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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Good Solid Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By Maldivan - October 28 - 6:30 amFor the last 10+ years Ive owned nothing but Chevy Ext Cabs. This truck stacks up well against it. The V6 is amazingly nimble and if towing isnt a consideration then the V6 is an obvious choice.The Chevys ride smoother but not by much. The Toyota is the quietest truck Ive ever driven, Im sure the undercoating has a lot to do with it. I decided to go with the Toyota for the simple reasons of reliability and resale values, not to mention its a very nice looking truck. Im very pleased with the truck so far and am still amazed at the Power the V6 has.It will be hard to give this truck up. I think Chevrolet has lost a customer.
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A Good Work Truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By tvrehas - October 28 - 2:13 amThe truck is solidly built and takes on construction sites with ease. The interior materials are top notch and the seats are very supportive. Though compared with other trucks the rear seat is tight and space to store items is scarce. Also, expected gas mileage on the highway to be better than 18 mpg.
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Bought the best - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By 1972ck - October 23 - 11:06 pmThe new Tundra in my humble opinion is the best fullsized truck on the market. Fantastic power, turning radius, styling and capabilities. Toyota has finally hit the mark w/ this all new Tundra. It drives like a car. Precise handling and whisper quiet.
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Very Happy w/ My 02 Tundra - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By 1968 Camaro Conv - October 23 - 10:00 amWhen Toyota first advertised the new 00 Tundra, what interested me was the emphasis placed on the Tundra’s new I-Force V8 engine. After waiting two years and tracking the success of the Tundra, I decided to test drive this truck and immediately knew that this was a well build truck. I’ve driven this truck across the USA with no problems. I also have used this truck to haul wood and for towing. The 4X4 works well both off- road and on wet/snow covered pavement. The anti-locking brakes also works well on icy and gravel roads. I highly recommended the anti-locking brakes. I’m very pleased with this truck and will buy another Tundra.
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Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By Jerome - October 16 - 4:26 pmI just got this truck and am so glad that did! I did my research and this is the best truck for the money. Great features and good performance.
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very disappointed - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By Mike - October 16 - 10:50 amI 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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Great Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By FlyfisherJeff - October 16 - 10:00 amThis truck is the best riding vehicle that Ive owned. Its wonderful for the long drives to my favorite fishing spots.
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hehe - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By joeyzz - October 16 - 10:00 amsweeet i really like the smooth ride. and a high rev motor
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02 Toyota Tundra 4WD Limited V* - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By Rick - October 16 - 9:20 amBest truck Ive ever owned. Rides great, handles great.
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THE BEST truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By rob edgett - October 10 - 2:00 amThis truck does everything VERY well, no complaints, at all!!! bob edgett
