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 - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By Shaun L - September 10 - 2:00 amI have owned both Ford and Dodge trucks/ cars. This Tundra is by far the best built most refined by far. Not one problem or complaint yet. I have never had to make a trip to the dealership for any work, unlike every other new vehicle I have owned. From here on out I am a Toyota or Lexus owner. Good Job Toyota!!
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pulsating brakes - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By BrentL - September 10 - 2:00 amI have had brake problems from day one. Warped drums and rotors are chronic in the Tundra and covered in a service bulletin. Problem is, nothing they do solves the problem. I have had my brakes turned or replaced five times in the last twelve months. I expect the same schedule next year: a day at the dealer every two months.
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Switch from GM - 2010 Toyota Tundra
By Bernie - September 8 - 1:36 pmI just picked up my 2010 Tundra, reg cab, 4x4, LB, SR5, 5.7 truck. After only one small road trip, I am impressed at the Toyota quality. Coming from a Silverado the past 2 trucks (11 years), I can say I am glad I made the switch. The 5.7 seems to have awesome power (yet to tow anything). The space behind the the seats is massive and will fit most anything I could want back there except a person (comfortably). The ride is acceptable for a truck. My only concerns/complaints so far is the storage. There is no map pocket in the back of the seat. The center storage is also a little slim. With that said, I didnt buy the truck for storage...I bought a truck to use it as a truck.
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Great Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By Marlin - September 4 - 2:50 amGreat truck! The other makers do not compare. If youre looking for great gas mileage this is not your truck. If youre looking for reliability, resale value, power and looks this is your truck. With only 1000 miles im getting 15 mpg hwy and city.
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Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By GO TRD!!! - August 30 - 8:00 pmI just picked up my truck in Feb. 2006 and WOW. This is a really nice vehicle. I have driven for work many of its competitors, but none of those trucks have the get-up and go like the Tundra. I have been in the auto industry for quite some time and never really paid much attention to the Tundra. But while doing some research on Edmunds I was educated, and now am a happy owner of the Sliver Sky SR5 Toyota Tundra. All I can say is great truck and fun to drive!!!
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great truck - 2016 Toyota Tundra
By nccheung - August 29 - 7:43 amfirst time to buy a truck. Had drive over 1200 miles for the last month. Great ride. Love it. Would be a perfect truck if the gas mileage could be over 20 mpg.
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My wife loves it! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By michaelsy1 - August 29 - 12:13 amI have the Timbermica green with the tan interior. 5.7 4x4 TRD. Two words: love it! The wife fell in love with it as soon as she drove it. It handles great, and for a truck with an off road package I dont think the ride is that bad. Fit and finish is great, and there is plenty of room on the inside for traveling or loading up the family for a Sunday outing. The 5.7 is quite and powerful. I would buy it again in a heart beat.
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The Toyota Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By Harryooooo - August 28 - 4:56 amThe toyota tundra is the truck. I have owned them all from Dodge to chevy to Nissan and the tundra puts them to shame. The best part of owning a toyota tundra, when its time for sell, it holds its value. Lets face it, if everyone could afford one, they would be driving one. Toyota is the smart choice
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The best truck Ive ever owned. - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By wildbil34 - August 26 - 1:03 amI have the double cab 5.7 with 4wd and the TRD package. The truck has great acceleration and it stops on a dime. The seats are very comfortable, and the instruments are easy to read. It handles better than my 2005 Tundra did. It also has a better turning ratio, which makes it much easier to turn. The exterior is very rugged. The interior looks very refined, and there are plenty of cup holders and outlets. I have the first one in town and it gets a lot of looks.
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First week impressions - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By Bob - August 18 - 4:20 amThis is my first truck. The ride is car like with just a bit more engine noise and vibration. Excellent comfort makes this truck easy to drive. Tons of torque while maintaining smooth shifts. No rattles and an excellent AM/FM CD with four speakers. Great visibility front, rear and sides. The tilt wheel is a must have because it allows for a comfortable driving position as well as making it easy to enter and exit the cab.
