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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disappointed - 2001 Toyota Tundra
By automatic - September 22 - 10:00 amI was driving the Tacoma, and could not wait to get the Tundra, it was my third Toyota. I was very pleased with the overall hanlding, ride and comfort of the Tundra. The accelaration is smooth and powerful. It rides great with or without a full load in the bed. I was a satisified owner. Then some problems started to surface. It is now on the third oxygen sensor. In Nov. 03 the transmission started acting up. Fortunately I had the extended warranty, because in Mar04 it failed and had to replaced. The rebuilt is not working very well. Im not so satisfied any longer.
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Great deals on 06 4x4 SR5 DC - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By TC - August 18 - 1:46 amGot a great deal on a remaining 06 DC 4x4 SR5 which was pretty loaded up. Heres the positives about the truck: great back seat room compard to 07 DC, larger bed than upcoming Crewmax, nice engine and tranny, unparalled resale value, lots of aftermarket items available, very good off road ability, fit and finish is perfect. Negatives: horrible gas mileage so far, outdated dash board and controls, higher than average TSBs and recalls, cloth seats seem cheap, center console rounded, not good for work.
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After First Month - 2009 Toyota Tundra
By TMC - August 16 - 7:00 pmGreat Engine and Transmission. Feels Solid and drives great on most roads. Toyota has a real issue with the bed hop problem on concrete roads. Been to dealer twice for this issue. No help from dealer or escalation to Toyota district rep. Seems to be a design problem and Toyota trying to say it is suppose to be that way. No way. I am changing shocks this week, at my expense, to try and address this issue. Hope it helps..
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One hell of a good truck! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By Bob Y - August 14 - 10:00 amI love my Tundra,its a great truck.I know I will be happy with it for along time to come.
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2005 Tundra Double Cab - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By MM - August 12 - 8:50 amI love my new 2005 Tundra. It has plenty of power, looks great, smooth transmission, quiet cabin. I chose the SR5 because you get more choices on colors and I like the Chrome bumpers, mirrors and grill. Chrome isnt available on the Limited. I had the dealer put in the wood interior finish, navigation system, leather seats, heated seats, 17" wheels and tires. I tried to make it as much a limited as possible and saved some money too.
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Toyota Tundra - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By Robert Mansfield - August 10 - 10:00 amDrove off the lot and heard a rattle in the steering colum. Turned out to be a miissing bolt in the steering colum. The back window leaked. The Driver window "when partially opened" rattles a lot.
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2001 TUNDRA ACCESS CAB V8 2WD GAS SUCKER - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By FLBODACIOUS2U@AOL - July 16 - 10:00 am30,200 MILES NOW ON 2001.TWO OF FOUR OXYGEN SENSORS REPLACED BY 25K,GAS MILEAGE HAS BEEN AT 11-12MPG SINCE 2ND OXYGEN SENSOR REPLACED, TOYOTAS SCAN TOOL ON MY TRUCKS COMPUTER "CANT FIND ANY PROBLEM"! FRONT BRAKES REDONE UNDER "SERVICE BULLETIN" NO PROBLEM THERE! SERPENTINE BELT WAS WORN AT 25K.DRIVEN BY 49 Y/O FEMALE ON PAVED CITY/INTERSTATE. YES, GUYS..THE TIRES ARE AIRED UP TO 35LBS. THIS 2001 HAS TURNED INTO AN ARAB OIL SALEMANS DREAM AND A FREAKIN NIGHTMARE TO BUY FUEL FOR AT $150 PER MONTH COST TO DRIVE 1,000 MILES!!! 11.22MPG/CITY&12MPG/HWY.THIS TRUCK IS COSTING ME $170 PER WEEK TO LEASE,INSURE, GAS AND OIL CHANGE!!!
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Typical Toyota - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By Mike Noble - July 4 - 2:00 amThe V8 runs very well, but a little underpowered. Needs VVT valve technology to get the power up. Heater system inadequate. Not enough air, and to the wrong places. Build quality typical Toyota (very good). Needs a little help with transmission logic. 2 to 1 downshift at low speeds annoying, especially on slipery surfaces. Overall, a good reliable pickup, if youre not doing "full sized" chores. This is NOT a full size pickup. But then again, I bought it because it wasnt full sized.
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Love My Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By paulb67 - June 27 - 7:50 pmWith all its faults, I love my truck. Great lease price, not a single mech. problem in 50K miles. Seats feel a little loose and have been to dealer several times to no avail. Gas mileage stinks on this as a daily driver no towing anything, but love the comfort and power. Also mirror on doors slightly loose.
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Great Truck! - 2010 Toyota Tundra
By Skierdad - June 19 - 2:23 amDrove every half ton truck out there and chose the Tundra over them all. Tons of power. Have pulled a 4 place ATV trailer loaded up, boats, etc. No issues. Added a matching topper and the truck is sharp looking. Can load up the wife, kids, and 2 dogs and all our gear for a drive anywhere we want to go.
