The 2000 Toyota Tundra made its debut in May of 1999, brought in to replace the aging T-100. Originally called the T-150, the name was changed when Ford sued Toyota for choosing a name too close to that of its own full-size truck, the F-150.

The 2000 Tundra was the first full-size pickup truck ever sold by a foreign automaker, and was brought to the states to compete with the Ford, the Dodge Ram, and Chevy Silverado. The American truck makers had a right to be nervous: the new truck was solid and quiet, with power from the V8 to impress any consumer.

Toyota created a variety of engines, starting with the base 3.4-liter double overhead cam V6 rated at 190 horsepower and 220 lb/ft of torque. However, about 95% of drivers spurned this engine for one of the V8's, including the top-end capable of 245 horsepower and 315 lb/ft of torque.