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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  I like this truck so far 2008 tundra - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Leon Garray - June 8 - 2:03 pm

  I traded in my 2006 silverado for a 2008 tundra, one of the best thing I did. I feel Im driving a real truck the comfort is great, the power is there when you need it V8, I get 300 miles on a full tank using premium fuel. The only negative feed back I have is theres a few blind spot other wise its a good truck. Ive owned this truck for one month...

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  Great Truck, Poor MPG - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Chuck F - June 1 - 6:00 pm

  Bought this truck just over a yr ago, changed the plugs and air filter, but still can not get over 13.9 on a trip straight through driving. Got as low as 10 mpg 4 wheel drive winter city driving, I average 12.5 mpg :(

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  Toyota Quality - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Todd Wagner - May 24 - 5:46 pm

  I bought it with 30k miles and now have 60k. No problems except for CD player skips and brake pedal squeaks when depressed. Otherwise runs great, runs smooth, just like when I bought it.

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  TRD 4WD Access Cab - Like it ! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Chuck999 - May 15 - 5:23 pm

  Chose Tundra over Honda Ridgeline / Nissan Frontier for EXCELLENT ride, good power, 6.5 foot bed, quality and overall feel. Am very satisfied. The truck just has a great feel - quiet, smooth, plenty of power. Interior is kind of dated - no fancy chrome but ergonomics are great - most controls easy to reach / use. Typical toyota layout. The 5spd automatic is especially well-designed - shifts VERY smoothly and at just the right time. Front right speaker was BAD upon delivery, but dealer replaced quickly and have had no other problems yet(only 4k miles though) .....

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  TUNDRA DOUBLE CAB, FORGET F150 - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By dennis Kasprzak - May 10 - 7:50 am

  I love my tundra. I waited to review it until I had it for a while 8 months now. 15000 mile service, and the first car I have owned, that hasnt been to the shop multiple times for engine lights, breakdowns. As you can tell this is the first toyota I have owned. Hauls great had 2000 lbs of sod with minimal rear end sag. Towed 16 foot enclosed trailer rated above the 6800 lbs towing capacity with no problems, trailer brakes were wired and only required 4 wire hook up. Never a problem with power, will be adding trd supercharger when it becomes available. Only problem thus far has been on door panels. The carpet keeps comming unglued, will adress that at the 15000 mile service coming up.

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  Good but not great - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By RaymundoIrvan - April 27 - 12:00 am

  The Toyota Tundra is a relatively good truck, the 5.7 is powerful and the 6 speed auto is excellent. It is very quiet and roomy and quite comfortable, however it does have its drawbacks. The climate controls and radio controls are hard to reach. The side walls of the bed are too tall making it hard to reach things in the bed. The gauges are too deep making it difficult to get good info quickly. Bottomline is that once the competition adopts a bigger engine and a new 6 speed auto the Tundra will not have anything to brag about. It is a good truck but I would prefer a F-150 or a Silverado anyday.

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  Good Truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By kcowboy - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 06/2001, havent had any problems at all. I got 41,500 miles on it and it runs just as good. The brakes do squeal a little when backing up but Ive heard thats do to brake dust. The gas mileage is better when I keep my foot out of it but then again, its a truck with a V8 not a compact.

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  Its a Toyota--enough said - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By dwagner - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Great truck. The transmission is incredible. Good fuel economy with plenty of power. Great all-purpose truck. I test drove every other truck and the engine+tranny won me over. Its also a very safe truck; check out the crash ratings--especially if you have little ones.

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  So Far So Good - 2012 Toyota Tundra
  By thebigv21 - April 6 - 1:18 pm

  Truck now has 11K miles. Had first synthetic oil change at 10K. Averaging 15.2 mpg in combined driving. Truck runs great and has similar MPG as tacomas I have owned in the past. The horsepower and torque on this truck is something else. I see negative reviews on here and I cant understand why. The performance is what impresses me the most. I am 64" and have plenty of room. Kids can sit in the back without any problem whatsoever. This is a real truck, not meant for anyone who wants a car..

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  Sweet Ride - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By jeff - March 28 - 8:33 am

  I have the x-sp blue with grey interior and the IPS rims. I think this is the best looking truck on the market presently and maybe for the last twenty years. This truck fits the bill in all catagories when compared to Chevy, Ford or Dodge. Design and functionality are good.