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 if you dont plan on pulling. - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By shackmaster - June 2 - 6:53 pm

  Ive had Toyota before and this is no different. Great quality, good ride, etc. BUT, the trailer pulling capacity is by no means what the manufacturer says which is 7000lb. Pulling a 6000 lb trailer with OD off will cause the tranny to work some serious overtime. Suggest dont pull anything more than 5000 lb MAX and thats with a small set of tires and preferrable 2wd. Other than that its a great truck.

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  Tailgate woes - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Dan Young - May 23 - 5:20 pm

  Beware loading tailgates on new crewcabs. I loaded 12 yard blocks for retaining walls (16# each) on the tailgate and crawled in the back to move them forward. This action pushed an internal tailgate beam sandwiched between inner and outer panels out. The movement made four very obvious reverse dimples on the outside of the tailgate. Toyota factory reps. said I had overloaded the tailgate and offered no resolution. I found no tailgate load rating in the owners manual. This tailgate is a new taller design for the crewcabs due to Sequoia based frame and body according to the factory reps. Tundras are not truck material in my opinion. Factory service needs improvement. No more Toyota trucks.

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  Ranch Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By cowman - May 5 - 5:13 pm

  Good employee! This truck works like a one ton on the ranch. Regularly hauls 3000 pounds of feed, pipe, fence posts, etc. Heaviest load in the bed was 8000 pounds (100 bags) of concrete readymix, which it hauled 150 miles without complaining. Frequently tows a bumper pull cattle trailer that weighs over 10,000 pounds loaded with squirming livestock. Most mileage is in pastures and on dirt roads. No repairs, only oil changes for 32,000 miles. Except for going to town, I just leave it in 4WD and still manage 16-17 mpg over rocks and thru creekbeds. On the highway, I have gotten over 21 mpg. Unlike my Dodge and Chevy, the Toyota allows me to be a rancher, instead of mechanic.

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  Strong Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Nam - May 2 - 1:26 pm

  Ive had my 5.7L for about a year and will exceed 25K miles this year. This is a well-made vehicle. It replaced my 05 F250 diesel. Now this is no F250, but I do pull 6000 pounds with it and its pretty good. Without the trailer its just plain fun to drive. Of course mashing the accelerator cost you lots of money because the fuel mileage is pretty poor. Im mostly highway and I average around 16 mpg. The price I got a year ago was incredible. This is a whole lot of truck for the money. Only real complaint I have on this truck is the paint. Its very thin and scratches very easily. This is a common complaint of the Toyota Truck Forums.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Henry007 - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Just moved from Seattle to Fort Myers Florida..3200 miles! Pull a UHaul and had a hard time keeping the truck under 70!!

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  OUTSTANDING - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By LYNN - April 9 - 10:06 am

  Except for a few squeaks and fuel economy under 20 MPG, the truck is excellent!

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  Pleasure - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Devine - March 19 - 5:20 pm

  Very enjoyable to drive. Rides better than my wifes van even for a 4wheel drive truck. Very quiet. Had to replace a carrier bearing in the rear end after 70000 miles then had to replace a water pump at 84000 miles. The dealership has done all the work and they have treated me with kid gloves. Other than that the truck lives up to what its suppose to be.

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  04 Tundrea Double Cab SR5 4X4 - 214K Miles No Problem - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By grace_524 - March 15 - 9:15 pm

  I have a 2004 Tundra Double cab SR5 4X4. My truck has 214K miles on it and Ive had no problems except small power steering leak but I simply add some power steering fluid every month. Great Truck!!!

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  nothing special, just reliable - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By young123 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been excellent except for some minor things. The dash makes a rubbing creaking sound whenever there is a temperature change. The gas mileage seems a little low, ( around 10- 12 in town, 15 on the highway.

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  Awful Ride - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Awful Ride - March 6 - 8:53 am

  I have the TRD package and this is the worse riding vehicle I have ever owned. On a good road, the ride is ok. On a freeway where the road is segmented cement blocks (most old freeways in California) you had better have your seat belt fastened if you want to stay in the cab. I am being told by Toyota that is in the TRD package. Maybe. I drove the GMC Sierra and picked the Tundra due to power. Big mistake. This is the only problem I have with the truck but it is a major one and this truck will be the first and last Tundra I own. If you want a good ride, stay away from this truck.