I test Drove every model of truck out there before settling on this particular vehicle. There is definitely some consistency through the reviews that I will attempt to address.

The truck had 65,000 miles on it when purchased, and the check engine light came on when I left the lot. I ran to (insert auto store here)and had it checked. A bad O2 sensor which was $150 just for the part. A little research revealed an extended warranty on this part and an open recall on the vehicle's VIN. I took it to my local dealer and, after 2 hours in the shop, it had four new 02 sensors, two new ball joints, and a fresh alignment. Total price to me $0. That's quality and service!

Driving the truck is in between most mid-size and full-size trucks. Definitely bigger than the mids but a little smaller than some of the full-size models. I would guess it to be real close to a ford super cab. The 4.7 liter engine provides plenty of power and moves the truck effortlessly. The stock exhaust also has a very nice throaty growl at idle that seems to turn heads. See the end of the post for performance data compared to Ford and Chevy. Someone complained about torque but it does almost as well as the Chevy, Dodge is tops in the class, and better than a Ford. I would also have to guess that the limited towing capacity is based on braking limitations with rear drums vs discs. That said, EVERYTHING on a Toyota Truck is an option. So don't assume when buying that just because it says limited that it's loaded. This vehicle has a decent stock 6 speaker stereo with easy to navigate controls. Climate control is basic and also easily adjusted while driving. The Clock is at the bottom right of you peripheral view making it almost worthless if you are over 5'8", I hope in future models they have moved this to a better location. ABS is NOT standard so double check if this is a priority for you. I got the bench seat for a total seating capacity of six and really like the armrest/console that flips out of the way when needed. I piled my family of five into the truck and we all fit pretty good. I doubt you would want to put three adults in the back but the access cab/super cab type truck are not for hauling 5-6 full-size folks for great distances. There is plenty of room for the shorter trips. One week after purchase I took a road trip of 400 miles. I got 18 MPG driving from Tennessee through the mountains of West Virginia. It should be noted that I never stomp the gas pedal and always obey the posted speed limit with respect to fuel economy. I powered past every six cylinder on the uphills like they weren't there. The only knock on driving would be the automatic transmission's shifting from first to second gear. You must remain smoothly on the gas or there is a noticeable coffee spilling "hitch" which I think I have figured out. Also when backing from a parking space come to a COMPLETE stop before shifting to a forward gear; this transmission is not forgiving like some. Road noise is bearable and the vehicle is quit plush on the road for a truck. Not as "comfy-cushy" as the Chevy I drove but definitely better than the Ford. You can also whip into parking spaces much easier than any other full-size truck.



Here are the engine specs:
Base Number of Cylinders: 8 Base Engine Size: 4.7 liters
Base Engine Type: V8 Horsepower: 245 hp
Max Horsepower: 4800 rpm Torque: 315 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 3400 rpm Maximum Payload: 1512 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 7100 lbs. Drive Type: 4WD
Turning Circle: 44.3 ft.

Compared to an F-150:
Base Number of Cylinders: 8 Base Engine Size: 4.6 liters
Base Engine Type: V8 Horsepower: 231 hp
Max Horsepower: 4750 rpm Torque: 293 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 3500 rpm Maximum Payload: 2670 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 8300 lbs. Drive Type: 4WD
Turning Circle: 47.7 ft.

Chevy Silverado:
Base Number of Cylinders: 8 Base Engine Size: 5.3 liters
Base Engine Type: V8 Horsepower: 285 hp
Max Horsepower: 5200 rpm Torque: 325 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4000 rpm Maximum Payload: 1490 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 8800 lbs. Drive Type: 4WD
Turning Circle: 47.3 ft.

Dodge Ram 1500:
Base Number of Cylinders: 8 Base Engine Size: 5.9 liters
Base Engine Type: V8 Horsepower: 245 hp
Max Horsepower: 4000 rpm Torque: 335 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 3200 rpm Maximum Payload: 1520 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 8100 lbs. Drive Type: 4WD
Turning Circle: 46 ft.
Amount Paid (US$): 19000
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2002
Model and Options: TRD SR5 4WD Access Cab