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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  Tight and solid quality counts - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Stan - May 5 - 10:00 pm

  I love the quality feel and tight solid body of this truck. I owned an 02 Tundra and was very happy, but the 06 is much peppier, with more horsepower and the new 5 speed transmission is beautifully geared to keep the engine in the proper torque range, so it performs very very well. Its extremely quiet - no wind or engine noise. Nice ride. Got 18 mpg driving 200 miles home from dealer, in spite of over an hour idling along in a huge traffic jam. Its not as roomy or comfortable as the Titan or the Ram 1500, wont haul as much. But I haul only occasional light weight trailers, so a 7/8 size truck fits my needs perfectly. Love it

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  Just an Awesome Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By J-Peg - May 3 - 4:23 pm

  I went from a 2004 Ford F-150 to the Tundra and what an improvement. This truck has some guts. The 5.7L will put back in your seat. It is fun to drive and I love how high I sit off the road (I have the TRD package). Im in love with my truck!

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  Check Engine Light - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By JH - May 3 - 2:46 am

  Have had the truck for a week and the check engine light is on! Just traded in my Jeep Grand Cherokee for the same reason. Expensive truck and now this! Put some faith in Toyota even with the accelerator recall and supposedly from another post, they knew about this problem, cam sensor. Beware!

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  Best bang for the Buck!!!! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By t8nda - April 29 - 9:33 pm

  I looked around for 3 months before buying my Tundra. I went with the Limited version because it would have cost more money to add the same features to an SR5. The build quality is Top Notch. The engine has plenty of power. I towed a large trailer 350+ miles and had to look in the rearview mirror to rimind myself I was even towing something. I am extremely satisfied.

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  King of the truck world - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By PaulNOhio - April 23 - 5:53 am

  I have owned many trucks over the years and nothing compares to my 07 Tundra. If you dont believe the hype, go for a test drive and then you will understand. No other truck on the road can compare to the power, refinement, quality, and capabilities of the new Tundra. The big 3 are going to have to step up their game BIG time if they want to compete with the Tundra. I have had my truck for over a month and it is rattle free and very tight. Its a blast to drive and I cant wait for the next opportunity to drive it. Anyone thinking about buying a full-size truck, look no further. Trust me, you wont be disappointed!

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  Outstanding Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By D Hanna - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this used with 22,000 miles and am amazed at what a fine vehicle it is. Did have a Tacoma with 145000 miles prior to this truck and expect this will be drivable for a long, long time. Thanks Toyota.

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  Gregs Toyota - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By gregvx - April 15 - 10:00 am

  All round great truck, Ive had fords and chevs, this one beats em all!!!

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  Toyota Tundra Double Cab - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By MAB - April 11 - 2:43 pm

  Just purchased a new Double Cab Tundra. The truck is amazing and best riding truck I have owned. I traded in a 99 Chevy Z71, which was a good truck, but the Tundra drives much nicer than the Chevy. I find the truck has plenty of power, despite other complaints on lack of horse power. I also test drove the Tocoma, but highly recommend the Tundra over the Tocoma. You can get a lot more options with the Tundra and only pay $1000.00 more.

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  Might not buy a tundra again - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By jamie johnson - April 11 - 3:53 am

  Our Tundra is fun to drive and we seem to be getting better gas mileage than most others. We average 18-19 on the road and 16-17 in town. The factory tires are junk, as they needed replaced at 30,000 even though the air pressure was always monitored and the tires were rotated every 6,000 miles. Ours has buckets seats and both needed replaced due to rattles and squeaks. Just yesterday, the radio went crazy. There is no volume control, it only plays at maximum volumn so cant be used, all the presets quit working, etc. The dealer said this happens fairly often. The radio just shorts out and they will replace it. Wondering if this truck will turn into a spendy lemon when out of warranty.

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  Not good with kids - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By stephanie - April 5 - 2:23 pm

  This truck is not good for kids and small children. There is not enough room for two car seats to sit side-by-side. That means there is wasted space in the middle. My kids legs are crammed against our seats. I have hit my head in there numerous times getting them into the truck. The door design is horrible. If you park close to another car, you are sure to hit another car with the door getting your kids out. There isnt anything wrong with this truck if you dont have children. Its a good, reliable vehicle, but its just not compatible with small children in car seats.