Add new comment

Toyota didn’t become one of the most trusted names by accident. Over the years, it’s earned that reputation by building vehicles that outlast trends, outwork expectations, and quietly build loyalty mile after mile. But behind every spec sheet and reliability stat, there’s something even more interesting: the stories of people who once swore by other brands until something changed. I came across one of those stories tonight in the “2023-2025 Toyota Tundra Owners” Facebook group. Lynd Gemberling, who made the switch from Chevy to a 2022 Toyota Tundra, shared something that was an honest and powerful reflection of his trucking experience.

Here’s Lynd’s experience in his own words:

“I was always a Chevy guy. Everyone who owned a Tundra said they didn’t have any regrets. And now neither do I. Why would I? Toyota demonstrates a commitment to its customers and to its core business. My truck, a 2022 Platinum, was priced similarly to a Chevy Custom with a Trail Boss package. Chevy was 60k & mine was 61k. The economic value is with Tundra. Having strong engine power with twin turbos and running 87 octane gas gives the Tundra an advantage. Maintenance cost definitely gives Toyota the advantage and lower cost. I remember the old Toyota commercial where people would say it’s more than a feeling. Toyota makes me happy to say that it is more than a feeling. In today’s world, it’s nice to feel that Tundra feeling. My Tundra is the best truck for the market. I will never buy another Chevy.”

He even shared a picture of his Tundra for us to see: 

Why the Tundra Makes Sense for So Many Drivers

Lynd’s experience highlights a common realization among truck enthusiasts: brand loyalty is powerful, but actual experience and data-driven comparisons often challenge traditional assumptions. It’s fascinating to see how quickly a single vehicle can shift perspectives so profoundly.

His detailed breakdown of value comparisons, particularly regarding pricing, fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and engine performance, underscores the Tundra’s impressive real-world benefits.

For instance, the ability of the Tundra to deliver robust performance with twin turbocharged V6 engines, all while using cost-effective 87 octane fuel, gives it a distinct edge in both economy and convenience for lots of drivers.

Maintenance and Reliability

Maintenance costs, as Lynd mentioned, are another crucial area where Toyota consistently demonstrates advantages. Lower long-term costs have been a hallmark of Toyota ownership, and when problems arise, Toyota isn't scared to tackle it head on. This can be seen in my report of a 2023 Tundra receiving an entirely new engine during a routine oil change, showing an example of the brand’s customer-first approach.

Even when it comes to tech upgrades like installing a 14-inch infotainment screen on the SR5 trim, Toyota’s system integration can still have it's drawbacks as seen in that article, where I discuss what went wrong for another owner. That's important to note as no brand is safe from having its troubles.

More Than a Feeling

When Lynd brought up that old Toyota commercial “It’s more than a feeling,” he wasn’t just being nostalgic. It was the kind of line that sticks not because it’s just catchy, but because it turns out to be true.

For him, the Tundra isn’t just a smart financial move or a dependable machine, it’s also a daily reminder that some companies still care about what they build and who they build it for. His decision wasn’t driven by specs alone, but by a feeling that this truck, and the company behind it, had earned his trust.

The Conversation Didn’t End There

But as always, every story has multiple perspectives, and the comments under Lynd’s Facebook post quickly proved that truck loyalty is a deeply personal experience.

Eob Eob shared some contrasting experiences, stating, “Wait till you put a load in it, or try to do truck stuff. It’s more of a 4x4 car than a truck. I put a load of tamarack firewood in the box, and the chassis flex was scary. All plastic front body and no tow hooks. Mine is falling apart.” Lynd swiftly responded, reassuring readers, “I haul heavy on it. Topsoil, lumber, and supplies to camp. It handles like a true 3/4 ton truck. No sway and all go. Using 10 ply Nitto Grapplers.”

It’s moments like this that show how different truck ownership can feel depending on what you’re hauling, how your vehicle is equipped, and what you expect it to do. One owner’s complaint can be another’s proof of strength. Sometimes, the difference comes down to tires, loads, or even the kind of driver you are. That’s what makes these exchanges so important. They don’t just highlight flaws or features but open the door to perspective. And in a world where specs don’t always tell the full story, firsthand experience matters more than ever.

Joe Kincaid added another perspective, affirming Lynd’s sentiment:

"I agree with you, I definitely miss some of the extras my Lariat had but so far, 44k miles and no issues besides a couple easy recalls. I'm extremely happy with the Tundra."

He also shared a photo of his Tundra expressing his enthusiasm for others to see: 

That level of reliability mirrors another owner's experience after driving 24,000 miles without a single issue. But as I mentioned earlier about a previous report I have done, sometimes things like recalls do come in the picture.

So some skepticism still lingers for some potential buyers, and that's understandable. Brent Moller voiced reservations about the engine itself, commenting, “That engine needs to get re-engineered before I buy one.” Just like I said earlier, sometimes these concerns aren't uncommon and have been echoed before, even by those who eventually grew to love the TRD Pro V6 after initially rejecting it.

On a more affirmative note, Dennis Owens praised his choice clearly and decisively, sharing, “I love my 2025 Toyota V6 twin turbo. People are driving them because they are quality and not junk. I drove junk for years. GM just doesn’t cut it anymore with me.” Dennis’s comment reflects a powerful shift happening across the truck world, one that’s highlighted in the stories of drivers who unexpectedly became fans of the new-generation Tundra. Even the off-road crowd has chimed in with their thoughts, and some were surprised at what the truck could handle after installing a lift kit and testing it in real-world conditions.

What Stories Like This Really Show

There’s something I’ve come to appreciate after reading enough stories like this: it’s not always the loudest opinion that carries the most weight. Sometimes it’s the quiet confidence of someone who’s been around trucks long enough to know when something just works. Lynd didn’t switch brands to make a statement, he switched because the numbers made sense. Although sure the truck was a grand more expensive, it delivered the feeling that backed it all up. In a space where brand loyalty runs deep, stories like his remind us that trust isn’t given, it's earned.

What We Can All Takeaway

The moral lessons we can draw from Lynd’s story are both practical and meaningful:

First, keep an open mind when it comes to evaluating vehicles. What feels familiar isn’t always what’s best for you economically or practically. Lynd’s willingness to step outside his comfort zone led him to discover a truck that was not only comparable but led to exceeding his expectations. 

Another thing to consider is that value isn’t just measured by upfront costs. Things like maintenance, fuel efficiency, and reliability over the long term are critical elements of a wise vehicle investment. Toyota consistently ranks high in these categories, reinforcing its status as a trusted and economically sensible choice.

Finally, emotional connection and customer loyalty matter immensely. Toyota’s slogan, “more than a feeling,” isn’t just marketing but a testament to a brand ethos that resonates deeply with owners like Lynd, turning customers into lifelong advocates.

While Lynd’s unexpected shift from Chevy to Toyota Tundra might seem like an unlikely example of brand loyalty evolving, it isn’t the only instance of surprising changes within the automotive world. For example, drivers of electric vehicles, like the Chevy Bolt, have faced unusual issues of their own, such as a mysterious "popcorn popping" sound coming from the front suspension: a problem so perplexing that even mechanics are stumped. Suddenly, it’s not just the engine or performance that’s under scrutiny, but the very components that make up the driving experience. If you're intrigued by how these unexpected quirks can affect your vehicle’s reliability, you may want to check out this other intriguing story about the Chevy Bolt's unusual suspension issue here.

Join the Conversation

Have you ever made a surprising switch from one truck brand to another? What did you discover when you moved away from your brand?

Also, for all the Tundra owners out there, have you experienced the same positive outcomes as Lynd, or have you run into challenges?

Your insights might just help someone else make a better-informed decision, so let us know what you think in the comments below.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: Toyota Gallery and the "2023-2025 Toyota Tundra Owners" public Facebook group.