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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Rumble strip tranny - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By VaTundraOwner - February 27 - 12:40 pmLike everything about this truck except for one unfortunate issue. The six speed auto seems to randomly start vibrating as if going over a rumble strip. It feels like a torque converter issue. Picked up from dealer today after they evaluated it. They are going to replace the transmission which only has about 800 miles on it. What adds insult to injury is that they are replacing this with a rebuilt unit. I for one havent had real good luck with other rebuilt auto parts. Service said Toyota wouldnt let them order a new one. They had their crankshaft issue earlier this year now it appears the transmission may be an issue. This truck cost almost 50k!
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Just bought - 2001 Toyota Tundra
By bighead - February 8 - 10:40 amI just bought a 2001 tundra with 55,000 miles on it from the original owner. Its in almost new condition. This truck has bucket seat that I dont care for. The arm rest is too small for me but I can live with it. This truck is really sharp looking and has the trd package. I love this truck already but havent even owned it 24 hours yet and will report back any likes and dislikes with it.
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Roof rack troubles - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By Anton Sisak - February 2 - 10:00 amI choose Crew max, because of great cabin, but I really could use longer bed, for the business I do.I use this truck as a family truck too, so I needed a big cabin. Another thing that really frustrates me about this truck I cannot find roof rack that would work for my ladders. I need something heavy duty permanent, that also has sporty look to it. I can only find the roof rack that attaches to the side of the top of the door. Over all it a very good truck, but nit as practical as I hoped.
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Tundra - 2011 Toyota Tundra
By taydanry - February 2 - 10:00 amI own a 2010 crewmax with the Platinum package. I like the truck except I wish Toyota made the bed 6 1/2 feet for the crewmax. I also wish the fuel tank was bigger. It seems i fill this truck up more often than I did my Chevys in the past.
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very satisfied - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By david b. - January 28 - 2:46 pmThe fuel economy is as good as my previous vehicle (Chevy blazer) averaged just over 17 MPG 60% hwy, 40% city. My driving style is a lot more conservative due to the price of gas. The tundra has a lot of room and excellent interior storage areas. Excellent turning radius/easy to drive. Previous reviews hammered the transmission for down shifting too much. Havent had that problem. Did have some problems w/radio/stereo. It would turn on/off, change stations. Dealer replaced it and havent had a problem since
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Fun Pickup - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By tundraman - December 17 - 2:00 amTundra sits high on 17" wheels, its stylish has great pick-up.Its resposive and fun to drive. Has one drawback a bit of a rough idle.
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So Far - So Good - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By CRSII - December 2 - 7:06 amPurchased the 4WD EC Limited TRD 1 week ago. Only +/- 120 miles but so far very impressed. Researched all comparable trucks for 6 months before making purchase. Engine is a beast! Not as impressed with the 6 speed tranny as I expected. The 5 speed in our 05 Sequoia is smoother. However, truck is brand new so I may be overly sensitive given some reports of tranny issues I have read. Ride is a bit choppy with the TRD package but I think it will soften over time and the price ($105) with the Limited makes it a no-brainer. Topped off after 1st 1/2 tank of gas and calculated at 12.4 MPG with all driving in town.
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Best Truck Ive owned - 2012 Toyota Tundra
By mancheskia - November 25 - 4:03 pmOverall very happy with my tundra. There is a fair amount of plastic in the interior that could be refined. Comfort is top notch. The huge center council is great for the traveling Business man. Plenty of power on tap at all times and the auto stick works great for pulling those heavy loads. Double cab passenger room is plentiful with a 62" 260lbs guy able to easily fit comfortably in the back seat. I do notice the frame flex more than on my previous trucks but the ride on the tundras are much better than fully boxed frame. If Toyota would come out with a 3500 Id trade in my current Tundra today, as I know you shouldnt but I have occasionally exceeded the max towing cap hauling equipment
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Great Truck! - 2001 Toyota Tundra
By ALDO - November 21 - 2:00 amGreat vehicle - can definitely do better on gas mileage. Ultimately reliable - smooth quiet ride. Would definitely get another one.
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Surprised - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By vitamingiant - November 21 - 2:00 amwe drove new Ford F-150s, Chevy Silverados, Dodges, and were absolutely surprised how good the Toyota Tundra looked and even more surprised with the handling. We live in the mountains of western North Carolina and the off road package is by far the best on the market. You will not be sorry if you buy this truck.
