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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  Stepside Tundra 4x4 - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Truck Man - September 10 - 8:40 pm

  Only two complaints: Toyota does not offer a manual tranny for the V8, and the performance leaves something to be desired. This truck is light years better than the domestics I have had.

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  great truck - 2016 Toyota Tundra
  By nccheung - August 29 - 7:43 am

  first time to buy a truck. Had drive over 1200 miles for the last month. Great ride. Love it. Would be a perfect truck if the gas mileage could be over 20 mpg.

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  2007 Toyota Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Handier - August 10 - 11:13 am

  Tundra replaced a 1999 Suburban that was my work truck but just had too many reliability issues. The Tundra offered a configuration plus Toyotas reputation for reliability and durability. The Suburban was a great design and even as a work vehicle it was tough but just too many of the components died an early death. The Tundra is roomy, quite, powerful and came with a kicking stereo even though it is not a priority for me as this is a work truck. Ive put about 1100 miles so far and the ride, though choppy on concrete segmented roads, has smoothed out and of course, is much better with a load in the bed.

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  Excellent Safety poor emergency handling - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Alfomega - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Got hit in the drivers side by a Camry going 60mph. Camry folded; I came out unscathed and walked two miles home. Inspite of ABS, vehicle skidded on wet street on a medium grade curve at 40mph. It was near impossible to move in direction of skid due to road surface and body weight of vehicle. It also performed poorly on icy roads. Ill buy a Tundra again with limited slip differential and 4WD, as its a life-saver. But I wont be lulled into complacency by its smooth engine and quiet interior.

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  Toyota Tundra SR5 TRD Package - 2017 Toyota Tundra
  By Ray Lyons - July 9 - 2:01 pm

  Nice truck, handles well, comfortable, smooth ride. Only thing missing is a few bells and whistles that are on comparable Ford/Chevy trucks. No turn signals in mirrors, no power rear window, no dual climate controls. These were standard on my old 2010 Toyota Tundra 4X2. It would have been nice to have these, but I gave them up for the long term benefit. I expect my Tundra to last a lot longer than the other pickups on the road. Too bad Toyota cut back on these on this model, you have to get the Limited, Platinum to have these included. Fuel economy is not as good as the other pickups on the market, but I didnt buy it for fuel economy. Otherwise very happy with the purchase.

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  great truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By country_boy2 - June 27 - 7:05 pm

  i love my yota, i am always looking for things to make it look better. The build isnt very sturdy how ever. The thing will dent easily and will be crushed like a tin can if in a wreck. Also it seems a little low. If you put a leveling kit on there however, that truck will look mean. It sounds fantastic with pipes. Oh and it tears through mud, even for a 2 wheel drive truck. Need new tires and the brakes need work but overall a fantastic truck. It has been through alot and always finds a way to crank up. When this baby finally quits on me, im going straight to the dealership and buying a new one. The back seat is too small, but im always driving and im a big boy, and i fit in there just fine!

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  Still crazy - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By velobella - June 27 - 10:16 am

  I purchased my 01 from a used lot w/10k on it and havent looked back! Ive put nearly 145k on this baby, commuting daily. Only drawback is gas mileage, but great work truck! Ive driven many a truck but my Toyota is like driving a couch! Sure there are problems, squeaky brakes, funky dash noises in cold weather, tinny pinging sound with engine start up in cold weather, but the ride is divine and reliability is tops. I will put another 100k on this puppy. The only thing that hasnt held up is the leather interior, but everything else is tops. Ive replaced timing belt at 150k (and it still looked good, but water pump was slightly leaking). Keep up the maintenance, you wont go wrong!

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  Wonder if engine will hold up. - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Worried - June 4 - 5:16 pm

  The 2007 Toyota Tundra is a nice truck, but I have a few complaints: the engine sounds like a diesel until it warms up, the ride is jarring, and it is hard to see when backing up. Toyota seems to use a lot of cheap plastic material; some have started to discolor already. When I ask the dealership for help on issues that seem to be abnormal it all ends up being normal; like the clattering engine, the vibration in the steering wheel and cupping tires, and transmission down shifting.

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  Couple of issues - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By James1 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Brake trouble! Missing bolt in door. Rattle in dash. Had to take the thing to the dealer 4 times to get the brakes finally replaced. Getting wobble in pedal when brake discs were warm. Shouldnt happen, but it did! Bolt missing to hold door in open position, so door flopped about on delivery. After 22000miles dash has rattle. Bucket seats pointless when bench seat offers more funcationality and comfort.

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  2008 Tundra CrewMax SR5 5.7 2WD - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Adam - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 08 Tundra used - it had 45k miles on it. Ive put 10k on it. Fits my needs perfectly with 3 kids (huge back seat). Ride quality is great. Acceleration / power is awesome. Too much hard plastic and cheap parts on interior - but still very comfy. I put a 2" leveling kit with larger tires on stock steel wheels - looks better.