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:

• 

  Toyota Tundra, one great truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Bobtoyota - October 7 - 2:00 am

  The Tundra feels/drives very solid, no rattles or sqeaks and does not drive like a big truck. Excellent braking and acceleration. The interior fit and finish is high quality. The front seat does not have enough leg room for a 6 foot man and the back seat is very small.

• 

  2006 Tundra XSP - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By miller1624 - September 20 - 4:23 pm

  I bought this truck new. It now has 87K miles on it and it has never had anything done but oil service. Very dependable and sharp truck. My only compliant is it gets poor fuel mileage and the turning radius is terrible. Bottom line it looks great and never breaks down.

• 

  Very Good Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Sean - September 15 - 10:53 pm

  I have put about 11000 miles on this since March 08. The engine, ride, handling, and capability are all excellent. It tows without any issues at all. I have only had two warranty issues so far, the radio and interior support pillar trim. It seems that when the dash gets HOT from the sun the trim sometimes moves out of place and warps. The transmission seems to have a mind of its own, it shifts how and when it wants to, it does not seem to be learning. Sometimes it is smooth and I can hardly feel it shift and other times it will slam the truck in gear. I am having it road tested on the next service and the transmission computer may have to be reset (according to the dealer).

• 

  Tundra Double Cab SR5 4 x 4 TRD - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By tch3mkr - August 31 - 5:03 am

  had some seat problems intially with the Air Bag not working properly. Overall a decent truck, real light in the rear end. Wants to spin out in turns especially on wet pavement because of the power and light rear end, but its a nice truck. Just need to get used to it more as this is the first foreign vehicle I ever bought for myself. Did buy a 2003 Corolla for my wife.

• 

  Remember its a Toyota "TRUCK" - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By parder - August 24 - 8:46 pm

  One month so far. Replaced a F150 with Tundra Dbl cab. F150 drives like a caddy, Tundra like a used Mack. Bouncy and loud. Great looking,but take it for a long test drive to make sure. Gauges hard to see,2 front seats,yet cupholders (good for long trips across Sahara),but no map pockets? Radio system confusing & impossible to reach(steering wheel controls dont really help). Cruise hard to reach and tells you it is on when it really isnt. Hard to control gas pedal, small brake pedal. But, typical of Toyota & Honda-you get what we give you and like it. Great towing capacity but highly overrated as everyday driver for performance and comfort! Oh, dont forget the $100 oil changes.

• 

  Solid Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Chris - August 13 - 5:40 pm

  I have always been a car guy but since I moved into my first house, the need for a truck had become quite apparent. Overall, I really like the truck, the appearance is what initially sold me on this particular model. In the few months since I bought the truck, gas prices have soared and unfortuantly I am only getting about 17 mpg (and that is with an Cold Air Intake installed on the truck). I have not had any problems thus far with the truck. Very reliable Pros: Fun to drive, Loose back end makes corners fun (equipped with LSD), nice acceleration, nice appearance. Cons: Fuel economy, loose back end, paint job is kinda cheap, engine bay gets dirty quickly. Overall happy, but miss my car

• 

  03 Tundra - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By W. Clements - August 7 - 12:40 am

  This is my second Toyota truck (first was a Tacoma) and I am not as pleased as I hoped. The vehicle required new front brakes at 30,000 (I dont tow or use it for work), one rear brake froze up at 25,000 miles (my Jeep and Fords didnt do this so the climate cant e blamed), paint seems to chip easily, and the steel wheels started rusting after the first winter. Worse is a constant noise in the front drive train that the dealer cant diagnose and has been little to no help in resolving. This is my last Toyota; I could have spent much less on another brand and thought I was avoiding these types of problems with a new vehicle.

• 

  Beyond its freshness date - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Scott - July 27 - 7:30 am

  This is my third Toyota truck and is the most refined of all, but it should be considering the body style has been out since 1999. Cabin is very quiet, 5 spd. tranny keeps you in the mid teens for mpgs and the power is improved. Interior layout needs work, heated seats, cargo lamp, and rear defog switches are all on wrong side of the console. Interior door handles are too small, fold and tumble rear seats are useless, leaves no room to store anything of bulk. The fit and finish are top notch for a truck however. Turning radius needs allot of work, this thing is tough to park, and the bed sides are to tall. Needs tailgate assist and rear sonar back-up detectors like the competition.

• 

  My first truck experience - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Curts Truck - July 23 - 3:56 pm

  I bought this truck based on Toyotas quality reputation. I will act as the general contractor for my house currently in design. The passenger door doesnt seem to have been hung correctly as it takes more force to open and close it. It pops up upon opening it. We took the truck to North Carolina last August on vacation and got caught in those very heavy rains. Not only did I not have a problem, I felt very safe and secure. I had no problem driving around in the winter snow here and made it up a hill I thought would surely give me a problem. I think the relatively light aluminum engine makes the truck more evenly balanced enhancing its ability to make it through snow. Great truck.

• 

  Nice truck - 2017 Toyota Tundra
  By Bennie Button - July 11 - 2:54 am

  Good truck, great looking, low on power, get the 5.7, I got the 4.6.