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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Love this truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By truckie124 - November 10 - 6:22 pmBought in 2008 with 18000 miles and have put 30000 on it since then. I used it for 2 years for my carpentry business. Rear sliding window came in handy picking up lumber. My father has a 2004 SR5 and the 2006 rides much more car-like than the 2004. It really feels smooth and is an all around great truck. Used to drive a Chevy but had problems with the transmission at 30K miles and the dealership wouldnt do anything for us (after our family had bought 4 cars from them). Will never go back after driving this truck! I love this thing!
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Nicest car I have ever owned - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By Michael - November 8 - 4:40 pmGreatest vehicle ever. Incredible power, not too shabby mpg for a V8. When I first bought it, I drove from Utah to Nebraska and back climbing through Wyoming, fighting strong headwinds and side winds traveling 85 to 105 mph. This truck never missed a beat and got 18 mpg. The only other time I calculated mileage was 2 years ago hauling a 4,000 lb. trailer from Utah to Indiana. I got 10 mpg, but I had no trouble keeping it at 80 to 85 even going up steep inclines. Other than the fact that it needs a new windshield now and the shocks arent brand new, it still drives like a brand new truck even with 105,000 miles on it. Only regret: not buying leather interior. I never want to sell this truck!
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Disappointed - 2010 Toyota Tundra
By bspurlo - November 8 - 7:00 amI bought my 2010 Tundra on Saturday and ended up taking it back on Monday because the check engine light came on. I found out through the internet that its a problem Toyotas having with a lot of Tundras something to do with a spring in the motor. The fix requires them to tear the engine down, replace the spring and about 15 other parts then put it back together. I have been in contact with the dealership, Toyota and a host of other agencys complaining about paying $36k for what boils down to a used truck! I am so far beyond disappointed in Toyota I cant even begin to tell you. This will for sure be the last vehicle I purchase from Toyota and thats truly said since this makes my 4 Toyota.
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Not a work truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By tommy2 - November 3 - 8:30 pmTruck is nice to have parked in your driveway so that your friends can praise its style. But dont hook up a 4500lb loaded trailer or put 20 sheets of 1/2" plywood in the back. It will strain and groan to get going, and by the way, dont pass any gas stations when loaded. Otherwise, it is nice and quiet, ride is smooth, takes pumps well, and stops when you need to. I have 4000 miles in 5 weeks, and will be trading it off next month for a truck that I can use for my work
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This truck is sick - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Steve - October 25 - 8:30 pmThis is an awesome truck. I have the standard suspension and the ride is like a luxury car. The power this truck has is just incredible and it shifts very smooth. Toyota did a great job on the interior design, big nobs for climate control, and several storage compartments. The bed is a few inches deeper than most trucks and the spring loaded hinges on the tail gate are really cool. Ive had this truck for a week and I cant find a thing wrong with its design. The mpg is a little bit lower than stated. My computer is telling me Im getting 12 mpg in town and 15 mpg on the fwy. Dont really mind spending a little more on gas to have all this power. Overall a great ride and fun to drive.
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Great Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Walterj7 - October 20 - 1:53 pmThe 4 dr instead of access cab is such an improvement that along with the extended cab and 66" bed I feel that I truly have the best of both worlds. While its the small V8, I have never felt underpowered and actually have to watch it from over accelerating and burning rubber. Along with the looks, driving is a great rush. I would advise anyone to take a hard look at the Tundra DC 4.7,4WD, its not too shabby. Cant believe how nice this truck is, even my wife loves it.
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A truck to depend on - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By muvico - October 20 - 12:43 pmThis truck has been reliable 100%. Its been used and abused, but still runs like new. The bad: the engineer that designed the back seat was probably 4 feet short, fuel efficiency, this truck was not designed with fuel efficiency in mind. But If you dont have a big family is ok. My dogs love the back seat. Im looking forward for many more years of driving this truck.
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Toyota Rules!!! - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By alikhan - October 17 - 10:00 amJust got rid of my chevey. Best truck i have ever drove. Drives like a car with V8 power to it. Excellent handling on road!!!!
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LOTS OF POWER - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By Curtis - October 15 - 9:06 pmHauled firewood, dirt, gravel, etc. std shocks are weak. Should upgrade to heavy duty if hauling heavy loads. Overall happy with truck. Keep up with tranny maintenance. 2003 and up take ATF 4 only sold by toyota at 4+ a quart. Takes about 6-7 quarts every 30k mi. As far as backseat room, I have had a 350lb women and a 200lb man and they were comfy. ENJOY!
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One awesome truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
By FFT - October 14 - 5:16 pmI recently bought a Tundra after I lost my beloved T-100 in an accident. I am as happy as I can be with the 2010 Tundra. I get a million compliments on it from everybody both friend and stranger. "Nice Truck" is all I hear. It is well designed and I call it my no problem vehicle. It can handle anything I ask of it. Nice engine, nice radio, smart design. Best vehicle purchase Ive made. Cant wait to finish the break-in period so I can start putting down the gas.
