Because the manufacturer claims it to be doesn't make it the most reliable. Because you're a loyal fan of the brand doesn't make it the most reliable. Because it cost you nothing but a set of brake pads and a muffler in the 100,000 miles you owned it might. Because it's never left you stranded anywhere especially in the woods 50 miles from civilization also might.
Vote then post reason.
EDIT: just found the links. If I were the owner of this I'd vote for it.
Ford with out a dought because no matter where i go hunting or fishing my 2 wheel drive beat up 98 ford ranger with 162000 miles on it always seemsto get stuck in whatever ditch or snow drift or mud I put it in.
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Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will have to buy a boat.
Forums are vehicle biased just like anything else. These forums are diehard ford/chevy/dodge and Toyota/Nissan are often scouffed at. Here's why I believe Toyota.
I owned a 1996 Tacoma that was lifted, armored and all around built up. It was driven a LOT and through a LOT that most wouldn't consider putting their trucks through (blue/black level offroad trails at Paragon). It had 190,000 miles on it when I sold it in December. In that time that I owned it, I replaced a wheel bearing (mud), cat, and plug wires. Nothing else...natta. No rust, frame in perfect condition.
Have two neighbors. Both with 86 Reg cab Toyotas with over 200K on the original drivetrain, frames and bodies. All run perfectly.
My friend just sold his 94 Toyota with 255K miles on it, that was driven HARDER than mine. MUCH harder, with less regular maintanance. Nothing replaced but a clutch at 150K.
Members of our national offroad club (see signature) routinely see trucks with 200, 300, and 400K miles. And our members USE their trucks...just browse around some of the wheeling photos.
That being said, Toyota is not the only player in town. The new Checy/GMC lineup (07+) are impressive. If gas wasn't an issue, I would be driving a Titan right now. Nissan is a strong player as well, but hasn't been around (titans anyways) to establish a long term reliable reputation. Only time will tell how they do. Fact of the matter is many "domestic" autos are declining in build quality, but at the same time as Toyota climbs to the top, I fear Toyota will do the same. I'm already not fully impressed with what Toyota is doing customer service wise, and with some of the build quality of new models.
Well, I haven't owned my 07 Tundralong enough to know for sure but chances are it'll outlast a few trucks. Reason being, my dad has a 96 Tacoma that he's had for about 8 yrs and I swear it receives no more than one oil change a year. To this day all he's done to it was replace the radiator, leaf springs, and brake pads. (Radiator 'cause he ran into something, springs 'cause he overloaded the truck, pads 'cause it's a normal wear and tear item) I'm the family mechanic and the one who makes the repairs so I know this was about all that was done.That truck purrs day after day yet in my opinion is so neglected I'd call it abuse.
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I like big bucks and I cannot lie
The most reliable truck for bowhunting?
