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:

• 

  Better Than Average - 2012 Toyota Tundra
  By jmlabs - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Prior to purchasing 2012 Tundra 5.7L LB, I did extensive research on Chevy, Ford, and Dodge. I felt like the U.S. mfg trucks used excessively thin sheet metal and were about $10K - $15K overpriced and in my opinion that was due to unions. I found thin sheet metal in the Tundra too, but I wasnt paying a union add-on for the Toyota. What sold me on the Tundra is the large pinion gear, quality wrapped wire bundles in the engine bay, the quality interior, and transmission cooler. Ive owned the truck for 2 years 7 months now and have had no problems at all. The body style is attractive - I prefer it over the new 2015 body style. Id repurchase a Tundra mfg prior to the new body style.

• 

  Best pick up of 11 I have owend - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By a9mmauto - June 23 - 9:06 pm

  This is a solid fun, and well built truck. I do some light towing, 3200 lbs no problem. I think this version is the best looking Toyota ever built. Off road amazing!

• 

  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.

• 

  Best Investment - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By BRIAN - June 11 - 8:53 am

  It looks and drives like a luxury truck but it really is a work truck. I can use it during the week to haul heavy loads or use it at a construction site and on the weekends, go to a wedding or nice outings all in the same truck. Its got power and class. The best vehicle I ever owned.

• 

  Love This Truck - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By campingfool - June 8 - 9:09 pm

  I bought this truck new in 2007 after driving a few of the competitors and decided to go with Toyota because of its known reliability and large towing capacity. I had an accident a month after owning the truck and it still drive the same after repair. I bought a 10,000 pound 5th wheel and have hauled it to Yellowstone and the Appalachian Mountains with no problems. Sure gas mileage stinks while hauling (8-10mpg) but it’s a truck. While my comrades pull their trailers and start complaining their transmissions are getting hot mine doesnt even flinch. I hope this review helps eliminates any doubts about buying this truck. I also dont notice a jitter but Im not a professional reviewer.

• 

  A league of its own - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Tom B - June 8 - 10:40 am

  I paper-compared all 5 full-size mfgs and narrowed down to Chevy and Toyota. Toyota still was the no-brainer. Why buy a 16 valve, push rod V8 with 315 HP when you can have 32 valves amd 381 HP. Also, rear disc brakes, 6 speed tranny and an interior big enough for hide-and-seek. The SR5 package, to me, rides like a Lexus. The 6 speed tranny is almost anticlimactic as it is so smooth: it feels like a 1 speed. This truck will turn tighter than my 1992 x- cab Tundra. Fuel mileage is dead-on 18 mpg as rated, however, I drive 28 mi of a 30 mile commute on the interstate. Even with the 4.30 rear diff. gears this truck turns only 1900 rpm at 70 mph.

• 

  Pleased Tundra owner - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By B. Maz - June 7 - 4:16 am

  After having many chevy/gmc trucks, I was ready to get a truck I wouldnt be disappointed with. My SR5/TRD has been a pleasure to own & fun to drive. I look forward to the next time I have to drive somewhere. Having the tow package w/ 4.10 gears & the transmission oil cooler allows me to feel very confident that its capable to handle any task the domestic trucks will do. With that in mind, the gear setting is also why I dont get good gas mileage(& I have a heavy right foot, LOVE the power). To sum things up, I wanted a smaller truck with full size capabilities & found it in the 06 Toyota TUNDRA SR5 access cab w/ TRD Off Road.

• 

  Best 1/2 ton Truck on the Market - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Chrisco - June 4 - 2:13 pm

  After 6 months of driving this vehicle, I find that it delivers on things like towing and hauling. I guarantee you will not find another truck that has better braking ability and power.

• 

  First Truck- New 4.6 - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By jnavarro2484 - June 2 - 10:13 am

  Looks great, handles well,and is extremely good on gas for its size. I have not gotten the ability to tow anything yet but; I feel that this new V8 has enough power in it to get the job done.Had I done everything differently, I would of went with the 4x4. Im thinking of trading it at the end of 2010 for a 4x4 due to an issue where I couldnt get out of a little drainage ditch in front of my uncles house in Port Saint Lucie Fl.Other than that, I am in love!!!

• 

  Tundra Access Cab Limited - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Steve H.S. - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Overall its an excellent vehicle, with mileage a bit low but expected to be such (averaging 16 mpg). After 15,000 miles, Ive had no maintenance problems. Smooth ride, great brakes. The bed is plenty big, but the back seat is too cramped for anyone to ride in.