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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Muscle Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By CBass - December 29 - 7:40 pmThis thing is like driving a jacked up sports car! It is a little strange to be in a vehicle this big that has so much power. Overall I am very impressed with all levels of this truck. The fit and finish is top notch, the doors shut with a tight seal, the bucket seats are great and it tows my 20 boat like it isnt even there. I traded my z71 suburban for the Tundra Doublecab. It has as much room in the back seat as my Burb had in the second row. Mine has the XSP package which includes the 20" BBS wheels, fender flares, leather, step bars, skid plate, etc. I think this must be a package that is only available from S.E. Toyota as I dont see it listed on here. Buy one!
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Very nice truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By dj - December 28 - 11:00 pmThis is a quiet, powerful, well mannered truck. Our biggest surprise after getting the truck home and using it for a while is how huge this thing is. It seemed good sized at the dealership but must have thought the extra effort needed to climb up inside the cabin and not being able to reach over the side of the bed was due to the way it was on display. Nope, its just huge. Not a complaint just a realization. Ours is a standard suspension 4X4 with Michelin road tread tires inflated to Toyotas recommended pressure, which makes the ride in the cabin dead quiet and silky smooth.
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Good and Bad - 2010 Toyota Tundra
By Double D - December 26 - 6:53 pm2800 miles and I really enjoy driving this truck. Lots of power, easy to drive, not many complaints. Overall a great truck.
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Fifth, but Last ,Toyota Pickup - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By red rider - December 24 - 12:36 amThis is my fifth Toyota truck. It is not as reliable as the other four. Delivered it with a badly warped disc brake rotor. I had the front rotors replaced. I also had the recalled ball joints replaced. Now, at 18,000 miles, the outside of the right front tire is worn bald. The auto-dimming rear view mirror and the Homelink circuits have been repaired twice.
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Little Red Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By jmday - December 23 - 10:00 amThe truck rides and drives very good. I have over 7000 miles on it now with no problems so far. This is my first Toyota and Im hoping to get a good truck this time. Its been a long time since I owned a truck that didnt need to go to the shop on a regular basis. I hope this is it. The main thing I dont like about it is that its not comfortable. The seats take some getting used to.
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Worst riding truck Ive ever driven - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By primo - December 23 - 8:10 amI have owned or worked out of 14 different trucks in the last 10 years and can safely say that this vehicle has by far the worst ride of them all. The amount of reverberation from the rear of the truck on concrete roads is insane. Hitting a speed bump at 10mph causes shockwaves to travel up to the front of the truck for 5 seconds while the bed bounces up and down like a diving board. This problem is supposedly only confined to the DC models so do yourself, and your pancreas, a favor and get the crew- max. Toyota has been told repeatedly about the ride issues with the DCs and still refuses to aknowledge it. I will be trading in this back killer as soon as I can.
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Beats the competition - 2014 Toyota Tundra
By txkreddog - December 19 - 3:05 amStyle and performance, as well as reliability made the Tundra dbl cab 5.7 my choice over Ford, Chevrolet, or Dodge. For value vs price, the Tundra wins hands down.
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cheap seats - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By jim oneill - December 19 - 2:00 ami have had 2 tundras in 4 years i like them, but i would like them even more if the front seats were biger. also ihave a number of friends with chevys and they get better gas mileage.
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Solid Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By Ken - December 16 - 9:30 amI really love my Tundra. I recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants a reliable and solid pickup. The access cab is comfortable for most everyone. I do notice that 6 plus guys are cramped in the back, but everyone else is fine. The only drawback is for the stereo crowd. Its a pain to fit 12" subs in this truck. I had to put in two 8" subs under the rear seats. If you dont care about the low lows this truck is solid. Electronics and alarm are perfect. Paint is pretty good. Not easily scratched. Motor is Toyota... what else do you have to say.
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Happy With Crew Max - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By J.W. - December 16 - 1:33 amI am extremely happy with our Crew Max. Our truck appears to be very "tight", with excellent build quality. The only problem noted in my opinion is the engine idle speed at initial start. The engine seems to rev up high @ 1600 rpm. The 5.7 liter engine appears to be well designed & can do what Toyota claims it can in terms of towing. The interior Crew Max leg room is outstanding. We have two kids who can basically stretch out & sleep in the back in comfort on long trips. I have owned a couple of Toyota trucks in the past. I can truthfully say without hesitation that Toyota has done another excellent job. I truly hope this initial model doesnt have any "bugs" or flaws to iron out.
