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 truck! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By mustafa - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This truck is great! The only regret I have about buying it, is that I chose the V6 model (I have to go to school, SDSU, which is 35 miles away, each way). I would strongly suggest the consumer to buy the V8 iforce model. Anyways, this truck is awesome, I hope to trade it in for the 2004 model, which is improved greatly. The back seats are enlarged.

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  2000 Tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By grayliner - February 28 - 12:10 pm

  Seatbelt doesnt retract well. Seatbelt retract-stop button broke off, easy use no abuse. Co2 sensors bad, relaced myself -then recall- but $0 reimbursement < refused by Toyota dealer because I did it myself and they went bad before recall. Head gaskets leaked and expensive to replace gaskets -desing/bolts. OEM Brakes went out early, as per typical.

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  Nice Truck but... - 2009 Toyota Tundra
  By JASON - February 25 - 4:06 pm

  Traded my Ford 150 FX4 in for this truck and have to say that I told myself I would never buy a Toyota for a truck. With that said this truck is really power full with the 4.7 engine and for the base model its got everything you could want and some. I have not put enough miles to write a good review but do like the feel of the cab. Its got storage out the wazoo and a full size bed as well as cab. I was going to go for the crew-cab but the double is more than enough. This truck turns very sharp for a full size and when you step on the gas you go... For a base model non-4x4 truck this thing gets my vote and the price of it was amazing...

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  It doesnt get any better than this - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Rich - February 24 - 9:46 pm

  This truck is awesome. I pored over every truck out there looking for the right one for me. Once I got to the Tundra, the search was over. Only had it for 2 weeks now, but what a wonderful 2 weeks its been. Im getting 17 mpg in mostly city driving, which I think is incredible. And its got all the power Ill ever need right when I need it. Everyone looks when I roll by, especially people driving those "other" trucks. Like McDonalds, Im lovin it!!

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  High Marks for the Tundra! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By esox64 - February 24 - 11:43 am

  This is one solid built truck! A few weeks ago, I loaded the following items into the bed of my Tundra: 15 rolls of sod, twenty (40 lb) bags of top soil, and two (50 lb) bags of pea gravel and easily hauled everything home in one trip! The dual hitch plugs on the back of the truck and the extending side mirrors are great features when towing my boat all over the Midwest. The transmission on my Tundra is real smooth & quiet and I had no problems with it while towing a boat through the steep & twisting hills of eastern Kentucky.

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  Worth the Money - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Bryan G. - February 20 - 6:23 am

  Bought this truck new; despite the updated bodystyle, this truck gets looks. Purchased the XSP package, everyone asks me about the 20" tires & rims. I tell them it came with the package. Truck has been extremely reliable, will tow & carry whatever I need it to. Do not drive much (only about 7K per year), the gas mileage is what it is; a consistent 15 mpg around town.

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  BACK to GM NEXT TIME - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By jovo - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Truck leans to one side,Bed misaligned with Cab, Toyota Factory Rep. claims it is "Normal Variation In Manufacturing Tolerances". I think they repaired the one they used in the "Rhino" comercial on TV or dropped it off the car transporter and then sold it to me. Transmisson cant decide which gear it wants to be in. Noisiest brakes I have ever had. Cheep cloth interior. Jittery ride, Noisy, Gas mileage much worse than stated on window sticker, Uncomfortable Captains chairs and driving position. Chippy paint, I only rated it a One because a ZERO was not a option. Not a real Truck. A poor excuse for a $30,000+ window sticker.

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  Toyota Trundra 4x2 - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By James Marlowe - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Valve train start-up is noisy. Harsh ride even being a 4x2. Smaller interior than the other makers; 90% of a Chevy or Ford. Body squeaks. Fuel mileage averages around 17 mpg. Lacks stopping power. Horn sounds the same as a subcompact. If you want a full-size pick-up, buy American.

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  2001 V8 Tundra - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By minder1 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  If you want the best mid- to full- size pickup this is it for regular use, this is it! If you want an oversize truck for towing extra large loads (above 7500 lbs.) and are willing to compromise on quality/reliability buy a Chevy, Ford, or Dodge. This vehicle is clearly superior and is an excellent tow vehicle for loads under 7500 lbs. The Lexus derived V8 is amazing. Unlike a previous reviewer, always test drive before you buy. I am 61" and seating is very spacious.

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  Not a bad truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By limey - February 6 - 10:13 pm

  The bed bounce can be very annoying. If you live in a area with concrete highways I would test drive it there to see how it handles. My kids find it fun now but I think that might change in a few years. The power from the 5.7 is amazing, you can pull away from almost everything on the road.