Tag Archives: 2005

OK, on to the next in a series on pickup trucks. The 2005 Toyota Tundra Double Cab LTD 4X4 V8 is Japan’s way of going Off Broadway to say “I can do anything you can do, better, I can do anything better than you. Yes I can, yes I can…” Remember the lyrics to Annie Get your Gun?

Well, can they? Chrysler, GM and Ford would take issue with that and America still has the corner on the truck market. Why, because they are better, older or more experienced? Probably a little of each. But Toyota for one Japanese company is putting the pressure on with the likes of Tundra and Tacoma (publication March 12) while Nissan hits hard with the Frontier and Titan.

To see the seriousness of competition in the truck market one only need look at the heavy advertising push of the Japanese to look as tough as the image portrayed by Dodge Ram “Grab life by the horns”, Ford Tough and “Built Like a Rock” Chevy.

Handling & Performance:

This is serious stuff. Trucks are the business end of transportation and we all expect they are the closest thing to indestructible go anywhere vehicles. They must pull a house, carry a ton of rock and sand or lighten the job of hauling a load of bricks. And all the time it has to do zero to 60 in under 7 seconds. We don’t ask much, huh? Well this Tundra helped me do all those things and you gotta believe the Big 3 are on notice that Japan is here to stay in the truck market.  

Styling: 

A truck’s a truck’s a truck… well perhaps unless you forget about the marvelous Retro Chevy SSR we talked about recently, a truck is rather boring and more utilitarian by nature. And in the end all the hoopla about design means little when considering how well do they do all the stuff a truck needs to do for you.

Fit and Finish:

Great. And that’s ok, but not all that necessary. I’d rather have a 110 outlet in the back of the cargo area and tie downs. Hey this is business, and even if you don’t haul a ton of hay home to the range you need practical goodies to entice me to choose between the competition. Are you listening Truck makers?

Cost:

All trucks are over priced.

Conveniences:

I would prefer, as noted above, more truck adornments than all the luxury items that should be optional. A truck should have neat utility ideas put into action. That’s what real men want in their helpmate.

Standard equipment should include a Skill and Chain Saw, Rotating Hammer Drill, hay loader, and power outlets and cargo lights. I’ll bet if manufacturers asked designing engineers to give a little thought to what “Tool Time” things guys like, they would draw a lot of interest to their products by adding such things.

Come-on guys think!

Consumer Recommendation:

As always, review the application you primarily intend for a trucks use in your life and then find the one that fits best. Ok, so I have a keen sense of the obvious, but often we get distracted by how cool they look and then spend years regretting the choice. Kinda like looking for a wife, eh.

The Competition:

Toyota Tundra $16-33,000, Ford F-150 $20-36,000, GMC Sierra 1500 $18-42,000, Chevrolet Silverdo 1500 $18-39,000, Nissan Titan $23-35,000, Dodge Ram 1500 $21,355.

Good News:

Perceived Toyota quality, V-8 power, roomy and comfortable ride.

Bad News:
Poor fuel economy which you’d expect as the flip-side of having V8 power. 

Standard Equipment:

  4.7 liter 282 hp V8 engine, 5-speed automatic trans, touch select 4 WD system, power steering and power vented ABS front disc and rear drum brakes, tire pressure monitor, fog lamps, dbl wall cargo bed with tie down hooks, rail caps and locking tailgate, mudguards, captains chairs center console, 60/40 split rear seat, AC, AM/FM with cassette and CD players and steering wheel controls, power windows, locks and mirrors, anti theft with remote entry, cruise control and tilt steering wheel.

Gas Stats:

15 City and 18 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $33,075.

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2005 – An Automotive Love Affair

Overview:

This week I tested the 2005 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4X4. I got on a Truck kick to cover as many as possible and as close together to be able to recall and compare. It was a good opportunity to do this because of the drastic weather here in Southern California.

At my ranch in the high desert I experienced the full force of nature with a lot of rain concentrated in a short period of time. As I watched the evening news show surreal events of houses sliding down hillsides and hillsides sliding down onto houses below I could look out my window and watch the real thing happening in living color, helpless to alter the course of the flowing water and mud.

Although a tractor is the real hero in these situations it is the truck that provides the ability to carry the supplies from Home Depot to rebuild and then haul the trash away. So I scheduled a series of trucks to highlight their unique abilities and features. In the trenches of battle against the forces of nature all were capable as trucks go. A base truck is all you generally need in these cases and fancy does little to improve function. However the double cab or crew cab feature provides the best of both worlds. As to the fancy interior, it is a distraction to have to pull your muddy body into an interior more suited for a tuxedo-clad cowboy. Uh huh. I agree it is a contradiction in terms. Not to say the Marlboro man doesn’t clean up real well.

Aside from the fact that all the trucks I tested during this time were too pretty, there were several thoughtful features as well. Great tie down apparatus and even AC outlets in the back of the bed for using power tools out back. Bottom line: as always, the features you’ll need will be dictated by the purpose intended. Both of the above features would surely be important on the ranch in Southern California and even more important on the ranch in Southern Oregon that is far more remote. If you’re on the north forty fixing fence the AC outlet is better than a battery-operated skill saw, for example. And a heavy-duty trailer hitch and 4 wheel drive is a must for hauling a 6 horse trailer and dealing with those muddy roads ahead without paved detours.

Handling & Performance:

A 245 horsepower V6 powered this solid feeling, big, bulky and strongly substantial answer to the rough and tumble lineup of trucks and it competes effectively with those listed below.   

Styling: 

The appearance speaks more to the street scene with a huge air scoop on the hood that is all show and no go. It is window dressing only with no functionality. It just goes to show you we are more into “Form rather than Function”.  As I’ve said before trucks have never looked prettier than they do today.

Fit and Finish:

Consistent with the competition – all of which agree that the consumer demands car like refinement in how a truck is put together. On a working ranch however such attention to detail is wasted.

Cost:

The Tacoma is priced pretty well with lots of basic stuff like air and manual adjusting seats and the upper end of the pricing is for the four-door crew cab configuration well worth the money.

Options can be added for that Rhinestone Cowboy like upgraded audio, side curtain airbags and a TRD Sport package that will quickly bring the price to $31,000.

Conveniences:

The base appointed Tacoma is just fine as a work truck.

Consumer Recommendation:

Determine the application and equipment needs accordingly. You can cut the cost and still get the job done. For the Beverly Hills contractor, you’ll want to add all the fu fu stuff to look cool. Golfing buddy and contractor, Ken, opted for the GMC Canyon. He’s been happy with it but always looking at what he’ll try next. My favorite in this group to win the coin toss would be the Nissan Frontier, but I would be happy with any in this lineup. I own a Dodge Ram 3500 Dualee but I’ll tell you my intention is to replace it with a conventional 4-wheel drive in this price category, even though I like the Cummins Diesel with 250,000 miles. It’s just getting broke in.

The Competition:
Toyota Tacoma $13-25,000, GMC Canyon $15-28,000, Dodge Dakota $20-29,000, Ford Ranger $14-26,000, Chevrolet Colorado $15-29,000, Nissan Frontier $16-27,000.

Good News: 

Solid, nice styling, convenient 4-door, 4WD for the ranch, comfortable seats and Japanese quality.

Bad News:

Fuel economy could be better. 

Standard Equipment:

4.0 liter 245 hp V6 gas engine, 5-speed automatic trans, 4 wheel on demand system with 2-speed transfer case, coil over shock double A arm front suspension, multi leaf rear suspension with staggered outboard mounted shocks and front stabilizer bar, power assist rack and pinion steering, power assisted front disc and rear drum ABS brakes and brake force distribution, dual air bags, composite long bed liner with steel panel rail caps and removable tailgate deck rail system with adjustable tie down cleats, 60/40 rear bench seat, air conditioning, power windows and door locks and mirrors, AM/FM with CD player, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, engine immobilizer and aux power outlet.

Gas Stats:

17 City and 21 Highway MPG.

Pricing: 

MSRP $25,250.

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2005 – An Automotive Love Affair

Overview:

This week I tested the 2005 Toyota Highlander SUV. “Oooooh, the weather outside is frightful but the fire is so delightful … when the temperature goes way down low, let it snow, let it snow, let it snooow…” Yes, my test took me on a thanksgiving trek to snow country, but this Highlander was right at home. Bun warmer seats and all wheel drive. What more could you ask for on perhaps the best if not the coldest holiday of the year.

Well, the drive to the Pacific Northwest can be rough, but I’ve gotta tell you, this Toyota turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It was up to the trek and really shined in spite of the elements. Rain, snow and sleet bar the way for a lot of vehicles but that explains the extreme popularity of SUV’s. The reasons are logical but the cost is not. The cost to run such gas-guzzlers goes beyond purchase price, all the way to operation and the cost to society and the world is inestimable.

So why does it appeal to you and me so much? I think it’s because we want the choice to live on the edge “in comfort”. And because of that, we’re beginning to see manufacturers respond to the demand and mitigate the fuel cost with Hybrid’s, DOD technology (displacement on demand), fuel cell designs and simply better running and performing traditional internal combustion engines.

Thus consumers have in a sense pushed carmakers to produce more fuel-efficient engines. Nice job guys, because you have helped, in a round about way, to encourage our fight to battle dependence on the Middle East for oil.

Toyota is doing as much as the rest of the automotive industry to create solutions and provide options for consumers to be able to drive more economically. The Prius for example, that I reviewed several weeks ago, can achieve up to 60 mpg of gasoline. This Highlander’s actual performance for me was 21 mpg on the highway. I know it says 24, but the way most of us drive 21 is about the best you’ll get on this one. The real average for the Prius is about 41 mpg, which is about the best of any car in the world.

Handling & Performance:

Outstanding. There is no way you can argue with near perfection. Toyota just continues to do it better. And although you’ll pay more for the experience, there is no denying the Japanese superiority in car making. They obviously try harder to make them better, and that costs a bit more. All wheel drive does wonders for hugging the road and the confidence in cold, rain and snow is worth the added cost.

Styling:   

Very nice. I really like this addition to their fleet.

Fit and Finish:   

Very good.

Cost:

Pricey if you must have the navigation system at about $2,000 and leather seating will set you back another $1,400, and if you crank up the volume by upgrading the stereo system and CD changer and opt for a moon roof you’ll pop for another $1,100. With a few other ups and extras you can quickly be at $38,000.

Conveniences:  

I guess the only one I missed being in the colder climate is the “Remote Start” feature. But it does apply only to the cold places in this great land, and since I don’t live at the North Pole or Detroit, I can do without it.

Customer Recommendation:

Surely you will not have a problem finding competition. There is plenty and they are all good. I suspect purchase price and fuel economy will be the determining factor, and many today are quality conscious. They want their cars to last a long time. That wasn’t always the case when only American cars were on the road. They truly dictated what people would drive. They were powerful when only the “Big 3” was in the drivers seat (so to speak). Today people have more to choose from and they choose well built over break-often American cars of the past. That is not as true today since Ford, Chrysler and GM have new kids on the block who want to punch their lights out.

The Competition:

Highlander $24-31,000, Chrysler Pacifica $29-32,000, Mitsubishi Endeavor $25-33,000, Hyundai Santa Fe $18-25,000, Suzuki Grand Vitara $18-23,000, Jeep Liberty $18-25,000, Kia Sorento $19-25,000, Infiniti FX $35-45,000, Nissan Murano $28-31,000, Ford Escape $19-27,000, Mazda Tribute $20-24,000, Subaru Outback $19-33,000, Saturn Vue $17-24,000, Honda Pilot $27-34,000.  

Good News:   

Toyota quality, nice design, wonderfully comfortable ride – a great highway vehicle. Roomy, responsive and confident.

Bad News:   

Pricey. Not great fuel efficiency.

Standard Equipment:   

3.3 liter V6 engine with VVT (variable valve timing), 5-speed auto trans with snow mode, full time 4-wheel drive and ABS power assist disc brakes with EBD (electronic Brake Distribution), front air bags, power mirrors, privacy glass, fog lights and roof rack, cloth interior with power front captains chairs, fold flat 60/40 split second and fold flat third row seat, JBL sound system with cassette and CD player with 8 speakers and steering wheel controls, leather trim tilt steering wheel and shift lever, climate control, power windows and locks, multi information display, cruise control, auto headlights, keyless entry, anti theft alarm and engine immobilizer and burled maple wood grain style trim.

Gas Stats:

18 City and 24 Highway MPG.

Pricing: 

MSRP $31,380.

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2004 – An Automotive Love Affair

Overview:

This week I reviewed the Prius that I first looked at in 2000. This 2005 version of the Toyota Prius Sedan hasn’t changed a lot but the look is, albeit subtle, nicer looking in my view. Although the 2001 model was at the beginning, this is now becoming serious and in contention because it is getting the eye from consumers in a more serious way. I encourage everyone to go out and test drive one. For starters it is a bargain for the dough. Why, because surely Toyota is NOT selling them for what it would take to make a profit. The R&D (Research and Development) costs must be huge and no sales would be made if the price reflected that cost. And over how many units would they need to amortize those costs to make a profit? I suspect they are subsidizing the real cost a selling price in the twenty grand range.

Well, you know what I mean. And so, it is for the consumer to embrace the concept of an alternative fuel vehicle. Hydrogen is way off and the infrastructure will take 20 years to get into place to service Fuel Cell vehicles anyway, at a minimum. The HiWire (Fuel Cell Technology) prototype from GM is the hot ticket conceptually, in my view. I love that oversized skateboard design. But that design has been in the works for over 50 years and was first seen at the LA Auto Show in the late 1940’s.

Handling & Performance:

As with prior year models the Prius presents a smooth ride and power is provided by a 76 hp gas engine and 67 hp from an electric motor. The smooth transfer of power is the responsibility of the ECVT for Electronic Controlled Variable Transmission. Ok, so you’re not going to experience head snapping acceleration and it will take over 10 seconds to go from 0-60 mph. From there to a seeming top speed of about 95 it is a slower rate yet. Nothing is perfect, however and the other strong points out weighs the relative slowness. I’ll bet, aside from the quite engine / battery combination, you won’t be able to tell the difference from driving most of the gas only options you have. The Prius starts out on battery and switches to the gas engine when you demand more horsepower.

EPA fuel economy is reverse from typical gas engines, and Prius is better in town than on the highway. The reason, of course, is it uses it’s impressive electric motor torque starting out and kicks in the gas engine, as more power is needed. Honda Insight Hybrid starts off on the gas engine and is assisted by the battery when the throttle demands more power.

This technology is so cool. I like the idea of recharging the batteries from the reverse energy of slowing and braking. You can see that on the Energy Monitor LCD screen.

My comment in 2000 was that “I suspect when gas prices go higher American consumers will lose the BMW and Mercedes Benz” and begin looking to realistic economy. Well, here we are 4 years later and gas has gone from under a buck to over two bucks a gallon. The writing is on the wall and even luxury cars like the Lexus RX 400 and the Ford Escape SUV have Hybrid versions.

Styling:   

Futuristic, and rather likeable.

Fit and Finish:  

Pretty basic but better than many in this price vehicle. The general interior finish is unique, because of the display of information and placement of the speedometer relative to more traditional vehicles.

Cost:  

The Prius and the Honda Civic Hybrid are sedans and thus worth the price of admission. But the Insight has always been overpriced, in my opinion, because it is only a two seater.

Conveniences:  

I like the information LCD screen that shows a graphic of how the power plants are functioning, temp, audio, etc. And an option package is available for $5,000 to include a voice activated NAV system, Smart Key system, side and curtain air bags, security alarm, cassette player and upgrade to 8 CD changer, vehicle stability control and fog lights. Standard however is having many of the controls on the steering wheel. Temperature controls, audio, phone and system information conveniently on the wheel is very convenient. All controls are also available “On Screen” with touch screen control. If you opt for the Nav system you’re gonna love the instant GPS address information with the touch of a button.

Consumer Recommendation:

Look at the competition and if you still don’t get all the education you want, go on line to Google, or Ask Jeeves etc. and look for “Hybrid Vehicles” for a host of information on the subject. Discuss the warranty before you buy and be sure it is the latest and greatest coverage. Batteries are expensive and the drive train is not time tested. The platform has only been on the market for 5 years. The first to hit the market was the Insight in 1999.

You will ultimately be the judge, but take my advice and test drive the Prius and Civic Hybrid’s before you can’t even find one for sale. I haven’t driven the Hybrid VW, and so as others also become available I will review them as quickly as possible. Presently, for me, it would be a toss up between the Civic and the Prius.

The Competition:

Toyota Prius $20,875, Honda Insight $19-21,000, Volkswagen Golf $16-19,000, Honda Civic $13-19,000.

Good News:   

It’s a Hybrid with great fuel economy, and the ride is quiet and comfortable with roomy interior and decent size trunk and fold down seats for even more cargo area.

Bad News:

It’s a Hybrid with allthe unknowns of a new product as to reliability and affordable maintenance; batteries can run $1-2,000, for example. Earlier on warranty offered was better than today’s.

Standard Equipment:   

1.5 liter 76 hp 4 cylinder engine, ECVT, power steering, front disc and rear drum ABS brakes with brake force distribution and assist, power heated mirrors, dual airbags, traction control, climate control, audio with CD player, remote keyless entry with engine immobilizer, cruise control, outside temp gauge and digital clock, LCD multi info display screen with energy monitor, fuel consumption, air, outside tem and audio status, tilt steering wheel with temp and audio controls, 60/40 rear split fold seat, front and rear intermittent wipers, power door locks and windows, cloth seats, center console, 2 auxiliary 12 v power outlets.

Gas Stats:

60 City and 51Highway MPG

Pricing:   

MSRP $20,875.

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2004 – An Automotive Love Affair