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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  Schools still out... - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By bart - April 2 - 5:26 pm

  Having owned fords, chevys and everything in between, and using them professionally I can tell you that I havent made up my mind on this truck. You cant beat the power of the 5.7, but the oil changes are murder. Why Toyota decided to go with cartridge filter and have to pull the skid plate, and use special tools and 5w20 synthetic, who knows??? Tires only lasted 28000 miles. Bad pavement and you get the roller coaster effect. Ive already had the torque converter replaced (under warranty). Makes a roaring sound when starting it after not running for four days and I still havent figure that one out. All the black pieces on the exterior of the truck are beginning to suffer uv damage.

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  Great deal on a great truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By sevriano - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Just picked this Tundra up yesterday. Have owned Nissan King Cab and Ford F150 Supercab 4X4. This Tundra is loaded and makes for a very comfortable cabin. Have TRD offroad suspension and ride is better than Ford. Was going to wait for doublecab in fall but deal was too good to pass up($5400 off MSRP with rebate).

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  Just as I expected - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By achaux - March 27 - 3:30 pm

  So far Im extremely happy. Just wish they made the v8 with a manual transmission. That is my only complaint. Ride, mileage, initial quality all exceed my last truck.

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  Just a great truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Richard - March 26 - 2:03 am

  I was happy with my 2002 Tundra, but it was an access cab and I needed the D-cap easier access. The 2004 I have is a TRD and the handling difference between that and my 2002 SR5 is remarkably better. Cabin ride is very quiet and comfort is quite nice on long trips. The only problem I had was a bad battery which the dealer quickly replaced free. Had the same problem twice with my 2002. Im nearing 50K and have had perfect service and dependibility. Until 1988, I never drove a Toyota. Since then, its nothing but Toyotas for our family. Cant wait for the 2007! Hope its not too big!

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  Very Happy - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Fatcat300 - March 24 - 11:03 pm

  I am very happy with my 04 tundra. It has great reliability, fun to drive. I was disappointed with the horsepower on the 04s but it still gets up and goes. I was happy to see that they ramped up the HP on the 05s. I am extremely happy with the redesigned cargo space in the bed and that is has a deeper design. I also enjoy the back window that rolls all the way down. All in all I have no complaints about this truck and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a well built, reliable, and economical truck.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By AV8R - March 22 - 5:43 pm

  Great truck for the daily driver. Rides like a car. If Lexus made a truck this would be it. Great everyday truck.

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  Quality, power and good looks. - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Timr - March 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my 5th toyota and so far these vehicles have never let me down. I havent owned this truck very long but I do feel this truck is going to last me many years with minimul problems.

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  Bulletproof Tundras - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By raydoctor - March 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Tundra. My first one was an 02 SR5 4x4. It performed flawlessly. I recently purchased an 04 Limited. The V8 in these trucks is bulletproof. I do alot of highway driving but I also head back into the woods, mud, and snow loading ATVs and Dirtbikes. It performs excellent in all arenas. In addition, if I sepend 30K on a truck Id expect superior safety qualities which Toyota delivers. Just see the IHSS and Govt crash scores of some of the competetion out there and compare!

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  Buy a Tundra they rock - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Onlyunknownn00b - March 16 - 2:00 am

  The Toyota Tundra is a great truck we have a 20foot long boat and it total WT is 6000 with a V-6 it tows like a sun of a gun.

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  Do it! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Red - March 12 - 1:40 pm

  Great truck! Good acceleration, pulling power, fantastic brakes and steering! Good turning radius. 20 mpg overall.