Toyota
has introduced a sporty-looking new StepSide Access Cab
model for 2003 and has given the entire Tundra line freshened
front styling and upgraded trim. The Tundra Stepside is
available in V8 Access Cab two-wheel drive and four-wheel
drive models in SR5 and Limited grades.
"The
Tundra brought proven Toyota ruggedness and quality to the
workhorse full-size pickup truck segment, along with the
kind of refinement inherent in all of the brand's products,"
said Don Esmond, Toyota Division senior vice president and
general manager.
Assembled
exclusively at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant near
Princeton, Ind., the full-size Tundra pickup is available
in 15 configurations comprising two cab styles (Regular
and Access Cab), two engines (3.4-liter V6 and 4.7-liter
i-Force V8), two-wheel and four-wheel drive, two bed lengths
(98-inches for regular cab model, 75-inches for Access Cab
models) and three model grades (Base, SR5 and Limited).
The 4x4 models are available only as SR5 and Limited grades.
All Tundra models ride on a 128.3-inch wheelbase.
The
Tundra is powered by the 4.7-liter i-Force V8, which produces
240 horsepower at 315 lbs.-ft of torque. Equipped with Toyota
Direct Ignition and sequential fuel injection, the i-Force
V8 runs on regular-grade gasoline and is ULEV-certified.
In addition to its capacity for hard work, the Tundra i-Force
V8 rewards the driver and occupants with quick response
and super-low NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) characteristics.
A 3.4-liter
DOHC V6 engine is standard in five of the Tundra models
and produces 190 horsepower and 220 lb.-ft. of peak torque.
The V6 engine comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission.
A smooth-shifting, four-speed electronically controlled
automatic transmission is standard with the V8 and optional
for the V6. The Tundra offers up to a 1,875-pound payload
capacity (V8 2WD Access Cab SR5) and up to 7,200-pound towing
capacity (V8 4x4 regular cab). All V8 models also offer
a new Towing Package to achieve maximum towing capacity.
The Towing Package includes a Class IV tow hitch, a seven-pin
connector with converter, a 130-amp alternator, and a supplemental
transmission oil cooler.
Tough New Look and New Options
The
2003 Tundra gets a tougher look up front, with a new, larger
grill that extends into the upper section of the bumper.
Inside, the roomy and comfortable Tundra offers new gray
seat fabric, a new center console like that in the Toyota
Sequoia SUV, and comes standard with four cup holders, dual
map pockets and covered storage.
The
top-line Limited models add a convenient new steering wheel
audio controls switch, and a new power sliding rear window.
A Sport
Suspension Package that features Tokico shock absorbers,
tuned springs, a rear stabilizer bar, a limited slip differential,
and graphite-toned 17-inch alloy wheels with P265/65R17
tires is available on 4x2 V8 models.
Access
Cab Lives Up to Its Name
The
Access Cab models, which account for nearly 90 percent of
Tundra sales, feature an extended cab with folding rear
seats. The Access Cab's 60/40 split-bench rear seat can
accommodate three passengers and includes adjustable headrests
on the outboard positions. The fold-down center armrest
houses cup holders, and a storage compartment under the
rear seat cushion can keep objects hidden from sight.
When
not carrying passengers, the seat cushion folds up to give
the Tundra extra cargo space.
The
Tundra achieved the highest overall crash test rating for
any full-size pickup truck in the 40-mph 40-percent frontal
offset crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety (IIHS). In addition to dual front airbags
(SRS), Tundra models are equipped with front seatbelt pretensioners
and load limiters on the outboard positions.
Ready for Hard Work or Play
The
beefy Tundra chassis uses a fully boxed front subframe and
coil spring double wishbone front suspension with low-pressure
nitrogen gas shocks. The leaf spring rear suspension uses
staggered low-pressure nitrogen gas shocks (one in front
of the axle, one behind) for excellent axle control.
All
Tundra models are equipped with standard power-assisted
front-ventilated disc brakes with four-piston calipers and
rear drums. A four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) is
standard on all models. Most configurations are equipped
with 16-inch wheels with 245/70R16 tires, and 265/70R16
are also available. A new-design 17-inch alloy wheel is
available for 2003, with 265/65R 17 tires (standard on Limited
grade).
Ground
clearance that ranges from 10.4 to 11.6 inches outshines
all standard competitors. The V6 4x4 models use a two-speed
transfer case with shift-on-the fly capability. In Tundra
V8 4x4 models, a Touch Select system uses convenient dash-mounted
buttons to switch between two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive
"high" and four-wheel drive "low" modes.
The
optional Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Off-Road Package
equips the V8 Access Cab models for the rigors of trail
driving. The package comprises progressive-rate springs,
Bilstein monotube high-pressure gas shocks with off-road
tuned suspension, BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, 16-inch
aluminum alloy wheels with P265/70R16 tires, front and rear
contoured mudguards, fog lamps, overfenders and TRD identification.
Traditional
Toyota Value
Standard
equipment is generous across the Tundra line and includes
such conveniences as assist grips, mist-cycle windshield
wipers, twin auxiliary power outlets, and a digital clock.
Some of the most popular optional equipment is grouped into
packages.
The
Access Cab SR5 models are the most popular in the Tundra
line. The SR5 grade adds a color-keyed front bumper with
chrome accents, chrome rear bumper, air conditioning, cruise
control, deluxe AM/FM/CD stereo with four speakers, full
instrument gauges, tilt steering wheel, specific wheel design
and variable intermittent windshield wipers. Captain's chair
front seats are available as an option.
The
Limited grade brings an extra touch of style and comfort
to the Tundra and includes color-keyed exterior trim, integrated
foglights, a premium 3-in-1 audio system with six-disc in-dash
CD changer, quarter and power-sliding rear windows with
privacy glass, keyless entry and an anti-theft system. Even
more comfort is available with the optional leather trim
package and captain's chair front seats with power-adjustable
driver's seat.
The
Tundra offers a wide variety of interior and exterior upgrade
options, as well as a large selection of dealer-installed
accessories to personalize the truck.
Toyota's
36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty
applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance
items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain
for 60 months/60,000 miles and corrosion perforation for
60 months with no mileage limitation.
