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:

• 

  Like it so far - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By limited1 - November 5 - 2:23 pm

  First Toyota Truck purchase. Lots of good engineering in the engine design; Double overhead cams, variable timing, composite intake, decent cold air intake, less restrictive stock headers that Ive ever seen. However, theres still room for improvement. I question decision to use the plastic door handles but I guess people that live in extreme hot areas like it. I havent quite figured out why there are so many cup holders??? theres a total of 8 in the truck that seats 5. The turning radius is not very good but I wasnt surprices since it is 222 inches long. The Wheels look great. A set of bridgestone tires come stock. I would have rather seen goodyears instead. Overall, I love it so far.

• 

  2007 Toyota Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Alex - October 27 - 10:46 am

  Typical Toyota Product. Great workmanship. Outstanding specs.

• 

  Style & Comfort - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By joemuzz - October 26 - 8:13 pm

  I loved it when I first saw it, and it went uphill from there! The optional leather captains chairs give great support and plenty of comfort. The numerous cup holders, pockets, and console storage bins and underseat tool storage areas are very convenient. The only down side is less than expected fuel economy. GREAT TRUCK!

• 

  Crew Max exceeds expectations - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By greg - October 25 - 7:23 am

  Recently purchased a new Toyota Crewmax with 5.7L engine. This truck outperforms all my expectations. The only item that I would like to see is a better interior on the limited edition. Cant complain about the gas mileage as it is a large V8 engine. Driving in the rocky mountains up steep passes doesnt even phase the engine or the 6 speed transmission. Features such as the back up camera and sonar are an ease to use for parking. The rear seats easily sit my friends who are over 63" tall.

• 

  Should have had a V8 - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Dale - October 23 - 9:26 pm

  I had the V8 in a 05 Tundra and got better mileage than this one with a 6 cyl but it has the power. If you get the V8 you will get 2 or 3 mpg better at least. I think I will wait for the hybrid when I get a new one. I really love this truck and the reg cab looks tougher than the dbl or crew

• 

  Zoom zoom zip away I go - 2009 Toyota Tundra
  By Danny - October 23 - 5:27 am

  Had this truck for 4 months and love it handles great off road is great turn the traction control and airbags off it it will do some awesome things fuel mileage is a little less than good but it is a 4x4 truck I have towed a 15000 pound bulldozer with no problems owned fords and Chevy trucks and even a dodge or two but my Toyota trucks are here to stay 2009 tundra 4x4 with rock warrior trd package is on tough truck

• 

  Love my Tundra - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Bill - October 16 - 10:26 pm

  Bought my truck new and have loved it since the first day. I use synthetic oil and have it changed at the dealer about every 5000 miles. Last year I was in a 5 car accident. I was driving 65 mph, locked it up and stopped about 4 feet from hitting the car in front of me. The guy behind me did not stop. He smashed in the front end of his car and had to be towed. My bumper had a small dent and I was fine. He must have hit me at about 60 mph. Since then, I have bought a 4 Runner for my wife and a 4 Runner for my daughter for her first car. I need to get a timing belt put on the truck - get your maintenance at the dealer, your truck will last forever.

• 

  Tundra Rides Poorly - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Farley - October 15 - 4:26 am

  I have about 800 miles on my truck and its ride is awful. It literally bounces down the road. Although it has 4WD and an 8 foot bed, it was delivered with passenger tires! I have replaced them with 10 ply Goodyear tires but the ride is still bouncy due to 2 ply side walls. I plan to replace them again with BF Goodrich A/T tires which have 3 ply sidewalls. Hopefully this will cure the problem. The truck is beautiful but is a monster to drive. Visibility is awful and its dangerous to back up. Towing mirrors have two side mirrors on each side which makes it confusing to check vehicles coming up on you. Toyota did not do their homework on this one and I would return it to the dealer if I could.

• 

  Not perfect, but pretty close - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Andy Bats - October 7 - 10:40 am

  Great truck - 7 years old, but only 35K miles. A couple of things that have made me unhappy - O2 sensors went out, but were replaced under warranty. Asked dealership EVERY SINGLE TIME I took the truck in for service, if the "clunk" noises from the power windows was normal, and was told yes. First service after 3 year/36K warranty expired, my window regulator bolts were loose and needed to be tightened - $185 per door. Cracked exhaust manifold - $1400 to repair - put Doug Thorley headers on for <$1K, made a huge improvement in the fuel mileage and performance.

• 

  The Best Damn Truck Period - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By dubois - October 5 - 6:56 am

  I drive a lot. Have an E350 van, F250 diesel, Tribeca and this combines all of those vehicles abilities into one - and that was the point. In 3 months I have traveled 11,500 miles incl east to west coast r/t via Dallas. Total av gas is 16.2. Rides great on ALL surfaces. Have just towed a loaded 5 x 8 trailer and a full bed (appx 5000 lbs total) that trip alone was 1300 miles avg gas was 15.6 - bottom line this vehicle has loads of room, features, and therefore offers me 4 vehicles in one, van like space & hauling, SUV like passenger room, great gas and truck like towing. With the 4.7 V8 and an 8 ft bed I can still hit 60 in about 7.5 seconds if I need to. Best vehicle I have ever owned!!