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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  Finally a Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Tundra Happy - July 5 - 4:50 pm

  Just purchase this truck last week and I love it! It has exactly what I needed without the extra junk. I really like the rear window roll down feature and that it has a defroster. The ride is superior to any of the other trucks that I test drove. Also like the taction control option. Have not tested for mileage yet (only 100 miles). Excellent interior insulation from noise.

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  Tansmission Problems! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By rflinster - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive had numerous minor problems until summer of 2000 whereby the O2 sensor went & required the entire manifold to be replaced. Then the transmission started making a "klunking" noise around 60,000 miles. Dealer unable to diagnose the problem. Last week it broke down -- whole transmission needs to be replaced -- even worse, I dont even tow anything or haul heavy items in the bed. This is all normal driving usage.

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  One quick Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Pablo - June 23 - 10:00 pm

  Massive tire spin but that adds to the fun. Fuel economy is great for a high horsepower engine 381hp! its hard to keep your foot out of it for long. Ride is great except on the worst roads. Rear seat room is cavernous even at 61" I fit.

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  malfunction indicator came on twice - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By mingsterca - June 23 - 10:00 am

  The malfunction indicator light came on 3 days after I bought it - only 100 miles. The manual says - send the truck to dealership. This is very bad error message. Then a bit more details in the manual describes the possible cause by loose fuel cap. Sent it to the dealership next day, and have them check the computer codes in the truck. They says the same thing. Reset the error codes and have the mechanics tighten the cap for me. The next day driving to work, the indicator came on again. A lemon?

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  Very Satisfied Tundra Owner - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By T Massey - June 21 - 8:03 pm

  We did our research, including he said & they said. We test drove The F150, GMC, Chev, Dodge. For us the Tundra was it. Drives really well, silent running, lots of room. V-8 is powerful, and does an excellent job in meeting our needs. Work, show, or play we feel secure. Tight, solid, speed, and handles as good and better than many cars. Very, very easy to handle on the road, parking, and lots of leg room. We are just so very please with the selection. None of the "well maybe we should have gotten this one or that one" we have never looked back nor have we questioned our decision. When driving my car and I see a Tundra I feel like running home to get our truck too.Very Satisifed Tundra owners

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  Solid Truck. - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By roverfanatic7 - June 19 - 5:31 am

  Have the 2006 Toyota Tundra Limited. Best truck. Comfortable, fun to drive, luxury interior, and solid reliability. The truck has 100,000 miles on it and no problems whatsoever. Maintenance is cheap. MPG isnt great, but it is a truck with V8 power. Solid offroader, great for firewooding and hunting. You wont find a better value. This truck defensibly definitely beats the American competitors.

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  2003 Tundra Limited V8 4WD ext cab - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By c. lusby - June 17 - 7:23 pm

  The only big draw back with the Tundra 4 door for 2003, was the way the back doors open. You have to open the front door first, and the front and back doors open in opposite directions. It is very difficult, in a tight parking spot to open the front and back doors at the same time to put something in the back seat. This was corrected in 2004 by redesign and allowing the back door to be opened without opening the front door. There is no heated seat feature, and no time-out option on the head lights (only on the camper light over the truck bed) Other than the above, it is a fantastic truck, with plenty of power for towing, and I highly reccommend it to prospective buyers.

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  Great for me - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Taz - June 15 - 5:18 am

  First Toyota truck. Owned Chevy, Ford. Overall this is a great truck, I have only had about 2 months. It has about 4300 miles on it so far. Its a great ride, not too soft not to rough, handles really good for a truck. Quiet interior while windows are rolled up, not too loud while all four are down. The only problem is passenger seat-belt buckle slams on window support with all four windows rolled down if there is no passenger. Lots of storage. This truck is easy to keep clean :-), not an excess of dips, curves and crevices. I went camping at beach my second week of owning this truck and fell asleep in front seat, didnt wake up hurting, just wish it had a 12v power port in bed and the fact that it has to be switched on for interior power ports to work is a bad idea. Had plenty of room for camping and fishing equipment. Engine is a monster, this truck is quick! Hit the gas and get down. Things I dont like: plastic intake plenum and oil filter cover, really, this is a truck dudes! No auto up on driver side window or neither on passenger on Limited pkg. But I wouldnt trade my truck for anything else, great truck!

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  Tundra - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Lawrence LeBlanc - June 14 - 5:16 am

  I have had my Tundra for three weeks. It is easy to handle. I like the color the interior and also the way it handle the highway. Even though there have been a lot of problems with some of the Toyota vehicles, I still feel very comfortable driving my tundra. I have no complaints. I would definitely recommend this truck to someone that is interested in driving a big nice spacious truck.

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  Nice truck! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By tnydtger - June 13 - 10:23 pm

  I bought it with 60,000 miles 2004. The car runs smooth, you would think your driving a lexus sedan not a pick up truck. I love the outside looks, much better and sleek then the new tundra. Downsides, 2 weeks after i got it needed new battery,brakes,positive terminal, starter. I purchased the warranty which is a good idea. Seems like little things will go wrong on this truck, but nothing major. All in all great buy. I love the V6 good on gas, but not great. I average 10 mpg city 14 hwy.