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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  Excellent truck! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By GB - May 13 - 5:40 am

  This has been a great truck for all around use (family, hauling, towing). Owned a Ford prior and there is no comparison - the Tundra is far superior quality, design and workmanship.

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  One of the best truck ever made - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By bad ass truck - May 7 - 8:50 pm

  Its a sportcar in a truck body. Gas mileage is good considering the power it has ,comparing other truck same gas mileage . Would recomend to anyone, great breaking and turning radius

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  Ranch Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By cowman - May 5 - 5:13 pm

  Good employee! This truck works like a one ton on the ranch. Regularly hauls 3000 pounds of feed, pipe, fence posts, etc. Heaviest load in the bed was 8000 pounds (100 bags) of concrete readymix, which it hauled 150 miles without complaining. Frequently tows a bumper pull cattle trailer that weighs over 10,000 pounds loaded with squirming livestock. Most mileage is in pastures and on dirt roads. No repairs, only oil changes for 32,000 miles. Except for going to town, I just leave it in 4WD and still manage 16-17 mpg over rocks and thru creekbeds. On the highway, I have gotten over 21 mpg. Unlike my Dodge and Chevy, the Toyota allows me to be a rancher, instead of mechanic.

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  Strong Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Nam - May 2 - 1:26 pm

  Ive had my 5.7L for about a year and will exceed 25K miles this year. This is a well-made vehicle. It replaced my 05 F250 diesel. Now this is no F250, but I do pull 6000 pounds with it and its pretty good. Without the trailer its just plain fun to drive. Of course mashing the accelerator cost you lots of money because the fuel mileage is pretty poor. Im mostly highway and I average around 16 mpg. The price I got a year ago was incredible. This is a whole lot of truck for the money. Only real complaint I have on this truck is the paint. Its very thin and scratches very easily. This is a common complaint of the Toyota Truck Forums.

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  2007 Toyota Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Steve Kellett - April 30 - 8:20 pm

  This truck is great. It has tons of power, seats are very comfortable, 6 speed trans is great, SR5 package is great. This truck is huge, everybody who comes close to look all say it. Number of gauges and what they are for is very comprehensive. Auto trans temp gauge was great idea. Build quality is very good. Comes with Michelin tires. 6 speed trans with sequential shifting is nice feature. Two haul mode is nice feature as well. Stock radio/CD player does the job nicely. Plenty of drink holders. Plenty of storage behind seat. I got rid of an undependable Ford F150 and could not be happier with my choice of trucks.

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  Towing dream come true! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Gail Shoults - April 28 - 5:13 am

  Pulling a stock trailer loaded with four horses and forgetting they are behind me, compared with other half tons and being kicked around the road at times! the stress free tundra ride is a dream and the hauling capacity sold me hands down!

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  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Henry007 - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Just moved from Seattle to Fort Myers Florida..3200 miles! Pull a UHaul and had a hard time keeping the truck under 70!!

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  Lexus Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By john melendez - April 22 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota Tundra TRD V8 access cab is by far the nicest, best performing and most comfortable pick up Ive owned. Ive owned every pick up model exept Dodge and will never own a pick up again that is not a Toyota. I think they should put leather seats in them and sell them under the Lexus name; they are that good. Only complaint is the front rotors warped after 8k miles, but that was covered under warranty. May I say again, if your buying a pick up, get a Toyota....... John Melendez, Austin, TX

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  This is the one - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By mj23cantona - April 17 - 10:23 pm

  Across the board, the best half-ton truck out there. Fun to drive, sexy design, amazing capabilities. Its interior does have a bit too much of a plastic feel, but is adequate and functional. Made in the USA.

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  Work Hard/ Play Hard - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By thill - April 17 - 8:36 am

  I have always driven Fords for work and play, but that just changed. This truck has more power, more tow capacity, the interior looks better, more room, plenty of storage inside cab for papers, cards, files, drinks (on the door also), turns better, and is just more fun to drive. I have driven just about every Ford truck there is up to 850s (work). This truck compares to the F250 5.4L Lariat in my book. I also love to race and this truck has it there, well for being full size!! We will see how it lasts and pretty quick. Almost ready for first oil change in about 1 1/2 months.