Used 2008 Toyota Tundra CrewMax

The Toyota Tundra, which debuted as an all-new (except for its name) 2007 model, matches or beats domestic full-size pickups in most size, performance and price measurements. For 2008, the Tundra lineup expands to include lower-priced variations of its four-door Double Cab and CrewMax models. Also, the mid-level SR5 and top-level Limited trims now come standard with several features that were previously optional. The U.S.-built Tundra features standard side airbags and electronic stability control and is the first full-sized pickup to earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award. The Tundra competes directly with full-sized pickups from Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, GMC and Nissan.

From the driver’s seat, there’s no mistaking the 2008 Toyota Tundra is a very big vehicle. The tall seating position makes it easy to see the highway ahead, but its considerable size means the Tundra may require some concentration to keep it correctly positioned on narrow roads and in crowded parking lots. The available sonar warning system and backup camera will be welcome when parking, maneuvering off-road or connecting to a trailer. The Tundra offers excellent steering feel and a better highway ride than some of its competitors. This is thanks in part to its frame, which has a stiff fully-boxed front section, partially-boxed C-channel under the passenger compartment and more flexible open C-channel below the bed. The optional 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 will easily and comfortably accelerate an unloaded Tundra into fast-moving traffic.

Big jobs can call for several big people and lots of stuff. Four-door versions of the 2008 Toyota Tundra accommodate up to six adults and have numerous storage areas and work surfaces. The Double Cab’s non-adjustable rear seatback has more rearward inclination than those in most similar pickukps. Still, some may find it a bit too upright for long road trips. The rear seat in the larger four-door CrewMax is adjustable both for fore-aft positioning and seatback inclination. However, it doesn’t enjoy the same ability to be quickly folded up as the rear seat in the Double Cab.

The 2008 Toyota Tundra projects the assertive image that buyers of full-size pickups desire. Its tall grille and hood and pronounced front fenders make it as imposing as any big truck. However, it retains its Toyota identity. A longer cab, larger rear doors and a shorter bed distinguish the CrewMax from the Double Cab. For 2008, Toyota gives the lowest-cost version of the two-door Regular Cab model styling more consistent with that of a work truck. Elements include a chrome bumper and matte-black grille surround.

Comprehensive Accessories
Toyota offers a comprehensive assortment of more than three dozen dealer-installed items, including exterior and interior trim upgrades, cargo-bed accessories and performance and handling enhancements from Toyota’s performance brand, TRD.

i-Force 5.7-liter V8
The Tundra’s optional i-Force 5.7-liter V8 makes 105 more horsepower than the also-optional 4.7-liter V8, yet, with the technology of variable valve timing and the benefits of a six-speed automatic transmission, almost matches the fuel economy of the standard V6. Both the engine and transmission are built in the U.S.

For 2008, some previously optional equipment is now standard on SR5 and Limited trim levels of four-door models. New standard equipment on the SR5 trim of the Double Cab and CrewMax includes power front seats, AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer and heated outside mirrors. The Limited trim level now includes front and rear parking sonar and a cold-weather package. With 236-horsepower, the standard 4.0-liter V6 is more powerful than many V8s of the recent past. Only those who regularly haul massive loads and tow large trailers will truly miss the extra power of the optional V8s.

Most optional equipment on the 2008 Toyota Tundra is packaged into either the mid-level SR5 or the up-scale Limited trims. One significant stand-alone option is a bundle that includes a DVD-based satellite navigation system, backup camera and a JBL audio system. The two-door Regular Cab and four-door Double Cab are available in two bed lengths — six-and-a-half and eight feet — while the CrewMax has a five-and-half-foot bed. The Tundra offers a long list of dealer-installable accessories. These include remote engine start, 22-inch wheels, bed extender and numerous TRD items.

The 2008 Toyota Tundra offers three engine choices: The standard 236-horsepower 4.0-liter V6, a 276-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 or the 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8. The first two come with five-speed automatic transmissions, while the 5.7-liter is mated to a six-speed automatic. Since the 5.7-liter makes 105 horsepower more than the 4.7-liter and gets almost the same fuel mileage as the V6, the vast majority of Tundra buyers select the big engine. Toyota employed several technologies to allow the 5.7-liter V8 to produce both big power and reasonable economy. Variable valve timing optimizes engine performance for changing conditions and demands, and the six-speed automatic transmission employs a low first gear to aid low-speed acceleration and two overdrive gears to maximize highway economy.

4.0-liter V6
236 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
266 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/19

4.7-liter V8
276 horsepower @ 5400 rpm
313 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/17 (2WD); 13/16 (4WD)

5.7-liter V8
381 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
401 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/18 (2WD); 13/17 (4WD)