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 skylerlynn - January 29 - 2:22 pmMy dad gave be the truck when I went to college in Virginia. Its been great! I drive there and home 4 times a year. Thats 1679 miles from Wyoming to VA!! 25 1/2 hours and its still running great! I love it. I also pull the horses, not to school but locally. I would definitely buy it again.
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Tundra Test - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By Sid Smith - January 28 - 10:00 amI have the basic model of truck. It is very reliable with no mechanical faults to this point.The only thing, which is minor would be the pop-up drink holder stopped working. This seem like a small thing until the Toyota dealership quoted me $170.00 for the replacement part. Overall, I am delighted with the Tundra full size truck. The comfort level over my Nissan truck (the Frontier) is Night and Day.The cupholder upsets me because I am spoiled by the quality and reliablity of my Toyota truck.I would buy another Toyota truck if that time ever comes.Thats just the way it is. Best Regards, Sid Smith
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TUNDRA - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By MNU - January 28 - 5:50 amThe Tundra Access Cab V8 may not have that great gas milage, but the looks and power bring you to a whole new driving experience. I love it and will always buy TOYOTA!
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Undisputed Champion - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By VEGA - January 24 - 11:30 pmI drove the new Silverado, Ford F-150, Nissan Titan, and the Dodge Ram with the 5.7. The new 2007 Tundra with the 5.7 destroys the competition. Handling, power, acceleration, braking, and looks, plus resale value and reliability of Toyota.
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Great Truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By mbenecke1@aol.com - January 23 - 10:00 amThe truck rides great and seems as though it could use a littl more horsepower. When you pay $30,000 for a truck you should get some floormats. Also your hood bug guard is astronomically priced at $165 just for the part!!!
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Colorado to Alaska in Tundra D-Cab - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By BadBob - January 23 - 10:00 amI bought the Tundra D-Cab from Longmont Toyota for several reasons: outstanding sales and incentives, easy to work with the dealer, and they bent over backward to make the sale. I put a 1600-pound camper on the Tundra and drove it 4600 miles back to Alaska with ZERO problems. The Tundra handling and performance with the camper weight was great. The cruise control handled the load just fine.
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Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Steve Dickin - January 22 - 1:26 amHave owned for 2 months and driven 10000 miles, many miles off road in rough conditions. Truck is very quiet inside. Almost as quiet as my Infiniti I35. Great truck. Handles and corners very well. Irritations: I bought the truck sight unseen and couldnt believe it didnt have lights that automatically come on at night. Cant believe thats an option. Also miss not having Xenon lights.
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2000 Toyota Tundra SR-5 Extended Cab - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By Okey Thomas - January 21 - 7:40 pmI bought the vehicle new. I have 105000 miles on it. For other than normal maintenance, the truck has been in the shop five times, four of which were oxygen sensors which were later recalled. The fifth time was for a water pump. Other makes of trucks I drove before this were in the shop up to 20 times in the first year. This vehicle rides and drives very well and is very comfortable to travel in. We have a 2004 Camry and I would rather travel in the truck. The body is solid with no rattles. The interior is not coming apart and looks as it did when we bought the truck. We love it!!!!
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Just purchased a 2014 Tundra Limited 204 - 2014 Toyota Tundra
By ashron - January 21 - 6:50 am1. The power steering has absolutely no "On-Center" feel to it. Its easy to meander out of a lane at freeway speeds when taking your eyes off the road to look at the Nav, operate the radio, etc. It gets worse in winding roads since there is no feedback from the steering, making it easy to exceed the trucks limits and lose control. I am not saying its unsafe. just that one has to pay extra attention! I thought this was one of the major issues Toyota was going to improve on, with the new 2014 Tundra.
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Best Truck Ever - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By George - January 21 - 5:06 amI have owned Ford 350, 250, 150, and Toyota Tacoma. This is by far the best truck I have owned except for the Ford 350 Diesel. It is powerful, handles exceptionally well, great interior and exterior. Love the tail gate hydraulic assist. Resale value and quality is what keeps Toyota above the rest!!
