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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All I need - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By TRD-Stepside - June 12 - 2:00 amTruck is incredible head-turner for a everyday driver. TRD leather interior is awesome. Not bulky like the big 3, but not compact either...
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In Shop After One Week - 2011 Toyota Tundra
By kman - June 9 - 2:00 amBought this truck brand new and had it only one week before the Air Conditioner went out. Service is replacing most of the A/C system as metal shavings from the compressor infiltrated the system. I would not order the truck with Toyotas navigation system again. I was expecting at the very least, new maps. I received outdated maps coupled with an unfriendly system to use. Any Garmin blows it away. If you do get the Nav/Radio system, you must get the steering wheel controls. Otherwise it is so cumbersome to use its unsafe. My first Toyota. Im not filled with confidence.
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buy it now - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By bomba - June 5 - 2:00 amwe shopped for 2 months for double cab, tested them all, did the research, and we love this truck. drives like smooth, powerful, quiet, comfortable car. great size, interior quality far better than others, and backseat comfort cant be beat. have a 95 4runner that still looks and drives new, so we knew the quality would be there. dont buy another without testing the tundra.
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toyotatundra - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By sunset47a - June 4 - 10:00 amsilky smooth quiet nice ride lots of power
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Great Truck if you dont plan on pulling. - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By shackmaster - June 2 - 6:53 pmIve had Toyota before and this is no different. Great quality, good ride, etc. BUT, the trailer pulling capacity is by no means what the manufacturer says which is 7000lb. Pulling a 6000 lb trailer with OD off will cause the tranny to work some serious overtime. Suggest dont pull anything more than 5000 lb MAX and thats with a small set of tires and preferrable 2wd. Other than that its a great truck.
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Great light duty truck! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By ImAPoet - May 26 - 10:00 amI have a 2001; its done everything I asked, including pulling a travel trailer over the highest passes in Colorado. But the engine performance is still marginal, and gas mileage is hard to tolerate (16-18mpg). All in all, though, Ill most likely look at a new Tundra when the time comes for another truck. I dont believe the American manufacturers can match the overall quality and reliability of Toyota.
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Tailgate woes - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By Dan Young - May 23 - 5:20 pmBeware loading tailgates on new crewcabs. I loaded 12 yard blocks for retaining walls (16# each) on the tailgate and crawled in the back to move them forward. This action pushed an internal tailgate beam sandwiched between inner and outer panels out. The movement made four very obvious reverse dimples on the outside of the tailgate. Toyota factory reps. said I had overloaded the tailgate and offered no resolution. I found no tailgate load rating in the owners manual. This tailgate is a new taller design for the crewcabs due to Sequoia based frame and body according to the factory reps. Tundras are not truck material in my opinion. Factory service needs improvement. No more Toyota trucks.
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Hit the nail on the head - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By A Real Toyota Truck - May 23 - 1:06 amFor all the previous tries by Toyota, this is a dead center bullseye to what I was looking for in a truck. Ive owned two Fords and three GM trucks. Nothing Ive owned compares to the power and performance of this new Toyota. The 5.7 and a light foot (which is admittedly hard to do) actually make for a not so thirsty beast. The center console is huge. In my opinion, the interior design, however, is not tops in the segment as the GM trucks have the nicest interiors. Toyota has too many different shades and types of plastics on the dash. Fit and finish is as youd expect a Toyota to be, top notch. However I have noticed a dash rattle from the a pillar on some roads. A true fullsize.
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Very happy - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By john henry - May 22 - 2:00 amVery smooth and quite ride. Plenty of power for my needs. I pull a 21" boat and have no problems with it at all. I have always bought Chevy but this beats any Chevy I have been in and there have been several.
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Tundra has done it again!! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By fuego - May 16 - 3:06 amThis is my 3rd Toyota truck, definitely not my last. Once again, Toyota has enhanced their truck package by adding 42 more hp, and the nifty power rear window. I had considered a Nissan Titan this time around, but the Tundra has better style and a considerably smoother ride. Anyone looking for a 2005 truck should at least test drive a Tundra, it is best all-around full size pickup on the market.