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:
Showing 1421 through 1430 of 1,512.00-
My new Tundra review - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By changsteven - August 3 - 10:00 amI just picked up my 02 tundra in Thunder Grey a week ago. I am very satisfied so far. This truck will hold a great resale value and is known for reliability. Be prepared to spend money for gas.
-
Telling it like it is! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By ChrisBRLA - July 31 - 10:00 amGreat Trucks! Not a truck designed to be the biggest or the strongest on the market. If a person is looking for a truck that is comfortable to drive and built to work hard and last a long time, then this is the one for you. Fuel economy is in line with the others, toyota trucks are not the gas sippers that people think they are! I- Force V8 is a good motor, smooth, strong power delivery, I pull 20 HD trailer with 5500 LB tractor no problem.
-
One of the best truck ever - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By pipi - July 31 - 10:00 amThis truck seen small truck but has more power and better handling that tha big one. I Own a 2001 f-150 before I bought this truck and there no compare this truck is 110 % better.
-
Tundra is Great - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By thomasadcock - July 31 - 10:00 amI disagree with the numbers toyota says about the towing cap. I tow a trailer that ways just over 10000 pounds five days a week and not a hint of arguement from this truck. I have also had 1800 pounds of aluminum in the bed of this truck and no problems as of yet (with 20000 miles of this on a stock truck)
-
Used to be aFord Man - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By c meusel - July 31 - 10:00 amHas always owned Ford trucks but with only having this one for 3 months you would have a hard time getting back to Ford. The overall rating for this vehicle is excellent.
-
Buy imported - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By Ballbag - July 31 - 10:00 amGreat truck to drive for both work and play. Smooth car like ride with great low end power and giddyup. Simple yet comfortable interior, bench seats feel like captains chairs. Only downfall with the V8 is that it guzzles gas which hits hard in the wallet, especially nowadays
-
Good but certain aspects make me go hmmmm - 2015 Toyota Tundra
By Matthew - July 21 - 7:07 amI like the truck, but dont love it. I had to get rid of my 02 lexus lx470 (landcruiser) and it drove so great for a truck. This rides a little rough in the city, great highway truck. 4x4 engaged does not handle well at low speeds and sometimes the transmission has trouble finding the right gear on certain terrain. Interior is too plastic, antennae has to be manually removed and side mirrors are not auto either. passenger seat is manual and there is a lot of wasted space in the back that could be storage. However, I love it on regular driving, love the backseat room and sunroof and back window that totally drops down. The stereo is awesome. Gas mileage is terrible but that is expected. I drive my vehicles a long time so I bought it mostly for Toyota reliability and I personally thought it was a better truck than Chevy Silverado, Ford F150 and Dodge that I test drove.
-
The Beast Of The 1/2 Tons! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Glenn - July 20 - 1:40 amI love the way this truck drives, looks, and its room and fuel economy. I average at 65 mph 18.5 on cruise. I am a dodge man but I found my new love. Great job Toyota.
-
Best Truck for the Money - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By JaxTundra - July 17 - 2:00 amWhen I shopped for a truck, the first thing I considered was proven reliability. That narrowed my shopping quickly. The Tundra has a track record of reliability, and Toyota has built quality vehicles for years, so it was not hard to consider the Tundra. I usually buy Nissan vehicles, but lately their quality has not been what it used to be. I first thought the Tundra would be too big, but when I took the test drive, I fell in love with it. It does not "feel" as big as the Ford F-150 I had driven, and in some ways, it actually feels like driving a very comfortable car, with extra meat. This is a fantastic truck, that is built in Indiana.
-
2006 Toyota Tundra with XPS package V8 - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By Carlos - July 15 - 11:46 pmVery useful and comfortable to drive, great cargo in the back, fun to drive, but painful to park, I had trucks all my life, the worst direction and ratio.
