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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A diamond in the rough! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By Darrig - November 7 - 10:00 amOk, overall the truck is great. I traded in my 92 Silverado for this truck and have been pretty happy with it. I average 18mpg on the freeway with luggage/2 adults and a dog in the backseat. I take the Grapevine (I-5 to L.A.) in the fast lane with no problems. I have only a few issues with the truck.
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Not as good as my ole t-100 - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By Ruba1968 - November 7 - 10:00 amI wish I would have been able to keep my old T-100, this 2003 Tundra doesnt seem as comfortable. Love the dark gray color.
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Not impressed! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Milesy - November 5 - 10:20 amNice h.p. and lrg. brakes,and love the look, but terrible mpg (11). Useless in four wheel drive in deep snow and mud with the limited slip rear end.You need, and should be able to have, all four tires digging at the same time. And why would you go from a sturdy 6 bolt hub, down to a 5 bolt. The VSC system, and transmission command system doesnt work correctly in cold climates, such as where I live in Maine.
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solid truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By Beckett - October 31 - 10:00 amunfortunately looks like Darth VAder, but a very good truck..not as ungainly as the Chev or GMC, more friendly to driver than the Ford...fairly good size compromise...runs great...Ill keep it maybe next yrs will look better and the door arrangement will be better
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Love the durability - 2010 Toyota Tundra
By kevin - October 29 - 10:00 amI have read all the reviews and see where everybody seems to be averaging 15+ MPG on their 5.7. I would love to know what they are doing because my display has topped out at a whopping 13.5 MPG. Is there a secret? I plan on purchasing a cat-back exhaust and air filter system in the future to up my performance and mileage. No regret. Seats family of 5 very comfortably. Got a good deal and hopefully will see this truck through to the end.
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Smooth Ride - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By Pop - October 17 - 5:30 amDurable and reliable, this truck rides like a nice sedan. Radio remote on steering wheel changes am, fm, cd, volume, stations. Nice large console. Lockable bed. Large size takes getting used to if you havent been driving a large truck. Mileage is not good but is typical of a large pickup.
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Best Blend of Comfort and True Utility - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By TunedLoop - October 11 - 1:26 pmAbsolutely solid build quality. Very smooth ride for a truck; by my experience it rides better than a Maxima but not as smooth as a Deville, with much better handling than a 2002 Expedition. The V-8 is powerful and amazingly quiet until you punch the pedal, then it lets loose a smooth growl and pours power to the pavement. Havent towed anything with it yet, but believe it should handle most boats fine. Seating is comfortable, leather feels smooth yet tough enough to hold up well - heated seats have 2 power levels. If you give this truck a good, detailed visual inspection and compare build quality to any domestic, you will see that it rocks. Embarrassing, but true.
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Not a bad truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By Yonsson - September 23 - 8:23 amI bought the truck with 45,000 miles on it and currently have 65,000. So far it hasnt needed anything besides the routine PMs. I change the oil every 4,000 and flush the trans fluid every 20,000 because Im a freak about my drivetrain, I wrecked a lot of my GMs from hurting those. I havent had any problems with my rotors warping but my brakes are pretty spongy, lots of travel in the pedal. It can haul the equipment youll need unless you get crazy with it. Acceleration is not bad but it hauls on the high end. Fuel mileage is 13 to 16 mpg so you can pass the pump that often. Otherwise not a bad truck.
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Gets the job done - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By Bud - September 18 - 12:40 amThe Tundra rides like a truck and you feel the road, interior noise is minimal. Excellent turning radius and the truck is enjoyable to drive. I purchased the 5.7 V8 and the power is there when you need it. The interior of the truck does have some nice features, but could use some upgrades as far as reducing some of the plastics. The fuel economy? Its a V8, the price of gas is the problem. As far as built quality and reliability I will tell you in 10 years.
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great truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By George - September 8 - 9:03 pmToyota you just keep doing it!!!! I really enjoy driving this truck. low end torque is head snapping and as far as towing, it laughs at it load you want it to tow. If I must have a shortcoming about this truck I would say fuel economy at 14 miles to the gallon I wasnt much impressed. But dont let that stop you from owning one.
