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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  My Tundra - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Sony - December 7 - 3:40 pm

  This is the best truck I have ever driven. The room inside the vehicle is amazing. Extremely durable. Worth every bit of money paid for. Drives like a luxury truck. I would have to say its quite fuel efficient. Handles very well on the snow. Overall the best vehicle I have ever driven.

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  Toyota Tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By jriedene - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Awsome. The brakes lack a little definitioin but really not a big deal. Everything else is above expectations.

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  Awesome truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Alan - November 26 - 6:30 pm

  This is my second Tundra and it is by far the best truck on the planet! Great job Toyota!

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  Nice Truck! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By KENTACO - November 23 - 1:16 am

  I traded in my 06 Tacoma Prerunner Double Cab Long Bed TRD Sport for an SR5 Crewmax Short bed with 5.7 6 AT. The Crewmax takes regular gas at 87 octane compared to the 92 octane that the Tacoma required. The Tundra accelerates with ease, and the ride is very smooth. I love the rear seat space. It is huge back there, and my family can relax during long drives from Vegas to Orange County. So far, the Tundra is a winner. I just hope that my 5.7 is not one of those with a defective camshaft that grounded about 20 5.7s so far.

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  Terrific! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By iamdot - November 22 - 10:00 am

  It does what you want when you want it to. Have had my truck for almost two years and the only problems Ive had is a little shaking when braking (which the dealer fixed) and some squeaking with my belt. Has the power to peel out when towing a bass boat, charge up hills, and went up some "expert" 4x4 trails which the fixed up truckers didnt think I had a chance (since mine is stock). The TRD helped with the 4x4ing along with overall ride, would highly recommend.

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  Love my Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Love my TOYota! - November 19 - 4:36 am

  This is an excellent, well built vehicle. It handles very well on or off road. Well worth the initial cost. I dont need to worry about it breaking down. Had a Dodge which does not even come close to comparison from the start (i.e. engine & transmission dependability even the first 100k miles). Everything, from how the doors fit shut to how it handles driving, it is a well built vehicle with a group of mechanics that take the time and effort to keep tight specs and pride in their work. The time spent for quality in product, logical engineering and not just pushing a product out the door to just make a buck has a great product being produced. Thank you Toyota, for the grand work!

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  awsome toyo-ata - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By steve higginbotham - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Rides better than most high-line cars. Push the peddle and watch the gauges respond. This truck ROCKS.......

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  Luxury Truck for 2005 - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Desert Dog - November 15 - 6:40 pm

  I recently traded-up from the 04 Tundra. Great increase in power and a 5 speed tranny made the decision a "no- brainer". Toyota really has a winner with this years improvements. The Tranny has a feature that will automatically "kick-down" to the next lowest gear when it senses youve been coasting, greatly helping brake the vehicle.(something only found on higher priced motorhomes, etc.) This Truck is one smooth performer, the ride quality is better than the 90 Mercedes "560 SEL" I once owned. The electric Rear Window "roll-down" feature is nice, and long overdue. For ride, comfort, performance and "Large Truck MPG", Buy It! It wont disappoint you!

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  Tundra is a Big Pass - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By J Jackson - November 15 - 6:33 am

  This is a truck is a pass. It cant tow very much, "like a truck should" I would say no more then 8000 lbs. I tried to push this truck past 9000lb and It felt very slugish, and like it really needed a break. The F 150 on the othere hand I test drived was by far the best i ve seen yet. It can tow anything almost, and it has plenty of room, and a great look to it as well. The MPG was the best part about it. Also the look of it is terible and the insides too. Very low qulity!

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  Toyota Tundra 2003 - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Edward Oncken - November 13 - 5:50 pm

  Driving and ownership experience is without complaint. The Tundra handles well and drives easily. My experience as an owner is such that I would consider a Toyota Tundra again when I am ready to purchase again. I have not had a bad experience with this vehicle. I do think that the interior design should allow for more room in the rear passenger area. The leg room is too cramped. The front is comfortable but I would like for the drivers seat to move backward more than it does; however, it is OK.