2012 Tundra – Chrome Package Will Be Offered

According to sources that attended this week’s dealer meeting, the 2012 Toyota Tundra will be offered with a special chrome package, similar to a chrome package that Ford offers on the XLT F150 (image below).

The 2012 Tundra will be offered with a chrome package similar to one Ford offers on the XLT F-150. Click for a larger view.

The 2012 Tundra Chrome Package will include:

• Chrome grille
• Chrome nerf bars/side steps
• Chrome door handles
• Special chrome wheels that, according to our sources, are somewhat ugly

As far as other changes/features, we’ve been told that the 2012 Tundra will Read more…

How Long Should My Muffler Last?

Ideally, a muffler could last forever (or at least longer than your truck). However, many factors come into play that cause the exhaust system to wear and corrode, and eventually require replacement. Some owners find they must replace their truck muffler every 2 or 3 years, while others find their truck’s exhaust system is trouble-free for more than a decade.

Most newer vehicles use 409 stainless steel for their exhaust system, which means they'll last 8-10 years. However, geography, snow removal, and your driving habits can shorten or prolong that figure...

Here’s a quick overview of how long a system can and should last, depending on your specific situation. Read more…

Ford, GM, and Ram Owners: Stop Making Excuses and Buy An American Truck

Once again, Cars.com has listed the Toyota Tundra has one of America’s most “American” vehicles, ranking ninth overall. According to domestic content labels provided by Ford, GM, and Chrysler-Fiat, the Tundra uses more parts made in America and Canada than any competing truck. Furthermore, the Tundra is built at a $1.5 billion dollar facility in San Antonio, Texas.

Here are the official domestic content ratings provided by the manufacturers to the US government:

• Tundra – 90% domestic content
• Ram 1500 – 70% domestic content
• Silverado/Sierra – 61% domestic content
• Ford F-150 – 60% domestic content

The question is, why would someone who really cared about American labor buy an F-150, Silverado/Sierra, or Ram 1500? Read more…

Amazing Tundra Frame Rust Photos

Here are some photos sent to us by commentor Lee-HSV of the rusted frame recently removed from his 2000 Toyota Tundra. As you can see, the frame structure was very compromised.

A rusted frame pulled from a 2000 Toyota Tundra. Click for a larger view.

If you’re not up to speed, please read this post that completely explains the Toyota Tundra frame rust problem and what Toyota is doing to solve it.

Here are some more photos: Read more…

JD Power Rates 2011 Tundra Quality 2nd Behind F-150

Last week JD Power released their 2011 Initial Quality Survey results, naming the Ford F-150 the top quality large pickup. The Tundra, which has been at or near the top of JD Power quality studies since the 2000 model year, came in second in the same survey. Chevy’s Avalanche came in third.

While the F-150’s quality rating was top notch, the overall quality rating of the Ford brand did not fare as well. JD Power ranked the quality of the entire Ford brand about 8% worse than the industry average. As we reported a couple of weeks ago, Ford’s overall quality rating fell mostly because of problems with Ford’s in-car electronics system, MyFordTouch. Here’s how all the truck manufacturers ranked, in order from highest brand quality rating to lowest: Read more…