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Saturday, January 19, 2013

2006 Toyota Tundra Double Cab Review


2006 Toyota Tundra Limited Double Cab

 

          The Toyota Tundra has long been #4 in the US truck world, Behind the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado and the Dodge Ram.  It also has competition from the likes of GMC and Nissan.  But I think the new Tundra has the potential to be #1.  But this review will go back 7 years to see if the Tundra is as good then as it is now.

            If you drive a truck, you probably need space, lots of towing capabilities, and rock hard reliability.  The Tundra has all of these things.  This review is on the four seat model with the 4.7L V8 engine.  It has plenty of interior room, although this room is for things, it’s a bit less comfortable for actual people or dogs.  The Tundra also has a 6.2ft. Bed, which allows for tons of storage space for almost everything you need.  It doesn’t have the biggest bed size in its class, but it isn’t the smallest either.  As for reliability, well, it’s a Toyota, so yes, it’s very reliable.  The only problems we’ve experienced were a loose heat shield and a worn muffler.  Both of those things aren’t really as a result of the car; more just time running its course.  Another area that the Toyota impresses on is towing.  It hasn’t failed to tow whatever we threw at it, car trailers, trailers with Kubotas on them, karting trailer etc.  So good mark for Toyota there.

            The Tundra is obviously not a pretty truck, but then, who really cares if a pick up looks good or not?  However, it isn’t ugly either.  The interior, well, it’s a truck interior.  I suppose I like the fake wood trim, but from there, nothing much to report.  I find that the seats get uncomfortable on long journeys and that the radio quality can be a bit marginal sometimes.  The leather also wears quite quickly and junk and crumbs get stuck everywhere.

            The Tundra has a 4.7L V8 producing 271 HP and 313 ft. lbs. torque.  This is not bad and allows for the Tundra’s exceptional towing capacities.  To boot, on overtake and acceleration it sounds quite nice, actually.  It is a truck, so would you expect it to handle well?  No, but for a full size pick up, it’s not bad.  The ride, however, is a bit bouncy, but again, it is a truck.  The five-speed automatic in this car is well timed and doesn’t change its mind every two seconds.

            The Tundra is also very safe, with and overall 4 star rating.  The only noted issue was a “marginal” rating for the feet in frontal crash.  Oh well, your feet will get better.  However, the only real downside to the Tundra is its fuel economy.  It gets 14 city and 17 highway.  Not exactly a Prius now is it?  That means filling up almost constantly.  So, if fuel economy is a big thing for you, then you will perhaps be considering buying a new truck.  But the 2006 Tundra will only cost you in the range of $12,000 US dollars.  That’s not a lot for a 7 year old truck with some of the capabilities of a 2013 model.
            So the Toyota Tundra then is a great truck and can compete with the likes of Ford and Chevrolet, even if you have to refill every 12 yards.  Twice

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