2008 Toyota Tundra [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 46 Tundra reviews and test drives.
Toyota Tundra - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Toyota Tundra ranks 3 out of 7 Full Size Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 46 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Tundra, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Tundra's massive size, impressive interior space and optional 5.7-liter V8 engine secure its spot near the top of our full size pickup truck rankings. But Toyota must improve its cabin materials and offer a more inspiring exterior design to outpace its top competitors.
According to our analysis, the 2008 Tundra is a formidable choice for a full size pickup truck. Completely redesigned in 2007, the Tundra is both larger and more powerful than the previous generation, and its powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine helps raise it to the top-tier of the full size pickup class. Some say the Tundra's biggest flaw is that it's as good as, but not better than its competition. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says though the truck "cannot be described as revolutionary, the Tundra has a number of features to distinguish itself from the competition." The Fort Worth Star-Telegram adds that the Tundra, "should be able to hold its own among the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram."
Ample passenger space is another plus with the 2008 Tundra, which comes with a choice of three cabs - the Regular Cab, the Double Cab, and the CrewMax cab. The New York Times says the CrewMax is "just short of having enough rear-seat room for Yao Ming and the rest of the Houston Rockets." The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that passengers can be carted around safely -- the Tundra is a 2008 Top Safety Pick, with recognition for good performance in front, side, rear and stability control testing. This marks the first time a pickup truck has been chosen as one of the institute's safety picks.
If you're shopping for a full size pickup but not convinced of the Tundra's qualifications, consider the class leaders, the Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra.
- "Finally, a Toyota truck with no excuses. And it sure won't need any." -- Car and Driver
- "It's big, it's powerful, and it promises more potency than a Viagra commercial." -- Detroit News
- "It's not that Tundra is any better or even much different from the domestic trucks. Size, power, accommodations, drivability, pretty much a wash. But what could draw new customers is Toyota's towering reputation for quality and reliability." -- Arizona Republic
- "It's exactly what I thought it would be: a half-earnest, half-mocking tribute to the American pickup truck, bigger and saccharine-sweeter than its competitors, with major-league engineering…and focus-group features galore, including half a dozen of the biggest cup holders this side of the NFL." -- Los Angeles Times
- "The Tundra is a more serious threat than Nissan's Titan, but it won't swing 200,000 votes overnight. The new GM trucks are vastly improved, the Dodge Ram is deeply discounted, and the Ford F-150 is due for fresh makeup." -- Automobile Magazine
Tundra Performance - 8.2 (Very Good)
According to reviews, the 2008 Tundra has one of the most powerful V8 engines in the class. Automobile Magazine says, "The big V-8 purrs silently in cruise mode. When tasked to move a hefty load, the samurai warrior buried in its soul lets out a fierce yowl." The Sacramento Bee says the Tundra "accelerates like a scalded cat and brakes like a Nike-shod panther." Our full Performance Review gives an in-depth analysis of the Tundra's power, maneuverability and towing capacity. continue
Tundra Exterior - 7.0 (Good)
Compared to other full size pickups, the imposing Toyota Tundra just isn't imposing enough. The New York Times says, "We don't think any of the three Tundra models is particularly attractive on the outside -- their chrome grilles are Dodge Ram wannabes," but later notes, "the rest of the package looks like a winner." See what other auto critics had to say about the Tundra's design with our full Exterior Review, or click through our Toyota Tundra Photo Gallery to view the truck in gray. continue
Tundra Interior - 7.7 (Good)
Although the Tundra gets attention for a spacious cabin, its sub par quality leaves it near the bottom of the full size pickup interior rankings. According to the Arizona Republic, "The materials are dull-looking, with too much hard plastic everywhere you touch." Motor Trend says, "The interior falls short -- perhaps the last thing over which you'd expect Toyota to stumble." Our Toyota Tundra Photo Gallery gives up-close images of the cabin, especially the dash, stereo and gear shift, while our full Interior Review offers more insight on the three available cabs' seating configurations and comfort. continue
Tundra Safety - NA
The Tundra does well in government crash tests and is recognized as one of the Insurance Institute's "Top Safety Picks" for 2008. Continue with our full Safety Review for details on the Tundra's Star Safety System. continue
Tundra Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2008 Toyota Tundra reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2008 Toyota Tundra is covered by a 36-month/36,000-mile basic warranty. Our full Reliability Review provides more information on the Tundra's predicted reliability. continue
