Not that anyone on this forum needs a testimonial but... I started car pooling with a co-worker this week who drives an 06 Dodge 1500 4x4. When I bought my 07 Screw 4x4 a few months ago, I didn't really bother taking a comparison drive in the competition (read "Real Ford family"). So I get in this Dodge, and I have to say, the feel of the truck was "chincy". It wasn't as quiet or as smooth as I am used to, which made me notice the difference in ride and build quality even more. Now, I know Dodge makes a descent product, but IMO the Ford really just feels more solid, and quieter, and honestly, better engineered. I don't want to sound like a commercial, but, have you guys had similar experiences? I know I'm biased, but there is definetely more to a truck than how much it pulls, or how fast it goes.

 

Everything you said is right on with my experience as well. My family has always owned predominately Ford cars/trucks, but we've had others as well. That said, I worked at a Ford dealer for my first job and after extensively comparing other makes by driving the used cars I could say with confidence that Ford was for me. I can't really put my finger on it, but it just plain feels better- more solid.

 

I did extensive comparison driving before I purchased my 2007 5.4L 4x4 XLT last week. I hated the Dodge, didn't like the Chevy, but loved the Ford and the Toyota Tundra. Toyota is having some early "issues" with their new Tundra, but if I'm Ford, I would be very aware of the new Tundra. It's gonna' be a factor.

 

My friend has a Dodge and the only thing I do like is the stock sound but the interior is cheap cracking plastic. I will stay with Ford

 

truckonthebrain:
I just had a similar experience but with two almost identical Toyota Tundra's (extended cabs). Two close friends, one a ford pickup owner and one a Toyota old timey T-100 owner. They both bought these two trucks and the reasons were: One would only buy Toyota products (even if they were the worst truck on the market) and the other liked the clearance and big engine better than Ford). About ten days ago, I bought a new 2007 F-150 4X4 Copper colored King Ranch. Guess what? ... Both of these two idiots were blown away by the quality of my new truck and the power. It may not have 381 horses but its 300 will go 100 mph just a little less faster than the Riser's. The fit and finish of the F-150 is so much better than the Toyota Trucks. One of these two called me yesterday and asked me if I knew about the limited slip on the Toyota's and those on the other brands. I said Yes (because I have sold both in the past) and Ford actually has a gear to rely on and toyota just uses its computer system to apply power to the appropriate wheels. It is not quite this simple but basically this is the difference between the two.
Congrats on your new Ford Truck, it is the best. Haven't changed my signature yet, so you can see I am a loyal Ford Truck owner X about 20.

Mert

 

I left Dodge behind in 05' when I test drove an 06' King Ranch. I now have an 08' Limited. I test drove a new 08' Tundra and although it's a soild rig, to me it drove like a tank. I love the fit and finish in both the F150's I have had so far.

 

I drove my brother-in-law's 08' Tundra CrewMax Limited about 10days ago and and loved it.

 

i drove a tundra a few weeks back and i don't have too much to say about it.

the only thing worth mentioning was that it was fast. i didn't turn the traction control off but i def let her eat.

when i was finished driving it i got out and noticed a burning smell. I NEVER ROASTED THE TIRES. to me that's not a good sign.

i don't like the way the hood looks from the inside also. call me crazy but it just looks retarded.

i'll give it credit on the engine but that's it.

 

I'd agree with you 100%. The fit & finish on the Ford is substantially better than the competition. It's funny that the guys at work who own Toyo's, Dodges and Chevy's all request we take the company's Ford trucks on long trips instead of our Chevy HD's.

I don't understand the hype around the Toyo. It's about 15% more expensive than a comperable Ford and the interior is very cheap. Not to mention the 2007 model's engine fires, 5.7L with bad cams, transmission issues and now the tail gates popping welds and bending. The truck has been on the market for a year and is already falling apart. The cost of warranty repairs on the 2007 model may exceed the profit on the 144,000 they've sold.

 

I haven’t gotten the chance yet to drive a Toyota, but I’ve heard all the hype, and seen the annoying commercials. I think that, like someone on this site mentioned before, it’s good that Toyota has made a more powerful engine than Ford. Competition is usually a good thing. And maybe many Toyota owners are “First time” truck owners. I remember what my first girlfriend was like and she couldn’t hold a candle to my wife.

 

Keep in mind that this was Toyo's first "real" 1/2 ton truck. Say what you want about Toyota, but I have little doubt that they will continue to improve upon and upgrade the Tundra in years to come. That's good news for all of us, as it means the competition will force everyone to step up their game.

 

Competition is good. I say bring it. They will keep our guys on their toes. Look how crappy Toyotas look after a few years. When's the last time you saw anyone restoring an old Celica or Accord? Or any old Japanese car for that matter, save for the old Z's? I see plenty of old worn out Sr5 trucks, but usually it's a gardener driving it because they can get 'em for nothing.
So, while everyone rants pro and con about the Tundra, I'm hoping it'll force the US manufacturers to step it up a little. How 'bout a six speed, better warranties, more horsies...... I'm driving a loaded '04 Lariat. Everyone who rides with me has positive things to say about it. Trust me, some of the guys I hang out with would love nothing more than to harrass me about my ride. So I think congrats on the Ford purchase. This is my second Ford truck ( 10 yrs. 149K miles on my '97) and I'm very pleased with it.