Toyota Tundra
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The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck sold by Toyota, replacing the T100. The Tundra was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award and was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 2000.
See Wikicars' comprehensive Toyota Tundra Review.
Recent Changes
The Toyota Tundra was completely redesigned for the 2007 model year. The new Tundra answered many critics of the first generation model - specifically, the new Tundra offered a large displacement V8 (5.7L), and the new 2007 Tundra was also substantially larger than than the previous model.
For 2008, the Tundra has not changed substantially. Toyota now offers a spartan "Tundra Grade" trim package that is expected to appeal to fleet and commercial users, and Toyota has continued to improve the number and variety of packages available in an effort to match their domestic competitors "mix and match" equipment choices.
In 2009 or 2010, Toyota is expected to release a diesel version of their truck. Details are still sketchy - some anticipate the new Tundra diesel will remain a 1/2 ton truck, others believe the new diesel will be a 3/4 ton - 1 ton. Their is evidence to support both positions - Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe confirmed that "a new clean-diesel V8 engine will be offered in both the Tundra and the Sequoia in the near future,[1]" indicating the engine will be for a light duty application. However, Toyota also showed a dual rear wheel concept truck with an 8.0L diesel at the 2007 SEMA car show[2].
One model that isn't expected is a hybrid Toyota Tundra. Jim Lentz, President of Toyota Motor Sales USA, stated that "different models require different types of fuel saving technology…there may be a few [models] where hybrid technology doesn’t make sense" later stating that the Tundra would not be featuring a hybrid power train in the immediate future[3].
Styles and Major Options
The 2006 Tundra comes in 3 major trims: the Tundra Regular Cab, Tundra Access Cab, and Tundra Double Cab. Each one of these is available in a choice of 2WD or 4WD, manual or automatic transmission, and either a V6 or V8 engine. There is also a special Darrell Waltrip edition of the Tundra, only 2000 of which were produced and sold.
Pricing
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| MODEL Trims | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 4X2 Regular Cab | Limited Grade 4x4 CrewMax | Trim3 | Trim 4 |
| MSRP | |||
| $22,490 | $41,605 | $Price3 | $Price4 |
| Invoice | |||
| $Price1 | $Price2 | $Price3 | $Price4 |
Gas Mileage
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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:
| Trim | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2WD V6 manual | 2WD V6 automatic | 2WD V8 automatic | 4WD V8 automatic |
| MPG | |||
| 18/22 | 16/20 | 16/19 | 15/18 |
Engine and Transmission
Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.
Performance
Please make sure to write information of the vehicle's performance in a third-person point of view. This section should include information about the car's acceleration figures, handling, braking, etc.
If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.
Reliability
Automotive Information Systems reports that the Tundra experienced significant engine problems up until 2003, when improvements were made. At that point, although the Tundra still experienced moderate engine problems, Automotive Information Systems awarded the Tundra its overall Green rating. At the same time, the Tundra is scheduled for a redesign for the 2007 model year, so reliability information will have to be compiled again for that model.
RECALL ALERT: On December 14th, 2007, Toyota issued a recall affecting 15,600 trucks equipped with 4WD. The recall stems from a faulty rear propeller shaft which could separate at a joint because it was improperly heat treated by Toyota's supplier. This latest recall stands as the most recent in a growing list that has been plaguing the embattled truck since its debut. [4]
RECALL ALERT: On January 25th, 2008, Toyota announced a recall for the Toyota Tundra entailing 15,616 MY 2007 Tundra 4-wheel drive pickup trucks. The issue is due to the improper heat treatment of the slip yokes in the manufacturing process which may break causing the propeller shaft to separate at the joint and come into contact with the road surface or the fuel tank resulting in a loss of vehicle control or even a fuel leak. [5]
Safety
Though it has only received 3/5 stars on its rollover tests, the Toyota Tundra has consistently received 4/5 and 5/5 star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for its frontal and side impact tests. For comprehensive crash test information see CarsDirect or the NHTSA website.
Photos
Colors
The Toyota Tundra is available in the following colors:
- Natural White
- Silver Sky Metallic
- Phantom Gray Pearl
- Desert Sand Mica
- Salsa Red Pearl
- Spectra Blue Mica
- Timberland Mica
- Bluesteel Mica
- Black
Main Competitors
Hybrid Models
In 2003, Toyota committed to producing a "hybrid version of every model by 2012."[6] By January 2008, Toyota backed off this commitment, stating that a "hybrid isn't the best technology" for the Tundra and Sequoia at this time. Toyota did re-commit to producing a hybrid version of each model in their lineup by 2020, but this has been viewed as more of a public relations move than a true commitment.[7]
Unique Attributes
Interior
This section should include information on the interior's design, build quality, ergonomics, space (head and legroom, front and rear), features, stowage compartments and overall comfortability and livability. Add pictures wherever applicable and keep information in a third-person point of view.
Resale Values
Kelley Blue Book estimates that the Tundra should hold 65-67% of its original value after 24 months and 50-52% of its value after 48 months. They report that this is better than the Ford F150 and Nissan Titan, and far better than the Dodge Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
| <MODEL> Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year X | Year X-2 | Year X-3 | Year X-4 |
| Resale Value | |||
| $ | $ | $ | $ |
Criticisms
- No 3/4-ton model
- No diesel model
Generations
Third Generation (2007-present)
A much larger Tundra was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show for 2007. It is larger than the competing Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado (and Avalanche), Dodge Ram, and Nissan Titan and sports styling like the Toyota FTX concept shown at the North American International Auto Show in 2004. The Tundra is built in San Antonio, Texas and Gibson County, Indiana for the North American market.
Engine choices include:
The 2007+ Tundra has a maximum towing capacity of 10,800 lb (4,536 kg) in the 2wd Regular Cab configuration with the 5.7L V8, but many configurations featuring the 5.7L now offer 10,000 lbs + towing capacity.
Second Generation (2004-2006)
The exterior was updated for 2004, and new engines were introduced in 2005: a 4.0 L V6 and 4.7 L V8 with VVT-i. The door handles were updated this time, matching that of the Toyota Sequoia.
Tundra Access Cab SR5 V8 interior in Light Charcoal |
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First Generation (1999-2003)
Publicly introduced in 1998 as a 1999 model, the Tundra was initially to be called the T150. However, the Ford Motor Company and automotive pundits felt that this name was too close to the market-leading Ford F150, and following a lawsuit by Ford, the truck was quickly renamed to Tundra.
Toyota countersued, and forced Ford to change the name of their Lincoln LS6 and LS8, introduced around the same time as the Tundra, as Toyota felt that it was too close to that of its iconic Lexus LS sedan.
The Tundra was larger than the T100, but still suffered as being too small and carlike to pose a serious threat to the domestic pickup trucks. Although sales were double the dismal rate of the T100, and though it arguably ate some sales from Dodge, the 100,000 Tundras sold each year failed to dent the surging Ford and GM trucks.
Trivia
Some prototypes of the Tundra were given to racing legends Ivan "Ironman" Stewart and Rod Millen.
A Toyota Tundra was featured in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, and in 2003 the truck was also available in a special edition inspired by this movie and called Tundra T3.
A Double Cab version of Tundra was unveiled at the 2003 Chicago Auto Show and joined the Regular and Access Cab models in the 2004 lineup.
In 2004, the Tundra became part of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
See Also
External Links
News and References
- MT claims TRD Supercharged Tundra can hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds
- Toyota Announces Pricing on 2009 Tundra Pickup which Gets New Flex Fuel Versions
- Toyota Tundra FAQ
Enthusiast Sites and Discussion Forums
- Tundra Solutions - the largest Tundra forum on the web
- Tundra Talk - A smaller yet still popular Toyota Tundra forum
- Tundra Headquarters - site dedicated to the 2007 and up Tundra
This page uses content from Wikipedia; see Toyota Tundra, which includes these contributors.


