2003 Toyota Tundra: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Standard antilock brakes, a flared-fender cargo bed, and cosmetic tweaks lead 2003 changes to the largest of Toyota's two pickup-truck lines. The Indiana-built Tundra competes with full-size Ford, Dodge, and General Motors trucks, but is somewhat smaller. Its V6 engine is available with manual or automatic transmission, its V8 with automatic only. Both are available with rear-wheel drive or with 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. Tundra will not match its rivals with a 4-dr crew cab until the 2004 model year. Its 2-dr regular cab has an 8-ft cargo bed and its Access Cab extended-cab has a 6.5-ft bed. Access Cabs have a 3-passenger rear bench seat and rear-hinged back doors that don't open independently of the front doors. New for '03 is a V8 Access Cab with a flared-fender StepSide cargo box. Tundra offers base, SR5, and Limited trim levels. Four-wheel disc brakes are unavailable, but ABS is now standard on all models, not just Limiteds. All get a restyled grille, bumpers of plasticlike resin instead of steel, and a revised center console. New options include heated door mirrors and a tow package for V8 models. New for 2WD SR5s is a Sport Package with special suspension and 17-inch wheels. Limiteds gain as standard a power horizontal-sliding rear window, and 17-inch wheels vs. 16s. Finally, Tundra's off-road package drops the TRD designation.

COMPETITION

With the advent of crossover vehicles, this segment has become less defined. Once the domain of work-related heavy-duty pickups, buyers are now demanding that their full-size trucks do double duty. Our Best Buys remain Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra. These trucks offer a wide range of powertrain combinations, plenty of luxury accommodations, and ample towing power--though the GM twins are the only ones to offer full-time 4WD and convenient 4-wheel steering.

Big-rig-styled Dodge Ram matches the new Ford and GM models in most aspects but can't match their ride comfort or civility. We also like the expensive Toyota Tundra. What it lacks in brute strength, it more than makes up for with refined road manners.