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:

• 

  Crewmax... awesome! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By thomasfxlt - December 19 - 10:10 am

  What a truck. After multiple GMCs and Fords, this thing really gives you a confidence. I liked my GMCs and Chevys, but the issues really started to show up at around 50-60k miles. Ive owned numerous Toyota cars and love the reliability, ride and handling quality and reliability. The 5.7 engine is amazing. Absolute and instant power. The tranny is perfectly matched and smooth. Test drive one. Youll buy it.

• 

  Watch out - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By sniper - December 16 - 4:10 pm

  if you like driving a truck and want to have fun driving on and offroad, give it a try. Handles like a cadillac. This is americas newest favorite truck for work or play.

• 

  Red Beast - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Sam Gibson - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Removed all of the name plates. People pull you over to find out what it is. Wild design.

• 

  Great truck, as expected! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Glenn Oden - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned Toyotas for the last thirty years. Ive never been disapointed yet and the Tundra is the best yet. If it would get 30 mpg Id be in heaven.

• 

  Best Truck Ever - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By ADAM - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I work for a rental company, so I drive Fords, Chevys, and Dodges all day. None of them come even close to the quality and quiet ride of my Tundra. The handling in the mountains is also something that is unmatched. No other truck has the low rumble sounding exhaust like my Tundra. For the first few months, I still could not believe that it was a Toyota.

• 

  First Toyota - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Robert - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought my first Toyota this June. I have always owned Dodge Ram (had 5 of them) My 10 SR5 TRD 5.7L I-force smokes the Hemi, the interior is way more comfortable, more creature comforts, and larger rear sear (comparable models). All the power anybody needs,Big, fast, tough truck. Dont complain about mileage you wont find much better. Smooth ride and plenty of room...Love this truck.

• 

  You deserve what you expect! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By G.Agustin - December 5 - 1:40 pm

  I traded in a 1st generation Tundra for a 2nd gen. Tundra. I have hauled my family + car up and down the Rocky and Cascade Mountains with both trucks. As much as I liked the 4.7L, it knew the weight was there. But as I expected, the 5.7L didnt flinch or break a sweat going up the steep grades. Some owners find the engine braking annoying. However, I find that when you are hauling and going down a steep grade it allows for the driver to have control of the vehicle + whatever youre hauling. Overall, this truck has exceeded my expectations.

• 

  Tundra 4x4 double cab. - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By JISingh - December 5 - 12:36 pm

  The truck has been very reliable, very comfortable,has good fit and finish. Extremely capable off road and very fast and powerful. It is silent compared with other trucks I have owned and handles like a car. Attention has been paid to the needs of the owner. There is plenty of storage space and the sound system is actually a little too good for a truck.

• 

  best truck ever made. - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By beto - November 29 - 10:00 am

  my truck is heavy duty.

• 

  Awesome tow vehicle - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Mark - November 23 - 9:06 pm

  The 2008 Tundra is a fantastically well engineered vehicle. I use it to tow a large 2 horse BP trailer (loaded weight approximately 6700 lbs./ 600 lbs. tongue weight) to and from horse shows from Pennsylvania to Maine. It tows comfortably and most importantly safely. Fuel mileage while towing at interstate speeds is 11.5 mpg, non- towing 17.5 mpg. Very respectable fuel economy for this type of truck. Additionally I get positive comments everywhere I go on how nice the truck looks fitted with a Leer 100XL cap. I highly recommend this truck for towing & hauling.