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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  BEST TRUCK EVER - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By SPYDER - March 14 - 10:00 am

  THE NEW TUNDRA DOUBLE CAB HAS BEEN THE BEST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED.IT PROVIDES COMFORT AND SAFETY WITHOUT COMPROMISSING STYLE.

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  Typical Toyota! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By CanGuy - March 10 - 11:53 am

  I found a used one and bought it. Goes like hell, rides nice, quiet, great looking, functional, fun and for the most part is built very well. Wouldnt have considered any other make, especially now that they are no longer cheaper up here in Canada. Toyota will always be my only choice unless they prove me otherwise!

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  Does good in the mud - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Doc - March 8 - 3:10 am

  Its a good running truck plenty of horse power. Already had to replace the rack and pinion bushings and just snapped the pinion gear on the ring and pinion in the snow. Not good build quality there. But its ok its getting converted to straight axle in the front to get it lifted the way I want on 38 inch tires now it sits on 33 inch mud terrains had it stuck in mud up past the doors twice now and getting a grabber green paint job. I could not ask for a better truck. I hate the push button four wheel drive and the fact you cant get a manual transmission thats gonna be chaged soon though.

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  2003 Tundra Step Sider - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Networg - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Excellent truck. I love it. No problems so far. Fun to drive. Kind of pricy. So,if you consider to buy a truck -> go for it. Recomend it.

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  great truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By hoffman - March 3 - 10:00 am

  wounderfull 4X4 great work truck

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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Clay - February 27 - 4:06 pm

  I had owned a Tacoma since 2001 and just traded it in for a new 05 Access Cab TRD Tundra. I was already sold on Toyota quality so it was a no brainer to purchase another Toyota. I just wanted more room, more power and more comfort. The 05 Tundra was everything I was looking for. So far very pleased with the whole experience.

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  Tundra 05 Limited Access - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Jonny 5 - February 27 - 3:06 pm

  Very good pulling power for 3.5 klb. boat, barely tell its back there. On Hwy you will get close to 20 mpg. Pulling the boat, it drops down to about 13-14 mpg. Ride is very smooth, and quiet. Handling is like a sports car. Before you buy anything else, test drive one of these puppies.

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  Absolutely Love this Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Dave - February 25 - 6:43 pm

  Just purchased this truck and absolutely love it. Traded my PreRunner TRD Off Road version for it. Wasnt really looking to buy, but once I test drove it, I was hooked. The power is amazing and with the SR5 and Sport package this truck is a real looker. Toyota has hit a home run.

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  2000 Tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Jay - February 24 - 5:50 pm

  Constant problem with front brake rotors warping. No help from Toyota, turned rotors 1 time during warranty. After 36,000 miles, cost were my own. Occured about every 15-20k miles. Poor support from Toyota. Internet posting confirm that I was not the only one with the problem. Other than that no major problems.

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  Love the new Tundra - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Tundra Crew - February 23 - 9:33 am

  Had an 06 Tundra which I didnÂ’t care for too much and traded for an 07 Tacoma that I loved. After buying my wife a new Highlander the dealership made me an offer I couldnÂ’t refuse on a new Tundra, and I love it. By far the best truck out there. Standard features are amazing, donÂ’t really need to add much to it to make it the perfect truck. I got 20 MPG on the highway coming home, you canÂ’t go wrong.