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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  Nice but has faults - 2012 Toyota Tundra
  By mrvenison - April 25 - 9:00 am

  Overall I have a nice truck and the 4.6 L engine performs quite well. It is a little more thirsty than expected. Mixed suburban and country driving fall a little less than 14 mpg with no off road. Thats short of the 14 city rated. The factory bed liner has large openings around the tie downs for lots of material to fall through to the bed. Also the Bluetooth was a real pain to load the phone book in the truck. It doesnt access the phone book in the phone.

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  02 sr5 trd v8 - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Lauferdm - April 24 - 10:00 am

  GREAT TRUCK!!! this is my 4th toy truck since 88 and they have all been great. I sell cars so i test drive many and the big3 has NOTHING on the tundra! I replaced the stock 2 1/4 inch pipe with a 3 inch and a magnaflow muffler WOW GREAT SOUND!!!! also k&n drop in filter. 10% more horse i assume (25)

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  TundraCrewMax - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By TundraCrewMax - April 8 - 10:50 pm

  Great truck. Excellent build quality. Fun to drive. Tight turn radius. Plenty of storage. Good gas mileage for such a big truck.

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  Reliability, & ALL the bells & whistles! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Halls1030 - April 6 - 3:40 pm

  Currently have just under 12k on the odometer. I have the top of the line Limited fully loaded. I traded in a 06 SR5 Double Cab for this truck. I also test drove the Silverado, Avalanche, Titan, and F-150/250s prior to purchasing the truck. Granted, everyone is entitled to his/her opinion but I just dont feel anything comes close to the Tundra... Bluetooth, nav, rear window and sunroof, huge backseat, rear DVD, aux jack for your iPod or MP3 player, heated seats, rear backup camera, huge towing power, silky yet powerful brakes, quick off the line (although itll swallow your gas) and real "torquey" feel. Huge ride, but plush. Doesnt drive like a truck - thats a good thing to me!

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  Beats Ford - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Cain Toyota - April 6 - 12:53 pm

  Prior to buying a Tundra, I owned a ford 150 and paid about 3000 dollars less then the Tundra. Over the long term comparison, the Tundra out preformed the ford 150 in every aspect. I enjoy the performance of the Tundra and over the seven years I have put very little money in to repair bills. I have followed all the specs for mileage requirements and my truck looks and runs as well as it did the day I drove the truck off the lot. I plan to keep this truck for another 7 years.

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  Always a safe bet Toyota - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By alaricsept - April 6 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. The truck has performed without hesitation and without requiring any stops at the dealership. The engine is actually getting stronger as it breaks in, and the silky smooth acceleration. The brakes feel good, they respond quickly and quietly in all situations. I have towed with it a few times and have had it loaded with at least1/2 ton and at most 1700lbs of sand, rock or mulch on several occasions, the engine handled it with aplomb, but the truck reminds you it’s a light duty when the rear end hits the stops. So all in all it fits our lifestyles nicely and is quickly becoming a trusted member of our stable.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By jb3785 - April 4 - 12:00 am

  I have only had it a short time but love it to death. Nice smooth ride and fun to drive. It is a head turner.

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  Love it - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By JR - April 1 - 1:36 pm

  l purchased because my brother has one. And he puts a 4x4 thru its paces, so l knew it was one tough truck. Although it is primarily the family hauler, its going to be used for its 12" ground clearance purpose occasionally and plenty of power for hauling the camper. Back to back driving the Ford 5.4, the Tundra kicked it power wise. lt drives like a luxury car and get almost 20 mpg hwy.

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  Best Truck Ive Ever Purchased! - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Bocefuss - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Wow, this is one heck of a solid truck. I commute from San Antonio to Austin every day. What a joy to drive! Noise levels are very low, smooth ride, very comfortable for driver and front passenger. 18+ mpg for a V8 is great. No issues and regular upkeep. Thanks Toyota!!

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  Just OK - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Jim - April 1 - 5:29 am

  I chose the tundra over the GM products I would usually buy due to toyotas reputation for quality. When you get in it you realize this truck is a Toyota in name only. It uses the same interior materials as its American counterparts and many of the mechanical bits as well. The best part of this truck is the 5.7 liter v8. It has huge torque! I never feel it doesnt have enough power when towing a heavy trailer. The engine seems mechanically noisey and has a knocking sound that permeates the cab at idle. The transmission works well but is inconsistent in when and how it shifts. No auto transfer case available. All other full size pick ups have one available. Fuel economy is horrible, 12 mpg combined 17 low speed highway 15 high speed highway. The seats are very comfortable and large enough for bigger people. The hvac control panel has a cheap look and feel to it, air comes from the panel vents at all times and can not be shut off. Closing them does not stop it, normal operation it seems. Over all this truck seems very capable of doing what it was built for, but is decidedly American in its look and feel. Time will tell if it holds up to toyotas reputation. Resale value seems above average for its segment