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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Great Choice - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By chad - July 24 - 12:06 pmIve only had this truck for about three weeks, but Im so glad I bought it. This is my first Toyota and after driving it Im sure it wont be my last. Ive been a loyal Dodge fan for nearly 20 years, but the Tundra beats it hands down. It has more room, a much better ride, more power, more standard features... simply more. I loved the look of my 02 Ram and still think the 02 through 05 models are the best looking trucks on the road. The current styling and lack of options are what made me look at the Tundra. I am sure glad I did. It was by far the best choice Ive made on a vehicle for a long time. I couldnt be happier with this truck.
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my toyota - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By rangel - July 24 - 2:00 amtoyota tundra is really excellent pickup it has good over all performance and toyota quality reputation.
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Should have just bought it last year - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By Back To Toyota - July 23 - 8:30 amLast year i got caught up in the "buy American" movement and purchased a 2007 Denali. What a mistake. Traded it in for a 2008 Tundra Limited Crewmax and couldnt be happier. Drove it over 700 miles the day after i purchased it. Comfortable seats, lots of power, smooth ride and averaged 17.5 mpg at 75 mph. I am a big guy (64) but had plenty of leg and hip room. I cant wait to hook my Airstream up to it to see how it pulls. Once again Toyota got it right.
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I love my new Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By portac - July 19 - 6:00 amIve had my double cab for about a month now. I really love it. It drives like a car. I especially like the power rear window that rolls down. I get about 16 mpg driving to work, which isnt great. But I didnt buy a truck for the gas mileage.
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2008 Toyota Tundra SR5 - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By john holmes - July 17 - 2:40 pmThe crew max is very roomy. The truck has a modern interior like a car and drives very smooth. Everything thing you could want in a truck - power, smoothness, and comfort. Better gas mileage than dodge but could be better (what can you expect for a truck).
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Too much missing - 2014 Toyota Tundra
By customsmn - July 16 - 9:20 pm2014 Tundra 1794 edition. The more I drive it the more disappointment in what is missing from Toyotas highest line truck. Since new design for 2014 I expected more than what you get. No push button start as on most toyotas, keyfob not linked to memory seats, no lane change turn signals, no trailer brake controller, you can add aftermarket, just looks like an add on, only two door switches are lit, not even memory switches lit, no power lock on tailgate, no default for in call volume on bluetooth phone and even when on MAX setting not great, no rain sensing wipers, slow GPS nav. LED lights front not back,Good truck but could use some updated equipment.
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Be loved for almost 3 years - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By BMCDEXPRES - July 12 - 10:53 amI purchased this truck brand new on July 28, 2005 and I have put only 17600 miles on it, because I only drive 5 miles to work and I have been loving it since day one. Since I own a home this truck is so useful. Driving is fun and so comportable for a short or long drive. Its been almost 3 years now I have not been in the shop for any kind of repair other than oil change. I am happy with the quality and the reliability of this truck. I think I have made a good choice.
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efficiency compromised by style - 2001 Toyota Tundra
By Timothy Trelease - July 6 - 3:40 pmThe only vehicles I have ever owned have been long-lasting Toyota pick up trucks. After owning the Tundra, I am ready to switch makes, which I never thought I would do. This vehicle guzzles gas, makes too much noise, and never seems able to find the right gear. I am willing to give up some comfort to get more efficiency.
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Love this truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By chris - July 6 - 10:23 amI traded in a F-250 PS LB 4x4 and love this truck so much more. There is plenty of room in the cab for my children however I wish the bed and fuel tank were a bit larger.
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Im happy I looked and waited... - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By lvitch - July 6 - 12:56 amGreat Truck! Down sides: Needs better lumbar support, Big turning radius (Im used to my old pathfinder), windshield scratches easily. I love this truck more every time I drive it. Plenty of power, I dont even know my 19 bass boat is back there. Highway passing is effortless. Gets the same mileage whether Im towing or not (18 mpg). Plenty of room for me and my family (Im 61 and my kids are huge). Hands down the best I looked at and drove, period.
