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:

• 

  Great little/big truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Terry - January 9 - 9:30 pm

  This truck had 42,000 miles on it when I bought it. I am an on the road salesman and the truck has never let me down. I now have over 205,000 miles on it and get about 21 miles per gal. Its never been tuned up, nor has the timing belt been changed. I have no doubt the truck will keep on going.

• 

  Toyota First Timer - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By JoeRyan - January 7 - 3:43 pm

  After the usual dealership hassels I was off in something different than my usual Ford. I own a business and for tax purposes buy a new truck every year or two. The last 10 years have been Fords and after reluctantly test driving the Tundra, I bought one. Man this truck is tight and quick. The exterior styling wasnt my favorite but I figured I dont ride on the outside. The interior seats fit you like a glove, there is slim to none body roll, and when it needs to scoot it will. The 05 Ford Supercrew [$37,000] had not nearly the off the line punch of the Toyota and the interior is a movie theatre. Whereas the Tundra feels more like an extension of the driver

• 

  All around - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By jake sand - January 6 - 10:33 pm

  Very good all around truck. I use as only vehicle, nice on road, hauls boxes at work, pulls trailer, and best of all, it is very capable off road.

• 

  Should have bought limited!! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By First Truck - January 3 - 9:36 pm

  I have always wanted a truck and when I was finally allowed, I traded my Lexus LS430 and Ford Explorer. I am so happy with my decision. I have already upgraded with a truxedo cover, upgraded homelink mirror, running boards, and backup mirror. I have been buying a lot of my parts. Maybe I should have paid an 5k for the limited? Who cares? This truck fits me so well and is a joy to drive. I am excited everytime I go into the garage (which by the way, I had to clean out to the back wall to fit this monster in!). My only concern is driving through the parking garage in Philly and wondering if the top will scrape!

• 

  Rating offset - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By gmaster - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Looks like the Tundra needed some help to off-set the obvious biased, false ratings ftom the disatified American Brand owners. Notice I send American Brand, but the truck is probably not american made. Where is the tundra made? INDIANA!

• 

  exhaust leak 06 tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Don - December 31 - 3:23 pm

  At 16,000 miles I heard a exhaust leak, more pronounced when the vehicle was cold. Sound like defective catylitic convertor issue. I have had it back 2 times at the same dealer I purchased it from they said on the second trip back, could I leave it for 24 hrs so they could test it to which I said yes. When I dropped it off I put a penny over the front tire. 24 hrs later they called me, stating they could not find anything. Guess what when I picked the truck back up it was in the same parking spot with the penney over the tire. What a test. If this is not corrected, my toyota buying days are over. My friend is a cheif mechanic at a gm dealer and agrees it has a exhaust issue.

• 

  Pretty nice Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Maxsgp - December 30 - 9:36 pm

  I have about 2500 miles so far. Seems very well built. Lots of power unloaded, actually pretty fast. Have gotten 18 mpg with ATV in bed. Got 11 mpg pulling 5 ATVs to West Va. from Ohio. Ouch. Really seems to be a good solid vehicle so far. Mine is TRD and rides firm but comfortable. I am happy so far.

• 

  Love my Tundra - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By kcoughlan - December 30 - 6:03 am

  Sick and tired of the poor quality of GM products I finally moved to the Toyota tundra.I was able to get my reg.cab SR5 4x4 for thousands less because I waited until Oct. clear out. For the short time I have driven the tundra, it is an amazing truck to drive. The 5.7 litre power plant will take some getting used to.Loaded it handles with very little sway at 60mph,power to spare! My GM products were always far below the estimated mpg.the Tundra so far is getting around 14 city , 17 highway. So this truck is certainly not economical to run. No worse than my Gm products.

• 

  Ford F150 Owner switched to Toyota Tundra -Mixed - 2018 Toyota Tundra
  By bp - December 26 - 5:33 am

  I have owned 6 Ford F150s and my last 2, a 2007 and a 2017 really lacked quality and they spent a lot of time getting serviced. I was able to Lemon Law my 2017 F150, and made the switch to a Toyota Tundra. I purchased a 2018 Tundra Limited 4x4 with the TRD Off-Road package. Compared to my Lariat, it does lack some of the conveniences like tailgate step, auto-locking tailgate, remote start, LED lighting when unlocking, BLISS, etc. I know I could get some of this with other packages or add-ons...My biggest issue is the safety stuff on the 2018. The adaptive cruise control is too safe...putting too much distance between you and the car in front...the Lane Departure Assistance is irritating...sensitivity can be turned down, but not off. The backup camera isnt partnered with a sensor so no audible alert (my be a config Im not seeing)...MOST irritating is that Id like to add some accessories and modify my truck. The PCS sensor/radar is apparently impacted by any type of bull bar, leveling or lifting - per Toyota. Im seeing on Forums where these have been done, and you get mixed messages by service advisors. I wish I knew this before purchasing as I would not have purchased this truck. Now that Im stuck with it, its just OK.

• 

  End of Domestic Trucks - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By John - December 21 - 10:26 am

  The new Tundra I just purchased has every option available. It beats the GM and Ford products hands down in every area accept towing capacity. After 30 years of GM and Fords I have had to change. This is just a better vehicle.