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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FALLING APART - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By ray - May 2 - 6:26 amThe cd never worked it eats cds, never fixed. Immediately after the warranty went out 2 expensive air pumps went out. Toyota is aware of the problem in these trucks, parts to replace are on back order. We are paying 920.00 a month for a truck we cant drive. They have no idea when parts available. The repairs take an hour and truck has been in shop over a week and no idea when parts will be in. Dealership has no compassion for our problems. We thought we would have a dependable vehicle. We have only had 1 year.
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Great Truck - Congratulations Toyota - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By ERNEST GLASTRIS - April 24 - 2:46 pmIn terms of carrying capacity, this is the lightest duty truck I have ever owned. In terms of overall quality and versatility, it is the best. Toyota has overcome previous problems with ring gears, brakes, power and ergonomics and has produced a vehicle that would please even the most critical of those among us who actually expect a vehicle to do serious work. The 6 speed transmission is flawless. Brakes are superb. Interior comfort and ride is better than many cars. Acceleration is awesome. Towing capacity is 10,000 pounds plus, as advertised. Stable, safe, well put together. I now have 3500 tough miles on her and not a hint of a problem. Best truck I have ever owned.
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Glad My Son Totalled My Dodge - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By Butler Builder - April 24 - 10:00 amIm in construction and Ive owned mid- sized 4x4s to get around job sites. My son totalled my Dakota and I decided to move up to a full-size. The Dakota was a toy compared to the Tundra. Im on the management side so, I dont carry ladders or forms or lumber, ect. I think a used Chevy would be better for that stuff. But I do have to get around in the snow and mud and spend a lot of time on the road. This is a smoooooth shifter that everybody on the job site tells me they wish they owned.
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105K miles - Best car I ever bought - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By kamikani - April 24 - 6:23 amIve owned this truck for a little over two years now, and over 100K miles. Aside from a Toyota Celica I had in college, this is the best car/truck I have ever owned. Great reliability, great power, great towing capacity. All Ive had done to it is change the oil & rotate the tires every 5K miles and recently, changed the front/rear differential oil. The ribber gaskets around the front doors do come off at the upper corner if you use automatic car washes. Thats my only complaint. Fuel mileage is what you would expect for a 5.7L with this much power and torque. I get about 18/Hwy and 16 City.
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TOOTHACRE - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By TOOTHACRE - April 18 - 10:00 amI OWN AN AVALON WITH O- PROBLEM,(90000),SO I CONTINUE WITH THE THE TRUNK. IN 8 MONTHS IT HAS BEEN EXCELLANT
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Great Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By Dusty - April 16 - 1:53 amTraded in my 2003 Reg. cab Tundra for the Dbl cab 5.7L - what an upgrade! Excellent truck to drive for work or pleasure. I did search around and compared other trucks, but still kept comiing back to Toyotas standards of quality and reliability. Im 65" and can comfortably sit in the rear seats. The power is exceptional.
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Reliable Tundra - 2017 Toyota Tundra
By Royce Hubble - April 11 - 3:57 pmgreat rating on reliability, choppy ride, great handling. In the day time very difficult to see dash screen for backup camera. Cannot get bench split seat for front seat on the Limited, to bad. overall looks, kinda boring.
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the best truck made - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By kevinbalitski - April 6 - 2:00 ambest truck we ever had
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New Owner - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By chip618 - April 6 - 2:00 amThe truck has less road noise than any other I have driven. I have always been an American car person only, but after a test drive the Tundra was so superior to the American counterparts I had no choice but to switch.
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The Awesome Tundra - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By Kevin Reine - April 6 - 2:00 amI enjoy the sleek appearance on the Tundra. It is very powerful and anywhere I go I get many complements on the color and style.
