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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My Tundra - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By scottd - April 14 - 10:40 am7 years and the truck looks brand new! Standard Lexus engine was a dream in this truck. No repairs have been needed, only one set of tires and 3 new batteries (eats them up for some reason?). Mileage, Im still getting 21 mpg around town and 28 highway! Would have to offer me a lot to trade, all new trucks cant come close.
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TRUCK of the YEAR - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By Bart - April 13 - 8:30 pmTest drove every truck in its class, and have to say that this is the full package. The best truck out there for the money. It blows every one of the other trucks out of the water. It comes with so many standard and safety features that with the other trucks if you added the same options they would cost more. Im very happy with the purchase and I just recommend that everyone test drive the Tundra and you will see why it is TRUCK of the YEAR!!!
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Its not all that it is cracked up to be - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By Gene - April 12 - 4:50 amMany problems with the brakes. Was told the axle has to be replaced to fix the brake problem. Exhaust header gasket replaced at 50,000. Panel light burnt out as did the rear license plate light. Went through 3 starters. Paint was very susceptible to scratching. Brackets holding front wheel well trim corroded in under 70,000. Oil dipstick was the wrong length. Door screws come loose. Electrics in drivers door replaced.
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Tunk Is My Buddy - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Tunk - April 10 - 3:16 pmI have a quirky habit of naming my vehicles, because I usually keep them for 10+ years. I call my Tundra truck Tunk. I like the way it feels when Im driving, and the turning radius for this size vehicle is amazing. The seats are comfortable if you pull the headrests out & turn them around so youre not forced to scrunch your neck to conform. The 236 hp V6 is smooth as silk & purrs like a big cat when youre cruising down a back road at 55 or 60, up or down a hill, where it is lugging down below 2k rpm. The cruise control took a little getting used to because the control "schtick" turns with the wheel, while other levers remain stationary. Heat & A/C superb, back seats roomy & comfortable.
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VSC and ABS failure at 500 miles - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By theracingmind - April 9 - 12:00 amI had my brand new 2007 Tundra for less than 5 days before the vehicle stability control failed, along with traction control and anti-lock brakes. I live in snowy Canada and expect these things to work. I am very disappointed in the truck. I expected more from Toyota. So far, the problem is a mystery to the mechanics. At the moment, I hate to use the thing. It sits in my driveway like a giant black lemon. Ugh!
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real tundra - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By charlie - April 7 - 8:43 pmexcellent truck with traditional toyota quality...good economy for a full size truck and PLENTY of power and torque; I expect to keep this truck for a good while (my fourth toyota)...my 93 corolla has 310K on it and STILL gets 40 mpg........why go anywhere else ?
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Best... Truck... EVER - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Ted - April 5 - 9:53 pmI was a Dodge guy for years until I got sick of replacing brakes and front ends every 10,000 miles. Ive had my Tundra for just over a year, and its by far the best truck Ive ever owned. Its fast, smooth, reliable, and eagerly takes on any weather the Northeast can dish out. I will never buy another brand again. As long as Toyota makes the Tundra, Ill own one.
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My red tundra - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By RedTundra - April 5 - 10:00 amI havent had this truck long...its been good so far. Good, not great. After 3,000 miles, I noticed a popping sound coming from the passenger glove compartment and rattling under the drivers side console. Im sure this has something to do with the cheap plastic interior, and I didnt expect a $30,000 truck to have problems such as these. But for hauling, towing, and driving, its been perfect so far. Great engine and ride.
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GoodTruck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By kenlao - April 5 - 10:00 amI do highway driving weekly and I find this truck quite comfortable but just a bit much on gas. The sport TRD pkg has Plently of power for towing. Dont get the 4x4 sport TRD pkg if you dont need it(too much Gas). Lumbar support works a little but it just was a wasted option added. Overall its a great truck as for the money and its reliability.
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So far so good. - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By Gregory Herz - April 2 - 7:06 amI just recently purchased this truck, however, I am impressed at how well it has held up. Ive caught up on required maintenance. Though expensive, I should have many thousands of miles to look forward to without having to pay for repairs. Ride is great, I forget Im in a truck.
