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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  OK truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By bigguy - November 16 - 1:20 am

  Truck is very well made but with gas at an all time high, dont think it will hold its value very long. Like the large back doors it has and the hand grips in the front make it easy to get into. The carpet seems a little cheap and I dont think the leather will hold up for the long hall. They put in a cheap radio and cd player and the middle compartment is to low between the front seats. The seat adjustments in the front are not that good seem cheap and the arm rest are very small for a large persons arm. Lots of room under the hood if you need to work on anything under there and oil filter is easy to get to but hard to not get oil all over. Paint job so far has kept up well.

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  Theres a lot to like here... - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By S. Baker - October 28 - 11:46 am

  This truck rides and handles well enough that even the wife doesnt mind driving it. Its comfortable for my 6-2 large frame even on a 300 mile straight through drive (which is the freeway distance you will go between fill-ups). Fit and finish is outstanding. Treat it gently as the sheet metal is paper thin and dents can accumulate very easily. The same applies to the paint job (paper thin). Have had the truck for a year and a half and have had no warranty issues whatsoever. This wont replace a Ford F250, but youd be better off buying it over a F150.

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  2000 Tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By J Tillman - October 28 - 6:36 am

  Best riding & handling truck Ive ever had. Liked the truck a lot. Suicide door arrangement was the most the most bothersome part of the truck. It was difficult getting things in or out of the back seat area having to have both side doors open, espeicially in a crowded carking lot. The Dunlop tires that came with the truck all failed within 27,000 mi. The belts shifted inside the tire.

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  Great truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Jo - October 12 - 6:46 am

  I purchased this truck new about 8 years ago. I love my truck. V-8 is always responsive, no hesitation, a/c works great even in south Mississippi summers. Transmission is as flawless as the day it was born. The interior has held up wonderfully, only one temp control knob has split on the inside, looking for a new one! On long trips, its good for about 8 hours before my back gets sore. Exterior has also held up well due to frequent oil changes, tire rotations and wash and wax frequently and this truck will last. No rust. Bed is smaller than a full size pickup, but this is great for parking and moving small loads. Big loads I use the trailer hitch and find a trailer.

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  Toyota Tundra - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By jamesmcc - September 26 - 9:43 am

  Only 100 miles! Nice so far, no bed bounce on 66 which is a concrete highway. Lots of power, interior is nice but some unusual nooks and storage places. Bluetooth and navigation are great as is the sound system. It is a big truck, will take some getting used too. Gas mileage is around 15 mpg so far. No weird rattles or vibration yet.

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  Crew Max Limited Edition Review - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Pbrogno - August 30 - 6:13 pm

  This is my first pick up truck and I love it. I traded in a 2007 BMW X5 for the Toyota Tundra CrewMax Limited. I have put over 4K miles on the truck in 2.5 months and everything has been as expected. The 5.5 foot bed works for hauling ATV, (Louisiana Guard Dog), furniture, etc. The back seats have so much room and I have my seat back. I get 14 mpg city and 19 Hwy. The power is amazing, NAV is awesome and voice command technology with bluetooth is great. The back up camera is a little misleading because it is meant to view the hitch, but with the sensors it gives you a good gauge of distance. The rear sliding window is a great plus. This truck gets a lot of attention and looks great.

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  Believe the Tundras crash ratings!!!! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By A. Thomas Young - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Really believe those Tundra crash ratings! Took on a 1 ft. diameter tree sideways at 50 mph. Tree impacted the drivers door right by my shoulder. Totaled the Tundra but zero damage to me. Excellent all around safety design with a great focus on protecting occupants!!!!!! I am a believer and am now looking for another Tundra.

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  2001 TOYOTA TUNDRA SR5 ACCESS CAB 4X2 V8 - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By FL_BODACIOUS - August 7 - 10:00 am

  PERSONALLY, MY TRUCK GETS LESS THAN 14 MILES PER GALLON AROUND TOWN WITH THE A/C ON OR OFF. WITH A 5 YEAR LEASE AT $489.19 PER MONTH, $70.24 PER MONTH FOR "NATIONWIDE INSURANCE" (WITHOUT POINTS ON LICENSE) AND $111.36 FOR 4 TANKS OF GAS TO DRIVE 750 MILES(APRIL 2002, GAS PRICES EAST CENTRAL COAST OF FL) THIS TOYOTA TUNDRA SR5 ACCESS CAB 4X2 V8 IS A VERY EXPENSIVE RIDE AT $8,049.48 PER YEAR TO LEASE, INSURE AND FUEL!!! NEXT TIME ILL BUY A USED VEHICLE, NOT BE STUCK IN A LEASE AND INVEST IN FLORIDA REAL ESTATE!!! LOL WHICH IN SAINT LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA, WHERE I, LIVE, HAS APPRECIATED AT 8 PERCENT IN THE PAST YEAR I, READ!

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  Give me a brake!! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Davie H - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Toyota pickup. I have had brake problems since day one! I have had 3 sets installed already and now Freehold Toyota tells me this is normal! They didnt even have the phone number for the zone rep! I also have a very bad ticking noise when its cold started and I have heard that its a manifold problem I called Toyota direct and they told me nothing is coming up as far as any recalls are concerened! I know for a fact my problems are also shared with other 2000 Tundra owners. I want to get a new Tundra but im very leary now. Its a shame that toyota doesnt stand by their mistakes! They took my money real fast!

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  Best Truck Made - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By nole795 - July 25 - 4:16 am

  I have had my Tundra for 2 years. Smartest buy I ever made. It will even outlast my wife :). I was skeptical buying a used truck from a lot but the Tundra really is a great ride. It has power. You really feel safe in the truck in the TX storms. Ive never brought it for service except for one recall and oil changes. If your in the market for a reliable used truck that can do the "job" then the Tundra should be on the top of your list. You wont be disappointed.