2000-2006 Toyota Tundra: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Somewhat smaller than domestic-make full-size trucks, Toyota's newest pickup was the first import-brand challenger in that league, despite measuring nearly a foot shorter overall. Toyota used the same design for its full-size Sequoia SUV, introduced as a 2001 model. Tundras came with a regular 2-door cab and 8-foot cargo bed, or in Extended Access Cab form with a 6.5-foot bed and three-place 60/40 rear bench seat. Rear-hinged back doors on the Access Cab did not open independently of the front doors. No 4-door Crew Cab model was produced. Regular-cab trucks came in base or SR5 trim, while Access Cabs were SR5 or Limited. Base and SR5 trucks used a twin-cam, 190-horsepower, 3.4-liter V6 engine borrowed from the smaller Tacoma pickup, with manual shift or an optional automatic transmission. A twin-cam V8, shared with the Land Cruiser SUV, went into the SR5 V8 and Limited. Offered only with automatic, the V8 delivered 245 horsepower. Premium fuel was recommended for the V8 engine. Toyota's four-wheel-drive system could be engaged with dashboard buttons on V8 models, or a floor lever with V6 power. While incorporating low-range gearing, the 4WD system had to be disengaged for use on dry pavement. Toyota stated a maximum payload of 2000 pounds and a towing capacity of 7500 pounds--both figures competitive with the domestic trucks. Antilock braking was optional, but four-wheel discs were not available. Either bench or bucket front seating could be installed. Rivals included the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Dodge Ram 1500, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra 1500.