I've been to Cuba, Cambodia, Turkey, etc...but there's this stigma that traveling in Mexico is dangerous.

I plan on driving during the day and staying in places like Monterey, Veracruz, Tampico, Mexico City, Lago de Chapala, Pacific coast.

I'll be driving a fairly nice Toyota Tundra. Should I be concerned?

Why is Mexico off limits? Any Mexicans have any tips? I speak a little Spanish and love Hispanic culture. Should I not venture south of the border?