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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  just the right size - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By steve tolbert - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought this used, and it now has 20,000 miles. No probems what so ever. This truck has very comfortable front seats, is quiet, and is great on the highway. The only negative, is an uncomfortable back seat, but it is ok for around town and holds alot of stuff.

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  Wonderful Workhorse - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Frann - September 20 - 2:00 am

  We upgraded from a 1992 SR5 4WD PU to this Tundra because our rough rock business needed a bigger vehicle. The ride is very smooth even off road. It pulls our trailer without problems, even when the truck bed is loaded with rough rock material. The interior is extremely comfortable and for the most part, the lights and buttons are located within visual range and within reach. Would, and have, recommended this model to those who ask.

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  Driven almost daily since Dec. 1999 - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By lostarchangel - September 19 - 5:02 am

  I bought this truck (a 2000 Tundra SR5 V8) new in December, 1999 and have driven it almost daily ever since. The only problems Ive had with it are a bad oxygen sensor that went out about 7 years ago and the A/C has gone out twice. I replaced the timing belt at about 120,000 miles and have put about 170,000 miles on the truck since I bought it new. This truck was used on a small farm and often hauled heavy loads - sometimes exceeding its rated specs, without a problem. Sometimes it was called upon to tow a two-horse trailer for short trips too. After all these years though, it is still my favorite vehicle to drive, and I prefer it to driving my 2012 Kia Optima. Ill never sell it.

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  A Great Work Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By way2fun_lotus - September 18 - 10:26 am

  After reading some of these reviews, I have to wonder if there arent some Toyota haters posting misinformation. I have a 2007 with 47,000 miles on that I have worked the you know what out of, and I have never had a single issue with it. No stuck accelerator, no rust, no tailgate problems, no radio problems, no vibrating bed, etc. The truck has been bullet proof just like you would expect a truck to be. My only issue with it is its large size. Its a lot to maneuver, and I sometimes wish it was smaller. On the flip side, I cant tell you how many times Ive had the bed stacked full of stuff and was grateful for the size of it.

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  I Love My Tundra - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Virginia Heredia - September 16 - 4:16 pm

  For a truck it is really fun and I know I can go anwhere and not worry about breakdown. It is easy and comfortable to drive and park. I am having bearing problems with the fan belt and I am low on oil about every 1800 miles (about 1 quart) for which I will be dealing with Longo on this. It is stylish and very truck looking, not like the sissy front ends of the Silverado. Interior is simple but effective. I wish it had a outside temperature gauge. But overall I LOVE MY TUNDRA!! (wish I could have afforded a 4X4)

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  Everyones Happy - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By shane - September 15 - 10:56 pm

  As a family we needed room for everyone, this backseat is huge. The included safety equipment is a plus over other competitors. Bought a SR5 w/navigation (hard to find, but $8,000 less than a limited model) to get the rear view camera, includes bluetooth connection & upgraded stereo. Love the power of the 5.7, can tow the 19 ft boat (approx 4500 lb) without knowing its back there.

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  As A Commercial Truck! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Wireless - September 14 - 10:00 am

  This truck has a GemTop Cap with side tool doors and ladder rack. It is carrying about 450lbs of tools and equipment. It was a bid truck against a Chev 4x4 extended cab PU and came in $120 less. We like the V6, 5 Speed, and manual 4x4 transmission. To make this truck move you have to shift...and to get mileage keep a light foot on the throttle. This IS NOT a heavy duty construction type truck...better get a C20 or F250 for that. We bought this truck for the Toyota quality name and better fuel economy.

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  No Doubt! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By CAMODO - September 3 - 3:10 pm

  I have owned 2 Fords, 4 Chevys and a Toyota and this is the best truck I have owned to date. It is stupid fast and shifts smooth as butter. Mileage is about 15 in the city. My only compaint would be it is a little hard to get into and rides a little on the stiff side for a 1/2 ton. Brakes, comfort, tranny, motor and initial quality is near perfect!

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  The winner after months of comparing - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By D Boone - August 31 - 2:36 am

  After looking at trucks for the entire fall, I settled on the Tundra. The big three have priced themselves out of range for a HD truck to me. Now with the HP and torque the 5.7 has the Tundra does outperform the others. This trim line has everything I need to use it as a work truck, so I saved quite a bit over the SR5 pkg.

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  Muscle Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Tom - August 30 - 9:56 pm

  I two a 10,000 lb trailer on a regular basis. My previous truck was a Ford with a 460 V8. The Tundra 5.7 bets it hands down in power and economy. I have never owned a p/u in my 35 years of driving that is as powerful as this one. It is amazing. I regularly get 20 mpg driving 55 mpg empty highway miles. Around town is 14 mpg and pulling a loaded trailer at 55 mpg gets me 14 mpg. I use regular gas and everything factory.