2000 Toyota Tundra Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　The 2000 Toyota Tundra is an all-new, full-size pickup truck designed to compete with the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 and Dodge Ram 1500. It features an optional V8 engine and can be ordered in a two- or four-door, regular- or extended-cab configuration.

　　

zzdcar says

　　The 2000 Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup suited more for the general consumer than commercial use.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2000 Toyota Tundra SR5 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.7L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$265/mo  for Tundra SR5

　　Tundra SR5

　　SR5 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.7L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A) (Most Popular) - N/A MSRPSR5 4dr Extended Cab SB (4.7L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A) - N/A MSRPSR5 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.4L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSR5 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (3.4L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSR5 4dr Extended Cab SB (3.4L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSR5 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (4.7L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A) - N/A MSRPLimited 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.7L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A) - N/A MSRPLimited 4dr Extended Cab SB (4.7L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A) - N/A MSRP2dr Regular Cab LB (3.4L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　

Vehicle overview

　　As the maker of America's best-selling automobile (the Camry), it must have been frustrating for Toyota to learn that trucks are now outselling cars in this country. Especially since the closest thing to a full-size pickup truck previously offered by Toyota was the anemic and poorly received T100.

　　With the introduction of the Tundra in spring of 1999, as a 2000 model, Toyota has finally crafted a full-fledged, maximum-sized pickup, capable of running with the big dogs. Topping its pedigree is an optional 4.7-liter, I-Force V8 engine lifted directly from the Land Cruiser/LX 470 sport utility twins. This powerplant makes 245 horsepower and 315 foot-pounds of torque and is available only with a four-speed automatic transmission. Payload capacity is 2,000 pounds and towing capacities for the V8 start at 5,000 pounds (it goes up to 7,000 pounds with an optional tow package). A 3.4-liter V6, making 190 horsepower and 220 foot-pounds of torque is standard on base model Tundras, which may be mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.

　　Toyota has also met the demand of current truck buyers when it comes to configuration. The Tundra is available in regular and extended-cab versions, the latter with two rear-facing doors for easier rear-seat access (which, by the way, is what Toyota calls its four-door Tundra layout: Access Cab). Unfortunately, regular-cab versions come in longbed form only while Access Cab models come only as shortbeds.

　　Inside, the Tundra feels a bit more compact than its American counterparts, but not uncomfortably so for front-seat passengers. Rear seating is another matter, with legroom at a premium for anyone of average height. With the exception of rear seating, the Tundra cabin is an excellent place to spend the day. It offers a quiet ride that surpasses competing trucks, as well as many cars. Options like leather seating and a 10-disc CD changer further contribute to the Tundra's relaxing internal environment.

　　We wish Toyota offered more variety in areas like configuration and option packages, and an increase in rear-seat legroom would help the Tundra better compete with the extended cab models from GM, Ford and Dodge. Still, the very fact that a V8-powered, full-size pickup can now be had with a Toyota nameplate on it means that there's a whole new set of rules for America's truck buyer.

　　

2000 Tundra Highlights

Type: Regular CabExtended CabRegular Cab

　　Trim: BaseSR5Base

　　

Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	16 MPG
Cost to Drive	$232/month
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	5,250 lbs.