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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  Problems - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By bpierce - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I like the truck for its looks and comfort but Have I had problems. Brakes are horrible designed. Have had three brake jobs. Throttle body went out, that cost $1200. It is in the shop right now because the check engine light came on. Turns out that there is a crack in the exhaust manifold due to poor metalology. Toyota is covering repair but in turn my o2 sensor went bad and there is carbon build up on my valves and "new" throttle body that they want charge to fix. Said Toyota does not cover incidental problems. Please, now I have to hash it out with Toyota.

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  Small problems - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By mac57 - June 5 - 3:06 am

  Love the truck! Small problems due to Toyota quality slipping. Rattle in door, kick panel loose, front end out of line at delivery, now my tail gate latch broke after only opening the gate maybe a half dozen times. Still love the truck but you do not expect these little problems from a Toyota.

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  This is the truck Ive always wanted - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Greg Phillips - May 30 - 3:56 pm

  I waited a long time for toyota to build this truck. Ive owned several late model domestics and they just dont stack up to the toyota product. I dont frequently tow and when I do the loads are well within the limits of this truck. It is quiet, refined and the engine doesnt strain to pull it around. Build quality is much better than on my last two domestic full size trucks.

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  Why I like my truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike - May 28 - 2:56 pm

  I have owned many Toyotas in my life and this truck by far is the bomb. With all of the extra room in this vehicle I am not worried about the new baby that is on its way. And I currently have three boys, so you can imagine what I am talking about. With the powerful engine I am assured that we are not going to be slow on the take-off, or not have enough power to pass someone on the highway. Am looking forward to really taking it off-road. Thank you for making such a fine vehicle.

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  2005 Tundra 4.7 Limited Stepside 2WD - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By resconroe - May 3 - 7:36 am

  Bought this truck used September 2008 with 28000 miles as lease return. Replaced Enkei 20" wheels and Goodyears with 17" factory alloys and new Dunlops to get a better balance. Powerful engine gets good gas mileage. Quiet, smooth ride. Excellent 10" ground clearance.

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  My 2001 Tundra SR-5 Access Cab V8 - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By DrZ - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2001 Tundra as soon as it hit the market. I have not regretted my decision since. The gas milage (14.5 mpg) can be improved by adding a flowmaster 50 behind the convertor and duals from that. I now get 16 city and a bit over 20 on trips. I have loaded the bed with 1.25 tons of floor tiles and the suspension was close but did not bottom. Great truck! This AM I hit 44000 miles and had the check engine light come on. All the manual says is take it in to the dealership. I will do so and will drive my tundra until the wheels fall off which I believe will not be for a very long time.

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  Buyer Beware - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By pmaqua - April 21 - 2:50 am

  Although this is a great driving and good looking truck, after just 3 years and 64000 miles it is falling apart. It is driven as a family car and is not used as a contractors truck. 1st the overdrive sending unit went out at 61000. Next the limit slip differential broke after driving from a parking spot over a curb. Now the tranny is going! We bought a 100K bumper to bumper extended warranty from the dealer - NOT WORTH THE PAPER IT IS PRINTED ON!! I have had to pay for all repairs. So far over $3000. P.S. POOR gas mileage and eats tires - on 3rd set. Also on 3rd set of brake pads.

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  2001 Toyota Tundra with 203,000 miles - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Ron Sweeney - March 28 - 3:06 pm

  Bought the truck new in 2001. I have 203,000 miles on it and it still does not burn any more oil then it did when new. My only problem with it is the under designed brakes. Toyota admits that the braking system was under design, but would not help the consumer with the problem if the consumer was beyond the 36,000 mile warranty period. I drive a good deal of highway miles (75%), so my brake usage was not typical. But Toyota would not help me. Not even a discount on an upgrade. Consequently, the brake pads and rotors need replacing more often then necessary. Cost a lot of money.

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  Exellent ride - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Markus - March 27 - 4:43 am

  Very good vehicle, though after owning 3 4Runners and one FJ Cruiser which were built in Japan, I was really disappointed with the interior plastic materials used in Tundra. Im afraid of being caught in a vehicle fire and my body get molded to a mass of plastic, I guess its to save weight, but sheez what is up with the fake wood? its also made of plastic.

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  Good Choice - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By bctundra - March 22 - 9:43 pm

  Did a lot of research and test drove all manufacturers and all sizes. This truck was the most impressive, bought three of them in fact. Everyone is amazed with the performance and absolutely loves the styling. Was hesitant to buy anything other than a domestic but couldnt pass on this truck.