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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I LOVE my Tundra!!! - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By kimbolykaye - January 17 - 7:30 amI test drove just about every model in every make. I had the salesman drive while I sat in the back seat to test its "passenger friendliness" as my other cars failed horribly in that aspect. We went over 2 speedbumps and barely felt it. As a driver, it is absolutely a comfort to drive. I love that the back window rolls down and that its not too high so that my kids to get in and out easily. I have always had large vehicles and this is by far the best one I have ever driven. The turning radius for a large truck is nice, too.
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Another Great American Made Toyota - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By J. Jones - January 16 - 12:26 amAfter waiting for two years to purchase a 2nd Gen Tundra, I finally got a good deal in 12/08 on a TRD/4X4/Dbl Cab, when gas climbed to $4.00 a gallon. It was well worth the wait. I have not driven the truck that much, and just went through the first tank of gas. I was blown away when my calculations showed 21.7 mpg in combo city/highway driving (my 04 Camry gets 28 mpg). The Tundra has tons of power, space, and is a delight to drive. If you want to buy American, buy a Tundra, because it is made here in the USA by Americans in the Great State of Texas.
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Whatta TRUCK! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Sberlogar - January 15 - 10:13 pmThis is my third Tundra and this new one is at least twice the truck as the old model. Run, dont walk down and buy one. Spacious elegant interior. Easy to use controls and all the power you could ever want.
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Engine Trouble - I feel misled - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Jerry Browning - January 15 - 9:53 amIm one of the unlucky few (or many) with the 5.7 engine trouble. I hope Toyota recalls this engine. I feel misled by Edmunds.com for raving about this truck almost guaranteeing reliability because its a Toyota. Guess what. Toyota reliability is overated, now I know. I need to mention that this truck left me stranded out on the freeway. I had to wait 4 hours for a tow truck.
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Perfect light duty - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By Andrei - January 15 - 1:46 amI bought mine with 50k on it. Now its 90k. Had to replace shaking brakes at 60k. Otherwise no problems, it runs like new. It rides very comfortable and quiet at any speeds. I used to average 19 MPG, up to 22 MPG on highway at 80-90 mph. But now I put 1 size bigger tires and Im down to 17 MPG, 19.5 MPG highway. I have tonneau cover too. This truck rides effortlessly anywhere you take it.
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Interior design - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By Mark - January 14 - 1:20 pmI had a 2002 Tundra and decided to trade it in for an 08 and couldnt believe the size difference. It is very quiet, but seems to have more bounce to the suspension, which is not rough though. The interior change I hated to see go is the sun visor redesign, which has no pull out extension when turned to the driver window. The sun is always past it!! Also, the visor in front of the main visor is gone. Both of these in combination was the perfect sun block no matter where the sun was. Now I am blinded from front and side. The front visor is worthless as far as I am concerned. It is too short.
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Im a believer! - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By barneyfife - January 11 - 10:00 amTraded in a Ford F-250, it was a good truck and served me well, however, the Tundra is excellent! Looked at the Fords again but they wouldnt deal on them and are alittle to proud of something that does not hold value very long. Driving the Tundra is like riding in my wifes Highlander, very smooth. It offers all that an American made truck has but holds its value. Also, the Toyotas have the better warranty (5 yr/60,000 miles on the drivetrain), and thats comforting. Also, the reliability is second to none.
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Poor Quality - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By t1 - January 8 - 6:40 pmOne was led to believe that toyota was higher quality, but since the start nothing but problems and at 82,000 miles fuel injectors problems on 5.7L engine. Major repair over $ 3,600. Never had a truck with this major repair with less that 100,000 miles. Not built to stand up to heavy duty use.
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Big Toy Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By jbeasley - January 6 - 10:00 amMy third toyota and the most fun to drive of all. Everything was working upon delivery and continues at the same performance. I found no flaws , defects and everything fit(no gaps).
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Best truck Ive ever driven!! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Sarah Smith - January 4 - 10:03 pmWhen I first got behind the wheel, the truck seemed enormous. Almost too big if you can believe that. But after a few miles of driving, I quickly fell in love with everything in the truck. It has everything and more a driver could want. You can haul groceries, building supplies, kids, kids friends, tow the boat, camper etc. and on and on and on. There is almost no limit with this truck. It also handles and rides really really good.
