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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Love it - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By d - February 8 - 7:36 amWe bought the truck new 2/09 it was teeboned at a inter. Bent the frame only about a foot in from front. It was a total. It ran great to that day no problems. We just bought a new 2009. We will be looking forward to keeping it for life. We really loved that Toyota feeling. I replaced the front brakes only once at about 5000 we put 2 sets of tires on it and Toyota replaced the front axles. Rear window, and oxg sensor. Never pulled, always ran true. Ended up with 77,000 mi, still could be a great truck for someone.
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Oldie but a Goodie - 2001 Toyota Tundra
By woof - February 7 - 7:06 amThis is a great truck, despite the fact that the bed isnt quite 8 long. I carry hay, horse feed, fencing, manure, firewood and building supplies and pull a 2 horse trailer without any problems. My biggest complaint is its inability to move forward in heavy gravel or on any kind of slippery surface (mud), even with a load. The configuration of the back doors is awful! You have to play musical doors to put groceries in the back seat. No leg room for adults in back seat. This model came with Tacoma brakes, which created problems. Dealer installed Land Cruiser brakes at no charge. 75K miles to date, no mechanical problems, and 18 to 22 mpg with a soft foot and summer tires!
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Love it - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By keith bremner - February 5 - 8:56 amI love the way it drives and the quality of it is top notch. Never had a problem with it. Would buy again.
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Too many miles - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By ken - February 4 - 9:56 pmThe tundra is a blast to drive and always a eye catcher. I have only had one problem and that was the recall on the drive shaft. I get a 17.5 mpg on the average and 13 when I haul the 8900lb trailer. Still beats my dodge I would recommend this truck to anyone.
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4WD Tundra - 2001 Toyota Tundra
By Stoney - January 29 - 10:00 amGreat 4wd. Over built engine will last a long time.
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Great Choice...very happy - 2001 Toyota Tundra
By jcolumbu - January 29 - 10:00 amAfter being a lifer Chevy/Ford person, my wife bought a Camry and weve been hooked on Toyota since. I spens a lot of time looking around at the Big 3 and decided to go with the Tundra and Im glad I did. It has been rock solid...no problems, good power, handles great. I dont use 4WD much other than the winter, but it is nice to have. The brakes seem fine to me, I was surprised to see others complaining about them. Ive had heavy loads in the bed, it sagged down low as expected but took it fine. Id recommend this to anyone.
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Toyota Tundra 2002 - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By troy slicker - January 29 - 10:00 amExcellent fullsize truck, with excellent build quaility. I would buy another in a heart beat.I live Arizona and the summers are hot and A.C. is excellent. If you buy Tundra get the V8 you will be happy.
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Best 1/2 ton on the market - bar none - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By Greg1234 - January 29 - 10:00 amI find it comical these clowns that give it realy low ratings have nothing better to do than put down trucks they wish they could afford. After owning a 81,91 F150, 96 full sized bronco and multipul Honda cars and minivans I came to the conclustion the Hondas were superior vehicles to Fords. Honda does not make a truck so I bought the tundra. As far as people saying they are not work capable, that is just pure garbage. Its funny that my Tundra will pull my trailer loaded with my Kubota tractor (together weigh in at just over 5000lbs) over Parleys summit easily at 70mph. My Bronco w/ 5.8L barley did that alone.
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Okay, but not good enough - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Hans - January 28 - 4:50 amI have had this truck for two years. I have had no major problems except excessive uneven wear on the tires which my Orlando dealership did not take seriously. Instrument cluster is hard to read and needs a redesign. Does not pull the boat as well as my Ford Excursion. Next truck will be a F250.
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Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By BB - January 27 - 10:16 amI bought a new 05 double cab... great truck. Its got a lot of power and handles very comfortable both on the highway and on the dirt. My mother-in-law has driven it and is very impressed. It is also very quiet for a truck. I can get 5 big adults in it plus a lot of stuff in the bed and pull a big boat and have no problems! Reliability has been perfect so far. I have about 19000 miles on it so far. I could drive this truck all day and never get tired. You cant go wrong with this truck.
