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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  Think again - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Jacob123 - July 17 - 10:46 pm

  The first 6000 miles - (bad rear springs). Non-stop creak in dash - never could be fixed. 30000 miles - dead in rush hour traffic. Police stop traffic and help me push it off the road - (fuel pump). 30002 miles - engine stalls at 55 mph in rush hour traffic AAAHHH! Glad to be alive! (Fuel flow regulator) 3 days later it blows the new regulator. The Toyota dealership calls Toyota for advise? As I write this review no one can fix my truck. I dont trust this vehicle in traffic. Time to trade it in.

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  I love my truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By tlabrook - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Able to pull a trailer with 2 horses with no problems. Hauls better than the dodge 1500(01) then we had before. Fun to drive. Comfortable.I love the cupholders the are right within reach

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  I wish I could afford to drive it. - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By 4jblund - July 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the nicest pickup Ive ever driven and really enjoy driving it. I just wish I could afford to drive it more. It gets real bad gas mileage (16mpg) is the best Ive achieved so far. Im guessing Toyota put the 4.08 rearend in it to compensate for the less horsepower than the competition. They could have improved this by putting more horses in the motor (Ive seen the racing cars, I know they can) then put a 3.50-3.73 rear in it. If I were pulling something big I wouldnt have bought it, I would have gone diesel. They arent catering to their buyers. It does what I wanted just the mileage is sad.

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  2007 Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By MarkV - July 15 - 6:33 pm

  It is a great truck. The 5.7L engine is incredible. Ride is very smooth and comfortable. Gas mileage is low, but that is the price you pay for a V8. Quality is high both inside and out. The only thing to say about the inside is the console is TOO big. Why not make the seats a little bigger instead. But everything is within reach and storage is massive.

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  Critic of tundra - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By bill case - July 14 - 2:00 pm

  My last truck was a 1500 gmc and while it was a decent pick-up this truck is heads and shoulders above it.The 5.7 is powerful and the 6 speed transmission is real smooth. I have a 24 travel trailer that weighs 5800 lbs loaded and it pulls it with no effort at all. Dislikes: I dont like the way it revs when you first start it cold. Its almost 2000 rpms and holds for about 10 to 15 seconds. The gas gauge reads 1/2 full and only takes 8 gallons of fuel and the oil gauge holds slightly below the 1/2 mark. Ive never had a car or truck that didnt hold a least 30 lbs oil pressure when driving, but Im being told that this is normal. Im keeping an eye on it and hopefully it wont go lower.

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  Pleased with my new Tacoma - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Al - July 10 - 1:33 pm

  Just purchased a 2010 Toyota Tundra Grade 4dr Double Cab SB (4.6L 8cyl 6A). Although I have not had occasion to tow yet, the 4.6 seems to have all the power I need and accelerates well. The double cab and increased overall length will take some getting used to. Had I been able to get a diesel, I believe this would have been the ideal truck. I wanted a diesel primarily for long-term efficiency (mpg), dependability and low-end torque (off-roading and hauling). It represents a very good value IMHO and rides like a dream. I traded a Toyota FJ cruiser in on it and am so much happier with this vehicle than the FJ. The FJ is "toy-like" by comparison.

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  2008 Toyota Tundra V6 SB - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Maria - July 9 - 9:23 am

  First brand new vehicle Ive ever owned. I bought the v6 for the better gas mileage. I dont need to haul anything so the v6 was the better option. So far everything is great, except the radio seems to have a mind of its own sometimes. The dealer is ordering a new radio. The dealer said there have been problems with the radios. Very smooth ride for a pick up. Drives like a car. Plenty of room. Love the seating for 6.

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  Expected so much more - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Chris - July 6 - 5:26 am

  I have had this truck for a year and a half now and its falling apart. None of the lights work inside, I can not turn up or down the volume on the radio, the steering has gotten so loose and I could swear the tie rods are broke. I had high hopes for this truck but no go.

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  Best half ton ever made - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By xgermx7 - July 3 - 7:40 pm

  I have had this truck for 4 years and 84,000 miles and I still love it. It is still just like the day I bought it, minus the fact that I have just about scrapped all the paint out of the bed. It is smooth, quiet, roomy, and fast like a luxury sedan, but tougher than any other half ton that I have ever driven. It gets 17-18 mpg on average. Thats a good combination of city, highway, and interstate. It can get as low as 14 mpg if you have a heavy foot.

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  02tundra limited 4x4 - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By blueyedevil - June 22 - 2:15 pm

  I,ve owned an 02 tundra (access cab) 4x4 for 10 yrs. I bought it with 40k miles, mint condition. I have 328,500 miles on it now. no that is not a miss-print. I put 35k a yr. religiously. I replaced the timing belt and water pump at 125k(cause the manual says to) and was about to have it done again. But, a deer took my baby out 4 days ago. Ive owned 5 chevy,s , 1 ford, and 1 dodge. never have I gotten over 189k on any one of them. Shopping for another Yota 02 4x4( 4.7L). Im buying another in a couple days with 190k miles and I know I wont have a problem with it. (p.s. the ride is a little rough on hard surfaces but its a 4x4. But,Tracks really straight/tight on wet narrow dirt rds )