Honda and Toyota sales dip 9.5%

This is beginning to make Ford look like geniuses. When they announced that they were ending sedan production in the US everyone, including myself, thought it was a seriously risky move. It may still be so if gas prices shoot up above $3 per gallon. Now we see that at least in the short term, sedans are a money pit here.

Honda in particular is in a bad position, their Pilot is missing the mark with consumers and they have no real truck offerings. Toyota is doing better with a strong SUV line and a redesigned Tundra that is doing OK in the suburban markets, if not capturing the traditional work truck market. FCA will, I predict, soon follow Ford, perhaps keeping one muscle sedan, importing one Fiat small SUV offering, and transitioning to Ram/Jeep.
 
This is beginning to make Ford look like geniuses. When they announced that they were ending sedan production in the US everyone, including myself, thought it was a seriously risky move. It may still be so if gas prices shoot up above $3 per gallon. Now we see that at least in the short term, sedans are a money pit here.

Honda in particular is in a bad position, their Pilot is missing the mark with consumers and they have no real truck offerings. Toyota is doing better with a strong SUV line and a redesigned Tundra that is doing OK in the suburban markets, if not capturing the traditional work truck market. FCA will, I predict, soon follow Ford, perhaps keeping one muscle sedan, importing one Fiat small SUV offering, and transitioning to Ram/Jeep.
The Tundra is still selling surprisingly strong, even though it's drivetrain is several years behind in technology. The reason is that it's extremely tough and capable, though not as smooth as newer models and gas mileage is definitely not anything to brag about.

Mine is 10 years old now and I've done nothing but routine maintenance and replace wear items. And even with over 100K on the clock, it'll still outrun almost anything on the street, as long as you don't get too far from a gas station.
 
The Tundra is still selling surprisingly strong, even though it's drivetrain is several years behind in technology. The reason is that it's extremely tough and capable, though not as smooth as newer models and gas mileage is definitely not anything to brag about.

Mine is 10 years old now and I've done nothing but routine maintenance and replace wear items. And even with over 100K on the clock, it'll still outrun almost anything on the street, as long as you don't get too far from a gas station.
My wife's cousin is in the roofing business and he owns one. He uses it to run in between jobs and loves it. He bought it mostly for the interior and comfort compared to other 4X4's. He's got over 200k on it and still loves it, but he has the same complaint about gas mileage. He says it only gets about 12 mpg, and I can squeeze that or better out of Big Blue's V-10 on the highway.
 
My wife's cousin is in the roofing business and he owns one. He uses it to run in between jobs and loves it. He bought it mostly for the interior and comfort compared to other 4X4's. He's got over 200k on it and still loves it, but he has the same complaint about gas mileage. He says it only gets about 12 mpg, and I can squeeze that or better out of Big Blue's V-10 on the highway.
I get 11-12 around town, low teens on the road. But yeah, it likes gas.

It's a beast though! The engine makes gobs of power and the torque curve comes on very low, almost like a diesel. The 4wd is considered to be one of the best out there; I've seen tests where it roasted other big trucks in off-road tests.
 
Since I don't do much interstate driving now, I'm averaging about 8.5 MPG with my RAM 1500. Love the truck but it sucks gas!
 
Since I don't do much interstate driving now, I'm averaging about 8.5 MPG with my RAM 1500. Love the truck but it sucks gas!
:cantbelieve:
Holy crap! I get 10 around town in my 2000 F-250 crew cab long bed with a V-10 gasser. Are you sure there isn't something wrong with your Ram? The City EPA on a 2018 Ram 1500 4WD with a 5.7L V-8 and auto is 13.
 
:cantbelieve:
Holy crap! I get 10 around town in my 2000 F-250 crew cab long bed with a V-10 gasser. Are you sure there isn't something wrong with your Ram? The City EPA on a 2018 Ram 1500 4WD with a 5.7L V-8 and auto is 13.

I don't think anything is wrong with it. I probably fall into the worst case scenario city driving. 3 miles each way with about 6 stop lights and some stop and go traffic mixed in.
 
I don't think anything is wrong with it. I probably fall into the worst case scenario city driving. 3 miles each way with about 6 stop lights and some stop and go traffic mixed in.
Ah, the three miles is probably the culprit since the engine hardly warms up.
 
My personal vehicle is a 1999 F250 4WD extended cab 7.3 Powerstroke. I have no plans to change in the near future. I also have a 2002 F-350 4WD crew cab 7.3 Powerstroke. I will compare hauling capability, torque, power vs. mileage with anyone. Both get around 18 mpg hwy less around town. The wife has a 2017 Pilot. We sold the last one (2006 Pilot) this time last year with 285k on it and the buyer still drives it everyday now. Owned a Plymouth once (Roadrunner). Owned a Pontiac (Gran Prix) once. Owned a Buick (Regal) once. Only Fords and Hondas since 1985.
 
My service van is a 2016 Express 3500 long wheel base... with the 6.0 V-8...
It is rated at 345 HP... has a 6 speed auto behind it...
It is well powered, will scoot just fine if you put your foot into it.
If you keep your foot out of it (normal driving)... it gets 12.5-13 around town and 17-18 out on the road.
Not bad for a BIG vehicle that is loaded down and weighs close to 9000# most of the time.
Makes the older Express vans just seem like junk.

IMO... if Honda and Toyota would get into the full sized service van business... they would do well.
It would have to be built here... as there is a big tariff on imported large vehicles.
 
My service van is a 2016 Express 3500 long wheel base... with the 6.0 V-8...
It is rated at 345 HP... has a 6 speed auto behind it...
It is well powered, will scoot just fine if you put your foot into it.
If you keep your foot out of it (normal driving)... it gets 12.5-13 around town and 17-18 out on the road.
Not bad for a BIG vehicle that is loaded down and weighs close to 9000# most of the time.
Makes the older Express vans just seem like junk.

IMO... if Honda and Toyota would get into the full sized service van business... they would do well.
It would have to be built here... as there is a big tariff on imported large vehicles.
The current line of GM V-8s do get surprisingly good mileage, given the displacement and power they make. Even wifey's AWD Denali with the 6.2, 403 HO beast will get high teens on the highway.
 
My personal vehicle is a 1999 F250 4WD extended cab 7.3 Powerstroke. I have no plans to change in the near future. I also have a 2002 F-350 4WD crew cab 7.3 Powerstroke. I will compare hauling capability, torque, power vs. mileage with anyone. Both get around 18 mpg hwy less around town. The wife has a 2017 Pilot. We sold the last one (2006 Pilot) this time last year with 285k on it and the buyer still drives it everyday now. Owned a Plymouth once (Roadrunner). Owned a Pontiac (Gran Prix) once. Owned a Buick (Regal) once. Only Fords and Hondas since 1985.

I had a Grand Am one time with the 4 cyl engine. Great Car. I do recommend selling it before you have to change the oil pump however. My FIL spent nearly 8 hours replacing it. (You have to remove the exhaust manifold to get to it.
 
Should I do a big burnout in my condo parking lot in the morning to get it warmed up?

The burnout worked!

After this:


The mileage went up to 8.8!!
2m34ln9.jpg



:D
 
I get about 25-26 MPG in my Hyundai Tuscon.... yeah I know, it's not a massive, awesome truck but I like it!
 
One of the gripes on my Q50 is gas mileage. If I drive like your grandmother, I can get about 25mpg. Normal around town is about 15mpg, stable highway about 27.5.

My '96 Maxima could get 27mpg typical, nearly 30 on the highway. Of course the Q50 has way more power ....
 
Get about 21 MPG with the Colorado around town, up to 25 or so on the Road. I have the V6 with a six speed auto.

I would find it difficult to live without a truck these days. They are too handy.
 
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