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Large pickup truck; Built in USA
  • crew cab
  • ext. cab short bed
  • reg. cab long bed
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $3,800 – $16,000*


2000 Toyota Tundra Access Cab extended cab


2000 Toyota Tundra Access Cab extended cab


2000 Toyota Tundra interior


2001 Toyota Tundra regular cab


2001 Toyota Tundra Access Cab extended cab

Pros:
  • Acceleration (V8)
  • Build quality
  • Interior materials
Cons:
  • Fuel economy (V8)
  • Rear-seat comfort (extended cab)
  • Rear-seat entry/exit (extended cab)

Simply put, Tundra is a fine truck, priced competitively and executed with typical Toyota thoroughness. Except for back-seat comfort, matches any comparably equipped domestic-brand model–and is built in Indiana.

Overview

Somewhat smaller than domestic-make full-size trucks, Toyota’s newest pickup was the first import-brand challenger in that league, despite measuring nearly a foot shorter overall. Toyota used the same design for its full-size Sequoia SUV, introduced as a 2001 model. Tundras came with a regular 2-door cab and 8-foot cargo bed, or in Extended Access Cab form with a 6.5-foot bed and three-place 60/40 rear bench seat. Rear-hinged back doors on the Access Cab did not open independently of the front doors. No 4-door Crew Cab model was produced. Regular-cab trucks came in base or SR5 trim, while Access Cabs were SR5 or Limited.

Base and SR5 trucks used a twin-cam, 190-horsepower, 3.4-liter V6 engine borrowed from the smaller Tacoma pickup, with manual shift or an optional automatic transmission. A twin-cam V8, shared with the Land Cruiser SUV, went into the SR5 V8 and Limited. Offered only with automatic, the V8 delivered 245 horsepower. Premium fuel was recommended for the V8 engine.

Toyota’s four-wheel-drive system could be engaged with dashboard buttons on V8 models, or a floor lever with V6 power. While incorporating low-range gearing, the 4WD system had to be disengaged for use on dry pavement.

Toyota stated a maximum payload of 2000 pounds and a towing capacity of 7500 pounds–both figures competitive with the domestic trucks. Antilock braking was optional, but four-wheel discs were not available. Either bench or bucket front seating could be installed. Rivals included the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Dodge Ram 1500, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra 1500.

Yearly Updates

2001 Tundra
An Off-Road Package with raised suspension, special tires and shock absorbers, and fender flares became optional for 2001. A new Appearance package included color-keyed bumpers.
2002 Tundra
Toyota’s top-line Limited model gained a standard in-dash CD changer, antilock braking, and keyless remote entry this year. Tundra V8 trucks could now get an optional limited-slip rear differential.
2003 Tundra
New for ’03 was a V8 Access Cab with a flared-fender StepSide cargo box. Antilock brakes became standard equipment. All got a restyled grille, bumpers of plasticlike resin instead of steel, and a revised center console. New options included heated door mirrors and a tow package for V8 models. New for 2WD SR5s was a Sport Package with special suspension and 17-inch wheels. Limiteds gained as standard a power horizontal-sliding rear window, and 17-inch wheels vs. 16s. Finally, Tundra’s off-road package dropped the TRD designation.
2004 Tundra
Toyota adds a crew-cab model to the Tundra in 2004. The Double Cab has four side doors, a power-down rear window, and a 12.2-inch longer wheelbase than other Tundra models. Standard are the 4.7-liter V8 and 4-speed automatic transmission available in other Tundras. Exclusive to the Double Cab are standard antiskid/traction control, limited-slip differential, running boards, optional sunroof, and rear DVD entertainment.
2005 Tundra
More power, new transmissions, and available curtain side airbags highlight 2005 additions to this American-built large pickup truck. They also gain an available 3-passenger front bench seat for ’05, so all Access Cabs and Double Cabs now offer front bucket seats or a bench. For ’05, the V6 is a 245-hp 4.0-liter, replacing a 190-hp 3.4. It comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, which replaces a 5-speed; or a 5-speed automatic, which replaces a 4-speed. The V8 is again a 4.7-liter, but it gains 42 hp for 282. An antiskid system is among new 2005 options for all Tundras. Regular cabs come in base and new-for-’05 Work models. Other Tundras offer SR5 and Limited trim and are newly available with a navigation system.
2006 Tundra
No significant changes for the Tundra in 2006.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

Tundras came with a choice of two engines, depending on model. Base and SR5 trucks had a dual-overhead-cam, 3.4-liter V6 that produced 190 horsepower. A 4.7-liter dual-cam V8, standard in the SR5 V8 and Limited, developed 245 horsepower. Either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission could work with the V6, but V8 trucks were automatic only. For ’05, the V6 is a 245-hp 4.0-liter, replacing a 190-hp 3.4. It comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, which replaces a 5-speed; or a 5-speed automatic, which replaces a 4-speed. The V8 is again a 4.7-liter, but it gains 42 hp for 282.

dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.4/207
Engine HP 190
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 220
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic 		16/20
16/19
dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.0/241
Engine HP 245
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 282
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed manual
5-speed automatic 		16/20
18/22
dohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.7/285
Engine HP 245-282
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 315
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 15/19

 13.9

Road Test

For really heavy work or demanding towing, choose a 3/4-ton domestic-brand pickup. But for refinement that’s likely to appeal to light-duty users or first-time pickup buyers, Toyota has scored a winner.

Although V8 models don’t leap ahead from a stop, power builds quickly and passing response is strong. Toyota claimed 0-60 mph acceleration in about 8 seconds for a 2WD regular-cab Tundra with the V8. A heavier Access Cab V8 model performed the same task in 8.8 seconds.

Gas mileage is comparable to the Tundra’s bigger rivals. When new, a V8 4WD Access Cab truck averaged 13.9 mpg.

A Tundra rides more comfortably than competitors with similar wheelbase, though its stiff suspension triggers abrupt vertical motions on uneven surfaces. Handling comes with similar qualifiers. Specifically, a Tundra takes corners with above average balance and the tail resists skipping in bumpy turns. But as with any large pickup, it suffers a lot of body lean in corners, close-quarters maneuverability is subpar, and 4WD models are plagued by slow, numb steering.

Stopping power and brake modulation with optional ABS is excellent. Noise levels are nearly carlike, especially with the smooth V8.

Front-seat room and comfort for two is similar to any full-size pickup, though the cab doesn’t feel quite as expansive as some. Positioning of the steering wheel; pedals; and clear, simple controls is first-rate. On the down side, the column automatic-transmission lever is close to the wiper stalk.

Both 2WD and 4WD models demand a bit of a jump to climb aboard. The Access Cab’s back seat is more cramped than the competition and its seatback is uncomfortably upright. Leg room is sparse without moving the front seats well forward.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2001 Toyota Tundra SR5 Access Cab 2WD, V8

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5
50%
Fuel Economy - 2
20%
Ride Quality - 4
40%
Steering/Handling - 4
40%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 8
80%
Room/Comfort Rear - 3
30%
Cargo Room - 4
40%

Other

Value - 7
70%

Total: 50

Specifications

crew cab
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
140.5 230.1 79.3 74.0
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
– 1835 26.4 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.2 40.2 41.6 37.5
ext. cab short bed
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
128.3 217.5 75.2 70.7
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
– – 26.4 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.3 37.0 41.5 29.6
reg. cab long bed
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
128.3 217.5 75.2 70.5
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
– – 26.4 3
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.3 NA 41.5 NA
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: N/A

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Front Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Brakes
Description: Front brake vibration requires resurfacing the rotors (2000); new rear brake pads are available to replace the originals that vibrated (1999-2000); and new starwheel parking-brake adjusters are available to eliminate vibrations. (2000-01)
Engine noise
Description: Idler pulleys for the supercharger belt on 3.4L V6 engines may rattle because the bearings spin on the shaft requiring replacement with a revised pulley. (2000)
Engine temperature
Description: Temperature gauge reads hot when actual engine temperature is normal. A revised gauge is available. (2000-01)

Recall History

2000 Tundra
Description: The taillight socket may have been improperly molded, allowing the bulb to fall out.
2000-03 Tundra
Description: For vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Excessive corrosion of the rear cross member may cause the separation of the spare tire stowed under the truck bed. Also, corrosion of the rear cross member could affect the rear brake lines and the proportioning valve, resulting in diminished braking capability. Toyota is asking owners of the affected vehicles to remove the spare tire from under the vehicle until a remedy can be obtained. Dealers will inspect all related components to determine if replacement is necessary.
2002-04 Tundra
Description: Surface of lower ball joint in front suspension might have been scratched; joint may eventually experience excessive wear and looseness, resulting in increased steering effort and possible loss of steering control.
2002-2004 Tundra
Description: Passenger-side frontal airbag inflator may rupture upon deployment and spray metal fragments at the passenger.
2004-05 w/Vehicle Stability Control and TRD dual exhaust
Description: Contact between driver’s side exhaust pipe flange and brake line could occur, possibly leading to brake fluid leakage.
2004-06 Tundra
Description: Due to possible improper finishing of the front suspension lower ball joint, some ball joints may experience an incidental deterioration of the internal lubrication. This may cause the ball joint to wear and loosen prematurely, which could result in increased steering effort and possible crash. Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.
2005 Tundra w/automatic transmission and optional fabric front captain’s chairs
Description: Indicator may not display status of front passenger airbag.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 30, 2014.
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