of plastic and cracked from frozen moisture during icestorm. Not fun to replace).

Toyota- Radiator (Top seam failed where foam padding was placed at around 60K 22-R motor). Fuel filter ( 2 trucks, both would get clogged easily until aftermarket replacement).

Volkswagen- Rabbit Truck Thingy (Don’t ask! Not even sure it was really a truck) .

All in all, pretty minor and odd stuff.

Of all the trucks that have passed through my hands, I did keep a Ford Ranger, primarily, for sentimental reasons for 13 years. I attribute that to good maintenance. A long time ago, I sold my 1987 Toyota 4×4 and regreted it ever since. Back then, I preferred a smaller truck for budgetary reasons and did not need big truck. Anyway, This year I was in the market for a new full-sized pick-up and checked out the following: Ford F-150, Dodge Ram and Toyota Tundra. I was looking for the following main items: 4×4, crew-cab and V-8 motor. I drove the F-150 and was not impressed with the motor performance, or really the body style and interior comfort over long trips. The previous version of the F-150 seemed to agree with me more, having ridden in one years ago. Then, I tested the Ram 1500. Holy crap! Awsome power and nice exterior/interior design w/lifetime powertrain warranty. But I got cold feet after weighing the current situation with the parent company. Nice truck, but… I also went to Toyota and checked out the Tundra Crewmax TRD 4×4. Honestly, I can live with or without the interior/exterior design. The interior is decent, but seems a little heavy on hard, smooth plastic. The seats are very comfortable and have suitable adjustment for both front and rear passengers. The exterior seems like a work in progress. I drove it around and experienced very smooth shifting, power and excelleration, quite on par with the Ram for such a large cabin. I also found improvments with the fit and finish, compared to previous Toyotas I have owned in the past. I stewed on it for a week and settled in with the Tundra after additional research and the negotiations. I am in need of hauling basic materials, family trips and occasional recreational activities. I have owned it for about 2 months now and I really enjoy it. Got the bed sprayed w/ Linex .I have recieved comments on ride quality and interior comfort from a varitety of passengers. Some of them are truck owners of different brands. Of course we give each other crap in regards to brand loyality, but quality speaks for itself and gets recognized when warranted. Time will tell how my 2010 Slate Tundra Crewmax TRD SR-5 package 4×4 performs and how dependable it is. I must admit, the Ram has improved quite a bit. If you have experienced a ride in one, you might agree. Purchases are decided by personal needs, tastes and most importantly, proven historical mechanical dependablility. For me, over the years that catagory has gravitated toward Toyota first and Ford second at the moment.

At least when the Chinese Auto Manufacturers rip off, reverse engineer, or just rebadge another country’s automotive Marques; they change the Name on the damn thing!

Wasn’t the original version of this truck called the T-150? Then the T-100, then the Tundra…. but it always looked suspiciously similar to the best selling truck for some reason…

But to go out and name your top level truck the same as your #1 competition? That’s just admitting you’re incapable of original thoughts!

I must admit though, I could probably afford a Celica ” Enzo” !!