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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  Love my new 2014 Tundra! - 2014 Toyota Tundra
  By ckwwilson - April 14 - 3:56 am

  Saw a couple of other reviews here and I do not have the problems they do. Ample power out of the 5.7 V8. Mine is easy to keep in the lane on the freeway(1000 freeway miles including winding mountain passes). The standard backup camera is a must have with the 8.1ft bed! The double cab feels bigger than some quad cabs from other brands. Ride is great, confidently stiff like one should expect from a pickup. Installed a TRD rear sway bar and now it has very little body roll, stays smooth through corners. Excellent interior design, very comfortable with a great field of view in every direction. Good use of soft surfaces to break up hard plastic. Entune audio is great once you get a feel for it.

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  OUTSTANDING - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By LYNN - April 9 - 10:06 am

  Except for a few squeaks and fuel economy under 20 MPG, the truck is excellent!

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  What a great truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Siebum - April 8 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great truck, and like all Toyotas, a really well built vehicle. I drove chevy, ford, nissan, dodge, and none can compare. The Tundra gives you more room, better ride, better comfort for rear seat passengers, a really large moon roof, and that get rear sliding window. Coming from a Jeep Wrangler, I can tell you it is great to be able to roll all the windows (including the rear) completely down. Makes me feel like my jeep does with the top off. It might cost a little more than the others, but the peace of mind and the feeling of safety and comfort are well worth the extra cash.

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  Shop around before buying a Tundra - 2018 Toyota Tundra
  By James S - April 7 - 12:33 pm

  I have a 2018 Tundra Limited. The Limited is an SR5 with few upgrades, not really a step up. Slipped on the running boards when they were wet, oh that hurt. Toyota does not tell the consumer that the new technology needs to be updated by the dealer, but no warning as to when the update is needed. Navigation sucks, have to use a Garmin which is much more accurate. All trucks have a handle to assist getting into the drivers side of the truck except Tundra. I have owned 12 new Toyota vehicles, I will shop around before I buy another Tundra. The 2018 Tundra Limited is not equal to my 2007 Tundra Limited Tundra Limited. took the truck to the dealer several times, the cannot get the navigation or blue tooth to work better than marginal. SHOP AROUND BEFORE PURCHASING.

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  This puppy has it all - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By samuel - April 5 - 7:33 pm

  I had the old tundra with the 281HP (2006) and what a difference the 5.7L is compared. This puppy has what it takes, while I dont tow a lot, I know she has what it takes. Once you start her up, she is ready to go!!! My truck acts like a pit bull on a leash with a poodle walking in front of it. You can feel the power this piece of machine has as you speed up and slow down through the tranny. My truck is barely over a year and a half old and I have about 44k miles on it. Beside oil changes (60 bucks a pop) and the power steering fluid change, nothing has gone wrong. Im close to buying tires for my 18 inch rims, for 4 tires - firestone wants about 900, and sams club about 600 for michelins.

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  Awful ride - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By randy - April 1 - 10:30 pm

  I bought this powerful half ton thinking it would run like my 9 year old tacoma. The ride is simply awful. I as well as my passengers are literally bouncing off our seats being held in by our seat belts. I dont dare have my new born in the truck as a passenger. After waiting a year for a promised fix from Toyota for the rough ride I could wait no longer and traded it in for a GMC Sierra. Lost a bit of power but man is the ride better. Problems during my 9 months of ownership: the rubber sealant around the windows were replaced. The drivers side mirror was replaced. The torque convertor was replaced. The transmission was being looked at due to hesitation-vibration.

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  Great pickup - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By grocers - March 28 - 2:40 pm

  This pickup has been dependable, trouble free transportation. Most of the miles have been highway for me. It is very comfortable on long drives and performs well in different weather conditions.

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  My Dream Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By puuloke - March 27 - 6:03 pm

  I drive 200 miles per day to and from work over a mountain road that takes me from sea level to 10,000 ft elevation and back down the other side. My commute is over highway, roughly paved and gravel roads. I have driven Chevy, Dodge, Ford and Nissan trucks during the 20 years I have had this drive. This is absolutely without a doubt the best truck I have ever had, in all categories. Traction is superb, and I bought the truck for reliability so everything is heavy duty. I dont mind the rougher ride with the TRD offroad package and the CD player doesnt skip like in my Dodge. I cant wait to take this truck camping next week.

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  Best Truck I have Owned - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By EB - March 25 - 2:33 am

  This truck has great power. Mileage from Austin to Dallas 20.9 running 70+. Does drop to 18.5 from Austin to W.Va. and back running hard. Pulled my pontoon boat up ramp with pontoon full of water. Enough weight to flatten all 4 trailer tires. Calculated weight to be in excess of 13000. Could not tell boat was behind. Wife is 49" and loves this truck. This truck is GREAT!!!!!!!!! Would buy again. Highly recommend!!!

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  Best Option I found - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Nancy - March 23 - 1:06 am

  This is my first truck, having owned SUVs, but I talked with a lot of folks before going with the Tundra. Ride is excellent, fuel econmy great for its size (getting 19-20 hwy) - not an in town kind of truck though. Drives, handles and brakes well. Massive amount of room. Love the tow mirrors. Could use better back up lights, sonar should be standard in trucks this size. I still wish someone would market a small truck that would blow away the big boys on the highway in mpg. For now, there is no gain in going smaller if you want 4WD so why not get a big truck that can carry more (if you need a truck).