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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  Awesome Truck, downright AWFUL MPG - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Tom - December 30 - 12:46 am

  This truck is awesome. It has an unbelievable amount of power, and exceeds my expectations with ease, but I regret my decision in buying the "Rock Warrior" package, as the tires, suspension, etc. are hurting this trucks gas mileage severely. As in 9 mpg in the city, 10-12 mpg highway. Other than that, all I can say is that this has to be the best half-ton ever built.

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  First time Tundra owner - 2017 Toyota Tundra
  By Steven Pruitt - December 17 - 8:28 am

  Since I was 18 years of age I have owned two new Dodge 2500, three new Nissan Titans. Small and mid-sized: new Chevy Colorado Z71, new Mazda B2000, new Dodge D-50, new Mitsubishi Macro-Cab, and a new Isuzu Hombre. Now, I own a 2017 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition. Without question, the Mitsubishi was the most reliable pickup Ive ever owned, and after putting 330,000 miles on it. My Son and I changed the timing chains, and tyranny bearings SO HE COULD DRIVE IT FOR ANOTHER 45,000!!!! The Dodge 2500 (2008) was the biggest price of junk I have ever purchased. Chevy showed me just how bad customer service could be. I have a very strong affection for the Nissan Titan, in that they are comfortable and easy to drive, but the acoustic deadening is non-existing and the wind noise is extremely irritating. So far the Toyota is very quiet, comfortable and has that throaty growl (after I installed the TRD dual exhaust package) and extremely quick! There are some items the Tundra doesnt have that I enjoyed on the Titans, and ergonomically it is behind some of the other brands. However, one of the biggest reasons I purchased my Toyota was the resale value. Its nice to have all the Truck world has to offer on your ride, but paying for it again in the end is not a very smart way to purchase.........and there is a good reason for the high retainage of value as the years of ownership pass bye..........Toyota builds a better truck.

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  Tundra review - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By wadester - December 16 - 6:50 am

  Bought truck used with 46,000 miles on it. Great truck, build quality is excellent like all Toyota products. Fuel mileage was 16 in town added an AFE cold air intake and now get 18-19 in town and 21-22 mpg on hiway. I also run synthetic oil in engine as well as both differentials. The only complaint I have is the access doors are inconvenient would have been much better design to have them open like a regular door. Maybe next time I will buy the double cab. Double cab not offered in 2003.

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  Motor Rocks - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By RF - December 2 - 11:50 pm

  My third Tundra (2001 SR5, 2005 SR5 4WD Crew). The motor simply rocks, its quiet, smooth and incredibly powerful. I tow a 5000 lb boat and you dont even know its there. The tranny works well while towing, but has trouble finding gears at slower speeds when not towing, especially when taking off from a light. Other than that, its my least favorite Tundra. It just doesnt feel well put together, the throttle is very punchy, I have several rattles and have had to replace the radio, oh and the little gas pedal recall. I commute and can routinely get 19 mpg if I use cruise control, which is awesome.

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  Good Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Luke - December 2 - 12:00 pm

  Truck handles great and I have damaged it a lot and never any damage to the tough frame. Toyota has made a very reliable truck, I have put 80000 miles on it and have had no damage to any parts or engine, all damage has been cosmetic due to me. The only thing you have to do is change the oil and brakes. I would recommend this truck to anyone.

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  THUNDRA OR THUNDER - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By bart - November 17 - 10:00 am

  THE POWER STEERING PUMP WENT OUT AT 2800 MILES, THE WATER PUMP WENT OUT AT 11000 MILES.THE TRUCK IS GREAT BUT SO FAR NOT REALIBLE.

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  Thirsty??? - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By mmikel52686 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Overall Im satisfied with my overgrown T-100. Yes, this 3.4 is the same powerplant the T-100 had but - without the 24 MPG. Currently I get 18-19 mpg. For a V-6 - well Im somewhat disappointed. Seems Toyota thought more fuel realated computer adjustments might be helpful...cough, cough. Also hav eto echo a comment another reviewer had...the clock should have been left at the upper center of the dash (like the T-100) - now its so low, when the sun shines its a distraction. Again, overall - this is an excellent truck!

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  Vanilla with a twist - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By DW - November 13 - 12:30 am

  I looked at every make of double cab I could find. Sure the Titan appealed to my inner-gorilla, but it didnt handle as well or feel as solidly built as the Tundra. Plus the torque seems better & placed where youd need it on a daily basis. The new Tacoma is sharp, but too small. Im 63" & haul a wife, 2 kids, camping gear, kayaks mountain bikes and a dog and the Tundra does it all without missing a beat. Its got plain jane styling on the outside, big deal: this truck is quiet, packed with power,handles well, will probably go 300k+ miles and is cavernous inside (for most). Only complaint is a phantom creak in the drivers seat when making right turns

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  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By hop18 - October 16 - 9:10 pm

  All I have owned since I began driving is sports cars. I am engaged to be married so I bought this as my family car. I couldnt be happier. This car is the first automitic tranny vehicle i have owned. It is responsive and handles better than some sedans I have driven. Great Truck

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  Follow up review - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Pete - October 7 - 5:20 pm

  I posted back on 4/30/06 and I wanted to comment again. Ive owned my Tundra 2 1/2 years now and Im totally satisfied. I did put flowmasters 70 series (duals) on it and Im very pleased. Additionally, I did put a K&N filter in it as well. I like the sound of it but more importantly my MPG is decent now. I dont drive like a race car driver but I do use it like a truck. City driving I get 16-17. Highway is 19 to 22. Here is the secret... 70 MPH is where I stop getting 20 MPG or better. It drops down to 18-19 MPG.