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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Totally rocks - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By rob - April 1 - 11:13 pmIve owned 2 Chevys and was headed towards an F-150 when I saw a review on the Tundra. I was upgrading to a 4 door and was looking for a family adventure vehicle with lots of space and the ability to get our gear in to the mountains. I drove the Crewmax Limited and bought it on the spot. The engine and transmission are powerful and silky smooth. The TRD package has everything you need to feel secure off road. The seating is extremely comfortable which was a major selling point and the cabin is almost dead quiet.This is a serious truck without a bone jaring truck feel. Ive talked to several other serious truck users who have owned every brand.They agree the Tundra is the best they have owned
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Great Truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By sneeky3 - March 30 - 6:50 pmI love my tundra!! Great truck for hauling people and cargo!! Rides like a dream. Good sound system !!
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Am I the only one - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By L EDMONDS - March 30 - 5:56 amI bought this vehicle new in Dec. 2005 and I have been very disappointed in the transmission and brakes. The brakes feel spongy and occasionally the brake pedal will sink way down and I feel like vehicle isnt going to stop, probably a problem with the ABS. Also the transmission sticks in gear and is very slow to shift into the next gear. When accelerating I have had the RPMS redline because the tranny is not shifting but stuck in 1st or 2nd gear. Erratic and jerky shifting on tranny. Sometimes it will shift into 5th gear when I am only going 25 or 30 MPH.
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CO owned Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By CO owned - March 29 - 2:03 pmThe truck has been flawless as far as repairs. I have 25k miles with the 5.7 and avg 16 mpg. I have it in the shop though being upgraded for pulling. It has the power but the 8000 lbs tongue 29 trailer throws it around. The plan is with helper springs it will stop. Overall I am very happy, just cross wind has been a problem. I am also needing new tires as the factory tires are already bold.
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Just another Happy Toyota Customer - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By bill1029 - March 28 - 10:00 amI have been eyeing the Tundra since its introduction in 2000, and continued to read the reviews. I have driven the Ford F-150 and the Chevy 1500. I was impressed with both. I went and drove the Toyota; It did not "blow the doors" off the competition but did feel like a solid pickup truck with a very comfortable ride. I honestly do not have a pickup truck to do the heavy duty farm work (or I would have purchased the V8 version). I need a comfortable commuter with the ability to haul stuff when needed.
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Good for a truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
By Kevin R - March 28 - 9:26 amI traded in my FJ Cruiser because I wanted to be able to put my motorcycle in the back and go south in the winter. The Tundra drives like a luxury vehicle. It is smooth and quiet. It has power to spare. It also has the cargo and towing capacities that I need.
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Tundra - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By Roberto - March 26 - 2:40 pmI had my Tundra in Mexico for 3 years. All we had were dirt roads and since we were on the beach, there was a salt spray problem. This truck is outstanding. It runs just like new and has no rattles.
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2004 Tundra 4WD Limited 4.7 L V8 - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By Coach - March 23 - 2:03 pmThe truck has excellent ride and handling characteristics and is a joy to drive. No mechanical problems at all since truck was purchased in 2004. Have used it on many occasions to tow a large pop-up camper on camping trips from Pennsylvania to Florida, Maine, Tennessee, North & South Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia without a any issues. Handled great and had sufficient power to pull camper loaded with all equipment, food 4 kayaks and 4 bikes. Comfortably fit entire family of 4 including our golden reteiver. Would not recommend trailing anything greater than 6,000 lbs. GVWR. Mileage could be better but no worse than my previous 2001 GMC Sierra extended cab.
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One year post purchase - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By JEC - March 22 - 10:00 amI have had my toyota tundra for almost a year now. I love it, it rides like a Lexus. There is no comparing toyota quality with american made vehicles if you did comparisons based on that alone Toyota wins hands down. My only complaint is the difficulty in parking you have with this vehicle. Compared to other vehicle of the same size and class the turning radius is much smaller.
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A fine truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By Stan Gilbert - March 22 - 10:00 amOverall, a very fine quality product. Fun to drive. Very solid. Have 5500 miles on it. 4.7 V-8 is very quiet,powerful;I get 15 mpg around town (the same as my old 94 Nissan 4X4 3 litre V-6 pickup. I have TRD, but prefer a more "taunt - supple" -ride. Very roadable and stable tho in cross winds. Very quiet at highway speeds; But where my left elbow and left knee rest on door is cheap fabric. Already shows wear. Right armrest is fabric and will soil easily. Wear areas shold be vinyl. Tranny, or driveline, "bumps" on downshift coming to a stop, even 3 - 8 seconds after stop. Dealers say "they all do it". Hope its durable!
