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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  2008 Tundra CrewMax SR5 5.7 2WD - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Adam - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 08 Tundra used - it had 45k miles on it. Ive put 10k on it. Fits my needs perfectly with 3 kids (huge back seat). Ride quality is great. Acceleration / power is awesome. Too much hard plastic and cheap parts on interior - but still very comfy. I put a 2" leveling kit with larger tires on stock steel wheels - looks better.

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  Awesome - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Tim Burgess - May 21 - 10:23 pm

  It is the truck that all guys would have designed themselves. Power, towing, 4x4 and stopping... and so far reliable. I DO NOT want service. To me that means it is broke!

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  A disappointed Toyota fan - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By disappointed toyota - May 19 - 11:40 pm

  I have been a Toyota fan for years. I like Corolla, Camry because they are reliable, gas efficient, good looking, keeping their value really well. A huge mistake was made when I traded in my Camry for a Tundra. I wanted a truck to haul my boat sometimes and for more fun. Auto experts have rated the truck very high. I must say, Edmunds you did totally wrong: Gas mileage: 10-13 MPG. Performance: No fun at all. Engine is very loud. When hauling, it is extremely loud. I miss my Camry very much. Quality: Cheap all around. Styling: too ugly. Reliability: 2 dealer visits per month

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  VALVE TRAIN NOISE!!!!!!!! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By rrcarson - May 17 - 10:00 am

  nasty sounding valve train noise at start ups even for short time after driving, possibly a lifter???? any solutions contact me,please. DEALER IS NO HELP!!??? why cant they hear it??? funny huh??? only 34,000 miles, come on Toyota, step up to the plate here...whats wrong with all are trucks???? all I want is the noise fixed is that so much to ask???

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  Transmission Stinks - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Miker - May 16 - 9:30 am

  Ive now owned brand new Fords, Chevys and this Toyota. The Chevy was the most comfortable, but had terrible brakes. The Ford had the worst gas mileage and the Toyota is about to get traded for the most annoying transmission in the world! That downshifting is ridiculous!! Who are they kidding, this is not the Toyota of 10 years ago. I wont buy another.

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  Great Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By freedom - May 14 - 1:53 pm

  We love the ride, very smooth and comfortable. The sliding window is a must. The crew max back seats are huge and comfortable, very nice that they adjust. The truck is very sporty, fast powerful engine. I, the wife, find the accelerator to be too sensitive. I have to pay attention to not push it too fast and give myself whiplash. There is too much black in the interior. Its hard to keep clean. Its our 3rd Tundra. Only replaced the last because we needed more towing power. It tows our 5500lb trailer very well. Not enough chrome on the outside even though we spent about 29k. Towing mirrors are nice. We liked the look of our 05 double cab better but this is a much better truck overall.

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  2007 Toyota Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By pfog - May 5 - 5:40 am

  I absolutely love this truck. I have owned 3 reg cab short bed 2wd chevy silverados w/ the 5.3. I almost bought another but at the last minute, I dedcided to just go check out the new Tundra. I am all about performance and without even driving the reg cab short bed 5.7, I ordered one. I drove the crew max 4x4 and it had more get up and go than the above mentioned chevy. Yeah its got a bigger engine but also a lot more weight. I have absolutely no regrets. The performance is ridiculous. I mean it hauls serious booty. It looks mean, rides smooth, and gets there with the quickness. Its not a work truck and I dont haul or pull anything. So in short I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS TRUCK!!

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  Best Truck on the Market - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By badger - May 5 - 2:43 am

  Previous GMC Sierra owner and this truck is way better. Beat out the F150 on a test drive, too. Once you drive it, all others pale in comparison. Power is tremendous, braking is phenomenonal. It drives like a sports car but is a truck. No complaints after 4000 miles. Very tight, quiet, phone syncs flawlessly, excellent radio. The best features: full back window sliding down and the sunroof. Its the next best thing to a convertible.

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  2002 Tundra Review by Engineer - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Fowler Toyota - May 4 - 2:00 am

  The 2002 Tundra with the 4.7 Liter v8 engine has more than adequate power and acceleration with an automatic transmission. Fuel mileage averages 19 mpg with no loads and approximately 60/40 highway/city miles. Braking is the best of any vehicle I have driven. HVAC is excellent. Controls are simple to use and those features which are automatic such as automatic headlights off when door is opened are desirable but not

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  Bad Choice - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By cru_fan - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this because it got good reviews. Bad call. My buddy just bought a Dodge and was telling me how happy he was with it. I almost thought about getting one, but people said good things about the Toyota Tundra. Ive had to go back to the dealer for work 3 times already. In addition, it doesnt hand wear and tear at all. At this point, I am really thinking about getting rid of it, taking the loss and getting the Dodge or the Ford. Stay away from this one. Its built cheap and requires way too much maintenence.