Auto News 5

The 2011 model year is looking like a fairly quiet one for the major European players. The Volkswagen group has new bookends, with a redesigned Jetta and the Sybaritic Bentley Mulsanne- plus a fresh Audi A8 in between. Both Swedish carmakers enter 2011 with new owners and new sedans- the Saab 9-5 and the Volvo S60- to celebrate their new leases on life, and, of course Fiat returns with its tine 500.

It's obvious that the Tundra is well-built, both from outward appearances (precise exterior panel fits and finishes) and from the way it feels once you're inside (the rigid body structure is transmitted through the steering wheel). And the mechanical specs are impressive. That said, taken as a whole, it's not as satisfying as the Dodge Ram. It doesn't ride nearly as well as the Ram, it has more body roll, and the 4.6-liter engine revs too much in everyday driving. Plenty of power here for a 2000-pound loaded trailer, though.