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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Sweet Mercy - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Eddie - June 22 - 2:20 pmI look forward to driving this truck to work everyday. I actually get excited when its time to leave each morning. I have had no problems with this truck, period. My experience so far has been fantastic and the truck has exceeded all my expectations.
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What Youd Expect From Toyota - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By terenitup - June 19 - 10:00 amSolid. Reliable. Well thought out. Just about everything is right--fit and finish, quality of materials. I expect to drive this for a LONG time.
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LOVE MY TUNDRA - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By JTLowitz - June 19 - 10:00 amIt drives like a dream. The seats are comfortable for me. I love the room. What kind of milage does one expect from a V8, it is good under these conditions. Would like to see more creative cover... I am sooo very happy. My kids love it too. I have never been so happy, even with my BMW.
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2005 Toyota Tundra TSS Series - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By Catherine - June 14 - 4:53 amWe initally test drove a tundra in 2004 and after test driving all other brands of trucks, we kept coming back to the Tundra. We love it. It is a very comfortable ride and quiet. Very roomy for the family and friends.
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Wonder if engine will hold up. - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Worried - June 4 - 5:16 pmThe 2007 Toyota Tundra is a nice truck, but I have a few complaints: the engine sounds like a diesel until it warms up, the ride is jarring, and it is hard to see when backing up. Toyota seems to use a lot of cheap plastic material; some have started to discolor already. When I ask the dealership for help on issues that seem to be abnormal it all ends up being normal; like the clattering engine, the vibration in the steering wheel and cupping tires, and transmission down shifting.
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Tundra V6 - 2001 Toyota Tundra
By Tazdog - May 31 - 10:00 amI have had the truck almost 3 years now. Have had no problems of any kind. It is a very comfortable ride with plenty of power. I put a shell on it & experienced no performance drop off. Gas mileage actually improved by 1/2 mi. per gal.
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Love It - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By Love It - May 29 - 8:06 pmI have over 130k on my truck and it still runs like a champ. Ive never had any problems with it... not even one. I only change my oil once or twice a year and I beat the heck out of it but cant seem to break it. Ill own this truck until it dies and then Ill buy another Tundra. There are some minor changes that I made. I added a rear leaf springs because the stock one was two light for hauling loads. Also I didnt like the look of the front end pointing downward so I added body leveling rings. Finally I added some tougher looking wheels.
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Great Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By RonTundra - May 28 - 10:53 amI bought this truck after owning two older Tundras. Mine has every option and I spend alot of time on the highway. I many times will drive 600 miles a day and dont get home worn out from the ride. It is quick, powerful and fun to drive. I receive a lot of compliments on the truck from people who have been with me and from my wife when we use it to travel. She drives a Lexus LS 430 so she knows comfort. I currently have put 20000 miles on it and have no complaints. It is the 5.7 6-sp with 4WD and I am on the interstate constantly that is concrete and it drives very well, however, I have about 150lbs of weight in the bed always. I love the truck.
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I love my Tundra!! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By LuvMyTundra - May 25 - 2:00 amOverall, this is just a great truck with eye appeal.
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Couple of issues - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By James1 - May 22 - 2:00 amBrake trouble! Missing bolt in door. Rattle in dash. Had to take the thing to the dealer 4 times to get the brakes finally replaced. Getting wobble in pedal when brake discs were warm. Shouldnt happen, but it did! Bolt missing to hold door in open position, so door flopped about on delivery. After 22000miles dash has rattle. Bucket seats pointless when bench seat offers more funcationality and comfort.
