TCC Drives: 2007 Toyota Tundra

To absolutely no one's surprise, the new made-in-Texas 2007 Toyota Tundra is significantly larger than the one it replaces. That's not much of an achievement; after all, Toyota only had to have the CAD systems juice every dimension up about 5 percent to get that job done. What is surprising is how clearly the new Tundra breaks with traditional Toyota truck philosophy. After 72 years building straightforward, simply decorated, relatively unadorned and conservative trucks, Toyota is now in the stylish truck business. 

There's an argument to be made that this paradigmatic design shift by Toyota really took place with the introduction of the 2005 Tacoma. Could be. But even the Tacoma is nowhere near as agonizingly self-conscious as this new Tundra. 

Self-conscious though it is, there are elements of the new Tundra that can only be described as brilliant. And other parts that have to count as bizarre or disappointing.

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TCC Tip: Dealing With Skids

It's best to avoid driving in icy conditions, of course - but sometimes we can't help being caught in a storm. Here are some practical driving tips to help avoid getting into an accident when the weather turns wicked:

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THIS WEEK'S CAR NEWS

2007 Detroit Auto Show: TCC's Top Picks (1/10/2007)
Our editors choose their favorites from Cobo Hall.

2009 BMW Z9 Spy Photos (1/11/2007)
Elvis and Ursula's curves return after a hiatus.

2008 MINI Traveller Spy Shots (1/11/2007)
The cleanest shots yet of MINI's bigger idea.

Tesla Wants Sedan, Crossover? (1/11/2007)
Electric car company looking at next steps.

CNN's Iraq Hummer For Sale at B-J (1/11/2007)
CNN auctions "Overhaulin'" war Hummer - but is it blood money?

Infiniti Sketches Next G Coupe (1/10/2007)
Where have all the numbers gone?

Nissan Boosts 350Z to 306 HP (1/10/2007)
New engine for 2007 accompanied by updated front end.  

Ask A Mechanic: January 12, 2007

Clogged sunroof

Q--I have a 2003 Chrysler Town & Country Limited, which I purchased new. The van has a sunroof. Whenever it rains, water leaks from the sun visor mounting bracket, the overhead map light and a various front points of the front headliner seams. The sunroof itself does not leak, however. 

I took it back to the dealer for the first time at about 30,000 miles. They advised me that it was not covered by warranty but for $85 claimed to have opened up a drain line plugged by leaves. The fix only lasted a couple months and it's leaking again. I'm not liking the prospect of another $85 charge. Is this a common problem Chrysler has with this model and am I going to have to learn to live with it, or, keep shelling out $85 every couple months? Where are these drains anyway? I didn't even know they existed.

A--Believe it or not, $80-90 is the going rate for cleaning out the sunroof drains. Clogged drains are a problem common to many makes and models. I have heard of people cleaning them out themselves, but I have also heard horror stories of dislodged drain hoses causing the price of the job to skyrocket. The only advice I have is to close the roof when parking and, if you suspect you've snagged some leaves or such, pick them out of the sunroof track before closing it.

Our Ask a Mechanic archives

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Does Chrysler think that throwing letter designations at a car will automatically grant equal acceptance by the general public? Ask GM and see what they have to say on their unsuccessful attempt with the GTO. If Chrysler thinks that putting an anemic V-6 rated with only 235 hp will go unnoticed they have some rude news coming to them. Wake me when the fire sale is over!

Dodge Nails Production Avenger (1/9/2007)
A little NASCAR for the front-driver?

Car Trivia: January 12, 2007

1. This singer is identified with the 1950s song "See theUSA in your Chevrolet."

2. In the 1920s, Walter Chrysler revived this ailing carmaker and transformed it into Chrysler Corporation.

3. Which brand of motor scooter was ridden by Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday?

4. Name the luxury-sport model line introduced by Buick in 1963.

5. What brand is on the Golden Spirit neo-classic luxury car made in Syracuse, New York?

6. Which 1977 model had a Warlock variant?

7. This actor portrayed used-car salesman Rudy Russo in the 1980 comedy Used Cars.

8. In what year did Jeep introduce an innovative all-steel station wagon?

9. This Rolls-Royce-driving celebrity was carted off to jail in 1989 for slapping a Hollywood traffic cop.

10. Which carmaker now produces luxury cars carrying the Rolls-Royce brand name?