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:

• 

  Wouldnt Drive Anything Else! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Yoyta Girl - April 1 - 10:00 am

  My husband passed away 3 months before I bought my Tundra. I wanted something dependable and able to handle anything I had to do. This truck has been exceptional. It is a black, limited, TRD. LOADED! I get more compliments on it all the time. Im known around these parts as "Yota Girl". Your financing and service are outstanding in every way.

• 

  Bought into all the talk - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By John - March 27 - 7:13 am

  All the talk and ads stated just how great this truck is and it just isnt. Just bought it and if I could return it, it would be back at the dealership now. It produces 381 horses, but at 5600 rpm and redlines just over 5000 rpm. You cant use the so called power when you want it or need it. I transported a solid wood desk that two guys physically placed in the bed. Drove just over 56 miles and used almost 1/4 tank of gas. I can say that because I just filled up the truck next door to the furniture store and drove home. Estimated gas rate is 15 to 19, real world really getting 12 on the highway. I dont drive much city traffic. If you want a truck do your reading and look it over well. The brochure told me what I needed to know, but I let others tell me otherwise.

• 

  Solid and reliable - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By jtb - March 26 - 3:20 am

  I love Toyotas and will always own at least one. 100% reliable is why they get my business. However, this truck is weak and a total gas hog. Not made for pulling anything heavier than a jon boat. Look for to owning a full size Tundra.

• 

  04 Tundra - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Veto - March 21 - 10:00 am

  A really nice truck, that is not only professional looking but sporty. A true champion.

• 

  Satisfied owner - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Nathan Hollis - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Its an excellent vehicle but I think there should be more cab room in the 4door models and maybe a more peppier engine for spunk.

• 

  Very Good Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Kevin - March 16 - 9:50 pm

  I have had my Crewmax for 2.5 years and 66K. It has been very reliable. Just oil changes and tire rotation. As others have mentioned the body panels and paint are thin and will dent and chip easily. I have used my tundra for towing a 6K to 8K trailer with no issues and taken the family on several vacations. It has really been a do it all vehicle. My fuel mileage after 66k is averaged 16.8 mpg.

• 

  Awesome Truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Mahn - March 13 - 1:30 pm

  Very responsive truck. Lots of room. Very please that this 5.7 will out pull others 5.7. Lots of fun to drive. Love the rear sliding window and the tilting head lights. Mileage is awesome. been averaging about 14city and 20hwy on this 5.7. I will add cold air later which will improve the mileage even more. I was having withdrawal when I traded in (trouble free for 10yrs) my 2000 tundra. After driving the 2010 tundra, I dont miss it anymore. More power more room spills a lot of fun.

• 

  big bang - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By omfsdoc - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Had my Tundra struck from behind while stopped at a red light. Causing complete destruction of the offending 2002 Chevy Envoy. The Tundra had to have a new bumper and and the bed repaired, but no damage to the heavy frame or the rest of the truck. You could not imagine that these two vechicles were in the same accident. As the state trooper said...Im going to by a Tundra next time I need a truck.

• 

  previous ford truck owner - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Tom in Virginia - March 2 - 3:50 pm

  Excellent truck. Very smooth transmission, motor is very refined. Seats are very comfortable. Just bought truck on 7/16/05. Liked the truck and was able to get a good deal.This truck is much more refined then my 2000 F150. When you drive the Tundra it handles and drives (very nimble) like a much smaller truck than it is. Like the shallow bed (easier to reach over sides to get cargo out) I only have about 160 miles on it at this time. I have owned Ford trucks all my life. I had it narrowed down to the Tundra,Tacoma, and Honda Ridgeline. The Tundra was the only one I ended up test driving. My wife agreed that it is all around the best looking of the three.

• 

  My First Import - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By mangumad - March 1 - 5:36 pm

  Always a believer in supporting the domestics, Dodge and GMC; however their transmissions came up short. Just rebuilt the GMC with 32000 and decided on a switch. Impressed with the 5 speed transmission (sweet shift) and the quality, fit and finish are good. Six cylinder is good on gas, 17 city 21 highway.