Will Ram, GM, or Toyota Copy Ford’s F-150 Raptor?

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One of the oldest rules in marketing is “copy your competitors – it’s easy and it works.”

Will other manufacturer's copy Ford's F-150 Raptor

Will other manufacturer's copy Ford's F-150 Raptor?

Ford’s F-150 Raptor is a tremendous truck. A dedicated off-road machine, the Raptor has a host of features and extras that make most off-road enthusiasts drool. Based on the interest and excitement around the Raptor – and the early sales – it would seem that the Raptor is a run-away success. PickupTrucks.com has reported twice now about Dodge’s long travel Ram, a possible test version of a Dodge version of the Raptor that could serve as the basis for a production vehicle.

PickupTrucks.com’s coverage has us wondering…will Ram – or anyone else – really try and copy the F-150 Raptor? Maybe. It’s pretty complicated  – here’s why:

1. To make a special model ‘work’ you’ve got to have sales. Believe it or not, it’s likely that Ford will never make a profit on the Raptor. With about 6,000 orders so far – each at about $40k – the Raptor is definitely a solid seller…but most auto experts agree that sales of 5k-10k units per year are required just to sustain a specialty model. Despite the early success, Ford will still have to sell 5-10k Raptors a year just to break even.

Often times, new models are a big hit when they first debut, but after a while sales peter out. If Ford sees strong sales this year and next (we would call “strong” sales 10k units+), the chances of someone copying the Raptor go up. If not, you can assume the Raptor will be one-of-a-kind model.

2. You’ve got to build from a high-volume base. The Raptor was designed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT). Ford’s most successful SVT product to date is the 1993-2004 Mustang Cobra. Ford made only 78k limited-edition SVT Cobras during this period, which represented only 4.3% of total Mustang sales (shout out to The Mustang Database for pulling all these numbers together).

Mustang Sales - Regular vs Cobra, 1993-2004

Mustang Sales - Regular vs Cobra, 1993-2004 - click for a larger view.

This ratio is important – out of 25 Mustangs that Ford sold, only 1 was a Cobra. It’s difficult to make money on a low-volume vehicle unless you’ve got a high volume vehicle behind it to provide economies of scale. If your specialty model can share the same steering wheel, lug nuts, brake lines, etc., as the standard model, it’s much more financially feasible….especially when the standard model is a strong seller.

No slight to the Cobra (an awesome vehicle as well), but that vehicle was not the radical departure from ‘normal’ that the Raptor is. With the Cobra Ford essentially changed the motor, which is a fairly simple modification job compared to the work Ford has done on the Raptor. The Raptor is is much wider than a stock F-150, radically different in terms of suspension, and it requires a lot of unique body panels. Frankly, it’s amazing that Ford can build such a specialized vehicle for only $40k. The F-150’s tremendous sales volumes are a big part of the reason Ford can make the Raptor affordable.

3. You’ve got to hope your copy doesn’t look like a cheap knock-off of the original. One of the benefits of building a special edition car like a Cobra or a Raptor is the ‘halo’ effect it has on the rest of your brand. People who might not otherwise have paid attention – hard-core enthusiasts, journalists, and young, impressionable buyers – are more likely to consider your brand if you’ve got something special to gaze at in the show room. Dodge’s Viper is a great example of a ‘halo’ car that – arguably – rescued an automaker.

The trouble with copying a competitor’s halo car is that it can backfire. Instead of becoming a ‘halo’ for GM, Ram, or Toyota, a copy of Ford’s Raptor could be perceived as nothing more than a knock-off. Consumers will give the original credit, but the copies less so. If GM, Ram, or Toyota intend to copy Ford’s Raptor, they’ve got to do something that’s better than Ford’s truck…and that’s a tall order.

Bottom Line: Will Ram, GM, or Toyota copy the F-150 Raptor? Most likely no. The Raptor’s sales figures indicate the market is too small to sustain more than one vehicle. Unless GM, Ram, or Toyota want to make a low-volume dedicated off-road truck that’s guaranteed to lose money, Ford’s Raptor is going to be all alone.

Having said all of that, we certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see some manufacturers roll-out some “Raptor Light” type packages. Ram might try and offer a half-ton version of their Power Wagon, GM could try and make a special edition of their Z-71 4×4 package, and Toyota might try and make a TRD off-road kit that’s a dealer installed option…but the chances of even these minor packages are remote.

We’re giving credit where credit is due – creating the Raptor was a master-stroke for Ford. Whether or not they continue this model past 2011 or 2012, the Raptor gives Ford a lot of credibility in the truck world and definitely has created a halo around the rest of the brand. Kudos, SVT.

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  1. Wes Kibble says:

    I agree. The sales are ok right now, but I think Raptor sales will lean off over the next few years when the hype dies down. If other manufactures tried to get into this already small market, it will make the small amount of sales spread between more companies and everyone knows it.

  2. Jason says:

    Wes – I think you’re right about demand for the Raptor falling off. No disrespect to Ford of course, it’s just hard to imagine that this type of truck would have much of a following. Almost all of the ‘true’ off-road enthusiasts that I’ve met have a lot of disdain for trucks on the trail. It’s Jeeps, FJ’s, and 2 door SUVs that make those guys go crazy…but maybe that will change (or maybe it’s just the people I know).

  3. Wes Kibble says:

    The prerunner market is huge in the southwestern states. And Ford sells more vehicles in California then they do all of Canada. Or at least they used to. Ford has done a great job at creating a vehicle for a niche market.

  4. danny says:

    jason,
    one thing we must consider is the “residual” sales that the raptor brings to Ford in the regular “F” series. For example, those who want a Cobra might buy a mustang instead just to be close to what they actually want but barriers like expense and higher insurance made it prohibitive. Like a normal camaro versus a camaro ss or a corvette versus a z06 vette. I would have loved to have boughht a Rock Warrior but a regular 4×4 tundra fit my work needs better. I guess what i’m trying to say is that the high profile and exotic Raptor may increase f-150 sales due to consumers dreaming but settling for a more reasonable model.
    I’ve had the pleasure to drive a raptor but its just another truck here in the mississippi delta. all we have is mud and no rocks to climb or baja style running. It’s a very nice and capable off road vehicle but it fits no known need here. If i still lived in california, it may very well be a different story.
    Heck, just flare out the front and rear fender wells and redesign the suspension of the rock warrior, then you have a tundra raptor, but then again…. why.

  5. Jr says:

    i think that toyota should not pursue in making a “special model” like the raptor, but first get their problems straightened out.I know there have been plenty of rumors of a heavy duty tundra with a possible diesel engine, and i could really see that as being a great hit.

    Who knows? Maybe it might expand Toyota’s Diesel market in the United States like they have else where arround the world.

  6. Tom says:

    When you have mastered the truck like Ford has I guess you have to raise the bar. Toyota raised the bar and challenged domestics to step up and they have. Now someone else is raising the bar. What’s more functional a Power wagon or a Raptor. I think a Power wagon is more practical but no one has copied it. I think the Rock Warrior was a chance to meet the bar for the Power wagon. But there is only one Power wagon and one Raptor. What’s the odds that both GM and Toyota make prerunners, TRD and Z71 packages on 2wd’s. For everyone who wants a 4×4 look but won’t use it. Well I guess someone had the fill the need for wanna be 4×4’s and they did a fine job at it. No one has copied it!

  7. Jason says:

    Wes – Agreed. I think Toyota has a chance to do something with a PreRunner-type special interest model on the Taco, but the Tundra’s sales volumes are probably just too low for a special edition. I agree that Ford has done a great job marketing their trucks.

    Danny – Definitely – that’s the halo effect I’m speaking of. You get people into the showroom to look at the Cobra so you can sell them on the real-world benefits of the Mustang V6 coupe. I’m sure the F150 Raptor is driving F150 sales too…if I sold Fords again, and someone wanted to see a 40k Raptor, I’d say “No problem, but let me show you what 42k will buy”…then I’d walk them over to a Crew with all the options. Most of the time, I’d sell the Crew.

    JR – Agreed. The HD and diesel Tundras are probably never going to happen, btw…I think that dream is officially dead.

    Tom – The power wagon vs. the Raptor? I’d take the Raptor, but that’s only because I have no need for a 3/4 ton. I don’t follow you on the PreRunner.

  8. Casu Consulto says:

    I’ve driven the 5.4L Raptor, and the engine leaves much to be desired at a whopping 320hp. They also went with 4:10 gears on those factory 35″ tires, which isn’t helping the matter. That being said, the rest of the truck is impressive from the factory lift with FOX Racing Shox, BFG AT KO’s, and completely custom body and interior. The 5.4L Raptor is a sad comparison of power compared to my 5.7L Tundra, but it has potential with the 6.2L 410hp being offerred Fall 2010….although at a $3K upgrade it’s a tough pill to swallow. I wish Toyo would give me the option of adding TRD parts as I buy, allowing it to be all included in my payment instead of forcing to pay all out of pocket after you buy or going completely aftermarket all together. If you really check out the Raptor, it’s much more than an offroad sticker like most peole get, and I may be swayed if the 6.2L can put a smile on my face like my 5.7L.

  9. Casu Consulto says:

    FYI – If anyone else is interested…….there is also a special aftermarket version of the SVT Raptor being produced by a company called Hennessy who dub their version the “VelociRaptor”. They conversion package takes the 5.4L adds a Whipple supercharger (among other listed items) and results in 500hp……all available at the mere price of $10k for the kit, or $15K installed. Not really an affordable option for most guys, but it’s a nice thought.

    http://www.caranddriver.com/ne.....0-car_news

  10. Jason says:

    Casu – Great info – thanks for posting. I have yet to drive a Raptor, but I’m definitely looking forward to it. My guess is that it will drive like a very nice custom lifted truck.

  11. danny says:

    Casu;
    I agree, the Raptor is quite impressive. I have put my friends raptor deep in the mud and it did quite well. He has the 5.4L Raptor and i have the 4.6 Tundra. In the mud, i think they’re about equal but ironically, i feel my old 1995 z-71, as underpowered as she was, would out do both (in the mud). Sorry guys, just my lil’ opinion. Please… no hate mail!
    As for rocky terrain, rock climbing, jumping and other baja style stuff, the Raptor wins.

    Jason, it doesnt feel like a custom lifted truck to me. It feels more like… an agressive little beast. Sophistacated and refined and the inside, yet rugged on the outside. i think it beckons to be punished.
    I still perfer my Tundra tho.

  12. Jason says:

    Danny – Cool. I need to get in one.

  13. Justin says:

    Good points everyone. Only thing I have to add, which should keep Raptor sales strong for a while, is the 6.2L has just recently been added to the order sheet. Currently most the Raptor sales are of 5.4L models, so I’m sure we’ll see a spike in sells once the 6.2L’s start hitting lots. And “IF” Ford eventually drops the 5.0L into the Raptor as the 5.4L replacement, we may again see another spike in sales for that model.
    ****
    Keep in mind Ford had the Lightning, which had decent sells over its time and created a large fan base. The Lightning was also one of the vehicles that upped the bar in performance power for trucks, which we now see in the Tundra 5.7L and like trucks. So we may just eventually see some of the features being offered in the Raptor slowly integrated into your typical everyday truck.

  14. Jason says:

    Justin – I completely agree that the 6.2 will boost sales, but my understanding is that the 6k orders include some 6.2L units. Not that I’m disagreeing, but it looks like 5-10k units is the ceiling on this thing.
    ##
    Also, I have to say I don’t think Ford ever made much on the Lightning. That was one bad-ass truck (I’ve driven quite a few of them, even had one as a demo), but Ford never had a lot of luck with them. I remember quite a few dealers in 2003 selling new Lightnings for a little more than invoice. However, unlike the Lightning that was limited in towing and hauling ability, the Raptor makes a lot of “sense.” It’s a good work truck on a rugged construction site, and I think that will generate sales. Of course, the 2016 fuel economy and emissions regs are probably going to kill the Raptor (along with big engines, supercharged Tundras, and anything else we love), so it’s academic at this point…

  15. Justin says:

    Jason: Well, evidently Ford thinks the Raptor has been a success so far. Now I might just have to consider trading in the ’06 Screw for one of these bad boys!
    http://www.autoblog.com/2010/0.....or-lineup/

  16. Jason says:

    Justin – To be clear, I think the Raptor is a success too. However, financially speaking, my guess is that the Raptor program barely covers expenses.
    ##
    That link is interesting – do you think the Raptor loses some of it’s ‘street cred’ by bringing out a family edition? Personally I’d take one in a heartbeat, but I can hear some hard-core off-road enthusiasts crying about solid axles and four doors being two doors too many…LOL. Thoughts?

  17. Justin says:

    Jason: Lose street cred, or off-road ability? Maybe both. I agree, your true hard core off-roaders won’t like it, just as they complained about the Wrangler when they introduced the 4-door edition recently. Personally, I too would take one in a heartbeat. Sure, it may be longer, which will compromise some off-roading capability, but I need something that can haul 3 kids, a wife and 2 dogs (50lb Shar-Pei & 105lb American Bulldog) comfortably. Now the Raptor is intended to be a baja style truck, not a rock crawler. So the length shouldn’t compromise it too greatly if used for its intended purpose, nor the IFS. Those that buy it as a rock crawler, who would benefit much more from a shorter wheelbase and SFA, may end up dissappointed. And for me, I’d buy one since it is already heavily modified and comes with a stock warranty. How much would it cost to do this to an XLT model and what type of warranty would you receive?

  18. Jason says:

    Justin – Good points all. I think I could build a 5.4 version of this truck with equivalent or better components for about $50k, and then I’d worry about something getting screwed up. It’s a hell of a deal, and I’m certain a LOT of those pricey Raptors won’t see dirt more than once or twice a year…and that’s OK. Just because it’s built for going off in the dunes doesn’t mean it needs to.

  19. Justin says:

    Jason: Agree on all points. And yeah, I figure the majority of they trucks when see a dirt road in their lifetime. Most likely a status symbol for many, kind of like the H2’s were/are.

  20. Jason says:

    Justin – Here here. Luxury pickups are a big part of the future of the truck market. As gas prices go up, trucks will become more and more a symbol of wealth and exclusivity…and they’ll still be cheaper than a new Lexus LS/Porsche 911/Range Rover, etc. They’re going to be the luxury symbol for North Americans that don’t want to be labeled snobs, but who want everyone to know $120 fill-ups are no big deal.

  21. FORD says:

    Toyota will never make a come back. Because. Ford is better.

    NUFF SAID

  22. Justin says:

    Not exactly sure of the mpgs, but I don’t think people buying the Raptor are overly concerned with this aspect.

    Either way, I can’t see the Raptor getting much worse mpgs than a normal 5.4L F150. The 4.10 gears may bring home a little worse mpgs than the 3.73 (lowest gears available in an 09+ F150). Then again, the current Raptor in Scab form uses the 5.5′ bed, making it lighter than an F150 Scab 6.5′ bed or any Screw model (5.5′ or 6.5′ bed). So the wieght difference may counteract the more aggressive gears.

    Now I haven’t seen/heard confirmation of the 6.2L mpgs, but specualtion has it running 12-14mpgs city. When the upcoming Raptor Screw model is released, word is it will only be available with the 6.2L Boss.

    Also, I’ve heard when running in the “Off-Road” mode setting, it does use more fuel due to the more aggressive settings. Here’s a good site to get info from Raptor owners.

    http://www.raptorforumz.com/

  23. Justin & Jason –

    In March I had my 07 Tundra DC 4×4, and was seriously interested in the Raptor for it’s out of the box ability, and the unique body, but the 5.4 performance was terrible vs my 5.7L. The Raptor I test drove was stickered at 49K, and the dealer was willing to drop 1K, but of course since there’s no incentives available for the SVT, they had nothing else to offer. I was almost ready to overlook the smaller cab, and less power, just to have something exculsive, and if they worked with the price I’d probably bought it and worried about making it better later. A month later my Toyota dealer called and said he could get exactly what I wanted and do it all for 0%. I was a bit skeptical, but this is the first dealer I’d ever worked with that actually came through. I traded in my old 07 DC Tundra for a new Crewmax TRD, and got to choose what I wanted on it. It now has a Pro Comp Stage II 6″ lift, TOYO MT 35×12.50×20″ tires, RBP 20″ wheels, and all the extras under the 0% financing. Now I’ve got a bigger cab than the Raptor, more power, and every bit as off-road capable….all done by the Toyota service department. With all of the extras added it came in about 1K less than the Raptor, and the 0% made payments affordable. If you want MPG’s its not the route for you, but it works for me.

  24. Justin says:

    Casu Consulto: Congratulations on the new ride! Sounds like a great truck. If you have a photobucket account, post up a link of some of the pics of your truck, would love to see it.

    Only item I do question are the 20″ rims. While they are nice for looks and street usage, the weight is a negative and doesn’t provide nearly as much side wall on your tires when compared to the 17″ rims and 35″ tires on the Raptor. For an off-road truck, I would always want more sidewall and less rim.

    Regarding the Raptor:

    1) Were you aware that Ford is releasing a SuperCrew (Crew Cab similar to the CrewMax) Raptor later this year?

    2) Also, Ford has released their 6.2L Boss motor, which is now available in the SuperCab Raptor and will be the only engine option in the SuperCrew Raptor. This motor does provide more hp/ft-lb (411hp/434ft-lb) than the Tundra 5.7L, but doesn’t have the 0-60 time (most likely due to the 4.10 gears versus the 4.30 in the Tundra). The 6.2L has also been shown it can produce over 500hp.

    3) There are many more upgrades made to the Raptor than many lifts can provide. Locking rear diff, added suspension travel, 8″ wider track than a standard F150, off-mode (adjusts ABS/Trans and other items), and a host of other features. One item I’d check on is if the increased tire size, lift kit and other items installed are covered by the Toyota warranty, if they are covered by a Pro Comp warranty or if the items void or can void any of the Toyota warranty. Many times a lift and larger tires can void the manufacturer’s warranty. You wouldn’t have to worry about any of these items on the Raptor.

    Now the $49K figure may depend on how the truck is equipped or the dealer selling this truck. The base price for a Scab 5.4L is just under $39K and the 6.2L is just under $42K. Add goodies like navi, bed-extender, bed/tailgate step, moonroof, brake controller, etc, and the price will rise. Plus if the one you were looking at was sitting on a dealer’s lot, they more than likely had a “market price adjustment” fee added to the sticker price of the truck. I know my dealer does for the Raptors and special vehicles on their lot. You can save yourself the market adj fee and some cost by ordering the truck directly from Ford with only the options you want. But you’d have to be willing to wait for the truck.

    Either way, I’m glad you’re happy with your new truck. Hope it treats you well and is long lasting. And again, post up some pics so we can see that beast!

  25. Jason says:

    Casu – That sounds awesome. Let’s make it a featured truck! Contact me!!

  26. Casu Consulto says:

    Justin – I can see your POV on the rims, but the 17’s are a bit of an oddball size, which means limited selection at tire time. I do like the BFG AT’s they chose, had them in the past so I know they do great in sand & snow. I was hesitant about bigger rims, but I really don’t notice a huge sidewall difference compared to the stock 18’s. When 20’s first started showing up, I hated them and the skinny low profile street tires that typically adorned them. Compared to my first truck (79 F-150/351M with 6″ lift & 3″ body with trusty old 15″ chrome wagon wheels & 38″ tires), the difference is huge. One thing I’m happier about with the 20’s is the lack of the “donut” shape splurging sidewall you get on the smaller rims with big tires. I’ll go mudding, climbing dunes, and of course snow donuts in the parking lot, but no rock crawling or crazy trail articulation requiring a spotter and winch. The Raptor’s electronic locking rear diff is a plus, but I’d wonder what the useful range is. Most factory lockers I’ve seen are usable 3-5 mph, and without having the front done it seems kinda like an after thought. If you really need a locker to get you out of a sticky situation, chances are rear alone won’t do the trick. I haven’t checked into ARB yet, but would rather have a air locker from experience. The 6.2L sounds pretty awesome, which was the only way I’d have bought one after my experience. MPG’s aside, does it require premium grade gas, or unleaded to produce the 410hp? The new super crew will be a welcome option for most people, but of course at a higher price. I hope the increased HP makes up the difference in lag I felt with the 35’s & 4:10 I tested. I was dissappointed to say the least to find out after my new purchase that the TRD S/C isn’t even a option for me now that I’ve been forced into a E85-flex 5.7L. I’d really like to see someone take the Scion approach to truck buying and let the customer choose exactly what they want. I choose to purchase the extended warranty, for an extra $10/mo it was hard to pass on. I had the Service Manager verify with Toyota before work began that the parts would not void any factory warranty, and according to them since it was all completed by Toyota Technicians it will be honored. Of course any parts replaced by the lift will be warrantied under Pro-Comp. I can appreciate the one-stop-shop warranty under the Raptor, another reason I was interested to begin with. Many good things I can see with the Raptor, but I didn’t want to wait for the prices to come down & at the time I inquired they said it would never be offered on a SCrew platform. One thing the Tundra Crewmax has that no one else offers is the rear window that slides down, and after having it I can tell you I couldn’t live without it. Thanks Justin for the info!

    You can see pics here at my Picasa Web Gallery.

    http://picasaweb.google.com/112744440577381563184

    You should also be able to see them at my profile on TundraNetwork where I have a few more posted.

    http://www.tundranetwork.com/profile/CasuConsulto

  27. Mark says:

    Casu Consulto: I saw the pictures of your Tundra Raptor which more seems like a RAPED tundra to me “no offense” but don’t you think that it looks like an over inflated crown bag, anyways it definitely doesn’t look as subtle as a Ford Raptor which is much wider, better balanced and of-course fox racing shocks and doesn’t have a fully boxed frame unlike the tundra C-section. I own a Raptor crew and an F450 and I don’t think that I will ever buy any other brand but yes I have arranged some extra bucks to buy the new super crew Raptor my wife’s got a Buick century, son’s got a Suburban and an Oldsmobile 88 Rocket. My point is I am an AMERICAN and a really proud one and hurts when I see American motor companies going out of business because people are buying imports instead of the ones made in our own country for us the US.So please BE AMERICAN and BUY AMERICAN.
    GOD BLESS AMERICA
    Peace

  28. Mark says:

    Casu Consulto: Sorry about the mistake I was trying to say that all Ford trucks got fully boxed frames unlike the tundra and so to speak tundra is no match even to a standard F150 you can just see it for yourself
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jURNFshnXu0
    and here is the info on frame
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related
    and I will repeat the same words BE AMERICAN and BUY AMERICAN.
    GOD BLESS AMERICA
    Peace 2 All

  29. Justin says:

    Mark: I’m a Ford F-150 driver and think the F-150 is a great truck, love my 2006. And of course, the majority of people who frequent this site will tell you this about me. But there is one problem with your entire story.

    You state you own a Crew Raptor right? At least you said so, along with an F450. But I think when you made up your story, you failed to realize that the 2011 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew has yet to be built (production begins Nov. 22nd, 2010) and won’t be hitting dealers until early 2011.

    It was a nice happy story though.

  30. Mark says:

    Mark: thanks for bringing my attention towards my mistake but you know what, its a typing mistake more than anything else. If you read the whole thing you will see that I also said that I am planning to buy the new Raptor super Crew and I think you can forgive my mistake of putting a crew instead of super cab and brother if you think that’s a story then you can drop by Austin TX any day and I’ll be really happy to see you but I will appreciate it if you would read the whole column before making any assumptions because if you would’ve done that then our conversation would’ve been totally different
    GOD BLESS AMERICA
    Peace

  31. Justin says:

    Mark: No problem if it’s a typo, and yes it did state you were going to purchase a Crew. But the way it’s worded, it sounded like you were going to purchase a Raptor Screw for the Mrs, on top of the Raptor Crew you already owned. Either way, owners that KNOW their truck, know if they own a Scab or Screw. And on the internet, anyone can say anything. So instead of me coming to Austin, how about you take some pics of the F450 & Raptor, with you in each pic giving us the Bird. Post those pics to photobucket or another image site and post the URL here for all us to see. Until then, it’s all talk in my opinion.

    Now regarding the American deal. If GM and Chrysler, and even Ford, had made decent vehicles across all model lineups, people wouldn’t be saying “buy American”, they’d already be doing so. But the the crap that GM & Chrysler still put out, it’s no surprise people are looking elsewhere. Ford has faultered in the past, but their products since Mulally took over have been moving Ford in the right direction.

    And if you’re so “American”, then what brand TV do you owhn? Cell phone brand? VCR/DVD/Blue Ray player? Kitchen Appliances? etc… Funny part is people love to preach the “Buy American” motto when purchasing vehicles, but then turn around and buy stuff of many makes from overseas on their other purchases.

    Anymore in this day and age, most imports are built in the US, providing employment for US citizens and generating tax revenue, etc. In the end it may not be as much money coming back to the states as a domestic brand brings home, but it’s still a hefty sum and better than nothing.

    Man, can’t believe me being a Ford guy, defending imports on a Toyota site. I must be sick or something.

  32. Mark says:

    Justin: Screw? Man you need to get your eyes fixed but anyways I do agree with you about a lot of imports bringing in a lot of goodies and jobs to US but still like what they say MUSCLE always beats imports and believe me I will still pick the 88 rocket or an Eldorado over a lambo or merce any day, about my rides whether you believe it or not it won’t change anything for me I still got what I got and am very happy and proud of it, so I think that sums up our conversation and as far as import guys are concerned, they all can go to hell I am going to TEXAS
    GOD BLESS AMERICA
    Peace

  33. Mark says:

    Jason: maybe you should stop [edited] and start being proud of an American on which I doubt about you? Man I wont be amzed to find out that you might be an illegal alien from Mexico or may be a Japanese using a white boy name

  34. Jason says:

    Mark – I think that comment qualifies your opinions very nicely – thanks for stopping by.

  35. Justin says:

    I hope everyone here doesn’t think Mark’s comments are typical of domestic owners. You always have a bad seed in every group.

    But thanks for your narrow minded and immature post Mark! What a great way to get across your point, by making domestic owners look like childish punks. And heck, if Jason is an illegal alien or of Japanese decent, he has more common sense, and provides more for this board and our community than you seem to bring.

  36. Jason says:

    Justin – Thanks! Anyone who takes Mark’s comments seriously isn’t paying close enough attention. Also, for the record, I think most domestic truck owners are just like most Tundra owners – regular folks.

    BTW, I *am* descendant from immigrants who may or may not have been “legal” (no one kept very good records in those days), but they died a long time ago so I guess that makes me about as American as most people.

    As for my affiliation with the ultra-secret Japanese organization bent on world domination, I’ve said too much…

  37. Danny says:

    Code name JASON,
    Be patient, the time is near. We already control the cell phones, computers and most of the car market. Our Chinese counterparts have bought most iconic American landmarks. When the signal comes, all one billion Chinese will jump up and down at the same time thus throwing the Earth off its axis! We shall rule the world! hahahahaha

    and before anyone says anything about me being rude, i am American Chinese by birth and a southern boy by the grace of GOD!

  38. Jason says:

    Danny – Awesome. Now that you’ve told everyone, I guess I can drop the act.

  39. […] on my short list. I've seen one ever on the road and there are tons of trucks here. Here's an article that explains that the likelihood of a competitor is very small. I guess the sales figures are not […]

  40. Ziggy says:

    Well they ford already copied the Idea off the gmc denalis

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