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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Good truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By Tom - March 3 - 3:50 pmI just traded in my 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe to buy a new 2008 Toyota Tundra. So far I love everything about the tundra. I was concerned about poor gas mileage, but that is not the case. The 5.7 L can actually get better gas mileage because it is a 6 speed. It all depends on how you drive it. The ONLY complaint I have about the Tundra is that the ride is a little bit rough. I think that the everything else about the Tundra is so nice though that it easily makes up for the rough ride.
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Love my truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By Jolyn - February 18 - 4:40 amI have drove my Toyota Tundra for one year. It is the first vechile I have owned that did not have to go back to the dealer for repairs or adjustments. I just have it serviced as directed by the owners manual. It is the first Toyota I have owned but it will not be the last.
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Best Truck Ever - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By Matt - February 17 - 3:13 amI have owned a Ford, and a Chevy truck this Tundra by far is the best I have owned. Mine has the bench with the fold down arm rest and I love it. I fit six pretty big guys in there with no problem. I have pulled trailers that weighed close to 6500 lbs and it felt like nothing was back there...The truck is rated kind of low for towing but I think it can handle most loads...I actually average about 19.2 mpg overall and thats a 6 month avg. Low maintenance Great overall truck...We are Toyota Family and would recommend this truck to anyone looking for one. I am ready for my next one in about 20 years.........
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This truck is great - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By robin - February 16 - 6:53 pmWe tow our toyhauler camper, garbage trailers and work trailers all the time. It handles everything like it was just part of a days work. We have two older kids who love riding in the back seat. We drive it around town and on the highway constantly. We travel 5 1/2 hours one way every other weekend and everyone is comfortable. Being a female, I wasnt sure about a truck but I love it. Its fun to drive and handles well. Yes it drives like a truck because it is one. We purchased an ARE cap and a bed rug for when we bring our two large dogs. For a truck the gas mileage isnt bad, the Pilot I had got 17/21 and we couldnt do half of the things with the Pilot that we can do with the Tundra.
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A 4 liter 6sp manual Tundra? - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By MrKnobs - February 16 - 10:00 amJust bought this so I may have a more considered opinion later. So far I really like it. The upsized 4.0 L engine plus 6sp manual trans. is really zippy. Build quality seems very good. Excellent value for the price, in my opinion.
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Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By RichB - February 14 - 12:23 amGreat to drive, Fun off road, comfort A++. Trying to figure out why the bed walls are not the same hight all the way around the wall in back of the cab is about 2" shorter?? Love the body on the step side, the sleek lines and sporty look gets a lot of attention and comments.
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excellent truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
By kevinlee123 - February 9 - 8:17 pmdrove this truck since i bought it has 127,500miles on it, so far so good,fell like a new luxury sedan.full power,good ac,good sound system(tape/cd), it will last long.no issues. save lots of money
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Satisfied - 2010 Toyota Tundra
By Dove - February 8 - 11:23 pm -
TUNDRA - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By Robert Brennan - February 5 - 7:13 pmThis is just a half ton truck. If you are going to tow you have to get all the goodies to do it. You have to get the right gears and coolers to make it right. I did these things and have no problems. Dont think you are bying a one ton truck.
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I prefer it to wifes Lexus - 2001 Toyota Tundra
By boiler4ever - February 2 - 10:00 amI bought this truck used with only 5,000 miles on it. After a year of ownership, I hate driving anything else. It is great to drive and feels very solid in all conditions. We also have a lexus RX300, and I still prefer to drive the truck. It rides so smooth and the quietness of the cabin is amazing.
