The 2002 Toyota Tundra continued to give drivers the high quality pickup they had come to expect from the Tundra line. The full-size Tundra is slightly smaller that the American full-size trucks, but counterbalances this paucity with a smooth, quiet ride.
The standard engine remained a 3.4-liter double-overhead-cam V6 rated at 190 horsepower with 220 lb/ft of torque, while the upgrade is a 4.7-liter double-overhead-cam V8 rated at 245 horsepower with 315 lb/ft of torque.
Driving is very smooth, and towing is quite simple. The relatively powerful engine barely hesitates at heavier loads, and is rugged in all kinds of weather.
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.
The only thing wrong was the air conditioning. Jun 08, 2024
by Kathy L
Apr 23, 2024
Nice features, very good value for the money, and not missing anything.Apr 23, 2024
by Chris K
Oct 12, 2023
Am surprised how great it is being over 20 years old. I love itOct 12, 2023
User rating:
by Anonymous
Jun 08, 2024
The only thing wrong was the air conditioning. Jun 08, 2024
by Kathy L
Apr 23, 2024
Nice features, very good value for the money, and not missing anything.Apr 23, 2024
by Chris K
Oct 12, 2023
Am surprised how great it is being over 20 years old. I love itOct 12, 2023
by Richard L
Feb 28, 2023
Runs great, 245,000 miles doesnt use a drop of oil. Like new. Feb 28, 2023
by Juanita W
Feb 08, 2023
Love that car .runs good and a very good by.Feb 08, 2023
by Joe W
Sep 26, 2022
I dont think vehicle is worth the value. It is 20 years old high mileage.Sep 26, 2022
by Al J
Aug 10, 2021
It is a good looking vehicle, may consider it as the ONE still shopping!Aug 10, 2021
by Lynnell M
Jul 06, 2020
I recently purchased one on Ebay, needed some parts and tlc but it runs really nice now, I love it for its size, its not too big, and it rides really nice. I had a mechanic from a garage hwere I was getting it inspected ask me if I wanted to sell it, he offered about $1500 more that what I had put into it in total but I really like the truck and politely declined. Ive only owned it for about a year but from what I have read from others who purchased one used or new, they said they were very happy with it and would purchase another one, very dependable and run forever if you take care of them. Ill wait and see.Jul 06, 2020
by Frederick B
Mar 13, 2015
Did you ever trade in an automobile, glance back across the dealership parking lot and feel a sense of loss?
I know ridiculous right?
It's just a truck.
But that's how I felt when I traded her in after ten years.
Maybe it was the places it took you, or the things you did 'in' and out of it...(yeah)..not sure. But I still look for old White 4WD pre-2007 Toyota Tundra’s on the roads and wish I had one again.Mar 13, 2015
by Allan C
Dec 07, 2014
After buying the truck every one had an opinion and it was not good. First 2 months were ok, then the motor started knocking and tossed a rod. Bought replacement motor and 3 years later both rear wheel seals, bearings whole front axle and electrical nightmare. Its a good truck for a person who likes to own a truck and not use it for a truck. Truck is rated for 1/2 ton, and I use it. Truck poorly held up and I cant wait to get back into a real truck. I see the super duty fords ride rough and will take a beating. The worst review is it rides rough, Well that's grate. I wanted a TRUCK not another car!Dec 07, 2014
by Anonymous
Sep 02, 2014
This is a great truck with great reliability. It has a V8 that offers great power and towing ability while still being a comfortable everyday driver. The gas mileage is about 16 MPG which is not too bad.
The truck sits up pretty high but still handles really well and the brakes are good too.
The looks have withstood the test of time with it still being a great looking truck compared to even the new models out today.
Highly recommended!Sep 02, 2014
by Anonymous
May 25, 2014
I like everything about it. Highly reliable. Toyota sure did a great job of backing and paying for the frame and other parts replacement. Otherwise no rust anywhere else, it has always run like a charm. I have gotten a lot of compliments on the truck. May 25, 2014
by Ryan B
May 05, 2014
I love the truck all together. Have never had any major issues that I could not work out myself. The anti-lock brakes work great, I have never had my tires lock up. Plenty of power to pull a camper. all around a great truck.May 05, 2014
by William H
Jul 26, 2013
I have owned a 2007 Tundra Crew Max, a 2005 Tacoma, and this 2002 Tundra is as good a handling vehicle as the others. It is very sturdy and reliable. The CD player only holds one CD at a time, but I can live with that. 4WD at the push of a button. Great truck.Jul 26, 2013
by Ron M
Mar 19, 2013
Very fuel efficient for a v8, great looking truck, will work rite for you if you require a small truck for your job and also have a family.
Two vehicles in one. So not a bad place to put your hard earned money.Mar 19, 2013
by Anonymous
Nov 02, 2012
above stated.OK. I guess I had it all bottled up and it came out on the wrong line..Any 4.7 v8 will have this problem. I believe they were redesigned in around 2007 with a 5.7 engine. hopfuly without this electric throttle body.I have no other complants besides these 2 complaints.Nov 02, 2012
by Matt A
Dec 11, 2011
After a year and about 5,000 miles --we bought the truck to have as a 3rd
vehicle-- I have nothing bad to say about the truck. The 4.7 V8 never leaves
me wanting a bigger engine (it sounds great w/ the Flowmaster muffler, too).
Gas mileage isn't great...but, it isn't bad either. We average about 15 MPG.
Build quality in the interior is solid. There aren't very many cheap trim pieces;
the overall feeling is of a truck that is put together well. Exterior build quality is
impressive as well. The front seats are plush and very comfortable, however, I
do wish that there was more lumbar support. The back seats are small and
uncomfortable for adults (the backrest is too upright), though our kids fit fine
and without any complaints.
I think that the styling of the truck will stand the test of time well. It's almost
10 years old now and it does not look dated. Our truck has the TRD Package
which lends a tough appearance. I would really like to take the truck off-road
to see what it is capable of. Deep snow does not faze it at all. I do wish that
the truck had a full-time 4WD system, though.
We haven't had to do anything to repair the truck, even though it has almost
98,000 miles on the odo. Service is inexpensive and replacement parts seem to
be as well.
I think that the 1st generation Tundra represents a good value in the used
truck market. I would recommend one to anyone. Dec 11, 2011
by Anonymous
Sep 01, 2011
Truck was well taken care of and was never in the shop beyond normal maintenance.
Powerful and safe with great acceleration. Fun truck to drive and handles great. Great interior look with plenty of room. Very comfortable on short or long trips.Sep 01, 2011
by Anonymous
Dec 12, 2009
The Tundra is a great truck. I wasted my
money on the extended warranty. I have had
nothing but a positive experience with this
truck. It has plenty of space and handles
like a stable sedan. I love my Tundra.
Dec 12, 2009
by Lauren M
Dec 01, 2009
Acceleration could use some improvement but other than that this is a great truck! We upgraded the breaks so it now stops on a dime. Build quality is amazing. Best of all it's one of the rare Ivan Stewart Tundra's that came straight from the factory. Currently has a three inch lift on 33's. This truck is ALWAYS turning heads!Dec 01, 2009
by Anonymous
Aug 22, 2009
has O2 senser problems and has a bad front brake problem that should have been recalled toyata charges $2000 to fix the front brake problem. only can get 15 miles to the gal. my 3/4 ton chevy gets 18 miles to gal.higher maintance the chevrolet and steering radius to big for the size of the truckAug 22, 2009
by Brett T
May 14, 2009
umm my car is sexy. thats about it. besides that stupid dent in the side. :( its freakin lame. BUT! its still sexy with it anyways :) haha. Its pretty fast, and tows really good, and all in all i love it :OMay 14, 2009
by Dave M
Jan 11, 2009
Great truck. No problems with it at all so far! Only thing
that sucks about it is the gas mileage ain't very good.
Ride is very quiet, and very smooth. It doesn't feel like a
truck at all! Although this is the smaller model, I'm not a
huge fan of the new model though, too big.Jan 11, 2009
by Amy K
Sep 04, 2008
I've put this truck through it's paces and I love it - 15 cars that I've owned and this one is one of the top 3! It has the ride of a car and can tow anything you put behind it! The Extra-Cab is a wonderful size and holds 4 people with ease.Sep 04, 2008
by Layne S
May 31, 2008
9 years owning Tundras. No major issues. Great in the sand, great in the snow. Gas mileage is excellent for a V8.May 31, 2008
by Rob P
May 28, 2008
I am the second owner of this 75,000 mile `02 Tundra. In my five + years of ownership, the only mechanical problem it has had was a bad O2 sensor that got seized in the exhaust manifold. (A dealer replaced both parts under warranty.)
This truck has brute power and speed. With a reported 7.8 second 0-60 time, I have gotten it to jump the rear tires going into 2nd gear (automatic). The 32 valve Lexus inspired V-8 is extremely responsive and roars like a Cup car under hard excelleration. The gear changes are barely noticable unless your foot is in the floor.
The power is complimented nicely by a very smooth ride. It doesn't quite feel like a truck at times. Interior fit and finish is comfortable and sound. The exterior finish is tough as nails, putting up with year after year of Southwestern sun abuse. There has been no paint fade that I can tell.
I would definately recommend this truck to friends and family, but they'll have to get your own; this one is mine!May 28, 2008
by Anonymous
May 04, 2008
amazing it runs greatMay 04, 2008
by Justin F
Mar 17, 2008
This was my first car. I love it! It is currently being driven by my little brother, I hope to buy it back from my father when I graduate college.Mar 17, 2008
Is the battery symbol in the instrument cluster capable of burning out and disrupting the charging system..? Can I replace it by disassembling the cluster ? New bat alt truck starts no movement of amp gauge no batt. Symbol lite at all fuses good clean tite cable connects and engine chassis grounds check out. Help!
I have a 2002 Toyota Tundra and she shakes when I brake. There is no squeel when braking only the shaking from the front end. Also checked fuses and the ABS fuses are missing... It seems previous owner took them out or is this supposed to be that way? Also check engine light is on.... Has been since I bought it and owner said that he couldn't figure why it was on. So my questions are do I need Rotors... Is it safe/normal for ABS fuses are missing... And is it ok to drive with check engine light on... I have been for about 2 months with no problems.
I have a 2002 Tundra 2wd that has a much heavier gauge body steel than my 2009 Tundra 4wd. What was the last year of the heavier gauge metal in the Tundra?