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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  2004 Tundra Double Cab - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By skibum - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle feels solid on the road. Cabin is spacious. Controls are typical of foreign vehicle but could be desined better. Headlight control integrated in turn signal. I have had the headlights go off accidentally at night when I put on the turn signal. Wireless throttle control is not as smooth as it could be. Neither is the transmission. Turning radius is pathetic. Stock tires are not good in snow and. Engine power is more than adequate. Truck performs well offroad. I like the power rear window. 4WD system works well and is easy to use. Load capability is good. Overall, I like the truck.

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  A Great Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Tlane - June 6 - 4:13 am

  Wow! I love my Tundra. I have owned Ford trucks all my life - they are good trucks, but they dont match this Toyota. It pulls my 5000 lb 21 ft boat through the CO mountains like its not even back there. It is far superior to my previous F150 5.4 L for towing as far as power, stopping ability, and vehicle control. It does 60 mph plus on any of the grades where my F150 struggled along 38-42 mph in first or second gear. Its down right fast when Im not towing. So far Im getting 11.9 MPG towing the boat in the mountains and 17.5 commuting and around town. I can understand how people get lower mileage though, its fun to jump on the gas to see if it really does do 0-60 in 6 sec.

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  Almost Perfect - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By coddarling - June 2 - 6:30 am

  I have a 2005 Tundra Double Cab 4x4 and I love it. 3,500 miles thus far and absolutely no regrets. Its the perfect size for me--I can throw my 3 kids in the back and enough gear in the bed for a family of 5--ski equipment, whatever, and go absolutely anywhere. (I have a retractable lockable bed cover, and it really completes the package.) Only two complaints: my truck has the TRD package, and the stock BF Goodrich "Rugged Trail" tires were terrible. Threw them away after 500 miles and put on BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A, a more appropriate choice for the TRD package. Also, I tried an after-market bug deflector but took it off due to wind noise. Maybe Ill try the Toyota part.

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  My Toyota - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike - May 30 - 3:36 pm

  We have a Travel Trailer - about 6,800LBS and do some serious hills Santa Cruz Mountians and such. The ride is very nice - lots of power on demand. I have to say my Jayco G2 - if not for my rear view its like its not behind me. The NAV and Radio are a little bit of a reach. The seats could use more of a wrap around lumbar support. Other then that - I really love the truck. I have every option you can get!

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  Best truck I have ever owned - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Chas - May 16 - 9:40 pm

  I was in the market to buy another Dodge when I went to a local show and sat in a new Tundra. The rest is history. I bought it on a whim and Im glad that I did. I have the offroad package. The ride is stiff, but not what Id call uncomfortable. Its a truck!! I was pleasantly surprised after driving in the mountains that I had gotten excellent gas mileage. The engine is the nicest running I have ever had.

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  Awesome Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By George - May 14 - 10:06 am

  I drive 100 miles a day to and from work. Not one problem. I love this truck and see it going 200000 easy. Great power, comfort. I raised the front 1.5 inches to level the truck out, added Mickey Thompson wheels, Indy Firehawk tires and a hard tonneau and I have a clean, dependable ride. I have and will reccommend this truck to any and all that will listen. Buy one. The new 4 doors have room mine doesnt. BUY ONE

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  Best full size truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By JAG - May 9 - 4:56 am

  This is a great truck. I have the offroad package and I love the bilstein shock that come with it. I find if you inflate the tires a little above max. It doesnt bounce on the highway as much. Which is one thing some people complain about. The response of the engine is great. Overall a great truck

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  Happy With My Tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By rtundra - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had absolutely no trouble with my 4WD SB Tundra. There has been no mechanical problems nor any squeeks or rattles. It easily pulls my 18 boat and trailer. I highly recommend.

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  Great Truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By mike mc - May 1 - 2:00 am

  My tundra is great. My friends cant believe how much power it has. People who ride with me are astounded by the smooth ride.

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  reluctant ex-Ford 150 buyer - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By WVtoyota - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I have always purchased Fords but my spouse has a Toyota Sequoia and I even noticed the difference from her Expedition she had previously. Wanted a truck that my wife could drive and she did not like the height/visibility of the new 04 150. I gave the Toyota a test drive and was amazed at the refinement compared to the other brands. Ride like an SUV at most and is so tight in its construction. Luckily the4 dealer is A-1 and the buying experience was great for both trucks. Very happy with it at this point and like the six plus foot bed on the double cab.