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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Disappointed - 2010 Toyota Tundra
By disappointed - October 8 - 7:36 pmThis is my 3rd and maybe last Tundra. It looks and drives great but within a week and 125 miles the check engine light came on. Toyota says its a cam sensor and they have to tear down the engine. To make it worse they are struggling to find the parts . This is another of Toyotas nasty secrets because the dealership new what the problem was the minute they heard. My previous Tundras were great but I think I just made a 40K+ mistake.The only highlight is that the Dealership is really trying to help they are good people.
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Ive got the Pooooower baby! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Ricky - October 3 - 7:46 pmWow! This truck is impressive. Had a Silverado before. This truck is as smooth ride wise but that is where the comparisons end. This truck is like a giant sports car! (smile) I agree with a comment made in another review. This truck is indeed pure fun. As far as gas mileage. Hey its a truck! If you are worried about gas mileage get yourself a little jetta. Ill stick with my Tundra thank you :) One word to describe this truck: Power. This truck is what other 1/2 ton trucks want to be when they grow up lol If youre thinking about getting one, go for it.
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Great truck - 2015 Toyota Tundra
By Hugues - October 3 - 1:07 pmGreat truck, only draw back no automatic light or power rear slider unless you purchase the limited edition with the 5.7 engine. Cruise control switch awkward to use. Except for that great truck. Plenty of power for the 4.6l compare to Ford 5.0l. Average mileage 18mpg.
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the best of the best - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By smgr - September 30 - 2:00 amthe best truck i have ever owned. from the quality to the quietnes to the size this is the perfect big truck. no one could ask for anything more. rear heat and ac? electric moonroof? fully retracting rear window with an electric defogger? tumbling rear seats? this truck has got it all. it truly is the "Lexus"of trucks. no one who is shoping a full size pickup should pass this one up. in almost every dimension and spec it is bigger and better than the new ford. and comparably equipped it is thousands less than the ford chevy or dodge. how does toyota do it?
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Cracked manifolds - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By blaine - September 25 - 11:43 amI bought this truck new and started having problems after the first year. Wiring harness under spare tire burned off,the frond drive housing was not properly tightened and stripped the threads causing the 4wd to be replaced. the dealership said it was fixed and it happened again,so i took it to a back yard mechanic and he fixed it again replacing the frond drive AGAIN. Then cracked manifolds. check your rear bumper it is also probably rusted off. MY LAST TOYOTA.
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Tundra = One Of The Best Pickup Truck Buys! - 2013 Toyota Tundra
By pacquio78 - September 17 - 7:31 amI Just Bought A 2013 Toyota Tundra Crewmax 5.7 FFV 4x4. It Has The SR5, And The TRD Off-Road Package! Its Definitely A Quick Truck! Its Fully Loaded With Navigation, The Only Thing It Doesnt Have Is Leather! Haha, 15,000 Miles Already!
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2000 tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By john schmidt - September 13 - 10:00 amno breakdowns no significant repairs smooth carlike ride fair gas mileage
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no disappointments - 2010 Toyota Tundra
By scott534 - September 13 - 8:23 amI traded an F350 diesel for this truck, and the poor fuel economy is about the same. The interior takes some getting used to, and the plastic pieces used in the center arm rest and door panel scratch very easy. I use this truck for towing a fifth wheel, and it pulls awesome (I have the longbed and put airbags on the rear). Extremely comfortable with or without a load. Tons of room in the back seat of the double cab. The best thing I did was order the flex/fuel package. Contrary to other reports, there is no lack of power using this fuel. On top of that, I am consistently paying 75 cents per gallon cheaper than regular unleaded.
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Best Truck Ever - 2007 CrewMax SR5 - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By MilesK - September 11 - 5:03 amI have owned many trucks in my life. Fords were my truck of choice up until my 2004 Tundra. I just traded that in for a 2007 Tundra 5.7 Crewmax. Ive put about 6k miles on this thing and it is by far and away the best truck Ive experienced. Toyota thinks of everything down to the nth degree!
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Stepside Tundra 4x4 - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By Truck Man - September 10 - 8:40 pmOnly two complaints: Toyota does not offer a manual tranny for the V8, and the performance leaves something to be desired. This truck is light years better than the domestics I have had.
