Unlike the Nissan Titan that was built to go head-to-head with the full-size domestics, the Toyota Tundra has always appealed to buyers who didn't need the biggest and baddest truck on the block. In return for its slightly smaller size, the Tundra offered carlike handling and a level of refinement rarely found in a truck. The introduction of the 2004 Toyota Tundra Double Cab tweaked that formula slightly by giving the truck a bigger cab in nearly every dimension and a longer bed than typical crew cabs. It was an attempt to close the gap between the Toyota Tundra and its full-size competitors, but as we found out during our rigorous testing, it's still a lightweight in the world of good ol' "American" pickups.

With an MSRP of $35,047, our Toyota Tundra test truck barely edged out the Nissan for the lowest window sticker of the group. Its "bargain" price didn't keep it from showing up with a cab full of options, however, as the truck was loaded with everything from the TRD off-road package to a rear-seat DVD player. It had the feel of the more expensive trucks like the Dodge and the Chevrolet, but it suffered much less when it came to tallying up the final scores.

The pickup ultimately lost most of its points in the performance and personal picks categories. While the latter is a highly subjective category based purely on our editors' individual tastes or lack thereof, the former is the ultimate in objective results gained from precise instrumented testing. After all the numbers were crunched, one thing was obvious — if you want big truck power, the Toyota Tundra doesn't have it.

What it does have is a big weight advantage over the other trucks, thus allowing it to beat out the aging Chevy Silverado in nearly every category and keep pace with the Ford F-150 up to 60 mph. Its standard 4.7-liter V8 is only rated to produce 240 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque, but a shorter rear end gear than the standard model and a quick-shifting transmission gave it a more athletic feel than we expected. That quickness faded, however, when we hitched up our trailer and piled three passengers into the cab. It still turned in competitive numbers at the track, but during our hill-climb test, the Tundra was the only truck that failed to maintain steady acceleration all the way up the grade.

A track category that it did manage to dominate was speed through the slalom, a test that rewards smaller, nimbler vehicles with precise steering. It's unlikely that you'll ever push any truck as hard as we did through the cones, but there's something to be said for a truck that can handle itself so well during such evasive handling maneuvers. The Tundra also turned in the shortest stopping distance from 60 mph, but we were less impressed by that feat after it revealed massive fade during repeated hard stops.

The Tundra's predictable manners at the track translated into an extremely likable truck on the street. For better or worse, the Tundra has plenty of Camry in it when you're just puttering around town. "This is the truck I would want to drive if I had to use one of these monsters everyday," one editor wrote, while another lamented that although he loved the power of the Dodge, "the Tundra delivers the kind of refined driving experience that makes me think I would prefer it in the long run." With the help of its optional off-road package, the Tundra battled the Titan for top honors in the dirt as well. Its tight, well-controlled suspension and smaller size translated into a feeling of confidence in the rough stuff that most editors found reassuring.

While the Tundra's ride and handling earned it high marks all around, its aging interior design was met with a less enthusiastic reaction that landed it at the bottom of the pack. "This is the part that I wish didn't feel so much like a Camry," was the comment from one editor. Most agreed that it was functional in nature but bland in appearance and feel. The front seats were considered the least comfortable in the test while the rear bench offered ample space but poor seat comfort. Although the Toyota Tundra is as wide on the outside as the other four trucks, its lack of shoulder space on the inside gives it a more restrictive feel than any of the other competitors.

When it came to features and overall utility, the Toyota Tundra fared a little better. Other than the Titan, the Tundra was the only other truck to offer stability control as an option, although that feature can't be coupled with its off-road package. A trick roll-down rear window was one feature that most editors found useful mainly due to its ability to draw fresh air into the cabin better than the smaller rear window openings on the other trucks. The pickup also scored points for its larger cargo bed that comes in over half-a-foot longer than those of most full-size crew cabs. As one editor observed, "If you're going to get a full-size truck, you might as well have a bed that's big enough to haul stuff in."

Clearly, the 2004 Toyota Tundra still doesn't have the big-truck credentials needed to displace the biggest and brawniest pickups in the segment, but as always it does offer a compelling combination of capability and refinement that will entice non-traditional truck buyers. It didn't leave quite the same impression as the all-conquering Titan, but neither did most of its competitors. With Toyota gearing up to build an even bigger and better full-size truck within the next couple of years, the Tundra's days of playing the undersize import are numbered. Until then, it will have to concede to the big boys and play to those who want full-size dimensions without full-size attitude.

Second Opinions:

Editor in Chief Karl Brauer says:
Toyota gets credit for doing what only Toyota can do. The company has managed to put four-wheel drive, a crew cab, an open bed and a V8 engine into a vehicle without actually creating a truck. Oh sure, the company calls it a truck, and it certainly looks like a truck. In some ways, it even performs like a truck. But hopping from the F-150, Ram, Silverado or Titan into the Tundra is like hopping from a horse and buggy into a luxury sedan. The Tundra is easily the most carlike truck in this segment.

That's great if you're a truck buyer who doesn't really need a truck, and if I was in that position, this vehicle would be my first choice. The problem is that if I'm buying a full-size truck, I sure as hell better need a full-size truck. If I don't, then I'm shopping the Dodge Dakota or, if my tow/haul needs are really low, a Ford Explorer or Honda Pilot. With a 6,500-pound max towing capacity and a V8 engine that tops out — as well as starts — at 4.7 liters, the Tundra doesn't have the muscle to compete with the other players here. This was apparent when we hooked up 6,000 pounds' worth of car and trailer to it and wondered if the Toyota was going to actually move when we prodded the gas (it did…sort of).

The big "T" started by dipping its toenail into the full-size truck category with the T100 in 1993. With the Tundra, I'd say the company is up to its kneecaps. But this is a category that demands a full-body dunk (à la Nissan) if you want to be taken seriously. Until Toyota gets serious, the Tundra will remain a very pleasant (and very second-tier) player.

Road Test Editor Brian Moody says:
The Tundra is such a mixed bag that I almost don't believe it belongs in the same class as trucks like the Dodge Ram or Chevrolet Silverado. And at the same time, its good points are so good it comes out as better than most on paper.

The truck is too small. Inside, the driving position was uncomfortable and I felt as if I could never get the driver seat back far enough. On the other hand, its small size makes it a hero off-road. The Tundra is so smooth and calm both on- and off-road that I believe comfort and all-around usability are why full-size truck customers choose the Tundra. I also found it odd that some of the interior materials were of lower quality than other Toyota products. The ergonomics are also lacking — Ford and Chevy have a better dash design. I don't like the Tundra's exterior design, either; it looks too generic.

The Tundra's V8 is a huge bright spot. The motor is smooth and peppy with just enough of an exhaust note to let you know it's there. While the Tundra is probably the best truck of the bunch for everyday use, it falls short when more serious towing or hauling duties are required. For me, the Tundra would be perfect as a family car that can also do double duty when it comes time to make a run to Lowe's for home improvement supplies.