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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  Dodge, Chevy, Ford, WHO? - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By ML Lejeune - January 4 - 9:26 am

  everyone thought I had lost my mind. A Japanese truck? Like riding in a Caddie, electric everything, smooth ride, v-6 plenty of power, but a bit easier at the tank. Great body style and the dependability of a toyota. Seats are plush and comfy, plenty of leg room. mirrors re-adjust with ease so both my husband and I can drive with little adjustment. If gas were a little cheaper I would go get another for myself, as it is the Nissan sits in the garage more than the Tundra.

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  Best ever! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By kevin - December 31 - 10:00 am

  This truck is off the charts. Power, Power, Power and looks! What more is there in life? I purchased the truck and never saw it, my wife and kids drove it all the time.They are fighting about who is going to get it when I buy a newer one. Oh, when I show guys how the tailgate slowly falls down, they just stand there and say, "Mine (Ford, GMC, Chevy and Ford) does not do that, Cool"

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  Fun to Drive but somehow lacking - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Tundra_Girl - December 30 - 2:40 pm

  I love this truck. I bought this truck in April and I drive it to work and trips and where ever I like to go. I love the look of the truck, I love driving the truck and I definitely feel safe in it, and confident that it wont break down. The interior however is so blahzo. I initially wanted a Ford F150, but the one I wanted with similar options was almost five thousand dollars more than the Toyota. The interior in the Ford felt more solid. I wish I would have gotten navigation and a moon roof. Other than that I would recommend this truck to anyone.

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  Toyota truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By tsand33 - December 30 - 7:56 am

  My Tundra struggles to get things done. It struggles under heavy loads and really sucks the gas. Its towing capacity is considerably less than that of the F-150. I also have a 2004 F-150 and its out performs the Toyota 10 to 1 in terms of power and capacity. It also has a better design and better interior

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  WAY TOO MUCH FUN - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By JENNIFER - December 27 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE MOST FUN I COULD HAVE IMAGINED. IVE ALWAYS LOVED TOYOTA QUALITY, BUT THIS BREAKS ALL OF THE RULES. ITS GUTSY, IT FITS THE SPORT BIKES.....AND THE PRICE IS RIGHT. i WOULD RECOMMEND THIS TRUCK TO ANYONE.

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  tundra quality - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By jones - December 25 - 2:00 am

  In January 2001 I reutrned a 1999 4x4 Ranger to the dealer. Although I did not have any problems with the Ranger it was under-powered, noisy and very stiff riding. I looked to replace the Ranger with a Ford F150 extended Cab 4x4. However, the length would take every available inch in my garage. In additon the test drive felt awkward. I then turned my attention to the Tacoma and Tundra. In short the power, size and smoothness of the 4.7 litre won me over. Service has been fantastic and quick. The only warranty problem I had was a split leather seat which was promptly taken care of. Overall Im very pleased

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  Dependable and reliable - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Archie Bowers - December 24 - 2:58 am

  My 03 Std cab, 4x4 was purchased used and beaten up but mechanically sound back in 2008. It has never left me standing, always starts even in -30 up here in Calgary. The crank windows and manual locks are annoying but it rides well, doesnt rattle, hauls everything, and serves as a perfect dirty contractor truck. The 4.7 sucks gas but the truck has get up and go. Not fast, but definitely quick. When i see other same model trucks out there i know the owners are enjoying the dependability, since Toyota definitely knows how to deliver up good trucks. This reflects in the resale price. I have 225,000 km on this truck and i know it can do another 225,000 no probs! Fluid and brakes only.

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  Untouchable - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By xscoobeex - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven nearly every type of pickup before I purchased the Tundra. The Tundra outmatches its competition as long as youre looking for a lightweight pickup. Because Toyota does not offer a 3/4 ton pickup that is the only reason it isnt the best compared in that category.

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  Should have stayed with my Tacoma - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By sshifflett - December 15 - 8:49 am

  My Tundra has been nice, interior is very light colored and shows any dirt. I am experiencing some transmission problems with 4wd high and low, multiple service and dash lights on and issues with reverse lights on while driving fwd. Already had more than one trip to the dealership regarding 4wd issues. The stereo issues happen only in the spring when the temp in the cab goes up and down a lot in one day.

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  Big Winner - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Mean Gene - December 10 - 11:33 am

  I went out and drove every truck made, plus read every review possible. The Toyota Tundra won hands down. I like the looks of others but a 6 MPG Hemi dont cut it for me. I did have a minor problem with the truck cutting in and out when below zero. But seem to correct itself, mileage around 14 with a K & N filter. Great truck, but I wish all options were avaiable, not by region.