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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  Why did i wait? - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By foothills - October 3 - 12:46 am

  The 5.7 motor in this truck is years ahead of the others. It is smooth, quiet and the power is unreal. I am getting 14 mpg, and don;t care because it is so much fun to drive. The truck has the TRD dual exhausts and sounds great when you get on it. The limited slip diff is great for gravel roads and snow. I do not use this as work truck, just weekend warrior stuff and commuting. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and practical vehicle.

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  SURPRISING POWER - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By JSMUDD - September 30 - 10:00 am

  BOUGHT THIS TRUCK A FEW MONTHS AGO WITH 5000 MILES.I LOOKED AT BUYING A CHEVY SILVERADO BUT THE DESIGN OF THE STEPSIDE CAUGHT MY EYE. UPON DRIVING THE TUNDRA I WAS SURPRISED AT THE POWER IT HAD, ESPECIALLY DURING ACELLERATION. IT IS FUN TO DRIVE. THE GRAY PEARL PAINT IS REALLY NICE! THIS TRUCK HAS MORE GET UP AND GO THAN MY HUSBANDS CHEVY 1500 TRUCK WITH A V 8 5.3 ENGINE.I JUST SOLD MY 2000 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SO I KNOW THIS WILL HAVE A GREAT RESALE VALUE.REAR SEATS ARE TIGHT BUT I WASNT LOOKING FOR A CREWW CAB. I WISH TOYOTA WOULD PUT A COMPASS,TEMP MIRROR IN THIER TRUCKS BUT IF THATS ALL I FIND FIND TO COMPLAIN ABOUT, I FEEL LUCKY!

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  2011 Tundra - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By Bobby C - August 26 - 2:00 am

  First full size truck. Old car a Tacoma. Size difference is HUGE. Back seat in CrewMax limo like. Powerful engine with nice sound when worked. Rear window fold down nice feature. Stereo rocks big time. Quiet on road. Family loves the size for comfort. Mileage not good--lots of gas stops. Rear seat adjustment amazing. Great looking vehicle. TRD handles off road like a charm. Minimal back seat storage space with adjustable seat in CrewMax.

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  Decent truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By fresnotruckman - August 22 - 2:03 pm

  I was one of the first to buy my gray double cab tundra with the supposed 381 hp engine. I bought it Feburary 1st and took it on my first test of towing. My 5500 toy hauler loaded with water, fuel, and 4 quads maybe 8700ib. My brother has a 2005 ford with the 5.4 triton and he has a larger trailer and outran me up questa grade. Doesnt tow as well as the ford or dodge. Seats feel very stiff, but overall I feel I made a good decision. Averaged 6 mpg towing and in town 11.8mpg.

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  Old School Tundra Update - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By jwolfgong - August 20 - 7:13 am

  OK, maybe my first review was a bit harsh. I have 2700 miles on it now and am averaging 14 MPG without much highway mileage. Highway ride is very sound for a full size truck. Here are options I do have: CC2, CK3, DJ1, AA3, JC2, JZ3, KE3, KG3, LD2, LF3, PG2, CF2, LU3, ES1. I have rated each 1, 2 or 3. 1 equal low value and 3 high value. I would opt for EBD and VSC if I redid this purchase. On a truck with a long wheel base the EBD can really make a difference, IE keep you on the road by correcting your slide before you realize you are in one.

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  Bought it for the ride - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Charlie P - July 27 - 11:53 pm

  Have owned this since 1/06. Very comfortable ride! Lots of compliments on the mica blue color. Have been waiting a LONG TIME to get the recall work done (front suspension lower ball joints. Dealership says parts are back ordered). Could not get the running boards I originally ordered either - waited 6 mos. and then was told that the dealership no longer used that supplier. Settled for the "tube" type. Agree with most other reviewers - u-turns are K- turns! Really like the overall handling, braking is good, feel very safe in traffic.

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  Toyota Tundra - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By alskep - July 2 - 3:46 am

  Truck rides very good for a pickup. A little bouncy but ride is close to that of a car. Solid truck construction. Handles great on the road.

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  Best pick up of 11 I have owend - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By a9mmauto - June 23 - 9:06 pm

  This is a solid fun, and well built truck. I do some light towing, 3200 lbs no problem. I think this version is the best looking Toyota ever built. Off road amazing!

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  Awesome Truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By dukeno1 - May 25 - 10:52 pm

  I bought this truck new in May 2001. I now have 227,000 miles on it. The only work I have done on it in that time is a timing belt (due for another), all 4 o2 sensors, and at least 4-5 brake jobs on the front. That is my only complaint with the truck. The brakes are woefully undersized and I have trouble with warped rotors. I tow a boat in the summer and I believe that exacerbates the issue. I have gotten proficient at changing the pads and rotors so not that big of a deal. I have ran Mobil 1 synthetic since the second oil change and swear by the stuff. The engine on this truck has been amazing.....quiet, powerful and refined. Everything is still tight and rattle free! Love it!

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  Big and Powerful Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Big and Powerful - May 10 - 10:43 pm

  Biggest truck driven so far. Sometime it felt like driving a school bus because its so big inside and outside. Love the Big V8 and Big brake. Truck is very quiet and firm on the roads. The only thing I dont about this truck is that it uses too much gas. Getting around 14-18MPG on mix driving. Got to trade it in for Tacoma or 2nd home equity loan soon because getting expensive to fill up the gas tank. I dont understand how millions of people can afford to drive any Big V8 everyday because I cant...