2008 Toyota Tundra Review

The Tundra is a full-size pickup truck that debuted in 1999. In 2000, it was named Motor Trend’s “Truck of the Year” and was nominated for “North American Truck of the Year.” In 2004, the exterior was refreshed, and new engines were introduced in 2005. The second generation debuted in 2007.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Toyota Tundra is the most impressive truck we’ve seen. Not only is it highly capable, but it outweighs the competition in safety and dependability. It’s only low points are its high cost of entry and lack of heavy duty options. If you need a full-size truck, your best bets are either the Tundra or the Silverado, hands down.

What’s New For 2008:

The base trim now includes all body types. The SR5 now includes power front seats, a CD changer, heated mirrors, and mud guards. The Limited models include parking sensors and mudguards.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power gives the Tundra 5 stars for dependability. Problems with the last generation included engine noise, inaccurate temperature gauges, and brake vibration. It was recalled five times for problematic taillight sockets, ball joint wear, brake fluid leaks, and other issues. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles and you can expect above average reliability.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Tundra earned 4 stars in government frontal crash tests, and perfect scores in IIHS tests. It has been selected as one of the IIHS’ “Top Safety Picks.” Anti-lock brakes, traction control, full side airbags, and stability and traction control come standard.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Superior safety and reliability
+ Comfortable, spacious interior
+ Plenty of options

Cons
- No heavy duty model
- Expensive base model
- Hard plastic on the interior

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 costs a few hundred more and lacks traction control, side airbags, and has 40 less hp. The Dodge Ram 1500 costs a few hundred more, lacks side airbags, can’t tow as much, lacks traction control, and has 20 less hp. The Ford F-150 can tow more, but costs several hundred more, lacks traction control, side airbags, and has 30 less hp.

What Others Are Saying:

“So will the Tundra hurt the domestic pickups? Sure it will. Maybe not instantly, but Toyota’s success has been based on persistence and patience. The new Tundra is vastly more competitive than the previous model, and its ride and handling are superior to the aging Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram. But without a back-to-back drive, the Tundra is not spectacular enough to be declared a victor over the impressive Silverado.” – The New York Times

“It teases the brain, like imagining Vice President Dick Cheney mud wrestling, or your demure maiden aunt spitting tobacco juice. That’s what happens when you listen to Toyota talk about its new Tundra full-size pickup truck, which it unabashedly describes as ‘badass.’” – The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

“Trucks are not my specialty, but if you pressed me, I’d say that between the Ford, Chevy, Toyota and Nissan, it’s roughly a four-way tie in the big truck derby. Only the Dodge Ram seems patently inferior, and it’s being frantically redesigned for a 2008 relaunch. But you have to hand it to Toyota. The Tundra is a state-of-the-art pickup, perfectly fettled and cunningly marketed to an audience that can’t tell anymore where domestic ends and foreign begins.” – The L.A. Times

Read more about the 2008 Toyota Tundra at the Toyota manufacturer web site.