Opinions on build quality between 1st, 2nd, 3rd gens

I would like to think that the early to mid 2000's toyota tundras have a better build quality, especially for the interiors. That is the trend i see with older toyotas, theyre just built a litte more snug than the newer ones. What do you guys think? Everyday I'm amazed at how well my 2001 tundra performs, the damn thing was built pretty much 20 years ago and still drives like its new. I'm just waiting for something terrible to happen but it just doesnt happen. Compared to my parents 2013 silverado i would rather have my truck. Their truck has a bunch of rattles and shit, and yea their truck can tow more but i dont tow much, plus older toyotas are just badass! But yea do you guys think the 1st gen were made better then the 2nds? Or just the same? Or worst

 

1st Gen is Best Gen. Fact.

 

My 02 is starting to develop some rattles and noise but my wife's 2012 Rav4 is 10x worse.

 

3rd gen built to tighter standards. Therefore, it’s superior in every way.

 

My Father owns an '06 DC 4x4 with 240k on it (not easy miles), compared to my '07 with 170k (easy miles). I'm always amazed at how solid his truck feels, less rattles, smoother & quiter engagement of trans & t-case. A quick look @ the build sticker gives a clue,
His: Japan
Mine: USA

I'm a proud supporter of US made products, but when it comes to vehicle build quality Japan takes the cake.

EDIT: looked at build sticker on the '06, Indiana...F*** me, confused it with the 4runner, my mistake. I still stand by my quality comment, 1st gen just seems like a bit more care was taken with the build.

 

@Mr. Seven i always thought 1st gens were only made in the usa?

 

I didn’t know Toyota made a Tundra after 2006.

 

All Tundra trucks were / are built in America - NONE were or are imported from Japan.

 

Indiana right? And Texas.... I guess

 

I've requested a build sticker photo, was awhile back that I looked so I could be wrong.

 

1st gen trucks use higher quality plastics for the interior, and they have more sound deadening insulation. The plastic parts used in the 2nd gen trucks is thinner, and there is less sound deadening insulation (especially in the roof). Some of the higher end models add upgraded material on top of the plastic making them a little quieter. The build quality is about the same, and the hardware on the 2nd gen is actually better (door handles, knobs & levers).



Nobody knows for sure what the 3rd gen Tundra will be like.

 

The tundra started off being built in Evansville, Indiana. I used to work there. Then they moved it to San Antonio, Texas.

 

Yes and I mistakenly thought mine was made in Canada. I believe the engines were made in Japan though.

 

Assembly: Princeton, Indiana
(TMMI ended in 2009)
San Antonio, Texas, US (TMMTX)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Tundra

 

First generation (XK30/XK40; 2000–2006)


Second generation (XK50; 2007–present)

 

@BTBAKER Anyway to prove that?

 

I think some of the early motors were built in Japan but I've never seen any documentation of it. I'm pretty sure 4.7 in land cruisers and 4 runners are Japanese.

I saw one Tundra in Japan. Some think it was imported but I believe it was exiles from USA for being too far from black.

 

I think the overall build quality (as in materials, not necessarily engineering...that's probably better than ever) is less in newer cars than 15 years ago. I extensively test drove brand new 3rd Gen Tundras when I got rid of my 2017 Tacoma (that also felt cheap) before buying my 2006 Tundra and they just felt cheaper to me, especially the interior, than my 2002, 2005 or 2006 Tundra. But it's not just Toyota. We bought a 2003 Honda Odyssey in 2005 when out first child was born, I LOVED that vehicle...for a family hauler it was just great, one of the best vehicles I've ever owned. When it's tranny shit the bed for the 2nd time in 2013, we got rid of it and got a brand new Subaru Outback and instantly regretted it. By 2016 we decided to to go back to a brand new Odyssey as a family hauler...it was 2 generations newer, but to this day, I have not taken to it like the 2003 because it feels cheaper to me.

I think newer cars are just focused more on "cool electronic gadgets" and less on build quality (again, materials, not engineering)...but maybe it's just me...?

 

IMHO: The thin cheaper feeling plastic interior components in second gen Tundra is a weight savings measure, and the trend to add more & more complicated electronic gadgetry has more to do with marketing than safety.

I don't want a vehicle that's loaded up with electronic gadgetry, that shit becomes a huge problem as it ages.

 

@Rex Kramer i get it. But these things have amazing v8's. F the weight savings lol

 

My google-fu seems to indicate the same thing. This is from wiki "The 2UZ-FE was a 4.7 L; 284.6 cu in (4,663 cc) version built in Tahara, Aichi, Japan and at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama."

Most people seem to think the Tundra and Sequoia 4.7's were made in the USA and have weaker connecting rods. It sounds like speculation though.

 

Yes they do and I had to have one, so I bought the lightest 5.7L tundra made.

 

No way whatsoever. Just

 

I like all Tundras. If I had to guess, they are all built well bases on all model years reliability ratings.

I’ll take the 5.7 over any first gen however. Their engines are comparatively weak.

 

I spend some time here, and on some other Tundra forums. I'm always amazed at the number of posts about issues with 3rd gen tundras....none of which I've experienced with my 2013. As BTBAKER said, I'll take the 5.7 over anything else they've ever offered in these. Nothing compares to having the horsepower when you need it, and even when you don't.

 

The heavier the vehicle, the more power you need to move it... most 2nd gen Tundra are fat pigs.

 

The 2nd gens are about 400 pounds heavier than 3rd gens, and if that makes it a 'fat pig'.....my fat pig and I will be together for a long time

 

I wonder where the weight comes from?

 

Yup. If you read around on land cruiser or 4 runner forums there are a lot of people suggesting that the Japan built 4.7 uses stronger rods and case. I haven't seen any real evidence of it. Could be true, could be bs.

There is about the same discussion about Lexus IS300 (Altezza). Around 03 they started building them stateside and of course the older Japanese built ones are more desired.

 

I currently have a 2000 and a 2020 in my driveway, and I'll agree with much of what has been posted above.

the quality of the materials - especially the plastics - in the 2000 seem better and more durable. The plastic on door skins of my 1794 edition flex noticablly as you pull the door closed. They do not on my '00. The smooth black plastic in the 2020 also seems to mark/scratch easier, where the textured stuff in my '00 does not - though that may be more the color than anything else.

Without a doubt, the 2020 is bigger, badder and a lot more comfortable. I hope it stands up as well as my '00!

And yeah - in the early days of the tundra forums, it was widely reported that the first tundras had engines and transmissions imported from Japan. I took delivery of my truck in November of '99, so it was one of the earliest ones on the road in this area. I just looked at the window sticker and don't see any markings at all about origin. I'll have to remember to check the door stickers to see if there is anything there. This is like a trip down memory lane for sure!