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:
Showing 1201 through 1210 of 1,512.00-
Cant wait to jump in and drive - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By AOD - January 25 - 8:00 amI am 42 and I have owned 51 vehicles since 1984. I always thought Toyota had a bland design so I never bought until 2007. Now I LOVE Toyota. Seems all their efforts go into the important aspects of a vehicle, not "bells and whistles" I am so JACKED about my new Tundra and struggle to find anything significantly wrong. Just LOVE the Tundra!!!
-
Bad paint, no comfort, Good drivetrain. - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By canucksca - January 24 - 12:03 pmPurchased truck July 2003. List of problems I have had with this vehicle: 1) Rear seals on back of X-tra cab fixed due to rain water entering cab. 2) Fuel filler tube replaced because Check Engine light kept coming on. 3) Paint on drivers side door wore away and I had the entire door and front of the X-tra cab repainted at local body shop. Dealer agreed to pay for 1/2 of the repair. I declined offer, as I suspect there will be future problems with this. Other paint (salsa red pearl) peeling off of truck. 4) Factory Dunlop tires horrible. 5) X- tra cab uncomfortable. Not up to the standard for a Toyota. Marginal city MPG. Drivetrain excellent so far.
-
WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS TRUCK - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By Mark and Joanna - January 24 - 10:00 amI never thaught we could love a truck this much. Everyday my wife and I fight over who is going to drive it. It is the most practical, reliable, and all around smart truck. The best truck we ever owned.
-
tundra- to many problems - 2011 Toyota Tundra
By junktruck97 - January 23 - 8:01 pm2011 tundra crew 5.7,nice truck too bad i had had too many alignments to make this truck go straight it, pulls to the right when applying the brakes,toyota corp and thier field rep, and sun toyota says its the michelin tires on the bbs wheels causeing the problem,its a factory item on the xsp package and i have to live with it,had vibration problem from the start,replaced driveshaft,idle is sticking when you start it to 1800,i have 5500 miles and i regret not buying that dodge,plus i have the leather interior and when i turn i slide around in the seat,trans is slipping
-
Toyotas Reliability - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By Rough13 - January 20 - 1:56 pmThis pick-up is exceptional, it rides great, has the right power for my use, has an above average payload, can tow a boat easily, is very reliable. I havent had it for that long, but from owning previous Toyotas, I know Toyotas reliablility is their trademark.
-
have had radio problem - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By jlw1960 - January 17 - 9:30 amWe really love our truck have had to have the radio replaced still the channels will fade in and out at times.have lost the rubber strip on the top right side in car wash , but as far as the performance of the truck could not be happier my husband get mad because I do not want him to drive it .
-
Great Truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By abejen - January 13 - 8:23 pmThis truck is the greatest truck I have ever owned. I drive a minimum of 120 miles a day. As a Contractor I have owned a truck from 1967 to date. This is my first Tundra; I have worn out seven fords. My truck has 180,000 miles, So far I have replaced the tires, the brakes, the battery. The most drivable and best built truck I have owned. And it looks great.
-
Great Truck - 2009 Toyota Tundra
By Ryan Harris - January 7 - 10:52 pmThis has been and still is a great truck.
-
AWSOME TRUCK - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By RON HENNE - January 5 - 2:00 amGREAT TRUCK FOR ALL YOU NEED TO DO.. GREAT PULLING POWER, AND AWSOME PICK- UP. SOOTH RIDE, AND QUITE COMFY, WITH THE LEATHER!!!
-
Killer Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By Big Koso - January 3 - 10:00 amPlenty of power in this truck. Toyota trucks are no joke, giving serious competition to domestics. I am not normally a foriegn car/truck kinda guy, but I fell in love with the Tundra. Take one for a test drive, you wont be disappointed
