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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  Simple and Reliable - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Andrew - March 30 - 9:43 am

  I wanted to by a Ford F-150, but after having a 97 Expedition that had a lot of electrical issues I decide to get the Tundra. This truck is very practical... Im a home owner and use it for going to the dump, loading up soil and brick for projects around the house. Drives very smooth and has a quite cab. Im not a big person... 510" 210 ... has plenty of room for me. I have a 3 year old and a 3 month old who ride in the rear seats and they have plenty of room. I did have a buy a tonneau cover to increase my storage space (a fold up 3 piece that I can remove to load large items in the back)... now the truck has all the storage that I need. I hope this helps.. no regrets in buying mine.

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  2007 Tundra, Double Cab 4.7L V8 - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Colorado Driver - March 29 - 9:56 pm

  I test drove both the 5.7 V8 and the 4.7L V8 and decided on the 4.7L because I didnt need the towing capacity and wanted a truck that had more options for the price (instead of the the bigger engine). The 270hp/313lb-ft 4.7L is more than adequate for my commute and the occasional tow. Coupled with the 5 speed it is surprisingly nimble in traffic (I must compliment the 5.7L V8 though - the test drive ALMOST had it sold. That truck moves effortlessly.) The truck bed is huge and its difficult to reach over the side to get anything (Im 511"). The ride is comfortable, but the interior isnt as nice as the Silverado (as expected). Overall its great - no buyers remorse here!

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  Drive the rest, then buy the best - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Kevin - March 27 - 11:33 pm

  This is my first Toyota, and what a difference in quality, reliability, and workmanship than the Big 3. If you are considering a 4 door truck, go and drive the rest and then buy the best. This truck is awesome, it is like a luxury sedan in every way except it has a lot more cargo room and the ability to tow heavy payloads if needed. It also gets about the same gas mileage as my Honda Passport and it has a bigger engine.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By New Ranch Owner - March 23 - 8:10 pm

  First truck Ive owned but sure rides good. Seems very well built. Cant complain about fuel economy, but drive quite a bit of freeway miles. I did test drive all the different type trucks out there and chose this baby! Would suggest that you go buy ya one!!

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  TRD - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By TRD - March 19 - 7:36 am

  Regardless of what some write ups may say, my suspension and drive train and much much more stiff than any of my friends other trucks. I have the TRD and tow package and the suspension is uncomparable. Even though the horsepower rating may be less, Its "rear wheel" horsepower and not engine horsepower thats important. Even with less horsepower, my truck will still beat all of the competitors in the 1/4 mile. The drive train is very basic. All of the power from the motor goes directly to the rear without any traction control and other HP robbing items. The only problem is that I get a slight off start clunking from the rear. But Im finding out that this is normal for this truck.

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  Look Out Big 3 - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Dave - March 18 - 6:30 am

  I checked out the "Big 3" and neither Ford, Chevy or Dodge could compare to the Tundras long-term reliability or resale value. I anticipate having this truck between 5-7 years and all the research I conducted led me back to the Tundra. Absolutely no regrets, and I can truly say I made the right choice.

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  Dissapionted - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By ben makowski - March 16 - 7:03 am

  After owning many imports and just traded in a 07 HD Chevy, I am very unhappy with my purchase, so much so I may trade it in for a F-150. Numerous minor rattles and sqeeks but onl 1000 miles makes you wonder about long term ownership. After owning many Toyota products i do have to say, sadly, i am dissapointed. I think detroit has listened and has caught up

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  "No Problem!" - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By NWTrader - March 16 - 6:33 am

  I have always been impressed with Toyotas quality and resale value. When they moved into the 1/2 ton market with their original offering, however, I was not impressed at all. No head room, no shoulder room, no leg room, small bed. The 2007 Tundra fixed all that and then some. The reason I chose the Tundra over the GMC Sierra (my 2nd choice) was the 5-speed and 6-speed transmission offerings versus the old 4-speed in the GMC. Have had the truck now for ten months. Not a single problem. Very nice truck and a very nice platform to build on. Good job, Toyota!

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  New Kid on the Block - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Doug Tachi - March 15 - 1:13 pm

  As a tow vehicle the engine, with 401 ft. lbs. of torque coupled with a six speed transmission and 4.30 final drive ratio, is a lot closer to diesel performance than I had expected. The other surprise is general acceleration. Right off the showroom floor, typical stop light to stop light runs leave many "performance" cars struggling to keep up. The seats and seating position are very comfortable and except for the interior design of the dash, Toyota engineering has raised the bar for trucks in this class. So far its been a win-win situation.

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  Great truck. - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By SP - March 14 - 12:16 pm

  Bought new. Excellent quality, fit and finish. It looks and drives pretty much the same as new. Really enjoy driving it. One issue: Toyota dealers trying to "service" the truck far in excess of whats needed per the factory (examples: Toyota dealer in MDR, CA refused refused to do anything other than a "package" service with all sorts of costly extras; Toyota dealer in Burlingame, CA refused to replace front brake pads w/out machining the rotors despite the rotors being even and smooth). When that happens, find another Toyota dealer (example: the Toyota dealer in North Hollywood, CA was happy to do exactly what Toyota specified and no more -- saved me money and my truck runs great).