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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Colorado to Alaska in Tundra D-Cab - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By BadBob - January 23 - 10:00 amI bought the Tundra D-Cab from Longmont Toyota for several reasons: outstanding sales and incentives, easy to work with the dealer, and they bent over backward to make the sale. I put a 1600-pound camper on the Tundra and drove it 4600 miles back to Alaska with ZERO problems. The Tundra handling and performance with the camper weight was great. The cruise control handled the load just fine.
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Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Steve Dickin - January 22 - 1:26 amHave owned for 2 months and driven 10000 miles, many miles off road in rough conditions. Truck is very quiet inside. Almost as quiet as my Infiniti I35. Great truck. Handles and corners very well. Irritations: I bought the truck sight unseen and couldnt believe it didnt have lights that automatically come on at night. Cant believe thats an option. Also miss not having Xenon lights.
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2000 Toyota Tundra SR-5 Extended Cab - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By Okey Thomas - January 21 - 7:40 pmI bought the vehicle new. I have 105000 miles on it. For other than normal maintenance, the truck has been in the shop five times, four of which were oxygen sensors which were later recalled. The fifth time was for a water pump. Other makes of trucks I drove before this were in the shop up to 20 times in the first year. This vehicle rides and drives very well and is very comfortable to travel in. We have a 2004 Camry and I would rather travel in the truck. The body is solid with no rattles. The interior is not coming apart and looks as it did when we bought the truck. We love it!!!!
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Best Truck Ever - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By George - January 21 - 5:06 amI have owned Ford 350, 250, 150, and Toyota Tacoma. This is by far the best truck I have owned except for the Ford 350 Diesel. It is powerful, handles exceptionally well, great interior and exterior. Love the tail gate hydraulic assist. Resale value and quality is what keeps Toyota above the rest!!
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06 Tundra Crew - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By apcamby - January 19 - 11:43 amAwesome truck, good power, great ride, very comfortable, useful features, I would recommend this truck to anyone in the large truck market.
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One Tough Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By Buildn - January 17 - 11:00 pmI have purchased a certified preowned Tundra SR5, 4x4, TRD, Double Cab. This truck only had 10,000 miles on it! Cant beat Toyota quality, Used to own a 2000 year Toyota Tundra. What helped with the decision is Toyota offered a 7 year 100,000 bumper to bumper warranty! It was a no brainer. This 08 is actually a lot of fun to drive!
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I love this truck! - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By charlie1volley - January 16 - 2:00 amI have absolutely nothing but positive comments for this vehicle. I have ridden in many pickups/SUVs, and this one takes the cake. Smooth, soft, powerful ride. Simple, reliable interior, sharp-looking exterior. I have the TRD package and it is amazing. You can crawl up a tree in 4WD Lo and it bear hugs a wet road in 4WD Hi. Dual airbags make it safe for everyone! I love this truck!
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05 Double Cab Tundra TRD - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By steve-o77 - January 16 - 2:00 amI purchased this truck for work (copper mining), but I love taking it out on the weekends. The 4.7L V-8 gets the job done around town, but I have yet to see how it tows something really heavy. You should defiantly consider the TRD package if you spend as much time off road as I do (75%). The larger tires and beefy suspension with the TRD package is great for off roads and it rides like a car on the streets. I also purchased the truck with the TRD dual exhaust package. I think you may find an after market exhaust system for less money, but the low rumble you get when you drive is well worth the extra money.
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I luv my Tundra! - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By mej0362 - January 10 - 7:50 amI have had my truck for a month now and love it. It rides like a truck but it is so quiet inside. This is the last year of this body style so I wanted to get it before it changes. I did my homework and you just cant beat a Toyota Tundra. On my first tank of gas I got 16.7 mpg, no not teriffic but hey it is a V-8 truck. It has plenty of get up and go and looks great.
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Dodge, Chevy, Ford, WHO? - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By ML Lejeune - January 4 - 9:26 ameveryone thought I had lost my mind. A Japanese truck? Like riding in a Caddie, electric everything, smooth ride, v-6 plenty of power, but a bit easier at the tank. Great body style and the dependability of a toyota. Seats are plush and comfy, plenty of leg room. mirrors re-adjust with ease so both my husband and I can drive with little adjustment. If gas were a little cheaper I would go get another for myself, as it is the Nissan sits in the garage more than the Tundra.
