The New F150

bigpete · Sep 9, 2003

Hey, Lawman. guess you didn't read my follow-up:

 Yup, just found a little more. Clearly the Lightning is the fastest truck on the street with the specialty XVT Lighning turning in less than 6 second 0-60.

bigpete · Sep 9, 2003

Good point...thought we were talking real trucks. I was pretty verbose on that topic then somebody caused me to reduce my point to a few sentences. I guess when I did that I stated that the Tundra was the best street/sport truck. Between the Regular F150 and Cheb, I'm still on that soapbox.

Can't remember where I read that statement about the '03 Tundra being the second fastest in its class according to Motortrend. I'll find it though....the author of a review had sought out the spec from Motortrend.

bigpete · Sep 9, 2003

Okay. Looks like a mish-mash of specs, none from a single test.

I did read the Car and Driver review that Likes the Dodge, first, Chevy second, Tundra third, and F150 last of what they call "American Iron" trucks. There rater was a guy who buys and uses work trucks You might want to read the article at American Iron and note the Date (April 2002) and the passage under the Tundra review that states:

 Toyota offers fewer options than the others, and only one V-8, a 4.7-liter twin-cammer. It's a silky performer with enough punch to match or outrun the others of our group in every acceleration test, including the 1000-pound load. In braking, too, the Tundra outperformed, stopping from 70 mph in 189 feet. Fuel economy over our 450-mile drive was about midpack at 13 mpg. 

A year-old test isn't much to go on, but at least they were comparing apples to apples.

bigpete · Sep 9, 2003

...and for the 2003 model Car and Driver says...

 There are two engine choices for the Tundra—which has a 2000-pound maximum payload and up to 7200-pound trailering capacity—the base 3.4-liter V-6 (good for 190 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque) and Toyota’s nifty 4.7-liter V-8 (with 245 hp and 315 lb-ft). The competition offers the option of bigger engines, but the Tundra’s 4.7-liter is easily the smoothest V-8 available in a truck.

cowboydoc · Sep 9, 2003

The Ford F150 is a great truck for work---next.

That's like saying John Deere is a great work truck but buy a Kubota if you want to look good. The F-150 is just as well and even more adapted to every condition concievable. You want the sport truck they've got it. You want a pure work truck they've got it. You want a work truck and a sport truck they've got that. Whatever you want. I'm not knocking the Toyota but give me a break calling the F-150 just a work truck.

And Pete the 5.5 second Harley can still haul more than a Toyota can. One bag of fertilizer is not going to weight it down anymore than your 2wd toyota.

bigpete · Sep 9, 2003

I'm not knocking the Toyota ...

With all due deference, of course you guys are knocking the Toyota. Sheesh...go back and read all of the uniformed posts. All along I've been praising the the Ford line and trying to keep things honest with plenty of concession on my part.

Bottom line, Cowboydoc. My Tundra rides better and outperforms the Fords in MY areas of need. Read my original post. I'm not trying to convince anybody that likes a Ford to buy a Tundra. Read my original post. Besides, the quarter mile speed is the least of my concerns. Read my original post. You were the ones that misinterpreted my clarifying post about being the best "Street/Sport" truck.

Have you read any of the reviews out there? Who in this thread is thinking of buying a truck to race?

p.s. You are also misinformed about my truck. it's a 4WD

Docsknotinn · Sep 9, 2003

Look, I am biased and I admit it. It just wont buy a Toyota ....period. Just because they do a little work here does not make them an American company and it never will. At least to me. I have known many people who over the years have had them. Some were great, some were lemons, just like Ford, GM and Dodge. If you are pleased as punch with Toyota..COOL by me. But your probably preachin to the choir on a strand about the F-150, which I think by the way KICKS BUTT ! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I just cant figure out why they no longer offer a King Ranch or any leather edition in 4x4 Short bed Reg Cab. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif The Ford ride and interior is tuff to beat. I would like too see a better engine option in the Ford and I think they need to kick it up a notch in that regard on ALL their engines. Last year truck of the year was the Duramax, This year the Dodge. Next year hopefully it will be the ford again. It certainly looks like they are the right track with the new F-150. Dave

bigpete · Sep 9, 2003

That's cool too, Dave. No problem here and your experiences should guide you. At least you are not relying entirely on sycophantic brand loyalty that prevents you from seeing numbers.

I jumped in when I started reading all of the misunderstandings about the Tundra. A few slams didn't cause that, but a general misconception that these full-size Toyota trucks have overexagerated specs and limited capacities. Not to change your opinion or anybody elses. Not preaching, but clarifying. I'm done here and dissapointed in the lack of objectivity of a few. Just can't believe prominent people in here read what they want to read and flare back on topics they have conjurred up in their own minds.

Your right. I should have never invested in this thread but just hate to see deliberate disinformation. Especially when it is about a high-ticket item that I very deliberately chose based on quantifiable criteria.

Now don't get defensive folks. Go back and read all of my praises about YOUR trucks and see if you can see where you guys began comparing "concept" truck to stock trucks.

Call the pit boss and escort me and my chips to the cage. I still have every one that I had when I walked in here. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bird · Sep 9, 2003

( Look, I am biased and I admit it. )

Aren't we all? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif And I think the guys who do the testing and writing for the magazines are, too. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Actually when I bought my '99 F150 last year, I shopped for a used Chevrolet 1500; couldn't find anything I wanted at a price I would consider, so found better deals on Fords and got one I'm well satisfied with. Why did I shop for a Chevrolet? Well . . ., in my opinion the Chevrolet has a softer, smoother ride (my bias?) while the Ford seems to handle heavy loads better (no solid evidence; just the way the trucks "feel" to me), and I didn't intend to haul any heavy loads or pull any heavy trailers. My Ford is very comfortable most of the time, but on rough roads I do believe the Chevrolet would ride smoother. As for dependability and maintenance costs, I doubt there's much difference in the long run (again with no real evidence). /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

And as for acceleration times, just no concern to me at all. Forty years ago it would have meant something to me, but now that little 4.2L six cylinder will move out just as fast as I ever need to go. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Bob_In_MN · Sep 9, 2003

Hey Pete,

FWIW--I thought your long post described/explained pretty well why I own the F150 and you the Tundra (not that personal preference isn't enough of a justification in itself).

My 10,000 to 12,000 miles per year are made up of pulling a trailer, hauling heavy loads or towing my fish house on Mil Lacs during the winter. I take my stripped down base model 2003 Saturn into work every day (you still have to crank the windows and lock the doors by hand on this baby /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif).

So--not that you need my approval, but I understand your reasons for purchasing what you did.

Bob

bigpete · Sep 9, 2003

Agreed, Bob.

BTW, do they still have that giant wooden/fiberglass fish along the road in Mille Lacs? Drove through there a few (15?) years back on my way to Red Lake, Ontario and a storm had knocked it down. I couldn't help myself and made my bride stand half inside the jaws of the walleye for a gag snapshot. Great fishing in your parts.

Docsknotinn · Sep 9, 2003

Bird I sure think you are right on about the Magazine writers. I mean did you ever read a article where they say "this stinks " ? lol. Even though I am biased I can get swayed. last time it took 20 years /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif In college I bought one of them Dodge D-50 jobbers made by misubishi. What a lemon. in 6 months every spot weld on it was rusted. Leaked oil like a sieve and missed like crazy every time it rained. I had an old MGB that I traded in on a push it/ pull it/ tow it in trade in sale . LOL. I wanted something more dependable. oops ! I messed around with Chrysler forever it seemed. They just wouldnt fix the darned thing. The final straw was when they were supposed to send a rep from Detroit to look at it. I sat there for four hous and they finally told me it was fixed. I went out side and it was leaking so much oil it was 1/2 qt low /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif. I traded it in on a S-10 and did not set foot in a Dodge dealer for 20 years. This year I got my wife a reg cab Hemi. She loves it so thats Ok with me too. To each his own and I doubt any of us could ever convince another their truck/tractor stinks because of brand or paint color. I for one am just thankfull we have the Freedom of choice to choose a nice place to disscuss it. There are lots of good points about each model and each has its draw backs as well. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Dave

Bob_In_MN · Sep 9, 2003

Pete,

I believe it's still there--I think we have more than our fair share of those types of statues. With a million anglers hitting the lakes every May (fishing opener) the northern towns have created a number of these objects--like the top of the water tower painted to look like a fishing bobber. The route I take doesn't go by that location and as you probably know from driving by it, Mil Lacs is fairly large. We drive out about 5 miles to get to our spot. GPS sure has made navigating that lake much easier.

Bob

Docsknotinn · Sep 9, 2003

Bob, could you send a mess of those walleyes down ??? I'll get the beer batter going. PS, I dont care what brand truck they get sent in ! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Dave

Bob_In_MN · Sep 9, 2003

Dave,

First you had me thinking about ribs, now walleyes. And I'm fresh out--the freezer's empty. My dad took a burner out of an old water heater and built an out door stove to fry fish. It doesn't get much better than a panfull of walleyes frying away while you're sitting outside with your beverage of choice.

Bob

TresCrows · Sep 9, 2003

"That's like saying John Deere is a great work truck but buy a Kubota if you want to look good."

I know that is how you think, that is why I argue with you so much. Unfortunetly most JDs and most of your Fords are as imported as my Kubota and American made Tundra.
The Tundra is the more comfortable and practical truck for most people who don't use a truck for a living and do not wish to buy something for posing in. You buy imported domestics, I buy domestic imports. Hey can I high five and arse slap with you guys about all those dumb guys in their import trucks?
My Tundra can easily carry anything that would a F150 truck of similar nature that MOST people buy. Tests that have run these trucks in side by side comparison don't really show the clear superiority you guys claim for Ford.
OK, so they put overhead cams on their engines, it is about time. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. Like I said, I could buy another Ford.
You guys put yourself into a corner, what if, just for speculation, that Toyota bought Ford like Mercedes bought Dodge and Kubota bought JD's light tractor division? I am just making this up for a what if--since you guys hate everything with Japanese connections--what would you do then--eat Crow?

Don't put yourself in a corner you cannot get out of--me, I like manuvering room. J

cowboydoc · Sep 9, 2003

Sorry but on my F-350 it's 100% american made and mfg. There are no foreign parts on it so don't even go there.

bigpete · Sep 9, 2003

Cowboydoc, that is becoming a rare bird, indeed. I bookmarked this site a few months ago after one of those knock-down, drag-out discussions about what is truly "Made in the U.S.A." I don't think it contains a comprehensive list, but there are a lot products that we assume are made here and are imported at various degrees. Once you get into the vehicles, scroll to the bottom of each page for a link to the regressively named list of percent "Made in the U.S.A."

U.S.Stuff

sendero · Sep 9, 2003

Hey, I thought there was no politics or religion allowed /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif this thread is full of both!

People come to decisions like whether to like Ford or Chevy or Toyota in complex ways. Trying to talk rationally, factually, dispassionately about them is pointless.

I like foreign cars, have a fondness for Nissans. But I wouldn't touch a Toyota with a 10 foot pole. Is it an inferior vehicle? Not at all - I just don't like them, and if I said why there are folks here who'd be itching to argue about it, and that wouldn't go anywhere either /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

In my younger days I loved GM cars but again, I wouldn't touch one now. Don't ask me to explain, I don't like being put in a position of trying to rationalize something that is not necessarily rational /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif