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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Its all good - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By Cheeseman - October 14 - 10:00 amIve driven many full sized trucks and for the money, this one beats them all. This truck has the smoothest ride even with the offroad package Ive experienced in a full size. The one thing that I would change is the room in the back, other than that, Ive found this truck to have plenty of power and great handling. The style fits a younger image than Chevy and the torque is higher than Ford (in a comparable truck.) I would definitely recommend this truck for those wanting power, reliability and style.
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The Best - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Toyota Guy - October 9 - 3:10 pmZero problems. Far and away the best riding truck I have ever owned. I have total confidence in its stopping power and reliability. Other manufacturers are missing the boat on the 6 speed transmission.
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Tundra SR5 - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By Steph G - October 3 - 2:00 amI bought the Tundra as an extra to have a vehicle to lug stuff, if I need to. I looked at GM,Ford and Dodge, and after a (very) short test drive in the Tundra - the others were no longer in the running. Comfort and quietness, smoothness, handling...all great. No problems other than the dealer not installing the bedliner correctly, so it was not under the rails. Sometimes I wish I had spent the $2k more and gotten the Limited with leather and more features.
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Mostly excellent - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By nonesuch - October 3 - 2:00 amI use my truck for towing a racecar and part time commuting. If you have heavy towing (I tow about two tons) dont bother with a six cylinder. Even if you think you might someday want to use your truck for "real work", get a V8! It cruises quite comfortably and quietly at extralegal speeds while not towing and the "pickup" is good. It even has very little trouble towing up steep California hills. Its too major faults is that the two rear seats arent really useful, and the range isnt great (I get ~12mpg towing with a tank capacity of somewhat less than 30 gallons).
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Liking it so far! - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By Pete - September 28 - 10:53 pmI bought a 2006 Tundra 4x4 TRD and Im liking it so far. Since Ive only had it for a short time I cannot speak long term about it... but so far everything is pretty sweet. I know one of the biggest items talked about is poor fuel mileage. A few items that have been brought to my attention is putting a K&N filter and a better exhaust will give you a few extra miles per gal. Im going to do it soon...so Ill let you know. I had a 2000 Ford F250 4x4 V-10...now that was a thirsty truck, thats why I dont have it anymore, but I loved it. My Toyota so far gets between 17 to 19, but she is still getting broke in. Other than that I really like the truck... she rides real nice.
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Toyota Tundra - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By Bubby - September 24 - 4:16 amGreat engine and driveability. Much quieter than most other full size trucks.
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Instruments VERY hard to read - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Scott - September 18 - 8:00 pmGenerally, I really like this truck. It does take a little getting used to as it is very large and it is quite a challenge to look over the hood for any type of parking manuvers. Overall performance competence is strong and capable and I use the Tundra primarily for pulling a large trailer which it does admirably. My first tank of fuel gave me 19.7 MPG overall, while not pulling a trailer. This vehicle is rated at 16 city and 20 hwy. I am actually pleased that I went ahead and got the Double Cab option as I have found that it is kind of nice to be able to carry not only "stuff" but passengers as well. This truck is tall, even though I am 62", I still need to stretch up to get in.
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Great truck for the price - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By kayleigh - September 11 - 9:43 amThis truck is amazing for the price! They have all kinds of colors and models. Ive got a Toyota tundra double cab with runners on the side, tundra mat in the bed. I just traded in my 2008 Toyota Tacoma for this truck and the tundra is so much better. Has way more room and is comfortable.
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My Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Pduckman - September 9 - 8:53 amThis is my 3rd Toyota truck, the first two being Tacomas. My first impression was how smooth and quiet the ride was, almost as good as our 2001 Avalon. The front seats are much higher (almost chair height) than the Tacoma and thus more comfortable on long hauls. Even my 6.5 foot bed is huge with approx. 66 cubic feet of room. The interior controls are very big and easy to turn while driving. Love the fact that like my Tacoma the rear door windows go all the way down when opened. And the guy that came up with the tailgate assist should get a raise. Also the standard Tire Pressure Monitor system is a plus. And did I mention standard VSC, ABS, TRAC, EBD and the huge (13.9 in) front brakes.
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Toyota review - 2016 Toyota Tundra
By Travis - September 5 - 4:20 amThe trucks are getting less features and higher priced I will probably go back to Chevy they give you more for your money
