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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driving performance - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By bfrel - May 4 - 2:00 ampurchased a new 04 d- cab w\ aftermarket perf. tires & wheels. The foot print of the tires is so great that the veh. follows the road surface and pulls you into the opposing lanes of traffic. Met with the dist. rep. regarding this matter and was advised there was nothing that could be done to resolve this matter. I was never advised by the salesman nor the manager of this issue with these tires, if I had been I would not have pur. the veh. due to my family using this veh. as a primary mode of transport.
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Tundra Fan - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By Alpha Truck - May 4 - 2:00 amThis 4 DR. truck has nice pickup and rides as smooth as the top of the line Toyota cars. The motor has smooth acceleration and trans shifts smooth. Plenty of room in back for 3 plus the convience of a pickup for hauling whatever.
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A Well-Built Machine - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By John - May 2 - 10:10 pmIt was obvious from the first time I drove my 2005 Toyota Tundra that is was soldily built and well engineered. Fit and finish are excellent. The 4.7-liter engine and five- speed transmission are exceptionally responsive at all speed ranges. Acceleration is smart and snappy. Perhaps the best feature of this truck is its smooth, quiet ride. Cornering on the 2005 Tundra is flat and stable, far better than other brands of trucks I have owned. For the most part, the five- speed transmission is smooth, but it does tend to jump rather harshly into a lower gear when ascending hills.
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I still love my truck! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By Edward King - April 28 - 2:00 amI lived in the mts of Southern California for four years and my truck has been with through all the good and bad times while I have been up there here. Wether it was hauling furniture to move, or firewood for the house, or landscaping products, my tundra was with me. WHen it came to get the hell out because of the wildfires, did I take the company chevy truck? Did I take the brand new sports car? Or did I put the dogs in the Tundra and leave out? I took the Tundra! That says it all.
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Tundra double_cab is a standout - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By Rich - April 28 - 12:10 amJust put 1500 miles on a Tundra Limited double-cab in Colorado and Wyoming--pavement and rough back road driving. This is a very good truck. Smooth powertrain, quiet ride, refined chassis and suspension. Got 19-20 mpg on the highway driving the 65-75 mph speed limits (this is on a green engine). Seats front and rear are very comfortable. I like the leather better than I thought I would. The bed is long enough to sleep in, unique for double-cabs with a non-eight foot bed. Not a single reliability issue with anything. This truck runs more quietly than my 95 Saab 9000. Ground clearance under this truck is best in class at 12+ inches.
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Owner - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By Ben - April 24 - 4:43 pmI have had this truck for about ten months now and I love it. It doesnt surprise me American car makers are going bankrupt. This is one tough truck with a beast for an engine under they hood. It sits back in wait at your beckoning call. If you dont want a real truck then dont buy the Tundra thats for sure. Cant wait to see the 2010 1/2 ton diesel!!!
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Love This Old Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By cddc - April 24 - 7:10 amEdmonds does not show the 2002 Toyota V8 SR5 Access Cab Tundra so I am putting it in with the 4X4 version.
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A Quality Truck At Last - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By TONYS - April 20 - 2:23 pmMost comfortable, useable vehicle of the more than 100 I have owned. Great power and road presence with mpg that is very good considering weight to get 19-20 mpg with reasonable, adult driving. Spacious interior and level of comfort make it ideal for long road trips. This is the 36th truck I have owned and it gets rated #1 for the reasons above, plus, it just FEELS right, like I am more at ease in going from point A to point B. Highly recommend for any purpose, but especially for long trips and hauling heavy loads. A winner!
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Great Truck! - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By ChrisH - April 14 - 2:00 amThe new stepside bed and tail light design gives a great distinctive look making it stand out from the crowd. I love the power and the ride is smooth. Gas mileage not bad for a 4.7 V8. Sticker price may be a little high, but with rebates and a willingness to deal there are some good deals out there.
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amazing - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By mreyes6868 - April 8 - 10:34 pmi love my tundra, its fast, powerful, reliable, and good on gas. never had a single problem on it. the 5.7 liter v8 is the only way to go, tows like a dream, i tow my 10,000 lb toy hauler up steep hills doing 70mph..... in my 05 ford 6.0 turbo diesel towing the same trailer i had to go peddal to the floor up hills and speed would drop down to 40 mph. in my tundra i feel much safer than the ford and much more powerful, i have NEVER had to go peddal to the floor on my tundra. my ford overheated twice on me. my tundra tows my trailer in 100 degree weather up steep hills without any problems.MY TUNDRA TOWS 10000 LBS BETER THAN MY FREINDS DODGE RAM 1500 TOWING 4500 LBS. its the best truck ever
