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 121 through 130 of 1,512.00-
best truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By Picky - November 20 - 2:00 amI am an engineer and I reserched all the trucks and read at least 20 differnt articals. The tundra comeout on top for what I and about 90% of truck buyers use it for. I do some heavy hauling and have towed 2 trucks with it with no problems. This truck has great power and a great ride. (This is the best truck out there)
-
Best truck ever - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Tundra For life - November 19 - 2:23 amIve put a lot of miles on this truck so far. I am very impressed. No problems at all. Gas mileage is impressive 22 on highway. I towed my 24 trailer 1200 miles and averaged 17 mpg. Sold a 2006 Dodge Hemi. Never own one again 2 transmissions and i engine overhaul. And many rattles. I will stick with a Toyota. Best truck on the road.
-
Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By D Hanna - November 18 - 2:00 pmMy 2nd Tundra - totalled the first - but I was fine. New 5 speed transmission is ultra smooth. Engine smooth - low noise at highway speeds - another great ride. Sees limited off road use, but great when needed. Limited towing of 5000 lb trailer and equipment - does it without a problem and up a 10 percent grade hill.
-
Tundra Crew Max SR5 - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By Frank Aparo - November 3 - 10:13 pmGood truck I have had Chevrolet / Dodge this my first Toyota. Great engine I have got 21 MPG with the big engine key is to use the cruise and leave it at 70 MPH. I also use either Mobil 1 or Valvoline Synthetic which helps a little. I wish Toyota had the compass in the SR5 package. Visibility is the worst of any truck I have had big blind spots could be fixed with split mirrors, but I did not want the towing mirrors. I bought the CrewMax for the rear leg room it is by far the biggest rear seat room cab. I am amazed that to change the oil the skid plate must be removed. I work for an automotive supplier and we supply all of the big 3 and transplants Toyota has the toughest specs.
-
Best Ive owned - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Chuck - November 2 - 6:46 amIve had this truck for two years without a problem. I have the TRD off road version, drive the California freeways regularly and cant complain about the ride. Its stiff, but its a truck. The 4.7 engine will run with anything although I would like the 5.7 just because I like like power. On trips to Colorado and Arizona Ive averaged 19 mpg. This is with a 4:10 rear gear and mountains. Id buy another. Most reliable Ive had.
-
Comfortable truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
By Robert Kladde - October 20 - 5:36 amI just purchased the Tundra three weeks ago and have 2,000 miles on it. Rides comfortably, quietly, looks great, and has more than enough power! Hauled 1000 pound load in bed as though it was empty. Excellent acceleration even with the smaller V8. Glad I went with the new 4.6! Handles great on windy Colorado mountain roads with little body roll. I am averaging 20 MPG with 75/25% hwy/cty. Thats amazing! CO air is thin though. Only bummer so far, however, is this hard to find 00W20 motor oil that it requires!! Can only find it in Mobile one, by the quart only, and it is $7.00 per quart! Yes, thats a SEVEN! Wal-Mart is only $6.30 a quart, but they rarely have it in stock. Beware.
-
Best light truck available today! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By Steve_in_Colorado - October 17 - 10:00 amThe best ride and gas mileage of all the "full size" trucks I tested. Manages to have a full size bed and an excellent backseat for my kids. Car like handling with the ability to haul the small loads I use for work. Nice build quality and a good stereo system. We love the rear sliding window, no buffeting even at speed. The sunroof is huge, and there enough drink holders for 6 people.
-
WOW!! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Alex Chuang - October 16 - 6:06 pmGreat truck all around. I wish I had gotten the 5.7 if I knew the truck was going to be this much fun.
-
Its all good - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By Cheeseman - October 14 - 10:00 amIve driven many full sized trucks and for the money, this one beats them all. This truck has the smoothest ride even with the offroad package Ive experienced in a full size. The one thing that I would change is the room in the back, other than that, Ive found this truck to have plenty of power and great handling. The style fits a younger image than Chevy and the torque is higher than Ford (in a comparable truck.) I would definitely recommend this truck for those wanting power, reliability and style.
-
The Best - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Toyota Guy - October 9 - 3:10 pmZero problems. Far and away the best riding truck I have ever owned. I have total confidence in its stopping power and reliability. Other manufacturers are missing the boat on the 6 speed transmission.
