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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  Paint is terrible - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By pastorjdh - December 6 - 12:06 pm

  I have had my truck for three months and it has the absolute worst paint job I have ever seen on a vehicle bar none. It scratches extremely easy and is impossible to buff out without removing the clear coat. I feel horrible about my purchase now. I bought the Tundra because of Toyotas reputation and I expected a well built vehicle. I dont know what else to say.

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  She Shook Me! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Jaret - December 5 - 5:10 am

  This truck had the shakes. It went back to dealer so many times, I just gave up. Toyota did replace all four wheels, but it didnt solve the problem. Oxygen sensors went out around 30k along with the tires. I had to pay for the oxygen sensors, but Toyota repaid me 4 years later. The tow wiring harness melted. The paint job was very poor. You could thump it and it would chip. The suspension was weak, and you could hit the bump stops in the rear very easy. I installed Bilstein shocks & Timbren ruber springs to solve the problem. I never had a brake problem. The engine was superb. Very smooth, responsive, and did a decent job pulling. I got over half my money back on trad-in after five years.

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  Awesome Truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Ab White - December 1 - 9:50 am

  Domestics do not measure up to these trucks in quality and reliability. If you enjoy bringing your truck to the dealer all of the time, dont buy a Toyota. What an awesome truck.

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  Like the truck but has problems - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By JLP - November 27 - 6:16 pm

  First Toyota truck I have ever owned. And probably last! I use it to pull my horse trailer and it does that well. But so did my Chevrolet and the Chevy would hold an alignment. Tundra wont. Had 4 alignments done in less than 2 years. Still wearing tires out way to soon. Dealer blames it on bad roads. Chevy was able to hold up to roads. Thought Toyota was supposed to be built better. Also, radio turned off and on by itself. Got it replaced, but lite still goes off and on. Really disappointed dealer cant fix alignment problem. Even took it to another tire place. Thought problem was fixed. After 3000 miles, tires are cupping again already and can feel it pulling. Ridiculous!

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  2001 Tundra - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By paychek - November 27 - 12:43 pm

  Overall Ive been very happy with the performance & quality of this truck. Not happy with the poor gas mileage but I guess it takes fuel to make power. Also it has a vibration at certain speeds (~65mph). Ive had many attempts made at fixing the issue, including alignments, wheel balancing (including lug centric), wheel check, replacement of rotors, shocks & different brands of tires. A set of Michelins seem to make the biggest difference. With all of the work done it still has a vibration from the front end at about 65mph. Add a manifold leak to issues.

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  2003 Tundra - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Aaron Delgado - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I love it. Drives better than my Benz. Highly reccomended to all, wife, kids, mother, the president, best friends, and of course myself. Seriously - I do not know of a better engineered vehicle.

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  Pleased but not completely satisfied - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Big Jay - November 16 - 10:00 am

  The truck has done everything I have wanted it to do. It has performed well off road, on the highway and in the snow. I have put it to work hauling and towing and it has not failed me. As discussed below, Toyota put cheap tires on the truck. I shouldnt have to replace them at 25K. One of the tires had a crack in it. The local Firestone dealer told me that they tires were to light for the truck. If do your own general maintenance such as oil changes, you will hate Toyota. Changing the oil is time consuming and difficult. See below. I think the under-seat storage bin should be standard. I recommend it. The gas mileage has been as expected: 11-14 in town and 16-18 on the highway.

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  My Tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By TAGS - November 12 - 2:00 am

  1 Have 120k+ miles. So far no major mechanical problems. It does eat tires every 40k if you do not rotate. I do not believe the bad brake comments others complain about. I Change my front pads with Toyota orig. equip. every 60k and there is still pads left before the indicator. Someone is doing something wrong with your car if you have a complaint about quality or engineering. I built my house with mine.

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  Excellent Truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By henderr1 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this SR5 V-8 4WD extended cab for four years now and love it as much today as when I drove it off show room. This truck steps over everything. Logs, bolders you name it. I hunt and fish in WV and it has never had a problem getting me to and from. I have 76000 miles on it and only have had trouble with the front brakes. The dealer this year finally put the new 2003 brakes and heat shield on it and what a difference. Toyota picked up the labor and I bought the parts. Im ready for another one as soon as they offer heated seats in cloth. Not another truck on the road with this ground clearance. Toyota quality is excellent.

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  Love this Truck! - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Ballplayer7 - November 11 - 6:26 am

  Ive had this truck over a year now, love every time I drive it. Had access cab before, love the double cab and 4wd. Truck came with dealer 3" lift kit, TRD Off Road Pkg and over sized tires. Still drives awesome in city or highway and wife feels comfortable driving also. On nice flat roads with cruise control Ill get 20+mpg, I had to do the calcs twice to confirm. Plenty of room in back for my fellow softballers, headroom and leg room, no complaints. Installed hard cover on bed and love the locking tailgate, plenty of room for our ballbags.