2002 Toyota Tundra Review
2002 Toyota Tundra Review
View more photos
Used Tundra for sale
Appraise This CarToyota Tundra model years
Toyota Tundra types
- Regular Cab
- Access Cab
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Silky V8, Toyota build quality, less-than-full-size maneuverability.
Cons
- Lacks wide range of choice offered by domestics, somewhat uncomfortable front seats, meager rear cab room on Access Cab, chintzy interior trimmings.
What’s new
SR5 models have new 16-inch wheels, and a limited-slip differential is available on V8-powered trucks. No other changes are in store for the 2002 Toyota Tundra.
Edmunds says
The 2002 Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup suited more for the general consumer than for commercial use.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Toyota Tundra 2dr Regular Cab 2WD LB (3.4L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$268/mo for Tundra Base
Tundra Base
vs
$257/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
Since Toyota is the maker of America's best-selling sedan, it must have been frustrating for the company in the '90s to see domestic automakers reaping huge benefits from full-size pickups, especially since the closest thing to a full-size pickup truck previously offered by Toyota was the poorly received T100. But the company learned from its mistakes, and the result is the full-fledged maximum-sized Tundra.
Now three years into its current life cycle, the Tundra is capable of running with the big dogs. Though smaller than most V8s in this class, the smooth-revving and ultra-refined 4.7-liter makes 245 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque and is available only with a four-speed automatic transmission. Payload capacity is 2,000 pounds and towing capacities for the V8 start at 5,000 pounds (it goes up to 7,000 pounds with an optional tow package). A 3.4-liter dual overhead-cam V6, making 190 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque, is standard on regular-cab Tundras, and may be mated to either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission.
Toyota has failed, in some regards, to meet the demands of current truck buyers when it comes to configuration. The Tundra is available in regular and extended-cab versions. Unfortunately, regular-cab versions come only in longbed form, while extended-cab models come only as shortbeds. The latter does include two "suicide" doors for easier rear-seat access (which, by the way, is what Toyota calls its four-door Tundra layout: Access Cab), but the space back there is smaller in comparison to that of trucks from Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge and GMC.
Those domestic truck-makers also let the buyer build a pickup to meet specific style and creature comfort needs, ranging from bare-bones work trucks to luxury-lined haulers. Toyota gives you three trim levels and a comparatively sparse option list, though dealers will likely be happy to load you up with running boards and gold packages if given the chance.
Inside, the Tundra feels a bit more compact than its American counterparts, lacking adequate seat-track travel and a seat height adjuster (in the volume-leading SR5 Access Cab) for optimal comfort when taller drivers are behind the wheel. Rear seat room is also tight, with legroom at a premium for anyone of average height. Tundra's cabin does offer a quiet ride that surpasses competing trucks, as well as many cars, and options like leather seating and a CD changer further contribute to the Tundra's relaxing internal environment for shorter folks. But interior plastics come straight from the Corolla parts bin, and many have a cheap feel and luster that no amount of cowhide can mask.
We wish Toyota offered more variety in areas like configuration and option packages, and an increase in cab space would help the Tundra compete better with the extended cab models from GM, Ford and Dodge. Still, the fact that a V8-powered pickup can now be had with a Toyota nameplate on it means that there's a new sub-set of rules for America's truck buyer.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Toyota Tundra.
5 star(78%)
4 star(13%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(0%)
126 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
2002 Tundra Limited Edition
shawnl2, 01/26/2009
2002 Toyota Tundra 4dr Access Cab Limited 2WD SB (4.7L 8cyl 4A)
I have owned this vehicle for nearly 7 years and have been very pleased with the overall quality. I work in the construction service industry and thought I would regret not buying 4WD. Glad I did not waste my money this truck handles very well off road with the 2WD. The ride is very comfortable both on and off road, could be the TRD package assisting with this? My overall gas mileage is … approximately 16-17 mpg (this is using cruise control and driving a little over the speed limit). I have 133K miles on this truck and have never had to replace anything major on the engine (just routine service i.e. timing belt and bearings). My only complaint is how touchy the O2 senors are. Very dependable!
4.63 out of 5 stars
02'tundra limited 4x4
blueyedevil, 12/05/2014
2002 Toyota Tundra 4dr Access Cab Limited 4WD SB (4.7L 8cyl 4A)
I,ve owned an 02' tundra (access cab) 4x4 for 10 yrs. I bought it with 40k miles, mint condition. I have 328,500 miles on it now. no that is not a miss-print. I put 35k a yr. religiously. I replaced the timing belt and water pump at 125k(cause the manual says to) and was about to have it done again. But, a deer took my baby out 4 days ago. Ive owned 5 chevy,s , 1 ford, and 1 dodge. … never have I gotten over 189k on any one of them. Shopping for another Yota 02' 4x4( 4.7L). I'm buying another in a couple days with 190k miles and I know I wont have a problem with it. (p.s. the ride is a little rough on hard surfaces but it's a 4x4. But,Tracks really straight/tight on wet narrow dirt rds )
5 out of 5 stars
thank Heaven for my tundra
Steven Balestra, 01/03/2016
2002 Toyota Tundra 4dr Access Cab Limited 2WD SB (4.7L 8cyl 4A)
This is by far the best truck I have ever owned. I have 233,000 miles and only brakes, shocks and o/2 sensors been replaced.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Great truck
Jo, 12/11/2009
2002 Toyota Tundra 4dr Access Cab SR5 4WD SB (4.7L 8cyl 4A)
I purchased this truck new about 8 years ago. I love my truck. V-8 is always responsive, no hesitation, a/c works great even in south Mississippi summers. Transmission is as flawless as the day it was born. The interior has held up wonderfully, only one temp control knob has split on the inside, looking for a new one! On long trips, it's good for about 8 hours before my back gets … sore. Exterior has also held up well due to frequent oil changes, tire rotations and wash and wax frequently and this truck will last. No rust. Bed is smaller than a full size pickup, but this is great for parking and moving small loads. Big loads I use the trailer hitch and find a trailer.
2002 Tundra Highlights
Regular Cab
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $15,605 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $268/month |
Seating | 3 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 5,250 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
People who viewed this also viewed
4.8 average Rating out of 4 reviews. |
Starting at $36,770 |
5.0 average Rating out of 5 reviews. |
Starting at $31,500 |
3.8 average Rating out of 6 reviews. |
Starting at $38,570 |
Related Used 2002 Toyota Tundra info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Nissan Armada 2015
- Used BMW X6 M 2018
- Used Honda Odyssey 2010
- Used Chevrolet Malibu 2016 For Sale
- Used Dodge Journey 2015 For Sale
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2023 AMG GT
- 2024 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series
- LC 500 Convertible
- 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2025 Volvo XC90 News
- 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 News
- Ford Ranger 2023
- 2024 Toyota Mirai
- Buick Envision 2023
- BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe 2024
Research other models of Toyota
- Toyota Grand Highlander Price
- Toyota Tacoma Pickup Truck
- Used Toyota Rav4
- Tundra Pickup
- Toyota Camry TRD
- Toyota Toyota Highlander
- Toyota Corolla
- Rav4 Hybrid
- Toyota Corolla Hybrid
- Prius Hybrid Car
Research similar vehicles
- 2024 Toyota Pickup
- F 450
- Chevy Colorado Pickup
- F150 Pickup
- GMC Sierra Limited
- Ram Rebel For Sale
- GMC Sierra
- Ford Maverick Ford
Other models
- New Ram 1500 for Sale in Aberdeen, MD
- Used Dodge Hornet in North Myrtle Beach, SC
- Used Lexus GS-430 in Stevens Point, WI
- New GMC Sierra-2500Hd for Sale in Georgetown, TX
- New Porsche Cayenne-Coupe for Sale in North Wales, PA
- New Porsche 718-Boxster for Sale in Marquette, MI
- Used Kia Sportage-Hybrid in Williamsburg, VA
- Used Mercury Mystique in Mandeville, LA
- New BMW 2-Series-Gran-Coupe for Sale in Voorhees, NJ
- Used Infiniti QX55 in New Braunfels, TX