Toyota Trucks Fans

Toyota Building Tacoma X-Runner RTR Racer for SEMA

2011-01-01T22:20:00.000-08:00

Toyota has revealed its plans for the SEMA Show this year, and it seems the one to take away the cake would be the

Toyota Tacoma X-Runner RTR which will borrow the 5.7-L V8 from the relatively-huge Toyota Tundra pickup.

The stock 2011 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner used a 4.0-L V6 pushing out 236 hp, equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. And that takes it from naught to 100 km/h in a bit less than 7 seconds. Comparatively, the RTR or “Ready-to-Race” version’s eight-cylinder 5.7-L V8 is capable of delivering up to 381 hp, so we can be assured of a pretty good acceleration figure.

2010 Toyota Tundra

2010-06-10T19:40:00.001-07:00

Toyota showed their new prototype of the Tundra at the San Diego Auto Show. According to tundraheadquarters Toyota step-up their time frame. The new Toyota Tundra will have a new 4.6L V8 engine that is based on the 5.7L. This engine will generate 381hp and will replace the nearly 10 year old 4.7L engine.

We hoped on a “big” difference with this new version, but as far we could see, just the tail-lights have been changed. Look on the images below Not even the shape.. but only the inside…

And here the new Toyota Tundra

Well maybe we said enough for now.. below a couple of nice photo’s of this new version.

2010 Toyota Tundra

2010-06-10T19:38:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Chevy Silverado, “America’s Best Truck” is getting a run for their money with the new Toyota Tundra on the market. The new Silverado has select improvements that give it a segment topping fuel economy rating, a 6.2-liter engine, and locks on the rear wheels to reduce wheel spin. It now has a 6-speed automatic transmission, compared to the 4-speed on the last model. The technological changes are included in the interior. These include a New Version of OnStar, XM Traffic Flow, and Blue Tooth connectability.
Yes, that’s a lot of cool features, but most of them come only in the more expensive Crew Cab package. Toyota uses genuine Toyota parts to include more advanced features for a lower price than most dealers. And of course, the genuine Toyota parts make all Toyota cars have a higher and better quality. The Toyota tundra has a DVD navigation system, and it provides audible and onscreen instructions. These features are included and don’t require a monthly subscription, unlike the Silverado, which requires an $18.95 monthly payment.
The Silverado has a five star crash rating, but the Tundra is the top safety pick of 2009. It has driver and front passenger seat-mounted airbags. It also includes driver and front passenger knee airbags. These two features are not available on the Silverado. The standard front and rear side curtain airbags included on the Tundra are an extra cost feature on the Silverado.
Again, the Toyota Tundra has knocked out all other trucks in its class as it climbs to the top of the chart. The safety features, the technology differences, and the better gas mileage make this truck a top pick for anyone looking for a heavy duty vehicle. And of course, genuine Toyota parts outlast all other brands, so your truck can withstand even the toughest conditions.

2010 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4X2 Tundra-Grade 4.6L

2010-04-20T02:01:00.001-07:00

2010 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4X2 Tundra-Grade 4.6L

Toyota Hilux on Eyjafallajökull volcano

2010-04-20T01:59:00.000-07:00

This is the Toyota Hilux pick-up truck pictured on Iceland’s Eyjafallajökull volcano just hours before its eruption brought chaos to the skies of the world.

According to Toyota, its legendary truck (their words, not ours) proved the ideal mode of transport for scientists “racing to set up monitoring equipment before the long-dormant mountain blew its top and sent a vast cloud of ash 30,000 feet into the sky”.

Why do we care? Well, apart from the fact this story is connected to the volcanic explosion that brought the world to a standstill (we exaggerate), the pictures that have come from what sounds like thee last journey to the mouth of the volcano before it exploded are absolutely sensational.

And given the crap time Toyota has been through lately, it’s nice to see the Japanese marque in the news for something other than stick brakes and unreliable motors.

See the pictures below:

Toyota Expands Recall of Tundra Pickup Trucks for Rusty Frames

2010-03-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

Toyota Tundra Pickup Trucks
Toyota has announced that it will expand the recall announced last year for a rust problem with 2000 – 2003 Toyota Tundra models. Undercarriage rust on first generation Tundras could cause the spare tire to detach from the truck. Toyota has already recalled trucks in northern states, and is now expanding the recall to all 2000 – 2003 Tundras, according to The Associated Press.

Toyota originally only recalled trucks in 20 northern states where salted roads would expedite corrosion due to rust. Now Toyota has decided to expand the recall to the other 30 states and inspect all first generation Toyota Tundras for frame rust that could possibly lead to problems. Toyota will repair any Tundra that has rust damage severe enough to cause a problem.

The spare tire on first generation Toyota Tundras are mounted under the truck`s bed, so if it were to become detached due to rust, it could possibly fall out while the truck is driving on a road or highway and cause a serious accident. Obviously an accident due to an unexpected spare tire in the road is the last thing Toyota wants right now, so the company is issuing a nationwide recall on the Tundra.

Toyota recalls 8,000 2010 Tacoma trucks

2010-02-24T11:41:00.000-08:00

Toyota is recalling about 8,000 Tacoma pickup trucks from the 2010 model year to fix a problem with the front drive shaft that could cause the vehicle to lose control.

The automaker told dealers Friday that a crack could develop that could lead to the front driveshaft separating and falling from the truck, causing the vehicle to lose control.

While small in number, the recall is the latest issued by Toyota, which has called back 8.5 million vehicles worldwide for faulty gas pedals and brakes. The recall involves 4-wheel drive Tacomas that were built from mid-December 2009 to early February 2010.

2010 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab

2010-02-08T03:52:00.000-08:00

About 2010 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab:

MSRP:

$25,995

Warranty:

36 months / 60,000 kilometres

Safety:

2 disc brakes (2 ventilated), ABS

Fuel Economy:

12.0 L/100km city - 9.1 L/100km highway

Engine:

2.7L, 4 valve, 159 hp @ 5200 rpm

Transmission:

Manual, 5 speed

2010 Toyota Tundra Double Cab

2009-12-17T04:10:00.000-08:00

Our test vehicle's sticker wasn't a shock; a four-wheel-drive Double Cab V-8 pickup, reasonably equipped, seems like it should cost about $30K. Our tester had the new-for-2010 entry-level V-8 engine, a 4.6-liter unit that replaces the previous 4.7-liter but offers 34 additional horsepower and 14 additional lb-ft of torque. It also teams up with the six-speed automatic transmission that previously was offered only with the optional 5.7-liter V-8.

The smaller V-8 seems like a smart choice for the Tundra; it costs roughly $1300 less than the bigger V-8, depending on which of the myriad Tundra models you're talking about. It accelerates well, although not as effortlessly or as quietly as the bigger V-8; when you push the 4.6, you know you're pushing it. Yet the engine never seems unwilling or unreasonably taxed, and I had no problem piloting the Tundra at 70 to 80 mph on two-lane country roads.

The Double Cab's rear doors are a bit truncated, but they still provide decent access to the rear seats, which fold up nicely out of the way. Note: Toyota also offers a Crewmax model with a full-size rear door.

2009 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4X4 V6 Sr5

2009-12-16T00:12:00.000-08:00

As a person who enjoys doing small-scale outdoorsy work or towing the odd small camper, car, or boat, I really like "small" trucks like this Toyota Tacoma, the Nissan Frontier, and the Dodge Dakota, among others. Compared with their full-size kin, such pickups are generally more economical both in initial cost and upkeep, and they're more reasonable daily drivers. This particular Tacoma, however, sports a ton of options and costs nearly $8000 more than a base crew-cab Tacoma. I must admit, though, that its most costly option, a TRD off-road package, makes this Toyota a more desirable truck to me, as it's equipped with lots of four-wheelin'-friendly additions, such as a locking rear differential, skid plates, tow hooks, and an off-road-spec suspension. It's no Ford Raptor, but I'm sure this Toyota could get the job done on most trails that aren't super hard-core.

One option that was particularly annoying were the $399 running boards, which are only a few inches below the truck's floorboards and seem to work best as pantleg scuffers and shin scrapers. The $119 bed mat, however, was so nice and clean that I plopped my infant daughter in the back for a quick photo opportunity.

Also, the Tacoma's decent-size back seats made it easy for me to safely plug her into her baby seat during transit. The Toyota's interior was generally functional, plain, yet attractive. Unfortunately, I found the driver's seat to be too flat, too firm, and simply not very comfortable. Luckily, the ride wasn't terribly harsh for a pickup.

Toyota Fortuner

2009-11-29T08:11:00.000-08:00

After several delays and announcements, Toyota will finally launch the much awaited Fortuner SUV in the Indian market on 24th August.

Expected to be priced at Rs 20-22 Lakh bracket, the latest from Toyota stable will take the competition from Chevrolet Captiva, Ford Endeavour, Mitsubishi Outlander and Honda CR-V head on.

Built on the Toyota’s modular IMV platform (same as the Innova) the Fortuner will come with a potent 3.0 Litre 4 Cylinder diesel engine developing 163 bhp of maximum power @ 3400 rpm and 343 nm of torque @ barely idle 1400-3200 rpm! The engine will be mated to either a 4-speed automatic transmission for the the higher end variant or a 5-speed manual for the base variant. A premanent all wheel drive is also expected.

Toyota will launch the 2009 variant which has seen minor tweaks and updates compared to the previous model. The 2009 version features new projector headlamps at the front, new fascia, new rear tail lamps, new light sand interiors and electrically adjustable driver seat in the higher end variants.

Newest Toyota Supra photo

2009-11-29T08:03:00.000-08:00

Newest Toyota Supra photo

Toyota Trucks Recalled

2009-11-25T09:33:00.000-08:00

More than a hundred-thousand Toyota trucks are being recalled by the automaker.

The recall affects the Toyota Tundra, model years 2000 through 2003, and it specifically targets trucks operated in 20 cold-weather states and the District of Columbia.

According to Toyota, the high use of road salt in those regions can lead to excessive corrosion on the car's frame, which could in turn cause the spare tire to separate and fall onto the road.

Owners will receive notices to bring their trucks in for an inspection. Until then, government regulators say owners of the Tundras should remove any spare tires that are mounted under the frame.

2010 Toyota Tundra Unveiled with all-new 4.6-liter V8 engine

2009-11-08T11:33:00.000-08:00

2010 Toyota Tundra

Toyota's Tundra full-size pickup showed in Chicago with minor updates for 2010, including styling updates and a more efficient 4.6 liter V8 engine.

The new 4.6 V8 makes 310 horsepower and 327 ft-lb torque, and preliminary fuel economy estimates have it rated at 15/20, according to Toyota. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment.

The Tundra's styling has been tweaked slightly, with new grille and headlamp treatments as well as minor modifications designed to improve its worksite-friendliness. Two new trim packages join the lineup: the top-of-the-line Platinum Package, and the no-frills Work Truck Package. The Platinum Package stands out with chrome bumpers and a billet-style grille, as well as unique 20-inch wheels and special badges. Inside, this luxury pickup gets special trim, perforated leather upholstery, a navigation system, a sunroof and a wood shifter knob, among other high-class appointments. The Platinum Package stickers for $5140 and will enable the Tundra to compete with the luxury trucks from Ford and GMC.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, there's the Work Truck, which is stripped down for ease of purchasing and upgrading by contractors and fleet operators. The Work Truck gets standard black plastic trim, manual windows and a hose-out vinyl interior. Keyless entry and cruise control are removed from the standard package as well, which lowers the MSRP. The Work Truck package will sticker for $550 to $655 less than the base Tundra.

2010 Toyota Tundra Work Truck Package

2009-11-05T11:22:00.001-08:00

The 2010 Toyota Tundra Work Truck Package made its debut today at the 2009 San Diego Auto Show.

Aimed at commercial truck buyers, the decontented Work Truck Package is strictly no-frills. It's slated to debut in the spring, priced below the formerly entry-level Tundra Grade model.

The Tundra's front end has been mildly reworked. It wears a new two-bar mesh-style black plastic grille and surround set over a revised front bumper. The rear of the truck sports new plastic taillight covers. The back lamps continue to use incandescent bulbs instead of LEDs.

Vinyl and rubber are the materials of choice inside the truck. The rubber floor features a unique embossed pattern that plays off Toyota's truck division logo and offroad tire tread. The transmission hump running through the cabin floor is covered in a rubber sheet. Replacing cloth, the vinyl seats are surprisingly comfortable and have a durable feel. The ignition key ring and glove box lighting are deleted, along with map and door courtesy lamps. Also removed are cruise control and remote keyless entry as standard features, although separate Work Truck packages will be offered with these features.

The Tundra Work Truck Package will be available on two- and four-wheel-drive regular and Access Cab models, in standard and long-bed configurations with a choice of six-cylinder or eight-cylinder engines. The show truck has the 5.7-liter V-8 under its hood.

According to Toyota's press release, Tundra models equipped with the Work Truck Package are expected to carry a discount that will make them from $550 to $655 less than the Tundra's suggested retail price, depending on the model. For example, a 2009 two-wheel-drive regular cab Tundra with a 4.0-liter V-6 starts at $22,390, which should put the Work Truck Package Tundra in the $21,000 range.

New work truck by Toyota 2010 Tundra

2009-11-05T11:21:00.001-08:00

We hoped on a “big” difference with this new version, but as far we could see, just the tail-lights have been changed. Look on the images below Not even the shape.. but only the inside…

And here the new Toyota Tundra

Well maybe we said enough for now.. below a couple of nice photo’s of this new version.

New Toyota Trucks Toyota Tundra

2009-11-05T11:20:00.002-08:00

New Toyota Trucks Toyota Tundra

Toyota Tundra Dually Diesel

2009-11-05T11:20:00.001-08:00

I found a couple of interesting videos of this truck, Toyota put together for auto expos. Its a Toyota Crewmax, with a completely stock Hino JO8E 8.0L inline 6. 220 Horsepower 520 foot-pounds of torque. The transmission is a Allison 5-speed manual. If your like me, your probably wondering what Company Hino is. Turns out Toyota owns about 50% of this large Truck manufacturer. Now this was a fun project that Toyota decided to do. It’s not a concept and it’s not going to be a production model. It was probably to get people talking about the Tundra I’m betting if it gathers large crowds and big interest, Toyota will consider to build a production model for the U.S. However, if Toyota is planing on a Diesel Tundra it will Probably have a smaller displacement engine then the 8.0L that came in this Truck. Also the semi-truck wheels and tires are a little over the top. I Think this would be a good move for Toyota to make. I also believe that the first auto manufacturer to build a compact Diesel pick up truck, will sell them faster then they can build them. People would love a 50mpg Tacoma Diesel. (UPDATE: Toyota will be building a Diesel Tundra for the U.S. New article located here, 2010 Toyota Tundra Diesels.)

2010 Toyota Tundra Diesels

2009-11-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

Toyota has plans to take on the big three with two new diesel power plants for the Tundra. To combat the new half-ton Dodge, Ford and GM/Chevrolet Diesels, Toyota has a twin turbo 4.5L V8. To go against the heavy duty diesels, Toyota has a 7.0L V8. Both engines should be available in 2010. The smaller 4.5L diesel will also be offered in the Sequoia. With Fuel Prices rising Truck sales are slowing. Toyota just had to lay off 200 temporary workers at a Tundra Plant in Texas. More fuel efficient trucks will sell better. The 4.5L will probably do very well. Here is what the 4.5L looks like.

2010 Toyota Tundra Pickup Truck

2009-11-01T09:07:00.001-08:00

Cheaper Tundra ready for Customizing ~ Toyota just released a Work Truck version of the awesome Tundra fullsize truck. It's a lower-priced model aimed at construction workers and landscapers who don't care about items like leather seats, chrome bumpers, and lighted ignition key rings. We only care because the money you save by buying this truck versus a Limited or SR-5 Tundra can be spent modifying areas of the truck you're probably going to change anyway. The Work Truck is available in 4x4 and 4x2 models, with Toyota's awesome 381hp V-8 engine. Here's a list of the changes to the Work Truck:

2010 Toyota Tundra Work Truck Package

2009-11-01T09:05:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Toyota Tundra Work Truck Package made its debut today at the 2009 San Diego Auto Show.

Aimed at commercial truck buyers, the decontented Work Truck Package is strictly no-frills. It's slated to debut in the spring, priced below the formerly entry-level Tundra Grade model.

4x4 On Road in USA

2009-10-24T01:58:00.000-07:00

Colorado

Ron meets me at the airport and invites me to his home and family. Unfortunately my luggage gets misplaced in Minneapolis and I only have a tiny emergency bag with a toothbrush and comb :)

In the morning a little bit of snow had fallen. I feel I have brought something precious with me from Iceland! Weather in Colorado seems similar to what it is often like in Iceland.

The truck looks nice. It has leather seats and a nice stereo.

Ron spends the day showing me around Denver. Of course we take a look at a 4 wheeling shop. In front of the shop we see this typical "American" style off road truck. This is a heavily lifted Toyota Hilux. It looks rugged and ready but a bit too high and lacking proper fender flares.

This old pickup truck with only a little bit rust showing is still going strong.

A friend of Ron's specializes in older military trucks. Like this six wheeled Volvo truck.

Ron had plans on buying this Volvo truck and fix and rebuild it for his own use. It has enough room for his whole family and should look nice on 38 inch tires!

Early Sunday morning I start my long drive. Fog has settled in and it is chilly outside. The plan is to get on Interstate 70 and head east.

As I drive on the fog lifts and I can enjoy the Colorado landscape.

I make a small mistake in taking Interstate 76, but realize my error, buy a map and take the country road to get on I-70.

On the Highway

The first day I soon get out of Colorado and into Kansas. Not much to see - endless fields for hundreds of miles. I drive on all the way to Topeka Kansas where I find a place to stay for the night.

Big trucks are driving on the Interstate highways. I imagine the drivers are as close as you can get to original cowboys. They wake up early and drive the whole day.

2010 Toyota Landcruiser Prado Three Door Official Revealed

2009-10-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

Toyota's next-generation LandCruiser Prado is out to prove that "less is more" with the introduction of sporty three-door versions for the first time in Australia.

Aimed at a younger buyer seeking recreational off-road fun, three-door Prado will be sold alongside five-door models from the November introduction of the new Prado 150 range.

The three-door model has the same distinctively LandCruiser-like Prado face of the five-door, featuring a three-dimensional vertical grille.

Its roof and rear-quarter sheet metal are unique, though the back door - which bears the spare tire - is shared with the five-door version.

A higher break-over angle, courtesy of the shorter wheelbase, provides three-door Prado with the ability to travel over steeper peaks than five-door.

Lower weight for the three-door versions is expected to translate into even better real-world acceleration - as well as a small improvement in fuel economy and emissions*.

Another key benefit of the three-door is its strong towing capacity of three tonnes (braked)^ - 500kg more than the already-impressive five-door.

Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said three-door Prado was a valuable addition to the local range.

"Prado three-door will be the ideal vehicle for couples who want a vehicle for its sporty styling, as well as Prado's legendary towing and off-road abilities," Mr Buttner said.

"Even more than new five-door Prado, the three-door will definitely attract buyers who previously have not considered a sports utility vehicle," he said.

"Specification levels will be high across three- and five-door ranges, with several flow-down technologies from Lexus and from LandCruiser 200 Series.

"New electronic features will take Prado's off-road ability to new levels for Toyota, catering even for those new to off-road motoring.

"Handling, stability and ride comfort have been raised to new heights."

All next-generation Prados in Australia will have seven airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes.

Alloy wheels and Toyota's Smart Entry & Start, which provides keyless entry and ignition, are also standard.

Prado first arrived in Australia in 1996 and quickly secured a firm foothold in the mid-size SUV market.

To the end of September this year, Australians have bought almost 149,000 Prados.

The 150,000 milestone is expected to be reached in the first month of next-generation sales.

It was Australia's best-selling SUV overall in 2008.

The medium SUV segment has grown markedly in recent years with sales more than doubling from just 33,468 in 2002 to a record of 75,485 last year.

This year, the segment has basically moved with the overall industry average.

2010 Toyota Tundra

2009-10-02T04:39:00.000-07:00

Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A, Inc., today announced that a new work truck version of the 2010 Tundra full-size pickup truck will make its U.S. debut at the 2009 San Diego Auto Show.
The Tundra Work Truck Package is aimed at commercial truck buyers in industries such as farming, ranching and construction, who require a tough no-frills truck with exceptional cargo and towing capacity.
The new Work Truck Package will be available on Tundra 4x2 and 4x4 Regular and four-door Double Cab models in standard and long bed configurations. It will be available with a V6 and two V8 engines including Tundra’s powerful 381 horsepower 5.7-liter i-Force V8, with a towing capability of up to 10,800 pounds.

Designed to deliver only the features commercial truck buyers need to get the job done, the Tundra Work Truck Package will be offered at a discount. Tundra models equipped with the Work Truck Package are expected to carry a discount that will range from $550 to $655 less than the truck's standard manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), depending on the model. Final pricing of the Work Truck package will be announced shortly before the vehicle goes on sale in the Spring of 2009.

On the outside, the Tundra Work Truck Package will include black bumpers and grille surround, replacing chrome. Power mirrors are replaced by manual outside rearview mirrors.

Inside, the truck comes with easily washable vinyl bench seats and rubber floors. To appeal to target buyers, several Tundra standard personal-use features have been replaced or removed. Tundra's standard silver instrument panel and HVAC controls are replaced by basic black and include voltage, oil pressure and warning lamps in place of gauges. Lighting in the ignition key ring and the glove box are removed along with map and door courtesy lamps. The package also excludes cruise control and the remote keyless entry as standard features, although separate Work Truck packages will be offered with these features.

Fuel efficient and innovative vehicles power Toyota sales in September

2009-10-02T04:36:00.000-07:00

Canadians looking for innovative vehicles that adjust to ever-changing lifestyles continued to turn to Toyota and Lexus last month, leading to best ever September sales records for several models.

Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) sold 17,569 Toyota and Lexus cars, SUVs and trucks in September (down 9.4% from September 2008).

    -   Toyota sales of 16,065 (down 11.1%) included a new best ever
       September for Toyota Trucks, at 5,626 (up 16.4%).

Four-cylinder Toyota Tacoma 4x4

2009-09-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

Small trucks are for people who are not truck people. Truck guys usually end up with Tundras, F-150s, or off-lease Dodge Rams and think anything with a four-cylinder is for wimps. A truck like the Toyota Tacoma is for those who want or need a pickup semi-regularly, but realize they don’t need a cargo ship to sail with a basket of oranges – or don’t need a whole barn for one horse.

This 4-cylinder Tacoma may not be able to pull a JCB excavator up a hill, but it will move patio furniture, that old fridge your brother gave you for the garage, and cart old mattresses to the dump. Trucks are as handy as zip ties and pocket knifes put together, but can make you want to end your life when you open the fuel door. Then again, in this particular Tacoma I got 9.6 L/100km overall, which is quite good for something with a bed and four-wheel drive. That’s better than the mileage you could expect from the full-size Chevrolet and GMC Hybrid pickups. Yes they have a lot more power and towing capacity, but also cost roughly $15,000 more. And traditionally, small import pickups have among the best resale values of any vehicle you can buy. The 4-cylinder Tacoma is a solid option if you don’t need a truck all the time, and are afraid of the running costs that go along with them.

I ended up driving the Tacoma a lot, and the more I did the more comfortable it revealed itself to be. It’s not typically comfortable, it certainly doesn’t look like it, but it gets what matters most, right. For my body type, the seats are well formed and the steering wheel is the perfect distance away. The clutch pedal didn’t ask me to hyper extend my foot to fully depress, yet didn’t require me to lift my leg to get my foot on top. The shift leaver is distanced ideally from the seatback, meaning I didn’t have to lean forward at all while shifting to 1-3-5, and I didn’t have to bend my elbow to go into 2-4-R. I was able to shift with my hand, not my arm.

The current body style is still going strong, from 2005. While almost five years old, it looks as modern as the rest of the trucks out there. I like the Tacoma’s darkened rear taillights and its pleasantly swollen wheel arches. It sits high, but doesn’t look huge. It’s a nice look, for sure, and a great truck to drive, but the interior styling a tad out of date. It’s attractive and well put together, but it doesn’t quite stack up when put beside other 2009 vehicles. Not that it matters as much as it would if it were a car, because usability, comfort, durability and build quality are what matters more in the truck category, all of which the Tacoma delivers.

The rear seats in the Access Cab are okay in a pinch, but no place for people you care about on long trips. It’s very easy to get in and out of the back via the rear swinging doors, and there are child seat anchors too.

2010 Toyota Tundra

2009-08-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Toyota Tundra Work Truck Package made its debut today at the 2009 San Diego Auto Show.

Aimed at commercial truck buyers, the decontented Work Truck Package is strictly no-frills. It's slated to debut in the spring, priced below the formerly entry-level Tundra Grade model.

2009 Toyota Tundra Base 4.7L V8 2dr 4x4 Regular Cab Overview

2009-08-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

The Toyota Tundra is a full-size, half-ton pickup that raises the competitive bar in its class. It's also built to Toyota's high standards of quality, durability and reliability.

The Tundra is available in three different cab styles: the 2-door Regular Cab, and the 4-door Double Cab and CrewMax. The Regular and Double Cabs are available with either a 6.5-foot standard bed or an 8-foot long bed, while the CrewMax features a 5.5-foot short bed. Electronic, part-time four-wheel drive is offered on all V8-powered Tundras. The 236-hp 4.0-liter V6 and 276-hp 4.7-liter V8 come with a five-speed automatic, while the 381-hp 5.7-liter V8 features a six-speed automatic. All have a manual gear-selection feature. Three trims are available: the base Tundra Grade, the SR5 and the Limited. Available options include front and rear parking sensors, navigation system with backup camera, JBL audio systems, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, power moonroof, and a power memory feature. Optional packages include the TRD Offroad Package, Sport Appearance Package and a Towing Package.

For 2009, the Toyota Tundra adds an available flex-fuel 5.7L engine choice.

2008 Toyota Tundra SR5 4.7L V8 4dr 4x2 Double Cab Overview

2009-08-09T18:45:00.000-07:00

The Toyota Tundra is a full-size, half-ton pickup that raises the competitive bar in its class. It's also built to Toyota's high standards of quality, durability and reliability.

The Toyota Tundra lineup comes in five different setups. The Regular Cab offers only storage space behind the front seat, and either a 6.5-foot standard bed or 8-foot long bed. The Double Cab features rear side doors, forward-hinged like on an SUV, and seats for as many as six; the Double Cab comes with the standard bed or the long bed. Then there's the CrewMax, with full-size rear side doors, and a 5.5-foot short bed. The base engine is a 236-hp 4.0-liter V6. Next up is a 276-hp 4.7-liter V8. At the top is a 381-hp 5.7-liter V8. The 4.0-liter and 4.7-liter engines come with a five-speed automatic, the larger V8 gets a six-speed automatic. All have a manual gear-selection feature. Electronic, part-time, four-wheel drive is offered on all V8-powered Tundras.

For 2008, the Toyota Tundra adds 13 new model variations as well as upgraded standard equipment levels.

2008 Toyota Tundra 4 X 4 Pickup Truck

2009-08-09T18:41:00.000-07:00

Silver Sky Metallic 2008 Toyota Tundra Limited Double Cab 4x4 with Graphite Gray interior

Half-ton pickup trucks are pretty well the exclusive domain of the domestics. North America is the only true market where vehicles like these are sold, and it’s here, where gas is cheap and plentiful, relatively speaking, and the need to tow and haul big stuff like camper trailers and recreational boats, not to mention their commercial uses, makes them the most popular vehicle type sold. Part of that statement is false. No, not the gas part, or their popularity, although that’s been slipping lately due to cheap gas not being quite as cheap. What’s false is that full-size pickups are the domain of the domestics. You see, the Japanese have been trying to get in on the half-ton action for a long time. Nissan’s been providing an alternative since 2004, with the Titan, but the brand that’s been trying to make headway in the segment since 1993 is Toyota, first with the T100, followed up by two generations of Tundra.

The first generation Tundra wasn’t so much a full-size truck as a 7/8th size one, in terms of size and capability. But Toyota wasn’t about to show up to the sandbox with the potential of getting sand kicked in its face the second time around, and with the new Tundra it’s brought the same sort of A-Game as it did with the Camry and Corolla. Having been on sale for just about a year now, the Tundra has done a commendable job at ranking high on capability and eating up market share in both private and commercial sales, despite a downturn in the light truck segment. Looking at sales, so far this year there are only two trucks that have posted year-over-year sales gains to date; one is the Ford Ranger and the other is the Tundra. Commanding nearly 20-percent of the total market with sales looking good to hit over 200,000 units this year, the Tundra has cut itself out a piece of the half-ton pickup truck pie that was almost as big as GMC last year. Toyota hasn’t done badly for itself; not in the slightest.

And how was it that Toyota managed to crack that “all-American” barrier? Well, the midsize sedan segment was the property of the domestics too, not too long ago, and they blew that, but that’s another story for another time. With regards to the Tundra, to simplify things they built it from start to finish the American way. It was styled by CALTY in California, engineered in the Big 3’s backyard, Detroit, and is built in two different plants, one in Indiana and one in Texas. The truck on the whole was also only meant for North Americans, which allowed Toyota to specifically focus on the things Chevy, Ford and Dodge buyers look for.

Because pickup trucks are no longer workforce specials, real inroads have been made by giving them the attributes of cars (rather, luxury SUVs) without losing an ounce of strength. Size, for instance, is a big one. Every configuration that the Tundra is offered in, regardless of cab or bed length, is longer than its equivalent Big 3 rival. And in terms of interior room, although not the super-sized CrewMax, the Double Cab shown here provides acres of legroom. I’ve been in the back of a CrewMax, and its legroom rivals that of long-wheelbase six-figure German limousines. The Double Cab still offers more legroom than your average midsize sedan, and with flip up rear seats, passengers aren’t the only thing you can carry in the cab.

Hoist yourself up into the Tundra’s cab and right before your eyes is the most modern-looking half-ton pick up cabin ever created. It’s much less cookie-cutter, flat-dash, boring stuff, and much more organic and actually quite cool looking. The silver-backed dashboard, with its gun-barrel style sunk-in gauges spills over into the console, which is half silver and half piano-key black. The console, lovingly named “Phantom of the Opera”, is comprised of giant, easy-to-push buttons and easier-to-twist knobs that are impossible to fumble, even with the thickest work gloves on. Though the Tundra doesn’t have soft-touch plastics (something I was expecting; this is Toyota we’re talking about), fit and finish is the best I’ve ever seen in a truck. It didn’t look or feel cheap, to the eyes or to the rap of knuckles. And due to the need to remain in control when you’re piloting a vehicle as big and bulky as this, the Tundra offers best-in-class height travel for the seats, plus a tilting and telescoping steering wheel.

If there’s something to criticize about the Tundra, it’s that its ride, when empty, is firm and bouncy. This is something that a lot of pickup trucks are prone to, but in the case of the Tundra it’s more pronounced than in the Ford F-150, Silverado or Titan, which may have a little something to do with its tow and payload ratings that are right up there at the top of the class. If Toyota’s going to compete, you know that they’re not going to stress their truck’s skeleton out. Things do calm down significantly once its leaf springs have something more than an empty bed to hold up.

2008 Toyota Tundra Double Cab