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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  great truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By jammer29 - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I have 170,000 miles on it and it is still kicking A$$ !!! I replaced the breaks at 102,000 miles.

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  my tundra 4dr rocks - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By johanna - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck because I always wanted a toyota, but was just waiting for the full size version to come along. The wait was well worth it. It rides like a car, and inside is soo quiet. The stereo system is the stock 6 speaker, but puts out very well. Engine performance is awesome, although there seems to be a little lag when you first step on the gas. MAybe its just my driving style. It does need better gripping tires to perform in a 4wd situation, because I have experienced a little slippage due to the slick road tires that come standard.

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  Too many miles - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By ken - February 4 - 9:56 pm

  The tundra is a blast to drive and always a eye catcher. I have only had one problem and that was the recall on the drive shaft. I get a 17.5 mpg on the average and 13 when I haul the 8900lb trailer. Still beats my dodge I would recommend this truck to anyone.

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  Best 1/2 ton on the market - bar none - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Greg1234 - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I find it comical these clowns that give it realy low ratings have nothing better to do than put down trucks they wish they could afford. After owning a 81,91 F150, 96 full sized bronco and multipul Honda cars and minivans I came to the conclustion the Hondas were superior vehicles to Fords. Honda does not make a truck so I bought the tundra. As far as people saying they are not work capable, that is just pure garbage. Its funny that my Tundra will pull my trailer loaded with my Kubota tractor (together weigh in at just over 5000lbs) over Parleys summit easily at 70mph. My Bronco w/ 5.8L barley did that alone.

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  tundra- to many problems - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By junktruck97 - January 23 - 8:01 pm

  2011 tundra crew 5.7,nice truck too bad i had had too many alignments to make this truck go straight it, pulls to the right when applying the brakes,toyota corp and thier field rep, and sun toyota says its the michelin tires on the bbs wheels causeing the problem,its a factory item on the xsp package and i have to live with it,had vibration problem from the start,replaced driveshaft,idle is sticking when you start it to 1800,i have 5500 miles and i regret not buying that dodge,plus i have the leather interior and when i turn i slide around in the seat,trans is slipping

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  Happy Camper - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Ken Hunter - January 2 - 3:50 am

  Ordered My Tundra in February 2007 but was not delivered until May 2007. Factory did not install daylight driving lights or stainless running boards as ordered. Both local dealer and Toyota (Detroit) advised DRL must be installed at factory and could not install after and was considered an aftermarket item and not recommended. The factory installed DRL was about $40. I purchased a DRL kit for $97 and paid an electronics shop $187 to install a fairly complicated wiring job. Toyota took no responsibility for the omission. They did, however, install the SS running boards free of charge. This is the first new vehicle (among many) I have had that I did not have to return for some problem.

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  Great truck! - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By toy yoda - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Tundra in March 2003 from local dealership. Overall impressed with the truck. Decided on the Tundra because of the positive ratings from J.D. Power and Associates, Intellichoice, and Consumer Reports to name a few. The ride is very comfortable and smooth. The quality of interior materials is suberb. The exterior is solid and able to take anything.

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  Great Truck, but You Need to Know... - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By the3rdfinger - October 24 - 10:10 pm

  I just purchased this truck used with 100,000 miles on it. Since then I have discovered two things you need to watch out for on this truck: 1. The 4.7L V8 is an interference engine. The service interval is 90,000 miles. If you allow the timing belt to break, it will destroy the valves. Be sure you take this maintenance item into consideration. Have the water pump and idler/tensioner pulleys replaced at the same time you have the belt serviced. Expect to pay $500-$900 for parts and labor. 2. Toyota has issued several recalls for excessive frame corrosion. Check to be sure the frame is not excessively corroded and that the recall items are taken care of.

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  Great truck! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By vetitcomb - October 20 - 7:42 pm

  I bought this truck new on January 4th of 2004, and I have not had a single problem. I have 120,000 miles on it, and it still runs like new. It is a little slow, but that is expected with a 3.4 in this size of a truck. I would definitely recommend a Tundra to anyone looking for a good used vehicle.

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  good truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By wayne rawson - October 20 - 2:23 am

  I have had this truck for 5 months and like it very well. I had to have the radio replaced at 5000 miles and now at 6000 miles the transmission is acting strange.It is downshifting when coming to a stop, will have this checked at the 10000 mile service if it dosnt get worse before then.The truck has great power and give a smooth ride on the highway.Overall build quality is good to above average.