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 with improvement needed - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By biglakebubba - May 21 - 11:43 am

  First year, every thing was fine. MPG was steadily increasing. Now mileage stinks, 15.3, max. highway. The trailer towing wiring is in a vulnerable place under the bumper. It drags off when you go off-road. Lazy engineering. Put it in the bumper. The wipers have issues. Build up of snow/ice while driving will hang pass. side up in extreme weather. Now only one wiper works and it is going to dealer. Do not buy dealers remote start or steps. Remote starter too expensive, $600 and does not work or will not let you start it without getting out, locking the doors, then getting back in. Now it does not work at all even with new batts. Steps are too short to use to access bed. Otherwise great.

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  Strong - 2016 Toyota Tundra
  By Craig - May 16 - 3:03 pm

  I drove a F350 7.3 for 12 years and traded for a Tundra limited 5.7 4x4. I am very impressed so far. Very nice very strong, poor gas mileage @14, but it can run on 85 or 87 fuel. So far I could not be happier.

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  Best truck I have owned - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By david gallatin - May 16 - 9:36 am

  I have owned a total of 5 trucks from Ford, Chevy and Dodge. This is my first Toyota. Absolutely no comparison, The Tundra is the best so far by a long shot. I tow a 5600lb trailer with this vehicle, It performs far better than the 99 ford F150 that I had previously , Even though the Ford had a bigger engine and supposedly more horsepower.

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  So Far So Good - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Leo - May 15 - 6:56 am

  Owned 1992 Toyota Truck. Problem free for the years driven. Man what quality and that 22R engine lasts forever. July 2007 purchased Tundra as work vehicle. The ride is nice but quality not the same. Paint job has thin spots on driver side that looks like they buffed out to hide. Left rear tail light cracked and leaking. Dash rattles. Id hope for something more "Toyota". Wish Id held on to 92 for back up. Drive by wire is new to me. Engine revs up at predictable times Ive noticed. Coming off freeway ramp doesnt decelerate quickly as does cable throttle throttle. No "sticking" pedal problem. Other noted quirks ie blind spots. Install tail gate step. Plan to replace with F150.

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  MY TUNDRA - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By FloydRedDevilTundra - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I purchased My Tundra in April of 2003. So far I have accumulated over 38,000 miles on this vehicle. I have used this truck for light hauling, towing, highway driving, transporting passengers, and many other things. This is a quality sound vehicle that I have enjoyed fully. After test driving other trucks such as (FORD,DODGE,GMC, and CHEVY) the Tundra by far was the BEST choice for ME. This is a sound vehicle that just flat beat the competition. After three decades the BIG THREE still cannot build a quality truck for the consumer. For those that complain about the TUNDRA, remember this vehicles history is less than 5 years old.

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  Tundra vs Dakota - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By billmac50 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I was dissapointed to find that Dodge no longer made a long bed Dakota. My dissapointment turned to excitement when I test drove the Tundra. Although it is larger than my Dakota, I found it much easier to handle. It engine was smaller 3.3 vs. 3.9, but it seemed to have more power. I anticipate keeping my Tundra for at least 10 years as I did my Dakota, and look forward to a long happy ownership. Now I wont have to worry abut the transmission because I know Toyota makes a good transmission. Dodge hasnt figured it out yet. My only dissapointment was the height which caused me to add runningboards. A minor item for such a great truck.

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  Running it till it quits - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By russ - May 10 - 1:50 am

  Im a courier and have 458,000 thousand on this model. That mileage was not a mis-print! No tranny issues. Amsoil and frequent flushes. A few alternators and a starter is all the expense Ive had. Grease the wheel bearings

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  Head and Shoulders Above the Rest! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By SpursMike - May 4 - 4:16 pm

  Without a doubt the best full-size pickup on the market! Overall build quality combined with numerous standard features not found on the competition makes the 07 Tundra the class leader. Standard features include side-curtain airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Automatic Traction Control, and 4 wheel ABS.

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  Poor Brakes - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By tbots - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Toyota for whatever reason installed rear drum brakes on this truck and they dont work! I have already replaced the front brakes once and they are going to need replaced again soon and the rear brakes are like new. Why? I use this truck off road and get in mud and water, the self adjusters for the brakes rust and dont work where as if it had rear disk brakes they would work fine. The Tundra and all off-road trucks and suvs should have a switch to disengage the anti-lock brakes for off road use. If you try to stop in mud at slow speeds while going down grade the anti-locks keep grabbing and letting go but will not grab long enough to dig into the mud to stop you.

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  After 5-years and 86,000 miles pleased with decision - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By bg53 - May 4 - 7:29 am

  I purchased this truck new in 2007 after comparing it to the other offerings available. The space in the back seat of the CrewMax is what really pushed it ahead of the competition at the time. Overall, Ive been pleased with the truck. There were no issues during the first 4 years. This last year had a replace the water pump & rear wheel bearings. Not real happy about this, but these two items tend to fail on pretty much every vehicle out there at some time during its life span. With the cabin space and off-road capabilities, I consider this vehicle the ultimate SUV. Works great for my family.