Toyota Tundra

Third time's the charm...

Well, it took Toyota three tries to build a full-sized pickup truck. The first two were too small. But this one…I think it’s big enough.

This is the second generation Toyota Tundra, but counting the late, unlamented T-100 model, their third whack at a big truck. And it is big, with an imposing grill reminiscent of the Dodge Ram, and the Double Cab model we tested was equally cavernous inside.

It is a very nice, very trucklike interior with lots of storage. But a warning to smaller driver, the front pillars and giant side mirrors are so big, your vision is sometimes completely blocked when making a turn.

The trim is, uh, spartan is the word that comes to mind with an ocean of bare plastic and durable, but decidedly non-spiffy cloth seats. The bed is roomy and plastic lined. The tailgate has one of those slow dropping features so even a 90-pound-weakling won’t have the thing drop into their lap.

But the real beauty of this truck is under the massive hood. The larger V8 in the line, a 5.7-liter, 381-horsepower monster resides there and it just flat hauls the groceries. Mileage is 14-city/18-highway and handling is, well, handling is like a truck. Our semi loaded 4X2 came to just over $33,000.

All in all, the Toyota Tundra isn’t really better than it’s domestic competition. But at last it is fully equipped for the big leagues. That’s our road test we’ll see you on our next road trip.