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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Is This The Best The Auto Industry Has? - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By D. Richards - February 3 - 7:10 pmWe purchased a new Toyota Tundra 4Dr. crew cab SR5 April 04. Pros: Very comfortable long distances and handles well on the freeways. And that is all I can say good about it. Cons: Under 1000 miles it started to howl at 45MPH, Toyota replaced the differential unit at 6000 miles but the howl remained unresolved. The EPA freeway is 18(16- 20). I have been lucky to get 15 MPG on near flat desert with cruise from gas station to gas station. Others have stated they get 19-21 in my area and some are 4x4s. We looked at all the crew trucks and read the reviews on them. We must say that the best in the industry has been disappointing. I expected better from Toyota, after all the testimonials.
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Great used buy - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By CavMan - February 2 - 8:13 amPurchased truck with 65,500 miles on it and replaced two small dash bulbs and compass, but extended warranty took care of that. Other than that, the dash will rattle a little when cold, but truck is VERY sound. Power is very much still there with the 4.7 V8. I owned a (NEW) 2004 Chevy Suburban 4x4 and had 14 problems within 18 months of purchase. Ill definitely buy another Tundra!
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04 truck of year - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By roy rains - January 31 - 10:00 amBest built truck on the road.
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toyota - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By emanon - January 31 - 10:00 ami have driven a toyota for years, and in coparison to a silverado, it handles much better, and has much more to give to the consumer.
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great truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By truck lover - January 29 - 10:00 amThis truck is excellent. They redesigned the grill for 2003, which I like. The ride is pretty smooth for a truck. It has plenty of power (its hard not to speed). My only gripe is that compared to other extended cabs, the rear seats seem smaller.
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No Regrets - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By Big Sky - January 23 - 8:53 amNo other half ton can match this beast. From the style to every detail is what a modern day truck owner would want. My previous truck was a Nissan Titan. It was a decent truck until I got behind the wheel of a new Tundra. They pulled out all of the stops. Great job Toyota. Gas mileage is not bad, but hey its a truck not a hybrid. A+
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Performance and reliability - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By stanley szczurko - January 22 - 9:06 pmExcellent starting, road handling, and driving comfort during all seasons. never had mechanical problems. The only interior design flaw is the location of the windshield wiper control. I have accidently engaged it many times when making a turn.
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My 2000 &2002 Tundra - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By John Le - January 22 - 2:00 amThe Toyota Tundra is a really nice truck that can handle pretty much anything. I owned a 2000 Toyota Tundra (36,000)then I got the 2002 Tundra that now only have 5000 miles(Nov.6 02) and this time I got the 4x4 which really works well. I plan to put on a 3-4 inch lift kit for the suspension and other things to it but so far the only problem I had witht he Tundra was on the 2000 which had a belt bigger than it was made for so it made little nosies.
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Tundra 2 wd dr,reg cab - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By Jlemma - January 20 - 10:00 amOutstanding truck. Decent gas milage for a six cylinder. Drives more like a car than a truck. Comfortable and for the most part gauges are well laid out except the clock, which is below the radio in the radio. Tis truck is quiet and is quite capable for towing and general hauling. The six banger is a little slow on the accleation but goes nicely once your up to speed. A/C is cold. Highly reccomended.
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Test Drive the Competition First - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By MyTundra&Me - January 19 - 9:40 pmFirst, I traded in my 1995 Toyota pick-up with 156,000 miles. Test drove the others then came back to Toyota as usual. The 2008 Tundra had cloth seats, single CD player, manual adjust seats and didnt come with floor mats. I bought the Tundra hands down (and it wasnt that much cheaper). Unfortunately Ill have to wait for another 12 or so years to get a new truck... theyre built that good.
