The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck introduced by Toyota in the year 2000. It was widely considered to be the first full-size import-brand truck built with an American look and feel and a refined V8 engine. The Tundra was eventually nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award and was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year in 2000 and 2008. The Tundras are assembled in San Antonio, Texas , where production was consolidated in 2008.
The first generation Tundra had many similarities with the older Toyota T100 and the compact Toyota Tacoma. The biggest of those similarities was the shared use of a 3.4-liter V6 engine which was the top of the line engine in both the Tacoma and T100. The V6 engine would serve as the base engine for the Tundra, while a second powerplant, a first for a Toyota truck, a V8 engine sized at 4.7-liters was added to the lineup.
Publicly introduced in May 1999 as a 2000 model, the Tundra prototypes and "show trucks" were initially known as T150s. However, Ford and automotive pundits felt that this name was too close to the market-leader Ford F-150, and following a lawsuit by Ford, the production truck was renamed the Tundra (Toyota claimed they never truly intended to use the T150 name in actual production). Toyota then countersued Ford regarding the name of their then-released Lincoln LS sedan, arguing it was too close to that of the Lexus LS.
Tundra was slightly larger than the T100, but still suffered the perception of being too small and carlike to pose a serious threat to the domestic pickup trucks. With a production capacity of 120,000, sales were double the rate of the T100. The Tundra also had the largest initial vehicle sales for Toyota in its history (up until that time). It garnered impressive honors, including Motor Trend's Truck of the Year award for 2000 and Best Full- Size Truck from Consumer Reports. Built in a new Toyota plant in Princeton, Indiana, with 65 percent domestic content, the Tundra showed that Toyota was serious about closing the gap on the "Big Three" in all major segments.
Engine choices available in the Tundra were a 24V 3.4-liter V6 engine that produced and 220 lb·ft (298 N·m) of torque and an LEV certified 32 valve 4.7-liter "i-Force" V8 engine that produced and of torque. A Toyota Racing Development (TRD) supercharger was already available for the 3.4-liter V6 (2000-2003 models) that bumped horsepower to the range and of torque. TRD introduced a second supercharger for the V8 (2000-2003 models) engine late into its second year of production that pushed the V8 numbers to the mid range and torque to the range. Although the V6 supercharger is still widely available, the V8 supercharger is rarer and harder to find because TRD stopping its production once Toyota released the updated VVT-i equipped 4.7-liter engine.
grille was updated for 2003 and the Double Cab version was added to the lineup in 2004. The Double Cab model was a true crew cab with four normal doors, with interior and exterior details copied from the Toyota Sequoia. Its bed is nearly longer than the competing Nissan Titan or Ford F-150. It is also longer and taller than the Regular and Access cab versions. A new engine was introduced in 2005: a 4.0-liter V6 rated at and of torque, and the existing 4.7-liter V8 was updated with Toyota's VVT-i variable valve timing technology and was rated at and of torque. The 5-speed manual gave way to a 6-speed manual, and a 5-speed automatic replaced the 4-speed. With a towing capacity of just 6,800 lb (on the Double Cabs) and a 7,100 pounds towing capacity on the Access Cabs and Regular Cabs with a V8 engine, it still did not have enough muscle to compete with the heavy-duty offerings of the Big Three and Nissan. Domestic truck aficionados still derided it as a "7/8 scale" pickup.
In 2006 the Darrell Waltrip Edition was sold honoring the NASCAR star and his participation in the NASCAR Truck Series. Only 2000 V8 powered Double Cab models were produced. The package included special badging and unique 18" wheels.
The IIHS rated the Tundra "Good" overall in their frontal offset crash test. It was the first full-size pickup awarded a "Good" score, it's then competitors from Ford and Dodge were rated "Poor" and in the case of GM's entry "Marginal".
During late 2009 Toyota issued a recall on 2000-2003 model year Tundra's regarding rust problems of a rear crossmember, this recall involves 110,000 vehicles. If no rust is detected an anti-corrosion compound will be applied, if rust is detected the crossmember will be replaced.
A larger Tundra was introduced at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show. It had lifted cues of its smaller brother the Toyota Tacoma along with some cues from the Toyota FTX concept truck. One unique styling element used fenders that bulged to resemble a biceps muscle. The truck had many enhancements, such as a towing capacity of up to 10,000+ lb, a payload capacity of over , a new 5.7-liter 3UR-FE V8 engine mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission. The second generation Tundra has 3 engines available. The new 5.7-liter V8 that produces and of torque, and the carry over 4.7-liter 2UZ-FE V8 rated at and of torque, as well as the previous 4.0-liter 1GR-FE V6 rated at and of torque.
When the new Tundra first came out in February 2007 it was available in 31 configurations, which consisted of 3 bed lengths, 3 cab configurations, 4 wheel-bases, and 2 transmissions The new Double Cab replaces the previous generations Access Cab, and the all new Crew Max replaces the previous generations Double Cab, it is also built to compete with the Dodge Ram Mega Cab. The Double Cab is available with a bed, regular bed, or an long bed, while the Crew Max is only available with a short bed. The Tundra also features a new 6-speed automatic transmission which can lockup the torque converter in 5th and 6th gears with a manual shift mode which is standard with the 5.7-liter, and gives it a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds, and a quarter mile time of 14.7 seconds.
Toyota made the new Tundra useful for many construction workers, by including extra large door handles, deck rail system, integrated tow hitch, and headrests that can fit a worker with his hard hat on. The Tundra also includes as standard: an automatic limited slip differential (Auto LSD), Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, anti-lock brakes and tailgate assist. However, its high starting MSRP of $22,390 makes it more expensive than the Chevy Silverado Work Truck (MSRP $17,860) and the base Ford F-150 (MSRP $17,345).
Some other changes Toyota included in the new Tundra are optional tow mirrors, a fuel tank, available alloy wheels, backup camera, Bluetooth, large center console (big enough to fit a laptop), extra-large disc brakes and calipers, and the aforementioned 6-speed sequential automatic transmission.
All 5.7-liter Tundra's come equipped with a tow package which includes engine oil and transmission coolers, integrated trailer hitch, 4.30:1 axle ratio, and large braking hardware for increased fade resistance.
The all new Tundra is assembled at two different United States locations, the original Princeton, Indiana plant supplemented by a newly built San Antonio, Texas plant.Combined the two plants give Toyota a maximum capacity of produce 300,000 Tundra units annually or 100,000 units from the Indiana plant and another 200,000 units from the Texas plant. In designing the Texas plant Toyota arranged for 21 key Tundra suppliers to set up factories on the same site avoiding logistical issues, however those suppliers are more vulnerable to a market downturn. Toyota also included a $9 million dollar health care facility to serve workers and their dependents.
In the spring of 2008 Toyota moved all Tundra production to the Texas plant. All Tundra engines and transmissions are built in the United States.
The 2008 model added 13 variations bringing the total to 44 model variants. The 2008 models feature additional standard features at a lower price, also include a new "Tundra Grade" trim which is slotted below the SR5 trim, and geared toward trades people and the price conscious consumer.
Toyota made E85 fuel capability standard to 2009 Tundra's equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 in select regions. Toyota also updated the TRD Sport package and added a TRD Rock Warrior package. Prices increased 0.4% over the previous 2008 model year.
The 2010 Tundra receives visual updates to the grille and tail lamps. A premium Platinum trim level is added. And a new 4.6-liter V8 paired with a 6-speed automatic replaces the previous 4.7-liter 2UZ-FE V8 engine. For added safety a driver and front passenger knee airbags becomes standard and NHTSA frontal crash test scores improved to five stars. The 2010 Tundra began arriving at dealers in late April 2009.
The Tundra comes equipped with dual front airbags, front row side torso airbags, and rollover sensing side curtain airbags for both the front and rear rows. Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, brake assist, and electronic brakeforce distribution are also standard. For the 2010 model year, a driver and front passenger knee airbag becomes standard.
Toyota's Tundra was the first full-size pickup to have earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick accolade, followed by the redesigned 2009 Ford F-150. Competing designs from General Motors, Dodge, and Nissan cannot receive this award since they were rated either "Marginal" or "Poor" in the side impact test. In tests conducted by the IIHS, the Tundra received an overall "Good" score in the frontal offset crash test, the highest possible rating in the side impact crash test, and the maximum score for rear crash protection.
In NHTSA tests, the 2007-2009 Tundra was given a four out of five-star ( ) frontal crash test rating for both the driver and front passenger. However the 2010 model received an improved five star rating ( ). A four-star rating is given to vehicles when an 11% to 20% chance of serious injury exists, while a five-star rating is given when there is 10% or lower chance of serious injury. No structural changes were made to the 2010 Tundra.
The primary difference between IIHS and NHTSA frontal crash testing, is the IIHS conducts an offset test where a smaller portion of the vehicle's structure absorbs the energy of the crash. This type of crash test is more demanding on the vehicle's structure, while the full frontal crash test is more demanding on the vehicle's restraint systems. Both IIHS and NHTSA frontal impact tests can only be compared among vehicles of similar weights.
Because the Tundra's Vehicle Stability Control system is disabled when the vehicle's 4x4 system is engaged Consumer Reports has questioned the Tundra's Top Safety Pick award. Toyota's response is the Tundra does not feature a center differential which would become a weak point in the drivetrain. However the stability control system remains operational at times when the truck is in 4x2 mode though many drivers will select the 4x4 mode in slippery conditions.
Toyota began selling a bolt-on TRD supercharger kit for the 5.7-liter V8 Tundra during June 2008. Power output is increased to and of torque. When the installation is carried out by a Toyota dealership the existing warranty remains intact. This kit features Eaton's TVS Roots-type supercharger which utilizes twin four-lobe rotors, a design shared with the newly introduced TRD Aurion, C6 ZR1 and CTS-V. MSRP for the kit is set at $5,875.
Edmunds tested a TRD supercharged Tundra which completed the 1/4 mile in 13.3 sec @ . Edmunds previously tested a naturally aspired 5.7-liter V8 Tundra which posted a 14.8 sec @ time. Motor Trend's test of the supercharged Tundra resulted in a 1/4 mile of 13.0 sec @ . This Tundra needed 4.4 seconds to run from 0-60 mph.
In June 2008 Toyota introduced the Ivan "Ironman" Stewart Signature Series Tundra. Three different packages are offered, one of which includes the TRD Supercharger.
Stewart has won the Baja 500 seventeen times driving Toyota vehicles.
CanadianDriver crowns the Tundra as Truck King, selecting it as the best 1/2-ton pickup with an engine displacing greater than 5.0-liters, and again as best 1/2-ton with an engine displacing less than 5.0-liters.
Trailer Boats awards the Tundra with its 2007 Tow Vehicle of the Year award after completing nearly two weeks of testing.
Truckin' Magazine awards the Tundra Crew Max with its 2008 Truck of the Year award.
Motor Trend declared the Tundra its 2008 Truck of the Year. Other competitors tested were the Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD, and Ford F-250, F-350 and F-450. While the Chevrolet Silverado, Motor Trend's 2007 TOTY was not in the competition, it was defeated by the Tundra in an earlier three round comparison as noted below. However, Motor Trend ranked the Silverado and Sierra ahead in a later comparison test.
May 2009: A Motor Trend comparison test with the Ford F150 Supercrew resulted in a defeat.
April 2009: An Edmunds.com test of 4x4 trucks resulted in a 2nd place finish for the Tundra.
November 2008: A test conducted by Pickuptrucks.com rated the Tundra 3rd, Motor Trend was asked to join the test and rated the Tundra 5th.
2007: Motor Trend and Truck Trend magazines rate the Tundra ahead of its GM competitor in a three round battle. Parts of this comparison took place before the Tundra was officially on sale to the public. All sections were published in both magazines.
August 2007: Consumer Reports rates the Tundra as the 2nd best full-size pickup behind the Chevy Avalanche. However the Avalanche is classified as an SUT or SUV with a truck bed. The Avalanche's rear suspension features coil springs unlike traditional leaf-springs.
April 2007: Car and Driver placed the Tundra 3rd in a 5-truck roundup.
March 2007: Popular Mechanics ranks the Tundra 2nd in a full-size pickup comparison.
January 2007: Edmunds.com places the Tundra 1st in their 1/2-ton comparison test.
In May 2007, a Toyota spokesperson stated 20 camshaft failures occurred in Toyota's all-new 5.7 L 3UR-FE V-8 engine. Toyota said the failures were the result of a flaw in the camshaft casting process, and the supplier of the camshafts has since fixed the error. In the event of a camshaft failure Toyota will either replace the engine and extend the warranty or repurchase the truck from the owner. Toyota originally intended to begin selling the 5.7-liter equipped Tundra during the summer of 2007 but decided to rush the engine into production in order to match the February 2007 launch date. This decision was the result of product planners and dealers desire for the larger V8's availability at the initial sale.
On December 13, 2007, Toyota Motor Corp recalled 15,600 4x4 2007 model-year Tundras in the United States because a rear propeller shaft joint may fail. "There is a possibility that a joint in the rear propeller shaft may have been improperly heat treated, resulting in insufficient hardness," Toyota said. Adding, "This may cause a section of the rear propeller shaft to separate at the joint." There has been one reported case of abnormal noises in the affected vehicles. No accidents have been connected to the recall. Tundra owners will be notified beginning in late-December 2007 and are requested to contact their local Toyota dealer for inspection. If the hardness is not correct the dealer will then replace the rear propeller shaft.
In Consumer Reports' 2007 survey, the 4x4 Tundra had a below-average reliability rating due mainly to problems with the four-wheel-drive system. However, as of November 10, 2008, Consumer Reports' 2008 survey showed that Toyota in general has apparently solved the problems. Now, the Tundra has an average reliability rating and the 4x4 Tundra is recommended.
At the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show a Toyota exec stated the Tundra's quality woes brought "shame" to the company. In July 2006, the then Toyota CEO Watanabe bowed in apology for Toyota's decline in quality, however he also promised the company was taking major steps to fix these problems.
During September 2007 Toyota Motor Corporation announced plans to add a diesel variant of the Tundra. This was again confirmed in January at the 2008 North American International Auto Show. There Toyota President Watanabe stated, "I am happy to confirm that a new clean-diesel V8 engine will be offered in both the Tundra and the Sequoia in the near future." But later in 2008 at the State Fair of Texas a Toyota official stated the Tundra diesel is on hold due to poorer than expected sales.
Motor Trend and Car and Driver, have earlier reported Toyota will produce a heavy-duty version of the Tundra designed to compete in the 3/4-ton class.
At the 2007 SEMA auto show, Toyota showcased its Tundra Diesel Dually Project Truck. This heavy-duty Tundra Diesel is based on a heavily modified Tundra Crew Max chassis. It features 8.0L Hino diesel engine, Eaton manual transmission, along with an extensive list of other modifications. High-resolution images are available in autoblog's gallery.
During late-2006 Toyota purchased a stake of Isuzu from General Motors. The Duramax V8 engine design currently powers GM's 3/4 ton and 1-ton pickups, but GM's 1/2 ton diesel will be completely designed and built solely by General Motors.
The Australian and European version of the Toyota Land Cruiser features a 4.5L diesel which a future Tundra Diesel could be based on.
Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe has stated that he would like to develop a hybrid electric version of the Tundra. However, Toyota faces several technical challenges that it must overcome before it could bring such a vehicle to market.
According to the Japanese newspaper Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Toyota is considering developing a gasoline electric hybrid Tundra, for sale in North America around 2010..
Toyota may also introduce a diesel electric hybrid system for the Tundra. In Japan, the Toyota Dyna and Hino Dutro light trucks produced by the Toyota Motor use diesel electric hybrid systems. The Hino Ranger a medium to heavy duty cab-over truck could also provide hybrid technology for the next generation Tundra.
At the 2008 North American International Auto Show, Toyota USA President Jim Lentz stated "different models require different types of fuel saving technology...there may be a few [models] where hybrid technology doesn’t make sense". He further went on to say that the Tundra and the new Sequoia will not be offered with a hybrid engine in the near future, instead those vehicles would feature "clean, fuel efficient diesel engines. For now, it seems, the Tundra Hybrid has been sent back to the drawing board or cancelled entirely.
The Toyota Tundra has sold at or just under its production capacity since 2000. The Indiana factory can produce 130,000 Tundras a year. The Tundra has been on the market for more than half a decade, and has captured 17 percent of the full-size half-ton market. In the year 2000 Toyota sold 107,798 Tundras, which was a huge step forward from the Toyota T100 pickup which sold roughly around 50,000 units. By 2005 Toyota Motor Corporation managed to sell 126,529 Tundras. The best selling Ford F-150 sold 756,980 units that same year. With the added capacity of the San Antonio plant, Toyota planned to sell around 200,000 Tundras for 2007. Toyota missed its sales target for 2007, selling just under 200,000 vehicles.
Currently 70-80 percent of the Tundra sales are coming from the 5.7-liter, and 46 percent are coming from the Crew Max. The Double Cabs are also doing well, but the Standard Cabs are selling much slower than expected.
Gaining market share, Tundra sales for the month of July were 23,150, out pacing the GMC Sierra for that same month, although its sales were significantly less than the Sierra's corporate twin, the Chevrolet Silverado. For all of 2007, Sierra sales were over 12,000 more than Tundra, Silverado sales were more than 422,000 over Tundra and the F150 was once again the sales leader.
In 2004, the Tundra joined the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and got its first win at Michigan International Speedway on July 31 that year.In 2006, the Tundra got Toyota's first manufacturer championship winning 12 of the 25 races. The model also got the driver and owner championship with Todd Bodineand Germain Racing.
The Toyota Tundra was the Motor Trend Truck of the year for the year 2000 and 2008.
The Toyota Tundra is the best selling foreign full-size half-ton truck.
The second generation Tundra is Edmunds.com's most significant vehicle of the year, and the Editor's Most Wanted Full-size truck.
Some prototypes of the Tundra were given to racing legends Ivan "Ironman" Stewart and Rod Millen.