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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Old School Tundra Update - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By jwolfgong - August 20 - 7:13 amOK, maybe my first review was a bit harsh. I have 2700 miles on it now and am averaging 14 MPG without much highway mileage. Highway ride is very sound for a full size truck. Here are options I do have: CC2, CK3, DJ1, AA3, JC2, JZ3, KE3, KG3, LD2, LF3, PG2, CF2, LU3, ES1. I have rated each 1, 2 or 3. 1 equal low value and 3 high value. I would opt for EBD and VSC if I redid this purchase. On a truck with a long wheel base the EBD can really make a difference, IE keep you on the road by correcting your slide before you realize you are in one.
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2014 a big ride improvement - 2014 Toyota Tundra
By beaverfood - August 9 - 4:20 amThe 2014 rides much better than the 2010. I had an SR5 DoubleCab, and moved up a notch to the Limited CrewMax. I like the dual temperature controls, which are no longer available on the SR5.
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hunter - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By hunter - August 8 - 2:00 amthe toyota tumdra is one of the best vehicals i have ever drive and i have been driving toyota trucks for about 15 years. very econom9ical
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Went back to the Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Chubbs - August 8 - 1:50 amWe had a 2000 Tundra that did a wonderful job for us. We moved and when it was time for a new one, the Titan pulled more weight so we got one. While the Titan was a wonderful truck, its just not a Toyota. This new Tundra is just plain gorgeous and I anticipate performance and comfort on our cross-country journeys while pulling a trailer.
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First Toyota - last truck ever! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By tennriverrat - August 5 - 6:03 pmIf someone wouldve told me ten years ago that today I would own any truck other than a Chevrolet (especially a Toyota), I wouldve died laughing at them. I bought a left over 08 model for my wife and she cant keep me out of it. The performance for a full sized truck is amazing. My daily driver is an 06 Nissan Altima SE-R, and the truck is as fun to drive as the car is. Im actually thinking about getting rid of the car to buy one of the Tundra TRD Sport Editions for myself. Gas mileage is my only complaint, HOWEVER, I knew it wasnt going to be great when I bought it. Lets face it, in order to tow 5 tons, you gotta give somewhere. Having said that, it still gets 18mpg on the highway.
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True Believer - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By only drivin tundras - August 2 - 4:16 pmI bought my Tundra in mid 2002 with 44K miles. Drove it approx 35K per year pushing oil changes to every 10K. Replaced one set of front rotors, one fuel pump (it was blowing the EFI 1 fuse) and one set of spark plugs. It was an outstanding truck. I say was because it was totaled in an accident with 206K. Had it not met an early demise I believe it would have easily rolled 300K plus. I missed it so much I replaced it with another one with a young 148K on it.
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Toyota Gets It Right - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By 1972ck - July 31 - 8:20 pmThis will be Tundra #3 for me. While I enjoyed my last Tundras this one is by far the most capable. Excellent acceleration, braking. Cant wait to hook it up to my travel trailer and see how she tows! Like the comfort and conv. items in the interior. Turning radius is awesome! Special ordered mine took a bit to get but worth the wait. If youre in the market for a full sized p/u, youve got to give the all new Tundra a look. I drove the others and found the Tundra to be superior. The Dodge was cheap looking int., the Ford rode terribly. The Chevy was a close second but reliability scared me away. The Titan is a joke, no payload.
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Bought it for the ride - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By Charlie P - July 27 - 11:53 pmHave owned this since 1/06. Very comfortable ride! Lots of compliments on the mica blue color. Have been waiting a LONG TIME to get the recall work done (front suspension lower ball joints. Dealership says parts are back ordered). Could not get the running boards I originally ordered either - waited 6 mos. and then was told that the dealership no longer used that supplier. Settled for the "tube" type. Agree with most other reviewers - u-turns are K- turns! Really like the overall handling, braking is good, feel very safe in traffic.
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Great Truck! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By Steve - July 23 - 11:23 pmIt came down to either this truck, or a Dodge Ram and I jumped at the HUGE rebate offered back when gas was over $4 a gallon. The exterior and interior look similar (better IMHO) to the Dodge. Everyone, to include Dodge, Chevy and Ford owners love my truck. The MSRP was over $32K and I got it for ~$24 with TTT, running bars and a 10 year 100K miles Bumper to Bumper warranty. The only 2 things I dislike are the MPG and the CHEAP radio. I drove a Suburban previously, so I was use to the MPG plus, that was why I saved over $8000. The radio also was the standard one and there was no way I would pay for the Limited package. Almost 18,000 miles and only had to get the radio replaced.
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Dream Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By Tundra - July 23 - 6:20 amThis truck is unbelievable. Great power, pick up speed. Incredible amount of room without going overboard. I absolutely love this truck and I will tell anyone who will listen.
