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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  Great Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By jim - September 11 - 5:36 pm

  Driving 130 miles + daily to and from work, I average 18.5 miles/gallon at the sweet spot of 63 miles/hour. Freeway I have gotten up to 21 max. Power is great, ride is a bit bumpy with the TRD package. Fords interior is much better designed as far as layout. The leather seats should come with the ventilated option like the highlander. No real problems yet, emergency brake needle adjusted. Tires on the TRD hydroplane a lot, will not use the BF Goodrich next time. I should have opted for the navigation system, and forgotten about the JBL under the back seat. Interior storage room lacks, but the 6.5 foot bed is just the right size for most parking lots. All in all would I buy another, YES.

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  Old School Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By jwolfgong - September 8 - 10:16 am

  Ive only had Blackie for one day, but here are my initial impressions. Interior is klugey. Buttons everywhere and old technology like no auto-up, no mist on wipers and A/C not coupled to defrost. You could easily smack into something while looking for controls or the clock which is in a good spot if you happen to be looking for a lost contact lense. Seats are NG. Too flat. So far I cant get the beeps to turn off for the remote locking function. One of the Homelink buttons will not accept a transmitter code for some reason. Tomorrow I go back to the dealer and see why the engine oil is low already. Ill let you know how that goes...

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  sorry I bought this truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By irishman not happy - August 12 - 2:23 am

  I bought this truck with high expectations after having my T-100 for 13 years and loving it. This truck has a lousy transmission. When turning corners at low speeds it can not seem to find a gear to go into. More torque would be nice because the engine sound like it never has enough power to do the job. Would have never bought this truck if I could have driven the 4.6 before the dealership found one for me and I was obligated to purchase it. I drove the 5.7 and thought it would have some of the raw power this engine has but not to be.

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  great all around vehicle - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By marc northrup - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I find my 2000 Tundra Limited just an all around quality vehicle. I have owned Ford and Chevy trucks and I am pleased to state the Tundra is by far a better vehicle in all ways. The quality and fit and finish are excellent. The ride is much like a full sized acr, not the hard choppy ride of most 4 wheel drive pick-ups. The one area I hope Toyota has addressed and improved upon are the brakes. They seem to be poor and inadequate for this big vehicle.

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  Better than competition - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Mat Leopard - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I upgraded from a Toyota Tacoma 4.0 V6 to the Tundra 4.6 V8. I got the 4.6 Liter because it was closer to the V6 as far as gas mileage and I wouldnt be sacrificing a lot. The 4.6 L is rated for 15 mpg around town and I am averaging 17 mpg around town. I had to retrain myself how to accelerate and be aware of how Im driving, but it has made all the difference! Value for dollar, I would pass on the Tacoma any day and go for the Tundra.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By C-J - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This is an all-around excellent vehicle. I would buy another without a second thought, but i dont expect to any time soon. I use it to haul loads of construction material and debris. I also haul a 20ft fishing boat and have no complaints what so ever. Other than the fuel economy, i cannot say one bad thing about it. The rear seats are fairly roomie for passengers

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  Tundra V-6 - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By cla_jo - July 21 - 2:00 am

  My Tundra has been very relaible. I use it mainly as a regular transportation vehicle. It is very rugged and capable of towing and hauling heavy loads. The interior is comfortable and well appointed. I think it is one of the best and most relaible trucks.

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  rockys truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By rocky barker - July 13 - 10:00 am

  i enjoy driving my tundra truck it is very dependable i have had only one problem with my truck and that was with the front end out of line. Toyota took care of the alinment and replaced the two front tires. I am very satisfied with my truck. Next time i hope i can get a extended cab.

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  traded in my Silverado - 2018 Tundra owner - 2018 Toyota Tundra
  By gracie - July 1 - 4:56 pm

  traded in my Silverado and glad i did. Tundra Limited rides more like a truck- which i like - seat is very firm initially but is softening up. Rides higher which i like for better visibility in traffic. better turning radius. lots of electronics (almost too many) and not marked clearly - will learn them in time. No "shark fin" on the roof!!! Nice looking truck and hopefully it will be dependable. Handling on snow packed roads is worse than Silverado - needs more weight in the back. The pickup bed (not counting wheel wells) is actually quite a bit wider. Have not met any Tundra owners who have anything bad to say about their trucks. What I dont like - Can only start with a smart key (for security) which is great until you need another key (very pricey)

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  Solid Performer - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By William - June 18 - 5:23 am

  Drive Tundra to work everyday approx 22 miles of highway driving. Has been a very reliable vehicle with now having 62,000 miles and still on the original tires. Only maintenance has been by the book with fluid changes. Tow boat about once every two weeks and it handles a 3,000 pound package without any problem.