Overview & Reviews

When it originally debuted near the start of the new millennium, the Toyota Tundra was considered by many people to be the first import full-size pickup truck to truly go head-to-head against the trucks from domestic brands. In the Tundra's favor were a refined V8 engine and Toyota's reputation for reliability and durability. This Tundra, however, ultimately found more of an audience with recreational pickup buyers than with hard-core users.

Second-generation Tundras, however, are significantly bigger and more capable. As an American-built truck with true full-size proportions, the second-generation Tundra features three cab sizes, three bed lengths and a choice of three engines. In pretty much every measure, the Toyota Tundra stands equal to competing 1500-series pickups.

Current Toyota Tundra
The full-size Toyota Tundra comes in regular cab, Double Cab and CrewMax body styles as well as base and Limited trims. The Double Cab is essentially a large extended cab with four forward-hinged doors, while the CrewMax is an extra-large crew cab. Available bed lengths for the regular cab and Double Cabs include both a 6.5-foot and an 8-foot bed, while the CrewMax comes with only a 5.5-foot bed.

Some Regular Cabs and Double Cabs have as their standard engine a 4.0-liter V6 rated at 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Other Tundras receive a 4.6-liter V8 putting out 310 horses and 327 lb-ft of torque. The big engine option is a 5.7-liter V8 cranking out 381 hp and 401 lb-ft. The V6 gets a five-speed automatic transmission, while the V8s are hooked to six-speed automatics. All versions are offered with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

In addition to its strong V8s, the Toyota Tundra stands out thanks to its passenger-friendly cabins. The extended Double Cab features traditional front-hinged doors, making day-to-day usability easier than Chevy and Ford trucks with the more traditional reverse-opening access doors. The Tundra CrewMax, meanwhile, is truly enormous, featuring excellent legroom and a rear seat that not only slides but reclines as well. Feature highlights include a standard rearview camera and available smartphone integration.

There are some downsides, however, including a sometimes jiggly ride quality, below-average fuel economy and driving characteristics than can make it feel bigger than it really is. But the latest Tundra continues to be one tough truck that certainly meets the needs of today's buyers.

Used Toyota Tundra Models
The current Toyota Tundra represents the second generation, which debuted for the 2007 model year. There have been a few changes to note if you're looking for a used Tundra. Models from 2007-'09 with the midsize V8 had a 4.7-liter V8 good for 271 hp. The 4.6-liter V8 with 310 hp arrived for 2010. That year also brought a couple new trim levels, as well as minor cosmetic tweaks and the addition of front-seat knee airbags. Also, prior to 2011 the V6 was less powerful (it made 236 hp). These Tundras also lack the 2014 model's updated interior and exterior styling, standard-across-the-board rearview camera and some available high-tech features, such as smartphone integration and blind-spot monitoring.

The previous-generation full-size Toyota Tundra replaced the unloved T100 pickup when it debuted for 2000. Production ran through the 2006 model year. Although it was available with an optional V8 and several configurations, it wasn't large or tough enough to compete with its more traditional rivals when it came time for serious work-site tasks.

Originally, the Tundra was available in regular and extended-cab versions. Regular-cab versions came only in long bed form, while the extended-cab models (Access Cab) came only with the short bed. The latter did include two rearward-opening doors for easier rear-seat access, but the backseat was cramped for a full-size pickup truck.

There were three trim levels: a sparsely equipped base trim, the midlevel SR5 and the top-line Limited. The base trim was available on two-wheel-drive regular cabs only. A 3.4-liter V6, making 190 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque, was standard on regular-cab Tundras and could be mated to either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission.

Topping the lineup was an available 4.7-liter V8 engine. This smooth-revving power plant made 245 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque and was available with a four-speed automatic transmission only.

Only detail changes carried through to 2003, at which point Toyota expanded the Tundra's lineup to include an available sporty new StepSide cargo bed for V8-powered Access Cabs. All Tundras received freshened front-end styling that year, as well as standard antilock brakes and an upgraded center console. A power sliding rear window was also added to Limited models.

The big news for 2004 was the arrival of the Double Cab, a crew-cab version of the Tundra. Riding on an extended wheelbase and featuring a roomier cabin and a cargo bed equal in length to the Access Cab's, the Double Cab added some much-needed variety to the Tundra's lineup, providing a viable option for family-minded truck buyers.

Prospective used Toyota Tundra buyers who plan on doing a lot of hauling or towing should probably focus on 2005 or newer models, as Toyota enhanced the powertrains that year. A new 245-hp, 4.0-liter V6 coupled with either a six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmission became standard, and the available 4.7-liter V8 was now good for 282 horses and used the new five-speed automatic exclusively.

In reviews of the time, we commented favorably about the Toyota Tundra's smooth and refined V8, easy maneuverability in urban areas and roomy Double Cab configuration. Downsides included a lack of brawn for serious towing and hauling, uncomfortable front seats, a cramped rear seat in Access Cab models and chintzy interior trimmings.

User Reviews:

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  Pick another year - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By litedog - December 18 - 10:00 am

  I too had the brake problems from day one, front and rear. Also had both exhaust manifold crack. In addition, over the past year it began blowing O2 sensors on a regular basis. When the transmission began slipping, I had enough. The Toyota dealers refuse to believe that there is something wrong with these trucks. My last Toyota.

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  very disappointed - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike - October 16 - 10:50 am

  I am very disappointed in the inside design of the Toyota Tundra, the power window controls are placed too far back for ease of use. The clock is very low on the dash which makes you take your eyes off of the road to see the time, then you have to look up to see the temp. and direction your are traveling. Toyota should have placed the clock in the radio which would have made it easier to see. The bucket seats are uncomfortable and the center console should of been higher, then no need for armrests. Probably will be my one and only toyota truck.

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  Dont buy a Totota Tundra!!! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By ll liveoak - September 4 - 5:40 pm

  Do not make the same mistake that I made! My pickup has been in the shop for 3 months of the 10 months that I have owned it. At present Toyota is replacing the airbag sensors and the 6 speed transmission. Also, I now understand that the tailgate will need to be replaced due to design errors. Toyota has never built a full size pickup before and it may be years before they get it right. Dont take the chance like I did or you may fegret it. Also, they do not hold their value because Toyota is now discounting them to get rid of them. Leonard Liveoak

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  Transmission troubles - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By hermie - June 16 - 10:00 am

  The 5 speed manual transmission vibrates too much. Two dealerships told me that was normal. Transmission seems to downshift itself even thought it is a manual transmission. Very uncomfortable feeling.

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  Check Engine Light - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By JH - May 3 - 2:46 am

  Have had the truck for a week and the check engine light is on! Just traded in my Jeep Grand Cherokee for the same reason. Expensive truck and now this! Put some faith in Toyota even with the accelerator recall and supposedly from another post, they knew about this problem, cam sensor. Beware!

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  Not good with kids - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By stephanie - April 5 - 2:23 pm

  This truck is not good for kids and small children. There is not enough room for two car seats to sit side-by-side. That means there is wasted space in the middle. My kids legs are crammed against our seats. I have hit my head in there numerous times getting them into the truck. The door design is horrible. If you park close to another car, you are sure to hit another car with the door getting your kids out. There isnt anything wrong with this truck if you dont have children. Its a good, reliable vehicle, but its just not compatible with small children in car seats.

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  Troublesome - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By roadking218 - March 16 - 2:20 am

  Love the interior and truck size. Hate the mileage. Extremely poor for a small V8. Poor workmanship. never expected a recall from a Toyota. Tire wear was excessive.

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  Hmmmm - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Cal - February 18 - 10:23 pm

  Ball joints went out without any warning of indication they were bad. The drivers side suddenly dropped to the ground. The brake routers have not held up very well at all. My 4 wheel drive went out, had to replace a small electrical box by the passengers side floor area. 2 Ignitions coils went bad and the CD player suddenly stopped working. I have had the truck serviced by the dealer every 3 to 5 thousand miles. I called Toyota and they said sorry, and that was it. I think I will go back to Ford!

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  exhaust leak 06 tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Don - December 31 - 3:23 pm

  At 16,000 miles I heard a exhaust leak, more pronounced when the vehicle was cold. Sound like defective catylitic convertor issue. I have had it back 2 times at the same dealer I purchased it from they said on the second trip back, could I leave it for 24 hrs so they could test it to which I said yes. When I dropped it off I put a penny over the front tire. 24 hrs later they called me, stating they could not find anything. Guess what when I picked the truck back up it was in the same parking spot with the penney over the tire. What a test. If this is not corrected, my toyota buying days are over. My friend is a cheif mechanic at a gm dealer and agrees it has a exhaust issue.

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  Good truck, except for the year 2000 - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By mostsleek - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my truck used with 25000 miles. I knew about the brake problems and had my rotors turned at 35000 miles. They are already starting to go with only 40000. The brakes will only last about 5000-7500 miles. Then at 40000 miles the fuel pump went. I had to fight with toyota to get the repair and tow paid for. Eventually they paided, however, the engine light came on 1 day after the repair, and I noticed that a bolt was mising from the cab.Once again i fought with toyota to fix the repair that they said that I did. The truck is great, the first year, 2000, models have alot of problems. 31 TSB and 2 recalls.