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The Toyota Tundra is already over 20 years old. It’s been a reliable, fun truck for two decades now. Take a look at its history, impact, and photos!
Before The Beginning
2022 Toyota Tundra – toyota.com | Shop Toyota Tundra on Carsforsale.com
The Toyota Tundra enters into its third generation with the 2022 model. It debuted in 2000, but the history of this successful full-size pickup truck begins a little bit before that. Toyota produced the T100 from 1993 to 1998. The Toyota T100 was larger than other compact mini trucks at the time. It offered a full-size pickup bed with the engine and suspension of a smaller truck. The T100 still had room for up to five passengers, too, positioning itself in a unique spot in the market. It’s really the originator of the Tundra.
From there, Toyota’s room of creators came up with the T150. No, that’s not a Terminator. Bigger (with a V8 engine) and more visually appealing, the T150 was Toyota’s first entry into the full-size truck segment. Toyota introduced this next step in their truck evolution at the 1998 Chicago auto show. The T150 wasn’t meant to be, though. Ford had the F-150 at the time, so Toyota regrouped with the Tundra in May 1999.
First Generation (2000-2006)
- After being produced in Princeton, Indiana, the first Tundra debuted at the 1998 Indiana State Fair.
- Toyota began production in 1999 and introduced the Tundra as a 2000 model year.
- This was the first full-size pickup built in North America by a Japanese automaker.
- Upon its introduction, the Tundra had the highest initial sales than any other Toyota or Lexus vehicle in history.
- It was still smaller than other full-size pickups at the time: 8″ smaller in length than the Ford F-150 and over a foot shorter than the Silverado‘s wheelbase
- The first Toyota Tundra had a 3.4L V6 as a base engine from 2000-2004.
- The engine was replaced by a 4.0L V6 from 2005-2006 or an optional 4.7L V8 that made 245 hp.
- Even though it lost the original Terminator-like T-150 name, the Tundra appeared in 2003’s Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.
- A StepSide bed was added for 2003 models.
- Two body styles and bed lengths included: Regular Cab and Double Cab.
- The Tundra Double Cab was about 7″ longer than the bed in the Ford F-150 Super Crew or Nissan’s Titan Crew Cab.
- 2005 Tundra models received new headlights, taillights, instrument panel, and optional navigation system.
Second Generation (2007-2021)
- The all-new 2007 Toyota Tundra was larger in overall body size and under the hood.
- It was available with a 5.7L V8 that made 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque.
- The four-door CrewMax version of the Toyota Tundra was able to tow more than 10,000 lbs.
- The truck was assembled at the Indiana plant, but supplemented by a Toyota plant in Texas.
- All production moved to Texas in 2008.
- A 2012 Toyota Tundra CrewMax pulled the Space Shuttle Endeavor across the Manchester Bridge in Los Angeles while enroute to the California Science Center.
- The stock 2012 Tundra used for that was a 381-horsepower 5.7L V8 using Toyota’s A-TRAC system and four-wheel drive.
- 2014 models received an interior and exterior redesign along with a new 1794 Edition trim level.
- The off-roading TRD Pro trim, with an upgraded suspension for rough terrain, arrived with 2015 models.
- In 2016, Victor Sheppard’s 2007 Toyota Tundra hit the one-million-mile mark.
- As of 2018, Toyota discontinued the Regular Cab body style and TRD Pro trim.
- The 5.7L V8 engine became standard with the 2020 model year.
- TRD Pro returned and was available in Double Cab or CrewMax starting with the 2020 Tundra.
- Take a look at important specs in our 2020 Toyota Tundra review.
- After that, click over to our 2021 Toyota Tundra review.
Third Generation (2022-Present)
- Toyota kicked off the third generation of the truck with the 2022 Tundra, rebuilt from the ground up.
- It’s still assembled at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Texas, and is the only full-size pickup truck made in Texas.
- For the first time, the Tundra uses an independent rear suspension.
- A bold grille stands out, replacing the soft lines and curved panels.
- The 2022 Tundra is offered in six trims, with higher models featuring leather upholstery and a 14” infotainment screen.
- Every Tundra has a twin-turbocharged V6 and a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- The 2022 Toyota Tundra can tow up to 12,000 pounds.
- Some 2022 trims have access to hybrid power, which is routed to the rear wheels or all four wheels.
- Other changes include a more modern interior.
- Click on our full-length 2022 Toyota Tundra review to learn about all the new features.
Keep Exploring!
2022 Toyota Tundra – toyota.com | Shop Toyota Tundra on Carsforsale.com
This is as far as the Toyota Tundra’s timeline goes so far, but we have dozens of other ‘Through the Years’ features, highlighting other Toyota mainstays like the Tacoma, 4Runner, and Corolla. Other trucks are showcased, too. Explore different generations of the RAM 1500, Chevrolet Silverado, and Ford F-150.
It doesn’t stop there, though! From classic cars, like the Dodge Charger and Chevy Corvette, to more modern models, like the Subaru Outback and Dodge Durango, they’re all here. There is content for hours. Enjoy the reading!
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