EDMUNDS.COM 2004 TOYOTA TUNDRA
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Although not quite a true full-size in dimensions or power, the Tundra is an excellent general purpose pickup for those who don''t need the extra capacity.
Pros
Smooth and refined V8, Toyota build quality and reliability, easy maneuverability in urban areas, roomy Double Cab configuration.
Cons
Lacks serious brawn for towing and hauling, uncomfortable front seats, cramped rear seat in Access Cab, chintzy interior trimmings.
What''s New for 2004
The four-door Double Cab joins the Tundra lineup for 2004. The Double Cab rides on an extended wheelbase of 140.5 inches, and features a cargo bed equal in length to the Access Cab''s while gaining 3.5 inches of depth.
Overview
Introduction:
The Tundra, Toyota''s full-size truck, has been on sale since 2000. The Tundra competes against the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra twins, the Dodge Ram, the freshly redesigned Ford F-150 and the new-for-2004 Nissan Titan.It has been a successful vehicle for Toyota. But it hasn''t always been this way. Toyota''s first attempt at a full-size truck -- the T100 -- wasn''t well received by the American public when it debuted in 1993. Upon introduction, the T100 was offered only as a regular cab without different bed lengths. It also lacked a V8, a serious shortcoming in the eyes of power-hungry load-towing truck buyers. While the T100 continued to tank, Toyota engineers and designers began working on a better, more powerful truck that they thought would be more appealing to U.S. buyers. Early on, Toyota figured out that a V8 engine was vital to any full-size truck''s sales success in this country. They also discovered that many pickup trucks are actually used for serious work and play, meaning that payload and towing capacities had to be increased. Lastly, Toyota realized that consumers expect certain things when they buy a Toyota: excellent build quality, class-leading reliability and well-designed interiors. The Tundra meets those requirements, especially with this year''s introduction of a roomy Double Cab version. Larger dimensions all around will allow this four-door Tundra to compete more favorably with the domestic competition. Its length of over 230 inches makes it six inches longer than Ford''s 2004 SuperCrew. The Double Cab is also three inches wider and three inches taller than its regular cab and extended cab stablemates. The cargo bed remains the same size in length and width but Toyota made it 3.5 inches deeper for added capacity. On the inside, Toyota claims the Double Cab will have the most comfortable rear seats in its class. The rear bench is split 60/40 while there''s 24 degrees of seat back angle for a more carlike feel. Also new is the addition of a roll-down rear window at the back of the cab that further enhances the Double Cab''s spacious feel. At the end of the day, the Tundra still isn''t as big as the domestic trucks or the Titan, nor does it have the usual mind-numbing array of features and options. But for many people, those extras could be superfluous. Toyota''s first full-size truck is a very good one, especially for the general consumer rather than the contractor or construction worker.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Toyota Tundra is available in regular, extended (Access Cab) and crew cab (Double Cab) versions. Regular cabs come only in longbed form, while Access and Double Cabs come only as shortbeds. Access Cabs have two "suicide" rear doors for easier rear-seat access, while Double Cabs feature four full-size doors and, thanks to their longer wheelbase, equal bed length. There are also three trim levels: base, SR5 and Limited. The base trim is available only on 2WD regular cabs, and amenities are limited to ABS, 16-inch steel wheels, a cloth bench seat and a CD player. The SR5 adds body-color bumpers, a chrome grille and air conditioning; V8-equipped models also get cruise control. Available with a V8 only, the Limited offers alloy wheels, an in-dash CD changer and power windows, mirrors and locks. Compared to domestic full-size trucks, the Tundra''s options list is short. The convenience package for SR5 models includes full power accessories; cruise; a sliding rear window; and keyless entry. You can also get a towing package, a cold-weather package, an off-road package and a sport suspension package. On Limited trucks, there are optional leather-trimmed captain''s chairs with a power driver seat. A DVD entertainment system is available for Double Cab models. For added style, Toyota also offers a stepside bed on V8-powered Access Cabs.
Powertrains and Performance:
Two dual-overhead-cam engines are available: a 3.4-liter V6 and a 4.7-liter V8. The V6 makes 190 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque, while the V8 musters 245 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque. The V6 comes with a five-speed manual transmission, and a four-speed automatic is optional. The V8 comes standard with the automatic. Either engine can be had with four-wheel drive. Maximum towing capacity is 7,200 pounds.
Safety:
The brakes -- discs up front and drums in the rear -- are equipped with standard ABS. In government crash tests, the Tundra received a four-star rating (out of a possible five) for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts. The Toyota earned a perfect five stars for front-occupant protection in side impacts. The IIHS gave the truck a "Good" rating (its best) for frontal offset crashes.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The Access Cab''s rear-seat area is useful, but it''s smaller than the quarters in other full-size extended cabs. The Double Cab''s 60/40-split rear seat boasts legroom on par with its domestic competitors and a reclined seat back for better comfort. Up front, the Tundra offers a typical blend of solid-feeling switchgear, though the materials used are often of mediocre quality.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The V6 isn''t particularly powerful for this application, but the V8 certainly has enough oats for everyday driving and light-duty towing and hauling. Slightly smaller than other full-size trucks, the Tundra is more maneuverable in crowded areas. The standard suspension is softly tuned -- it''s comfortable for commuting, but less suitable for hauling heavy loads.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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