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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  It is still a half-ton truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By mr ed - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I have a longbed doublecab 5.7 SR5 2wd. I traded a Silverado 2500 crewcab, and was counting on the TV ads to be accurate. The ads lead you to believe that although it is a half-ton truck, it is almost a 3/4 ton. Not even close! If you are a person who drives to the office and parks the truck, picks up some lumber on the weekend, and tows the boat to the lake on the weekend, then this is a wonderful truck. If you work out of your truck and carry heavy loads, then be prepared to be let down. It is a light duty 1/2 ton truck. The tires are rim protectors, not truck tires and can inflate to only 44 lbs, not 70lbs like a real truck tire. The suspension is soft. But I like the truck.

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  Love this truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Leonard - February 21 - 1:06 pm

  This truck is fun to drive and is a real work horse. Gets better gas mileage in town than my previous GM truck that had a smaller V8. Recently towed a 32 travel trailer 500 miles and it was an effortless tow for the 5.7 V8. So far, truck has been trouble free. I love the extra space behind the front seats. Added a rubber mat in that area to keep things from sliding around. The truck is easy to get around in the woods while hunting. In my experience short wheelbase trucks are much more fun to drive and have fewer vibrations and wheel balancing problems than extended cab models. I love driving this truck.

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  Tire wear - 2009 Toyota Tundra
  By mike mahoney - February 19 - 1:20 pm

  i love the truck but the outside edge of the front tires has wore off at 15,000 miles and Toyota says theres nothing wrong with the front end. they have a problem with the tundra and they cant fix it.

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  Poor gas mileage climbing hills - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Mountain Top Tundra - February 16 - 8:23 am

  Ive had my 06 Tundra for 5 weeks now, 500 miles. I drive 2.8 miles round trip to work and back. I coast to work, because it is all downhill. I climb a steep mountain going home. Only getting 10 mpg. Going to put Nitrogen in tires and replace air filter with a K & N air filter, hope mileage improve. This is the only complaint I have on this vehicle, otherwise it is great.

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  Excellent pickup - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Ken Smith - February 14 - 5:13 am

  I owned two Tundras before, and liked each one, so there was no hesitation to look at the 2007. Ive owned this one only a short time, and I am impressed. This one is without doubt the finest pickup I have ever driven or owned. The ride, finish, all of it is excellent. We wont own anything else but a Toyota.

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  BUY ONE! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Awesome Truck! - February 11 - 9:56 pm

  Just another honest opinion. Bought the Crewmax when they first came out. Compared with my other vehicles, I couldnt be happier. I wont mention the brands but they have all been in and out of dealership for repairs. This truck has been the most reliable vehicle I have owned. However, as with all vehicles there has to be a problem. The front diff. Needs repairing. Makes a "woo. Woo" noise once and a while. But Toyota will replace it. Unlike other brands who claim you are hearing things. Tons of power, tons of room, not bad on fuel (87 octane), and will spank a ext. Cab hemi with the supposed 390 hp. (ask my brother ; ) ). Stereo is good not great.

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  Even better than my 2004 Tundra - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Steve Miller - February 7 - 7:53 pm

  My 2004 Tundra was totaled in a head-on collision when a driver fell asleep and hit me nearly head-on. I am now convinced of Tundras safety. I replaced the 2004 model with the 2005 model. I loved my 2004 model, and my 2005 is even better. The 2005s 5-speed auto is smoother than the 2004s 4-speed. Maybe it is only imagination, but my wife and I think the 2005 has a louder muffler than the 2004. I like the louder muffler, she doesnt.

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  Truth about the Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Tundra 226 - February 7 - 4:46 am

  The Tundra has a clear advantage in looks, engine, towing capability, and certainly rear seat room. We have two kids, one a growing teen and most other vehicles dont have near the room in the rear seat. It makes a tremendous difference. You will not find a better engine in my opinion. 99% of the time it is quiet and well mannered until you need it and then you can unleash the incredible power that makes you truly appreciate what Toyota has done. The transmission is excellent as is the 4X4. Fuel economy is 18mpg or better if you try. I dont tow heavy but it is nice having a vehicle capable of it with the big brakes etc. that go with it. I would highly recommend this truck!

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  Tundra Could be Better, Much Better - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Gary Hoyt - February 6 - 7:00 pm

  Need a part? Be ready to dig DEEP. As an example one steel stamped (basic) wheel: $180.00. The plastic insert that fits around the lugs? $98.43. If you do the math, just the wheels and plastic insert is over 10% of the full purchase price of the truck. Toyota charges big time for parts. Gas mileage? V-6: window sticker from Toyota said 19. I get 18, then 17 now 16. My Ford F-150 V-6: always @ 20. The Ford V-6 eng. was larger.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Tom - February 5 - 4:26 pm

  My wife and I had been shopping for a truck for quite some time. We do a lot of weekend projects renovating houses and needed a vehicle that could support our growing family on trips to home depot and family vacations. My mind was set on the Chevrolet Silverado but my wife had looked at the Tundra and insisted that I take it for a test drive. Being a good husband I promptly did so, and was blown away. The amount of space in the truck is amazing. Others have talked about bed bounce but I have yet to encounter it and I have taken several long road trips in the truck. My only problem so far is when I first purchased the truck I had a defect in one of the tires. Dealer service was horrible.