Hard to believe from a 2004 perspective, but there was a time when Japanese automakers dared not tread into one particularly American segment: the full-size pickup.
Hard to believe from a 2004 perspective, but there was a time when Japanese automakers dared not tread into one particularly American segment: the full-size pickup. So it may be difficult to appreciate the reaction to the Tundra in 1999 (as a 2000 model). Suddenly, Toyota had a no-nonsense, mostly full-size pickup to go head to head with such stalwarts and sales leaders as the Chevy Silverado, Dodge Ram, and Ford F-150. In fact, Toyota's first steps into the market came from the comparatively timid T100 in 1993, a trucklet positioned (in bulk and bucks) slightly above the midsize Dodge Dakota, but comfortably shy of the full-sizers.
An increment smaller than the domestics, the Tundra appeared with a fine 4.7-liter, 245-horsepower DOHC V-8 or a 3.4-liter, 190-horsepower DOHC V-6. The V-6 could be coupled with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, while the V-8 came only with the autobox; four-wheel drive was optional on both.
2000-2003 Toyota Tundra
What's Hot
· Typically robust Toyota build quality
· Silky V-8 is refined and torquey
· Better ride than contemporary domestics
What's Not
· Bland styling, underwhelming interior materials
· Rear seats not so comfy
· Wonderful V-8 requires premium unleaded
Don't Miss
· TRD package has lots of fans
Bottom Line
· Limited or SR5 Tundras with the V-8/RWD powertrain for best combo of carlike behavior and trucklike utility
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Toyota, unwilling to mess with a good thing, left the powertrains unchanged through the 2003 model year, and the year-to-year changes have been minimal: For 2001, an Off Road package was added--greater ride height, revised shock damping, fender flares--and an Appearance package brought color-keyed bumpers. In 2002, the Limited got more standard features, including four-wheel ABS (optional on all models) and an in-dash CD changer. For 2003, a sleek Stepside bed was added to the line and upscale Tundras got 16-inch wheels; all models got revised front-end styling, too.
There are two basic body styles for these years, a standard cab carrying an 8-foot-long bed and an extended cab with a 6.5-foot bed. The four-door, called Access Cab, employed rear-hinged portals for good access, but, against the new breed of full-size trucks, the back row is cramped, with awkwardly vertical seatbacks. Standard-cab models came in base or SR5 trim; Access-cab versions in SR5 or further upscale Limited trim.