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 - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By New2Toyota - November 12 - 10:43 am

  Bought the CrewMax 5.7 L, 4wd w/tow, bench front seat,and that great roll down back window! The ride is great for family of 5 and dog in back. Towed the 25 ft camp trailer up 2000+ elevation gain, without an hesitation, almost like it wasnt back there! The backseat space is great for the kids and lots of water bottle storage. Everyone could see out easily and enjoyed the ride. Wife and daughter drive it whenever Im not home, and they love it! Integrated phone is really easy to use.

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  Tundra, Baby. - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By grochef - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 1998 Toyota Tacoma and had 90,000 miles on it when I needed a larger truck. I got the Tundra limited and it rocks. It rides like a Lexus and accelerates like one, too. The sound system rocks for a factory stereo. I actually look forward to going to work or anywhere just to have the privaledge to drive it.

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  best truck ever drove - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By maliky rose - November 4 - 2:00 am

  drove toyotas 3rd world truck for years and never had problems when maintained. this truck is great. got it and have 30k already. it has only been in shop for oil changes. traded from explorer that had 9 recalls, 4 major parts replaced in 4 years. comfortable for me a large guy. good ride in bumpy backroads. i have used it to haul numerous loads and never felt it lag at all. a great truck for me!

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  Transmission Problems - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By craig - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2000 Tundra SR5/4WD TRD Package. I purchased the truck new in Aug. of 2000.This is my 7th Toyota and the first one with any problems. The probelm is when the transmission shifts in to 4th geat it clunks. In addition the shift lever is very hard to get into park. I have had the truck in to the dealer where they admitted that the problem exists but since it did not show a problem on their diognostics computer. There was nothing that they could do. I am in contact with The District Manager and Toyota to resolve this matter hopefully with out litigation.

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  Overhyped toyota garbage - 2012 Toyota Tundra
  By ghunchman - October 31 - 4:51 pm

  I actually went or should I say was suckered into a new tunra. 2012 what a mistake. If you here people talking about reliability and resale I suggest you RUN and never turn back. I dont sell cars so resale should never be an issue. The toyota is like a pregnant 2002 dodge ram. Its ugly and the more you look at it the uglier it gets. The finish inside is poor crap and I couldnt believe that this what was suppose to be superior build quality. The seats were uncomfortable. the guages are small and a pukey orange colour and they are sey in too far. The tonks truck control knobs for the air are a total joke.I could go on but a person with normal vision will see what Im talking about.

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  New Toyota Tundra - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Stephen Campbell-Tyl - October 31 - 1:53 am

  Very good deal, on a very well designed and built full size truck. Performance enhanced by 6 speed transmission, this truck drives extremely well in ordinary traffic and cruises on the interstate. If you need to get past slower traffic, just put your foot down and very easily and safely accelerate past. Breaking on this truck is phenominal, it stops extremely rapidly and safely. Extremely good all round truck for hauling people and a bed full of materials. Have not used it yet for towing, but should be a winner.

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  2007 Tundra DC TRD - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By cadman - October 29 - 8:43 am

  I have had the truck for 3 weeks now. It is my first Toyota, Im migrating from a Nissan Titan. The power is similar to my Titan but the interior cab noise is way less. I just installed the TRD dual exhaust and it is still quieter in the cab than the Nissan was. The interior finish is nice and the truck is very nice looking from exterior. I see a lot of people pointing at truck as I drive by.

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  My Tundra Experience - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By fsjr1982 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Toyota Tundra I purchase and I really enjoy it very much. It is very comfortable and roomy for my own use, and I can really depend on it. I have never had any mechanical problems with it or has it had anything break on it. Take in mind you need to follow manufactures maintenance schedule.

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  Tundra Limited Best of the Best - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By porsche - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This truck is everything I wanted in a full sized pickup. It has plenty of power, and the tan leather interior is beautiful, matching the interior of many luxury cars. I would buy it again.

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  I love my Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By TruHuSKa - October 24 - 2:06 am

  Thus far, I love this truck. Ive owned it for 2 weeks and love getting in it to drive to work, home, anywhere! The sound of the V8 humming is great. The feel of the Off-road suspension is nice and stiff, but not overly stiff. Theres plenty of get-up and you feel as if the truck is always pushing forward as you accelerate (that is, the automatic shifts very smoothly without loosing any power during shifts). Turning corners are a breeze in this truck. While driving, you feel on top of the world with the 17" wheels and rims added to the 4x4 off-road suspension. All-in-all, this truck is a dream to drive and overall, gas mileage isnt too bad for a truck. Id highly recommend it.