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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  2006 Tundra 4Door SR5 - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Dean Bailey - July 13 - 1:36 am

  I really like the exterior of the Tundra but find the inside to be lacking. It just doesnt have the bells and whistles other truck manufacturers have. Ive had my truck now for about 2 months and its getting cold outside and I find when I turn on my air it makes noise. Its not all the time so I know if I take it in it will not do it. Thats just how my luck would be. I dont want to sound too negative so I will say that driving my Tundra seems like driving a car which is really nice. We also have a 2004 4Runner and the Tundra is a much smoother ride.

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  Great Truck.....No Problems after 70,000 - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By PA Bound - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought this truck brand new and have put 70,000 plus miles on it so far. Nothing, and I mean nothing has needed repairs. Only an oil change once every 5000 miles. Great truck and a great value!!!

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  Sport Coupe Pickup - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Philips - July 9 - 11:46 pm

  Small V8 performance and with its five passenger, hard top coupe styling, "cozy", intimate, and, very comfortable, four adult pass interior, coupled with decent gas mileage... makes it the perfect choice for a single "empty nester" like myself. The 21.5 MPG Hwy, is the "frosting on the cake", pretty amazing for a vehicle this size. The 60-40 split, flip up rear seat with under seat storage holds all my camping gear or whatever, securely locked. Plus, I can tow up to 5000lbs if I want... Great Truck!... Looks great, I get lots of compliments. Mine is White with Graphite, Bucket seats with Console... My traveling office.

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  Most of it is right - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By lmoore - July 9 - 10:53 am

  Owned more than 10 trucks in 10 years. Im in the accessory business with a great relationship with all brand dealers. Great power, brakes, smooth tranny, and imposing looks. Does not ride any better than chevy or ford, a little better than dodge. Leans a lot in corners, but it is big for a 1/2 ton. Interior is a funny combination of materials and colors, but functions well. Mileage is close to 15 city, close to 20 at 65 mph. 17.8 at 80 mph. Wind noise is more than acceptable but slightly annoying over 70. It will be more difficult to get aftermarket wheels as they have changed the bolt pattern. Billet grille and steps are now available. Impressive!

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  Awesome Truck - 2009 Toyota Tundra
  By ace - June 27 - 1:36 pm

  I was impressed with the trucks performance and handling ability from the start. No problems towing. It does bounce a little, but overall rides well and gets about 18mpg. Sheet metal on body seems awful thin.

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  Tundra - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By ken steel - June 25 - 11:46 pm

  Excellent standing start acceleration, with enough power to put a smile on your face. It hauls more than enough for most weekend warriors, and gets me in and out of the back roads here in northern British Columbia with confidence.

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  "The Under Dog" 4.6 is a great truck - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Dave - June 25 - 4:27 am

  I bought 4.6 double sr5 4x4 almost 2 years ago. Overall performance of the 4.6 is great for myself as I dont do a lot of pulling. I use the truck for lumber,hunting,sports activities for my children, its my everyday driver. Currently have 34,000 miles on the truck. No issues with anything as it shouldnt for its age. Over all impression, great value paid around 32k for it new, didnt think I could touch a Toyota at that. Checked out 2017 they range around 34k. Thats a reasonable price as far as Im concerned. Like the review camera. Like the over size touch screen for the radio. Love the front center fold down console/seat. If you ever need to haul a six person. Gas mileage in the summer if you drive it around 65 to 70 mph youll get 18-19 mpg. Winter same speed around 16-17 mpg depending on how cold it is. Only thing I dont like is the cheap looking gray steel wheels and the bed of the truck seems a little light weight. Had it out in some snow and ice didnt miss a beat. Like that the truck comes with some really good Michelin tires. The engine warms up quick in the winter cause its aluminum so thats a plus. Toyota care two yr , 25k mile free maintenance great. Like the truck has 10k oil changes less time and money later out of my pocket. Like that I have storage compartment under the back seat, lots of space under there. Over a great truck for me

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  Almost a tough off-road truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Southern Ranch Truck - June 23 - 3:50 am

  Bought this hoping to find a rugged, reliable truck that could handle hardcore ranch work - in 4WD most of the time, pulling trailers, hauling a full bed load, running off-road - and the results have been mixed (but better than my previous Silverado and F-250 and my current Dodge Ram 2500). Cant complain about the HP, torque and towing - best Ive owned. Have begun to experience reliability problems - not very Toyota-like. Biggest complaint is that the off-road/4WD features are more for show than for utility. Ive replaced skid plat twice, bent the hitch, tow hooks are inconvenient, plastic dam gets in the way. If theyd offer a true tough work truck theyd capture the market.

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  Quality Truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By PLK - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Aside from small interior, this truck offers many benefits. economical, tough, great performance, reliable

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  awesome truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By pilgrimknob - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Best truck I have ever owned! Everything is top notch quality. Performs like a sports sedan. Tows my big boat. I love it!!!