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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  ridin squeaky - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By matt pohle - July 11 - 7:40 am

  Have had for 3500 miles now. Super smooth ride for off-road suspension, great looks, comfortable interior, ample get up & go V-8. Poor MPG for small 4.7 liter V-8 (avg. 13-14 mpg). Recurring problem w/ VERY noisy serpentine belt. Have had back at dealer 2 times now in less than a month, have 3rd appt. scheduled for same problem. Dealer says its either faulty belt or belt tensioner (both have been replaced). Either way, didnt expect to have such a problem w/ a "reliable" Toyota that cost me over $30k.

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  Rough Rider - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Dave - May 29 - 3:43 pm

  This is a great truck in every way - except the rough ride. I love the accessories and the 5.7 liter engine. The six speed transmission is very versatile. The 4X4 works great in heavy snow and on ice. The ride, however, is bone jarring and very uncomfortable on anything except a smooth asphalt hiway. It feels like it needs about 2000 lbs. of load in the back to calm the jerky ride. I strongly recommend that if you have neck or back problems, look elsewhere. Fuel economy is not great but is what I expected - about 15 mpg average for all driving conditions. Brakes are excellent, leather seats also.

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  Well worth the 5.7L - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By freddy five - May 18 - 10:03 pm

  This is my first truck. Every vehicle I have ever owned was under powered and I made an agreement with myself that I would not make this mistake in a truck. I took it a little to far, because this truck has more power than I will ever need. But it is so much fun to smoke an F150 off the line when they feel the need to egg me on.

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  Good Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By bailme - May 18 - 10:56 am

  I bought my truck in March of 08. I have a 3" lift (max lift under warranty) with 22" wheels. I also put a magnaflow exhaust and Toyota intake. THe navagation system is weak, it is not user friendly like my Acura TLs nav. MPG are 12.8 to 13.5. I thought it would do a little better, but Im sure the lift has something to do with the low MPG. Lots of power and the stereo system is pretty good (JBL). A lot of cargo room, Im 63" and I fit comfortably. I am a Chevy guy, but I wanted to try the Toyota. I dont think you can go wrong with the Silverado or Toyota, the others just cant compete.

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  I waited for this truck and Im glad. - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By hulksmashtree - May 9 - 2:00 am

  The engine produces solid performance. The towing ability is adequate. The bigger V8s offered by other trucks boast better towing, but most guys like me wont ever come close. Im sure my Tundra will pull a camper with much more ease than any V6, and thats good enough. The many cool features impress me. I do have to say though that thus far the mileage has been very poor. All in all, my decision was based on getting the most reliable 4-door full size pickup out there, that could fit in a normal garage, and having good toys and performance. Acceleration is solid, but it would be fun to have a little more power. To conclude, Im glad I waited.

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  Dont buy if TALL - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By ztnalb - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased the standard cab,Tundra w/ bench seat a week ago and have developed serious pain in rightleg and knee. I figured I was buying a full size truck and need not worry about leg room. I was wrong! Im 65" the truck has plenty of head room but lacks leg room. the bench seat provides NO support for my right leg, I use a pillow to support the leg which helps for the accelerator but not the brake pedal. The brake pedal is the worst! You lose almost another inch when applying the brake because it sits higher. Unfortunatly my test drive was mostly on the freeway in this postion Im relatively comfortable, but city driving is painfull when applying the brake.

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  Great truck but... - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By cjcanu01 - March 7 - 5:13 am

  Awesome truck over all. The dashboard is quite noisy in the colder months due to plastic. The quality of the body material is terrible. You can literally leave a dent in the truck if you smack it w/ your hand...this is not "truck" quality. I worry that the truck will look several years older than it actually is in just 3 years due to the poor quality body panels and paint.

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  Almost Worth The Wait - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Jack - February 28 - 9:50 pm

  After researching both large and small trucks for the last few years, the decision came down to the Tundra because of its build quality and price. Overall the truck is great. Great to drive, really comfortable and very quiet. Ive only had a minor problem with the brake light sensor keeping the brake lights on. Im extremely disappointed in the gas mileage, 12 in town and 15 on the road (its only a 2WD). I would have been happy with 16/18. Makes me wonder how this may affect the engine over time. Got 20 years out of my last truck, but Im not sure yet how this Tundra will fare over time.

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  Poor Gas Milage - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Tony Thomas - February 16 - 6:13 pm

  This truck looks and runs great. Ive gotten a few compliments on the looks. Braking is very good. Only 14-MPG city. Thats very little stop & go driving & very disappointing. The other problem is the wide turning radius. U-turns are a big problem, they turn into K-turns.

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  Design flaws - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By tlb4x - February 10 - 6:00 am

  There are design flaws in the new 2007 Tundra. The head room is insufficient and I must lean forward to see when a stop light turns green. This makes for a rather unenjoyable ride. Im 62" so unless youre shorter than 511" you probably will have the same problem I have. I wish Toyota could explain why they needed to make this truck bigger then the last because there is less head room on this one than the last. Hope they fix it because its close to being a great truck like the last model was.