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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  Impressed - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By skoalie - August 22 - 5:56 pm

  I have an 08 DC SR5. Right out of the gate i did a 3 n 1 leveling kit. Makes it look great! Aftermarket 20s with 33x13.5 all terrains. I have loved the truck from the get go. it only gets better as I add more to it. I am getting 15.5 mpg on the new england roads. I despise the VSC but I am told the sway bar will help eliminate the frustration I have with it. My brother who has only had cars was impressed with the smoothness of the ride (we had 2 sportbikes in the bed and were at 80 on the highway). My girlfriend/wife loved it some much that she bought a DC limited. Being a full size Chevy guy my whole life I have been truly impressed.

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  Ignore the chauvanists - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By brucec32 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned them all, chevy, ford, dodge, and Toyota. By far my best pickup for light-medium duty use. I dont haul passengers, so try elsewhere if you want lots of rear seat room, but otherwise this truck tops the others in virtually every category. And its more reliable. Beware of pro-domestic truck fans who come on message boards slamming Tundras. I also own a 2002 silverado, so I think Im pretty objective. The tundra is easier to drive and feels more in control. The Silverado has already had 2 major issues, too.

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  First month - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By newlimited - August 13 - 12:20 pm

  I tested every full-size truck out there over the summer. I loved the Nissan Titan, but it was a little too loud had HUGE towing mirrors. I liked the F-150 (esp on Z-plan). In fact, I liked those 2 better than Tundra SR5, but once I drove the Limited, I had a clear choice. It had the smoothest ride of any truck (full size OR compact) and every feature I wanted with only feature I didnt want (a cassette player!). Some may prefer the feel of a big truck, but for me the refinement in the ride was a selling point. The Toyota quality is a bonus.

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  I thought Toyota was the best - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Disenchanted - August 9 - 10:30 pm

  Paint peeled around both front fender wheel well guards. A leaf spring broke and I dont go off-roading or carry any heavy loads. Loud ticking noise heard inside engine when engine is cold. Noise subsides slightly after engine warms up. Sounds like a collapsed lifter or wrist pin issue. In winter, I canÂ’t turn the heater knob to the defrost position until the cab warms up. Is this quality?

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  New Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By FJ401978LC - August 7 - 10:26 am

  More power than I know what to do with! Problem is with all that power the gas mileage is terrible. The fit and finish is near perfect for a pick-up. The interior is maybe a little too good to take to a job site.

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  Sweet ride - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By dwb58 - August 6 - 11:40 am

  This is one great truck, the ride is super, styling is nice, large knobs and handles. There is quite a bit of room in the back. I like the way the doors open. Reliability, come on, its a Toyota!!

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  "Close To Perfect" - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Benelli - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Excellent running and build quality, silky smooth powerful V-8. This truck looks great and priced very well into similar market. I am not sure why anyone is buying other 150 type 4X4 extended cab. A few more mpgs and you have "Perfection".

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  Darn good truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By islanderfan - August 4 - 12:50 pm

  Just got the truck 4 days ago, 250 miles on it. Breaking it in easy, but you can tell it has the power to do any job required. Rides like a car, quiet and smooth. Fits in the barn (9 garage door) but just fits. Looking forward to a long relationship with this truck.

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  Nice Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Great Truck - August 1 - 6:00 pm

  I sold my 8 yr. old Ford F150 extended cab. Wow, the Toyota is awesome in comparison. I did look at the new Ford and Nissan. I ended up choosing Toyota based on overall value and feel I made the right choice for my usage needs. Pulls my boat as though I didnt know it was there, takes me down the hunting roads and through snow and mud without a problem. Plenty of room for my family and dog. Very comfortable ride and nice handling truck. I recommend it hands down!

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  Great truck!! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By AHS - July 30 - 2:30 pm

  Overall the vehicle is great, however, with the 4.7 watch out for the worst MPG to date! Imagine the 5.7L. Aside from that it is comfortable and great capabilities for smooth towing of a boat with no challenges. Too bad about the gas consumption. Otherwise, go for it, enjoyable and definitely well finished.