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:

• 

  Finest built truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By rob220 - February 22 - 4:43 pm

  I bought this truck with 218k from my good friend right before he passed away and he used it not only to commute around 130 miles a day but also on a farm towing full hay wagons through fields and other farm stuff. It now has 237k and in that distance the only problem I had was the starter went.Yes the exhaust manifolds leak but its been that way since I got it one year ago. the timing belt is probably original along with the oxy sensors but I toasted a 2010 f150 5.4 triton last week with it and it didnt care. I have yet to this day found anything that my stock 01 tundra couldnt do, It still runs and stops great.

• 

  I Just love this Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By DBM - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Just love everything about this truck.

• 

  2008 Tundra Crewmax 5.7 Grade SB - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By mace69 - February 15 - 2:53 pm

  Soooo happy with this purchase. Space for 3 growing boys on long trips, ease of towing large RV trailer, budget, and safety were our main criteria for this purchase. We custom ordered a Grade (which is exceptionally equipped for a base model). Love it, love it, love it! Get 16-18 MPG when not hauling, much better than the 12-14 on my last Ford F-150 Crew. Really wanted head restraints and shoulder belts in all 3 rear seats for safety. Leave it to Toyota to also provide the only front bench seat with foldable middle seat (for armrest) or passsenger seat that also has shoulder belt and head restraint.

• 

  Excellent Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Mfimbres - February 15 - 2:06 pm

  Excellent performance, comfortable long driving experience, sophistication not seen in any other trucks. The only thing I didnt get was the entertainment system.

• 

  Just bought - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By bighead - February 8 - 10:40 am

  I just bought a 2001 tundra with 55,000 miles on it from the original owner. Its in almost new condition. This truck has bucket seat that I dont care for. The arm rest is too small for me but I can live with it. This truck is really sharp looking and has the trd package. I love this truck already but havent even owned it 24 hours yet and will report back any likes and dislikes with it.

• 

  Roof rack troubles - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Anton Sisak - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I choose Crew max, because of great cabin, but I really could use longer bed, for the business I do.I use this truck as a family truck too, so I needed a big cabin. Another thing that really frustrates me about this truck I cannot find roof rack that would work for my ladders. I need something heavy duty permanent, that also has sporty look to it. I can only find the roof rack that attaches to the side of the top of the door. Over all it a very good truck, but nit as practical as I hoped.

• 

  Tundra - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By taydanry - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2010 crewmax with the Platinum package. I like the truck except I wish Toyota made the bed 6 1/2 feet for the crewmax. I also wish the fuel tank was bigger. It seems i fill this truck up more often than I did my Chevys in the past.

• 

  Power and overall quality - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By BeaverFood - February 1 - 11:56 pm

  I traded my Silverado for the Tundra. I need a reliable and tough pick-up for towing my boat (4,000 lbs) and for plowing my driveway. I expect the Tundra to do well at both. It certainly hauls my boat just fine. I had to haul it 400 miles roundtrip the day after getting the truck. It handled very well, smoother than the Silverado. The 5.7L engine is very nice. And I like the way it downshifts (under cruise control) when going down hill.

• 

  very satisfied - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By david b. - January 28 - 2:46 pm

  The fuel economy is as good as my previous vehicle (Chevy blazer) averaged just over 17 MPG 60% hwy, 40% city. My driving style is a lot more conservative due to the price of gas. The tundra has a lot of room and excellent interior storage areas. Excellent turning radius/easy to drive. Previous reviews hammered the transmission for down shifting too much. Havent had that problem. Did have some problems w/radio/stereo. It would turn on/off, change stations. Dealer replaced it and havent had a problem since

• 

  One of the Last Remaining Work Trucks - 2016 Toyota Tundra
  By Adam - January 26 - 6:25 am

  When did the light-duty trucks become judged based on features and fuel economy? Is this the new way of judging work trucks? For me, a light-duty truck needs to be reliable, simple, and be able to perform duties consistent with a light-duty truck. Ford has now come out with a lighter body to compensate for its weaker turbo-charged engine. In addition, when I test drove the truck I still couldnt figure out the electronics after spending 2 hours with the system. This truck just screams low reliability, high repair bills and low resale value. The GM brands are definitely a step up from the Ford in terms of logic for electronic systems, but can you trust them with as many recalls that theyve had in the past few years? The Ram (in my opinion) is the closest in terms of what I consider to be a good work truck, but personally I dont trust their drive train (clearly they dont either as theyre reducing their warranty program). I was looking for a reliable truck thats easy to use and can get the job done, the Tundra was the only option that I was comfortable with. As a previous reviewer noted, the Tundra is tied (per Edmunds article by Carroll Lachnit) with the Ford for the "Most American" truck based on percentage of U.S. / Canadian content, so you cant use the argument to "buy American" against the Tundra. Even if its global headquarters are in Japan, its ownership (like Ford, GM, and Chrysler) is scattered throughout the world as a publicly traded company. I just hope the engineers are very careful to not "follow the Jones" to a luxury vehicle and stick with one of the last great light duty work trucks.