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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Great! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By manny - December 4 - 10:00 amA great truck! If you can go the extra bucks, get the V8 4WD. Great ride and no problems or worries.
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great truck only one problem gas tank to small - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By pappapump1313 - December 2 - 7:54 amI luv my truck but Im limited on distance before I run out of gas you would think Toyota would be smarter bigger truck bigger tank and I cant add an auxiliary tank because of emissions so I have to carry gas cans when in the mountains or desert especially pulling my toy hauler because that gas goes to my toys glad my son needs a truck Im buying a F250
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LOVE IT!!! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By N5K191 - November 27 - 7:33 pmWe took it on a cross country trip and was great! The ac is better than on our caravan(2005) and is more solid. The interior is Lexus like and they could sell this truck as a Lexus anytime. No time in the shop, exept for a squeal above 2500rpm. Is definately a fuel hog even with weaker engine but is more refined. I would recommend this or the Titan.
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Owned them all, like this one the best. - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By jpg1113 - November 23 - 1:43 amCrewmax does not compete price wise with the american market, but its the best money can buy. Smooth quiet powerful and comfortable.
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Toyota Tundra - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By Richard Medlin - November 22 - 2:00 amThe best vehicle that I have owned. This is my second Toyota pick-up and I will stay with Toyota for my next vehicle.
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BEST FOR THE MONEY - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By DINHEART - November 22 - 2:00 amTHE TUNDRA HAS MEET OR EXCEEDED ALL OF MY EXPECTATIONS. PLENTY OF POWER FROM THE V-8. COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE. PLENTY OF ROOM IN THE EXTENDED CAB TO MORE THAN MEET ALL OF MY NEEDS. TOYOTA QUALITY WITH THE SERVICE PERFORMANCE FROM METROPLEX, BEST IN THE COUNTRY. MOST KNOWLEDGABLE, HARD WORKING SALES PERSON,BARBIE.
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Super thundra - 2010 Toyota Tundra
By willie murray - November 20 - 7:40 amI purchased this vehicle for my lawn service, and have been very pleased with the power, ride and looks of this vehicle. I would buy another without a second thought.
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comparing 4 trucks - 2001 Toyota Tundra
By steve wilson - November 14 - 10:00 amAs the owner of a service company I have a chance to drive a Ford F150, Dodge Dakota, a Nissan and the Tundra. The Tundra has a better feel for the road and controls that are natural to use. When you change trucks its a pain when you cant find the radio knob without looking down. The tundra also gets better gas mileage than the ford and Dodge.
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best of both worlds - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By Silver - November 14 - 8:46 amBest ride and handling out of all the trucks I test drove. After trying out the dodge, ford and chevy half tons the tundra came out way ahead of the others. Interior is very quiet at hwy speeds very little wind noise. The tundra is tight inside and out. If you dont need to tow more than 7k #s this truck is for you. The 282 hp v8 has plenty of power, very quick off the line.
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So far so good!! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By Mike in Florida - November 2 - 2:00 amIve owned many trucks beofre but this is my first Toyota product. Great ride and feel. Love the power. I would buy another one if I had to.
