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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Fun but not cozy ... - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By Flower Farmers - May 17 - 10:00 amFun to drive ... Easy to shift ... great visuals ... good [speed] pick up, good brakes ... Wonderful gas mileage & reliability ... Basically, the vehicle really does not have any flaws -- precise, exact & reliable.
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Major transmissin problem - 2010 Toyota Tundra
By ken - May 15 - 5:33 amMy 4.6 litr. transmission acts like no other vehicle I have driven, it constantly is hunting for a gear and the gas pedal is not responsive to requests for a small amount of power to maintain a constant speed. When doing this, I apply pressure to the pedal and after an inch or more of down pressure with nothing happening, it down shifts. I tow a 5700 lb trailer and the poor response of the engine and lack of power on hills makes driving this vehicle ULTRA annoying. Toyota said the truck is normal, baloney!!!! If it responded like every other vehicle I have driven, I would not be writing this review. Ive been driving Toyotas for 30 years.
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Work Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By HL - May 12 - 11:16 pmI bought the standard cab V6 6 speed manual new as my work truck. It currently has 118000 miles with the original clutch and has only required the standard maintenance (tires, oil, filters, spark plugs, brake pads, rotors). With the tool boxes and welder it carries an extra 1500 lbs in the bed at all times with no problems.
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AWESOME TRUCK - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By GMMECH69 - May 9 - 11:53 amThis is one awesome truck. I love it. The truck rides like a car. I have been very happy with it. I like how the back window totally rolls down. I own a pop up camper and it tows it just fine. If you are looking for a nice vehicle which will tow anything within reason then this is the truck for you.
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Toyota Quality - 2001 Toyota Tundra
By JDA - May 9 - 8:50 amI bought this truck new, and it has served me well, quite well. I highly recommend this truck to people who need a truck, but dont need the truck for heavy-duty use; I am a suburban male with dogs, camping equipment, skis, mountain bikes, and I used to have a ski boat. The only problem I have had was with brakes and belt replacement, and the cup holder broke, but was replaced under warranty. There is not much room in the back of the cab, so if you want more room, you should choose a newer model. I have heard this truck referred to as the "Lexus of Trucks" and I have to agree. The most negative aspect of this vehicle is the gas mileage. I average 12-13 in city driving, and 17-18.
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7th toyota - 2011 Toyota Tundra
By taogden - May 9 - 5:17 amWhile a full sized truck, the front from inside looks somewhat similar to sitting in my Tacoma. The 5.7 engine has more pep than I have had to deal with in a long time, the throttle is very sensitive, brakes are great. comparing to other trucks, the disks are larger as are the pads. Not sure about the channel frame, makes the truck feel to flexy. All my other trucks have been Tacoma but could not pack kids, and grand kids into it every one fits fine in the Tundra.
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Happy Camper - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By B2900 - May 9 - 1:43 amI just feel that I have a truck with great resale value and amazing quality. This is my 4th now Toyota purchase and I am a former big three owner. I love the sonar the big mirrors and the tough looks of the truck itself. It has amazing power speed and throaty rumble when going do the road. Finally it is a work horse and tows my tandem 30 foot trailer with effortless performance
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One of the best! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By BIG T, - May 8 - 5:46 pmI have owned Toyota trucks, since 1993, nine to be exact. This truck is by far the best one yet! Tons of power, torque and comfort. Nicely laid out int, 381+ hp., pulled an 8,900lb load for 248 miles with out a grunt! Average fuel mileage is 17.8 mpg. Never did I have a problem with any of my other Toyotas either. Trust a loyal Toyota customer. Also have the 2007 FJ cruiser.
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Happy with My Tundra - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By Jango Barks - May 8 - 12:06 pmI bought my Tundra following a terrible front-end collision. Well beyond its crash rating, my Tundra meets my needs beautifully.
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The best truck ever built - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Rick Elkins - May 4 - 9:40 pmI have owned many Toyotas and finally Toyota has built truly the most incredible truck on the market. The power is incredible and towing is off the charts. If you truly want the most bang for the buck with the best resale value, you must buy Toyota Tundra.
