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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  toyotas rule - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By toyotas rule - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Toyota has done it again they have improved on an already great truck. Safety, reliabilty, predicted resale value why look at anything else. And you would never believe my salespersons name "Rusty Lemmon." And I will recommend Kendall Toyota again and again.

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  Tundra review - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By xman1035 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased the Tundra and its a quality made truck. Its not as roomy as the Dodge 1500 Quad Cab or the GM/Chevy Silverado XCab. The engine is smooth, extremely quiet,and has lots of power-245hp. A supercharger should be available by Toyota Racing Development(TRD) that will boost the horsepower to 345 hp.

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  Why did i wait? - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By foothills - October 3 - 12:46 am

  The 5.7 motor in this truck is years ahead of the others. It is smooth, quiet and the power is unreal. I am getting 14 mpg, and don;t care because it is so much fun to drive. The truck has the TRD dual exhausts and sounds great when you get on it. The limited slip diff is great for gravel roads and snow. I do not use this as work truck, just weekend warrior stuff and commuting. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and practical vehicle.

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  upgrade to TUNDRA - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By T100_to_Tundra - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I live in NE and drive 100 mi/day for work. I recently upgraded from a T100 to a Tundra. My T100 has 260,000 miles, no leaks, still quite, some rust on bed weld spots. So why upgrade? Im sold on Toyota quality and reliability. I get more for my $$$. 1. I have 3 children, so the rear access doors are a bonus. 2. More HP,Tq without sacrificing fuel economy (I get around 20 mph, same as my V6 T100). 3. Finally a limited-slip rear differential (LD) with the TRD option. 4. Did I mention, this truck is so quiet!

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  SURPRISING POWER - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By JSMUDD - September 30 - 10:00 am

  BOUGHT THIS TRUCK A FEW MONTHS AGO WITH 5000 MILES.I LOOKED AT BUYING A CHEVY SILVERADO BUT THE DESIGN OF THE STEPSIDE CAUGHT MY EYE. UPON DRIVING THE TUNDRA I WAS SURPRISED AT THE POWER IT HAD, ESPECIALLY DURING ACELLERATION. IT IS FUN TO DRIVE. THE GRAY PEARL PAINT IS REALLY NICE! THIS TRUCK HAS MORE GET UP AND GO THAN MY HUSBANDS CHEVY 1500 TRUCK WITH A V 8 5.3 ENGINE.I JUST SOLD MY 2000 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SO I KNOW THIS WILL HAVE A GREAT RESALE VALUE.REAR SEATS ARE TIGHT BUT I WASNT LOOKING FOR A CREWW CAB. I WISH TOYOTA WOULD PUT A COMPASS,TEMP MIRROR IN THIER TRUCKS BUT IF THATS ALL I FIND FIND TO COMPLAIN ABOUT, I FEEL LUCKY!

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  Tundra - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Bongoman - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Best full size truck for the money

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  Simply The Best Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By T Con - September 26 - 8:13 am

  Ater doing the SUV thing we decided to look at a four door truck. After researching the other manufacturers, we decided to go with the Toyota. The 5.7 liter engine is amazingly powerful. We got the SR5 Crewmax X-SP package which gives you a lot of extras for the price of the truck. The interior comfort is amazing, I am 63 and have more than enough room in the front or rear of this truck. My wife loves this truck more than I do for the comfort and awesome looks that it has. Toyota gives you what you want with the Tundra, power, performance, comfort and reliability. If you dont get caught up with the power of the 5.7 you can get 20 mpg while driving. If you drive it you will buy it.

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  CrewMax hits a homerun - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By mlj283 - September 21 - 11:00 am

  Tundra finally hit a home run with the 2007 with the 5.7L/6AT Limited model. I spent the extra $$ to get this package (along with the Nav. and 20" wheels) and have not regretted it in the least. The drivetrain on this 2007 Tundra is perhaps the finest combo ever put into a production model pickup. The advertised 16/20 mpg is accurate unless you have a heavy foot, and the cabin quietness is Lexus-like. 40 grand is a steep price for a half- ton pickup but anyone in the market for a high-end truck would be crazy not to go to your local Toyota dealership and test drive a Tundra.

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  The truck Ford wishes it could build! - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By hutch7 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I finally got tired of visiting my 97 F-150 at the repair shop and got the Tundra. After 9K of problem free driving I couldnt be happier. Exceelent buld quality, outstanding engine and Lexus like ride. Great personal truck...if I was going to get a work truck Id probably buy an old Chevy beater.

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  Excellent truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By BobN - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had no regrets buying this truck and get many compliments on it. After 2 years truck is very solid and gas mileage is not too bad for a large vehicle (I get 17 mpg hwy/cty combined). Was very pleased with crash test results compared to other trucks. Only problems to mention are weak and easy to warp brake rotors (I am very easy on the brakes too!), plastic trim piece that houses radio, etc. that pops and makes noise when it is cold, some valve train noise when cold (typical japanese), and a squeaking noise from somewhere under the hood when cold. Most of these are not terrible things but ones I have noticed over time.