Teresa’s View
Excuse me if I’m feeling especially macho today. I just stepped out of the newly redesigned 2007 Toyota Tundra. The second-generation remake is so testosterone laden, I needed to make a waxing appointment after a week with the rig.
The new Tundra appeared in dealerships earlier this year looking like that scrawny boy in high school who came back from summer break all bulked up. I’m not suggesting the Tundra’s been into the ‘roids, but the pickup formerly known as a not-quite-full-size truck, is now a gen-u-ine half-ton. At a full 10 inches longer, 5 inches taller and 4 inches wider than the previous version, it earns the distinction of being the biggest truck Toyota has ever built.
Like its American counterparts, the Tundra is offered in an assortment of configurations. There are three different bed sizes — the longest is 8 feet; three wheelbase choices; three engine sizes; and three trim levels offered in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
The Double Cab features four, front-hinged doors that open up to 80 degrees. The largest cab config is the CrewMax, with best in class rear-seat legroom. The rear seats fold up, fold forward, recline and slide for added comfort and versatility.
The Tundra’s engine selections consist of a 236-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6, a 271-hp 4.7-liter V-8 and a brawny 5.7-liter iForce V-8 that delivers 381 hp and 401 pound-feet of torque. OohRah!
Our tester featured the optional TRD (stands for Toyota Racing Development) Off-Road Package that includes an upgraded suspension with Bilstein shocks, 18-inch all-terrain tires and fog lamps. The ride with the off-road package is definitely trucky. But with the largest of the three engine choices under the hood, our tester could tow up to 10,800 pounds, so you can see why I was walking tall, chest out, head held high.
Storage areas and cupholders are numerous and generous. The glove box is designed to hold a Thermos — heck, I’m happy if it’ll hold the owner’s manual — and the gi-huge center console can hold a laptop or hanging files.
Around here, a truck better be a truck, not a pretender. This time, Toyota got it right.
What Is It?: The 2007 Toyota Tundra is a beefy full-size truck. Prices start at $22K, but can quickly top the $40K mark, depending on the set-up.
Gadget Rating: 7.6 out of 10. All models get dual-zone climate control and an AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input jack. My fave options are the widescreen backup camera and 10-speaker, premium JBL sound system. Safety features include anti-lock brakes and vehicle stability and traction control. This year, front-seat side air bags and roll-sensing curtain air bags are standard.
Gas It Up: EPA ratings are a dismal 14 mpg city and 18 highway for the Tundra with the 5.7-liter V-8 engine. On the plus side, the truck takes regular fuel.
So, Where Are Ya From?: The Tundra is built at Toyota’s plants in Texas and Indiana.