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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Had Better - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Mike - January 26 - 10:00 amThis is now my fourth Toyota truck I have owned, and the first three were amazing having put on 450000 kms, and not needing anything except for regular maintenance. I have to say as much as I love the detail, and style, I am not impressed. I had an issue loading my ATV into the back, causing the tailgate to deform, I had to research that issue and found there had been a service recall, however the Service manager at the dealership took some persuading even to look it up, however in the end it was fixed at no cost. Secondly, the rubber rain track on the roof had to be reinstalled once under warranty during a car wash, however within a year it had blown out while driving down the highway.
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2007 Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By NYHARLEYMAN - January 22 - 5:26 amThis truck is everything Toyota said and I am real pleased with the performance, mileage and quality. I am towing 10400 pound travel trailers 188 miles to a storage area to NJ from NY. The roads go up and down some very steep hills and the power is more than you need, going down hill the brakes are perfect even without the trailer breaks turned up. I was a Ford F150 man for years, I cant imagine going back.
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First Toyota Truck - 2009 Toyota Tundra
By Scott - January 15 - 11:36 amTraded a 2003 Chevy Silverado with many reliability issues, most resent head gasket leaking anti freeze. I had it with Chevy quality. The new Tundra is a great hauling machine. I am getting just -1 mpg difference than the 5.3L Chevy. Was concerned about the stiff ride mentioned by other reviews but not much of a problem to me! Very quiet interior for a solid truck. Ive owned Chevy, GMC, Ford and Dodge trucks, most were good machines but I am very impressed the Tundra.
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An outstanding truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By Stationed at Bragg - January 15 - 2:00 amThis is my first true truck since switching over from owning nothing but chevies. I went with Toyota because of their reputation for reliabilty and havent been disappointed yet. My last vehicle was a 96 4WD blazer that would shred a tranny every 12000 miles. So far I have 22000 onthe tundra and it has performed flawlessly.
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Can you say... DEPENDABILITY?! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By DaveinNorthCarolina - January 10 - 10:00 amOne word sums up WHY I bought the Tundra, DEPENDABILITY! This makes my 3rd Toyota truck! I still have #2 (a 95 Tacoma extended cab V6 4x4) which I use as a daily commuter. 122,428 miles and counting! Simply stated, I BELIEVE in the Toyota product! Dont take my word for it. While youre here at Edmunds, check out JD Powers assessment of the Tundra. Compared with Nissans Titan, the Tundra got higher marks for MECHANICAL QUALITY, FEATURE & ACCESSORY QUALITY, and BODY & INTERIOR QUALITY. Key word is QUALITY! That says volumes for me and MY money! Another MAJOR factor in buying the Tundra; the GOTTA HAVE IT factor! The Tundra MORE than satisfies here!
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Great little/big truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By Terry - January 9 - 9:30 pmThis truck had 42,000 miles on it when I bought it. I am an on the road salesman and the truck has never let me down. I now have over 205,000 miles on it and get about 21 miles per gal. Its never been tuned up, nor has the timing belt been changed. I have no doubt the truck will keep on going.
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Should have bought limited!! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By First Truck - January 3 - 9:36 pmI have always wanted a truck and when I was finally allowed, I traded my Lexus LS430 and Ford Explorer. I am so happy with my decision. I have already upgraded with a truxedo cover, upgraded homelink mirror, running boards, and backup mirror. I have been buying a lot of my parts. Maybe I should have paid an 5k for the limited? Who cares? This truck fits me so well and is a joy to drive. I am excited everytime I go into the garage (which by the way, I had to clean out to the back wall to fit this monster in!). My only concern is driving through the parking garage in Philly and wondering if the top will scrape!
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Rating offset - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By gmaster - January 1 - 2:00 amLooks like the Tundra needed some help to off-set the obvious biased, false ratings ftom the disatified American Brand owners. Notice I send American Brand, but the truck is probably not american made. Where is the tundra made? INDIANA!
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Love my Tundra - 2011 Toyota Tundra
By kcoughlan - December 30 - 6:03 amSick and tired of the poor quality of GM products I finally moved to the Toyota tundra.I was able to get my reg.cab SR5 4x4 for thousands less because I waited until Oct. clear out. For the short time I have driven the tundra, it is an amazing truck to drive. The 5.7 litre power plant will take some getting used to.Loaded it handles with very little sway at 60mph,power to spare! My GM products were always far below the estimated mpg.the Tundra so far is getting around 14 city , 17 highway. So this truck is certainly not economical to run. No worse than my Gm products.
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End of Domestic Trucks - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By John - December 21 - 10:26 amThe new Tundra I just purchased has every option available. It beats the GM and Ford products hands down in every area accept towing capacity. After 30 years of GM and Fords I have had to change. This is just a better vehicle.
