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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  Bad Brakes - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike Hernandez - November 16 - 10:00 am

  After only a few hundred miles on truck, it developed a vibration in front-end when brakes were applied. ( Highway driving, no towing or hauling carrying about 150lbs. of tools). Dealer repaired brakes 4 times, after which arbitration was started for a manufactures repurchase. Toyota apparently knows of this inherent design flaw and has corrected it newer models, However after winning my arbitration and manufacture repurchased vehicle,I was told by a Toyota Rep. that dealership(Sierra Toyota) Has now listed me as an " abusive driver."

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  First Toyota - Went Big - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Big Papa - October 23 - 4:46 pm

  This is my first Toyota truck, after driving two Dodge trucks. I am a bit concerned as a check engine light came on after just 235 miles. It seems a cam sensor is defective. I think that means the engine has to be taken apart to fix this issue. I am also experiencing an annoying creaking sound somewhere around my rear view mirror. One visit to the service department has not fixed this issue. I am also a bit disappointed with the cheap license plate mount. I really do like this truck a lot, but in my mind, I should not have the previously noted problems given the price of this vehicle. I will be very disappointed if the issues are not resolved soon.

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  Plastic inside is awful! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By asher - October 23 - 2:33 pm

  The power of the truck is great and hauls anything. The problems are with the plastic, it is junk. The bevel around the stereo took five trips to the dealer and still creaks bad when cold. The driver side seat belt was noisy until after four trips to the same dealer and speaking with the manager got the problem resolved. The TRD is absolutely the most unforgiving off-road package that I have ever had for commuting. You get bounced all over the place. Watch out for the bumps even a small one causes the whole inside to creak bad and your hips will hurt. My twelve year old daughter cant even sit in the back without her legs hurting. The seats are out dated and shake. Wind noise is very high.

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  4 years running... - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike H. - October 17 - 9:16 am

  This is a 4 year review. This should give used sales a boost. First, the reliability is superior. At 40,000, no major problems except for regular scheduled maintenance. I mainly use the truck for traveling. I average approx. 16 mpg. The comfort exceeds any truck I have owned previously. Handles a heavy load well. Load the truck up with timber and still rides like an SUV. The transmission is exceptionally smooth. After 4 years, my Tundra has held up well. I would certainly buy one again.

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  Great Truck! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By houcontrol - October 14 - 9:50 pm

  I love my new Tundra, so far. My only complaint is the gas mileage had been about 3.5 mpg less than the posted EPA estimates but thats not unusual. My (sometimes) lead foot may have something to do with it.

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  great truck overall - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By steve murray - October 12 - 2:00 am

  My two wheel drive pickup truck pulled multiple bushes and small stumps out without a problem. It handled loads up to 2300 LB of dirt,gravel,sand and stonedust in the bed. always started right up never gave any hassle.

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  Luxury Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Brownie - September 29 - 8:50 pm

  I bought the truck recently and really like it. It is the Limited 4wd leather version and rides great. Fantastic acceleration and apretty good premium stereo. 4wd actuates with the press of a button. I expect really good long-term reliability. Gas mileage isnt that great (averaging 15mpg) around town but it is a V8. I recommend this truck due to its luxury features and safety record.

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  I Love My Tundra - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Virginia Heredia - September 16 - 4:16 pm

  For a truck it is really fun and I know I can go anwhere and not worry about breakdown. It is easy and comfortable to drive and park. I am having bearing problems with the fan belt and I am low on oil about every 1800 miles (about 1 quart) for which I will be dealing with Longo on this. It is stylish and very truck looking, not like the sissy front ends of the Silverado. Interior is simple but effective. I wish it had a outside temperature gauge. But overall I LOVE MY TUNDRA!! (wish I could have afforded a 4X4)

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  My new Tundra review - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By changsteven - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my 02 tundra in Thunder Grey a week ago. I am very satisfied so far. This truck will hold a great resale value and is known for reliability. Be prepared to spend money for gas.

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  Buy imported - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Ballbag - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Great truck to drive for both work and play. Smooth car like ride with great low end power and giddyup. Simple yet comfortable interior, bench seats feel like captains chairs. Only downfall with the V8 is that it guzzles gas which hits hard in the wallet, especially nowadays