Looming up behind Ford and Chevy's full sized trucks, the 2002 Toyota Tundra is quietly muscling into the ring. It's 4.7-liter 245-horsepower torque-y engine is a 32-valve, dual-overhead-camshaft V8 . This "half-ton" pickup will surprise you the minute you get behind the wheel and experience its precise steering and smooth handling. Our passengers, fore and aft, enjoyed its suspension, its sound system, and the nook and crannies in which to store stuff.

The dash layout is straightforward and easy to use, and we liked having a bit more fuel capacity. We "tested" the work side of the Tundra with some light to moderate hauling which it performed without a flinch. The fanatic bass fishermen in the neighborhood ranted and raved and tried like hell to get us to let them hitch up their BassMasters to the Tundra - but we politely declined - having gone out with these die-hards before and witnessed levy launchings like you wouldn't believe. Needless to say, if the Tundra maintains Toyota's tough reliable rep, it's going to be a serious contender.

- Editor

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