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 1461 through 1470 of 1,512.00-
Excellent Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By Mat - May 3 - 10:56 amGreat reliable truck thats been in the family since new. Bought it off of my father, who just puchased a new Tundra. There has been no problems what so ever, as this truck has served my father right. Great design exterior/interior. Good solid truck.
-
Disappointed in Toyota - 2010 Toyota Tundra
By Leon - April 30 - 6:36 amMy first Toyota and I am quite disappointed. I bought a Toyota Tundra because of Toyotas past reputation of quality. Toyota quality is definitely a thing of the past. Be cautious of the 2010 Tundra. When manufacturing they put the wrong VVT spring in the motors of a bunch of Tundras. Unfortunately for consumers, Toyota continued to sell the trucks despite knowing there was a major problem. My truck has also been into the shop for a sinking dash and still doesnt run like it should. Gas mileage is horrible, lack of power. I will likely trade it in on an F150 since Toyota doesnt seem concerned that they are wasting the time of and aggravating many customers.
-
Commuter Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By DangTundra - April 27 - 2:00 amI was suprised and impressed with the smoothness of the ride when I test drove the truck. The access cab seat is small and upright, but I only intend to use it to carry my kid(s). I bought a 4WD V8 Tundra Access cab because of the engine, expected reliability, managable size, room in the access cab for car seats, and its strength and versatility.
-
Great Tow Vehicle - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Robert M. - April 26 - 2:26 amOwned the truck for 3 months now and have absolutely no regrets on the purchase. Ive had a turnover ball gooseneck hitch installed to allow towing of our 3 horse slant load trailer. Pulls it without any negative effects. The 6-speed auto transmission is a real smooth shifter and the ride is good also (a major influence in the purchase along with the available power). The extendable tow mirrors are also a hit with me, let you see much more of the road behind you than any other mirror I have used. My in-laws say riding in the rear seat is like riding in a car only the truck is much easier to get in and out of. Overall great truck! Toyota sure hit the mark on this one!
-
Paint issues - 2015 Toyota Tundra
By strich2 - April 24 - 1:31 pmI purchased a 2015 SR5 4x4 double cab less than 3 weeks ago. I have approximately 1,200 miles on the vehicle. I even had the optional body guard installed for $785. Due to cold weather I have been unable to wash the vehicle until today. When I was finished washing the vehicle I noticed the paint already started to bubble around the bottom six inches of all four doors, both rear quarter panels, both front quarter panels and inside the bottom edge of the front door panels. No matter what the cause, this is ridiculous for a vehicle with 1,200 miles to have paint issues.
-
2008 Toyota Tundra Grade 4dr Double Cab LB (4.7L 8cyl 5A) - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By Great White - April 24 - 4:23 amA very well built truck. Comfortable suspension with the necessary power to get the job done. Advice: test drive both the 5.7 vs. 4.7 and you decide the perfect HP needed for your lifestyle. Im satified with my 4.7 with a tow package and it carries the ponies! Yet if cost is not an issue 5.7 is the best choice.
-
Very Happy! - 2014 Toyota Tundra
By pozzi - April 22 - 10:34 amThis is my second Tundra.. First one was an 08.. Looked at the "Big 3" and could not get the deal I got with Toyota... Gas mileage is "Truck" rated but acceptable. Great ride! Tows like a dream... Car like on the highway but aggressive on the dirt roads! Very happy with the product... OK Toyota, can you send me my $20 for the great review?
-
New Tundra Double Cab 4x2 - 2009 Toyota Tundra
By David - April 21 - 2:40 pmJust picked up my new Tundra Double Cab 4x2. Just got the Tundra Grade, no SR5 or Limited. This truck has a ton of options for a basic work truck. Traded in a 05 Silverado Z71 Crew Cab and measured all the dimensions myself before buying the Tundra. The front is more spacious than my Silverado and I only lost 1 inch in legroom in the rear seat. This was important as I regularly have my 3 kids in the back with me. Not to mention I now have a 6 1/2 bed instead of 5 1/2. Cant believe no one else offers a 4-door full size pickup even close in price or dimension to this Tundra. Silverado has the extended cab with suicide doors. This truck is awesome!!
-
Wish it looked as good as it drove. - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By unerik - April 20 - 5:07 amI bought a new 2007 white Tundra from a local Toyota dealership. The truck drives well and the turning radius isnÂt as bad as the 2006 and previous models. ItÂs also a very well built truck for the most part. I cant complain about the fuel economy given the fact that its better than the tacoma models of the same year averaging 17.5 mpg.
-
toyota tundra - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By Lee Hollingsworth - April 17 - 3:50 pmThe Tundra has plenty of room. Gas mileage is pretty good too. It is stylish. I love my toyota......
