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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I love my Tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By Brenda Vinci - May 26 - 10:03 amThis was my first purchase for a truck. I was originally going to look at the Tacomas but once I glanced at the Tundra it was love at first site. Then after I test drove it there was no going back. I wouldnt even consider test driving any other truck. Ive had my Tundra for six and half years and it still drives like its brand new. Ive had absolutely no problems with my Tundra.
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Awesome Truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
By dukeno1 - May 25 - 10:52 pmI bought this truck new in May 2001. I now have 227,000 miles on it. The only work I have done on it in that time is a timing belt (due for another), all 4 o2 sensors, and at least 4-5 brake jobs on the front. That is my only complaint with the truck. The brakes are woefully undersized and I have trouble with warped rotors. I tow a boat in the summer and I believe that exacerbates the issue. I have gotten proficient at changing the pads and rotors so not that big of a deal. I have ran Mobil 1 synthetic since the second oil change and swear by the stuff. The engine on this truck has been amazing.....quiet, powerful and refined. Everything is still tight and rattle free! Love it!
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Best vehicle I have owned - 2011 Toyota Tundra
By formergmcguy - May 24 - 5:57 pmI bought this truck new and at 13,000 miles, I have not had one single thing not function the way it is supposed. My previous 2 vehicles were GMCs and I had nothing but problems with them and GM doesnt stand behind their products. I get about 19 mpg in mixed driving. Winter mileage drops to around 15. This truck tows trailers with ease---dont even know they are there. Feels safer than the GMC Sierra. Im very impressed with its build quality. Very quiet. Handles extremely well for a large vehicle. The TRD package gives a stiff ride but is good when loaded or has a trailer in tow. Love the crewmax cab setup.
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Wonderful truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By Shewolf - May 24 - 10:00 amI traded in my Toyota Tacoma for the Tundra, there is much more room inside and is larger and easier to handle. My Tundra is much smoother riding than my husbands Dodge Ram and I wouldnt hesitate to drive across country in my Tundra.
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Toyota has built the right truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By JaxTundra04 - May 24 - 10:00 amThis is my second Tundra and my second Toyota. I used to drive Nissans for years, but their build quality and service department has gone down hill. The Tundra is a great truck that does not require frequent trips for repairs, and it holds its value, unlike so many other trucks. I see people writing reviews here that are either just trying to bring down the Tundra because its not a "domestic" truck, or they are just flat out lying. If you buy a Tundra, you will not be disappointed.
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Scary fast and comfort! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By Jason - May 24 - 12:13 amDownsizing from a 2500 diesel to this was easy. The cab room was awesome and the truck will move even with a load. No need for a 2500 with this truck and handles like a car. Completely impressed with the quality and the safety extras Toyota puts in their products stock!
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Good little truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By Jason - May 20 - 8:10 amEver since I bought it, this truck has been nothing but reliable. The one problem I have had has been with brake rotors. After turning the existing rotors and eventually replacing them with new ones, Ive pretty much given up on a shake-free ride. However, on rough terrain, I have never owned anything more solid. My Dodge diesel feels like its going to disintegrate if I get off the pavement, but not the Tundra. It has decent power for such a small V6, but the fuel economy isnt that great when taken in context with the small body size. I can get 20 mpg. if I baby it, but other than that, 17.5 is about average. 24-25 mpg. in high altitude, though. This is one tough little truck!
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Best Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By Anthony - May 15 - 10:26 amGreat truck, nice comfortable ride and quiet, 6 cylinders plenty of power for me. Driven 9000 miles in 3 months, no problems. Excellent Toyota quality.
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Rides like my Lexus - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By Bonnie Rag Doll Love - May 15 - 2:00 amSmooth, quiet, powerfull and great fuel mileage. Rear seat is very uncomfortable, seat back is straight up. Great tow vehicle, plenty of power and brakes well.
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Big and Powerful Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By Big and Powerful - May 10 - 10:43 pmBiggest truck driven so far. Sometime it felt like driving a school bus because its so big inside and outside. Love the Big V8 and Big brake. Truck is very quiet and firm on the roads. The only thing I dont about this truck is that it uses too much gas. Getting around 14-18MPG on mix driving. Got to trade it in for Tacoma or 2nd home equity loan soon because getting expensive to fill up the gas tank. I dont understand how millions of people can afford to drive any Big V8 everyday because I cant...
